BUDGET
Getting there
Watch for one-way rates from $56-$99 to Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach and then take a scenic two- to three-hour drive on the two-lane Tamiami Trail to Marco Island.
Stay
Overlooking Marco River, the family-owned Boat House Motel offers Queen accommodations from $132 per night through April to one-bedroom condo units from $224 during peak season (three-night minimum stay); www.theboathousemotel.com, 1180 Edington Place, 239-642-2400.
Eat
A contender for best breakfast is Susie’s Diner. A local and tourist favorite is Tropical French Toast. Most entrees under $10. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; 1013 N. Collier Blvd., 239-642-6633.
Experience
Spend a day at Tigertail Beach on the northwest end of the island. A highlight of the 31-acre natural habitat is beautiful Sand Dollar Barrier Island for shelling (400 types of seashells) and beach combing. It’s also known as one of the state’s best bird watching spots. $8 parking for non-residents. Intersection of Spinnaker and Hernando drives.
MODERATE
Getting there
One-way rates to Fort Myers range from $117 to $237; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The Olde Marco Inn is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in southwest Florida. Romantic one-bedroom suites start from $149 per night during January; from $209-$269 February, March; www.oldemarcoinn.com, 100 Palm St., 239-394-3131.
Eat
Cafe De Marco is an intimate bistro known for the island’s freshest seafood, land lover steaks, lamb and divine desserts. Twilight specials from $12.95 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.; www.cafedemarco.com, 244 Palm St., Olde Marco, 239-394-6262.
Experience
The “Sunday Show” at Stan’s Idle Hour Restaurant is a don’t miss for the local flavor. The fun starts at 1 p.m. with a live country band that plays until closing at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Free entrance. Lunch is priced up to $12 and served 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.stansidlehour.net, 221 Goodland Drive West, Goodland (a fishing community on the southwest corner of the island with just 200 residents), 239-394-3041.
SPLURGE
Getting there
Walk-up, one-way business class rates to Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach are $323; $363 to Fort Myers; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay
The swanky Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa partners with the Rookery at Marco Golf Academy to offer a three-night package. Rates for island view accommodations, 12 hours of instructional time and a complimentary Nike Str8 Custom Fit Driver start from $365 per night; valid on stays through May 15. Mention code GPF; www.marco islandmarriott.com, 400 S. Collier Blvd., 239-394-2511.
Eat
Find seafood dishes at Verdi’s American Bistro. Entrees $16 and higher; www.verdisbistro.com; 241 N. Collier Blvd., 239-394-5533.
Experience
Captain Ron’s Awesome Everglades Adventures gets visitors up close with nature on a waverunner tour into the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades. The three-hour tour of nearly 40 miles round-trip costs $240 per waverunner; www.evergladesjetskitours. com, Caxambas Park, S. Collier Blvd.; 239-777-9975.
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