Attractions
With Marco Island's natural beauty and pleasing landscape, there are many attractions availble for visitors of all ages. Our sister city, Naples, is just a short drive away for even more visitor attractions, shopping districts and night life.
Kowiachobee Animal Preserve
Embrace your wild side at Kowiachobee's Animal Preserve just 30 miles from Lakeside Inn. This special preserve is home to over 75 animals including a tiger, leopards, jaguar, puma, bobcat, caracal, tortoise, iguana, wallaby, skunks, bids, farm animals and much more! Their specialty is 8 large wild cats including their puma, Tohon. Kowiachobee is a Native American Indian word that translates to 'Big Cat' so come check them out while you stay at Lakeside Inn. Call 239.352.5387 for more information!
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, is the only one in the world and is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States! The area boasts rare and endangered species, such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its significance to all humankind.
Everglades National Park Boat Tours
The Gulf Coast boat tour of the Ten-Thousand Islands departs from the Gulf Coast Marina area. Tours operate everyday, year-round. Canoe rentals are available to explore nearby waterways. For current information call: Gulf Coast at (239) 695-2591.
Everglades Airboat Tours
Captain Doug's Airboat Rides are open 7 days a week and have decent fleets available. Airboats depart continuously throughout the day with skilled professional guides. For more information call (800) 282-9194.
Marco Island Power Boat Eco Tours
Calusa Island Marina (Goodland/Marco Island) - Take an 1/12 hour tour for one of the departure times of 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and sunset. Comfortable captain style seating and led by an experienced guide. Often spotted during the tour are manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons and more! Reservations strongly suggested. Call (239) 695-3633.
Briggs Nature Center
Under the direction of the highly regarded Conservancy of Southwest Florida in neighboring Naples, the Briggs Nature Center offers splendid natural respites from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Just a short drive off Marco Island along County Road 951, the Conservancy's Briggs Nature Center is a haven for those who want to explore natural Florida. There is a scenic boardwalk, a refreshing butterfly garden chock full of beautiful native plant species, abundant bird life and the chance to set off in a canoe or kayak to discover hidden natural wonders along meandering waterways. For more information, click here to visit their website.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
This is a hands-on exhibit! One of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. An amazing world exists within the 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters, where rivers and streams meet the seas, a unique habitat is formed. A myriad of wildlife, including 150 species of birds and many threatened and endangered animals, thrive in the estuarine environment and surrounding upland hammocks and scrub found within the Reserve.
Marco Island Trolley Tour
The trolley tours are a 90 minute narration of the island's history. Historic sites, such as the seashell mounds built by Calusa Indians, are unfolded during this tour.
Naples Zoo & Carribbean Gardens
Voted “Best Place for Kids” by Naples Daily News and Gulfshore Life magazine. This 52-acre tropical park began as a botanical garden back in 1919. Today, the park is filled with local and exotic trees and flowers. There is a petting zoo for kids and a daily animal show at the "Safari Canyon." A popular boat ride brings visitors close to primates living on small islands in the pond. Other animals onsite include alligators, clouded leopards, tigers and many different species of birds. For more information, click here to visit their website.
Collier Seminole State Park
Take a trip down the Blackwater River, explorting 13 peaceful miles of wilderness mangrove forest to the Gulf of Mexico. You may see ospreys, spoonbills, and other unusual birds. The fishing is good and the scenery is unspoiled and beautiful. For more information, click here to visit their website.
Marco Island Historical Museum
Long famous for its Key Marco Cat; one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North American archaeology. The museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians and brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays and an exciting recreated village scene. The very unique motif of the three buildings (Museum, Administration, and Rose Hall Auditorium) represent a Calusa Village built upon a simulated shell mound with thatched roofing and tabby mortar exterior.
