Marco Island South Beach

Wide crescent of soft white sand at the south tip of Marco Island — the Gulf-facing finale of the Tamiami Run. This is where the island runs out and the water opens west into the Gulf, which means unobstructed sunsets straight off the sand every clear evening of the year. Beach is deeper front-to-back than Tigertail and less shell-heavy, so it's more of a lay-out-and-watch-the-sky beach than a hunt-and-gather one. Restrooms and outdoor showers at the access; the Apollo condo (the yellow one just north) hides Sunset Grille if you want a drink without leaving the sand.

What to order

Roll in an hour before sunset for the actual point of coming here — face west, no obstruction, and the Ten Thousand Islands smudging the horizon. Parking $10/day non-residents, 70 spots, fills fast in season; the $95 fine for parking off-lot is enforced.

Hours

Daily 8a–sunset