Marco Island is a great vacation destination for the Baby Boomer generation and active seniors. Its sub-tropical balmy climate is luxurious all year, and it provides a wealth of natural beauty. This area of Southwest Florida is also rich in history, culture, and wildlife, and even though the island is decidedly laid back and lazy, you’ll find plenty to do and see.

The biggest and most obvious attraction is the beach – powdery white sand, clear blue-green water, and gentle surf. Guests can enjoy swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just floating the shallows on a raft, viewing the amazing marine life. Once the tide goes out, you can indulge in some world-class shelling. Some of the most beautiful sea shells on the globe are found on Marco’s shores.

The nearby Everglades are a must-see! Fascinating tours aboard an air boat will put you up close to all kinds of animals, including gators, deer, and beautiful birds. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a Florida panther. If you want something a little slower paced, you can rent a bicycle and tour the Glades along the bike paths – a great way to enjoy bird watching.

Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – 52 acres of exotic animals and historic botanical gardens, viewable from comfortable paved pathways and by boat. To see native wildlife in their natural surroundings, visit the 90,000-acre Babcock Wilderness Adventure in nearby Naples, where special swamp buggies carry visitors through rugged pine woods, marshlands, and cypress swamps.

For more watery adventures, take a cruise from Marco. All kinds of short cruises and water tours are available. These include manatee and dolphin encounters, relaxing sunset cruises, sightseeing cruises, floating parties, and cruises that offer dining and dancing. Another cruise option is a quick trip to Key West aboard the Express. The boat has two air conditioned cabins, a sun deck, and a full galley and bar, and it’s a great way to see the Keys without having to drive.

Lots of Boomers and seniors are history buffs. They’ll enjoy the Cushing Archeological Site, one of the most important digs North America. For more history, visitors to the Collier County Museum will see artifacts of the Calusa Indians, the Seminole, and early pioneers of the area. Yet another place rich in history is the Palm Cottage in Naples. Built in the 1800s from local materials, the home gives visitors an insight into the lives of southwestern Floridians who lived here over a hundred years ago.

Golfing Boomers and seniors will find several beautifully landscaped courses in the area, and there’s a course for every ability level – from novice to old pro. Collier County Racquet Club offers tennis on clay courts and lighted grass courts. For those in really good shape, there’s a racquetball court, too.

You can literally shop till you drop at Marco Island. Marco Town Center Mall has the look and feel of an old Florida village, with cobblestone walks, tin roofs, interesting architecture, and lush tropical foliage and flowers. The stores offer upscale clothing, hard-to-find gift items, and home décor. The Esplanade Shoppes, on Smokehouse Bay, mimics a coastal Italian village and houses world-class stores, boutiques, fine dining, and specialty shops. For those searching for bargains, you’re sure to find several at one of the many outlet stores.

Fishing in and around Marco is amazing. Cast from the beach for some surf fishing, fish from the pier, or take a guided trip into the island’s backwater for tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout. If you seek larger game, a charter boat will take you out deep sea fishing to the reefs and submerged wrecks for bonito, sharks, ling, amberjack, grouper, and snapper. The crew will bait your hook, remove your fish, and even clean and bag them for you – all you have to do is enjoy!

Like good food? Really good food? You’re in luck. The area has over 80 eateries, ranging from sandwich shops to ritzy restaurants. Enjoy a relaxing meal by candle light on the water, hit one of the seafood shacks, or indulge in a frozen tropical drink at a tiki bar. After dinner, there’s dancing, or you might prefer taking in a show at the comedy club, where big-name entertainers are often found. You can party all night, IF you have the energy!

As for where to stay, you'll have a choice of a Marco Island hotel, a private home, a villa, or a condominium in the area. These range from luxurious to modest, and you're sure to find one that suits you.

There’s so much to do and see at Marco, your schedule will always be full – if that’s what you want. If, on the other hand, if your idea of a great vacation is relaxing in the sun on a beautiful beach and watching the world go by, you can do that, too. On Marco Island, there’s as much or as little as you want to do – the choice is entirely up to you!