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N Named "La Isla de San Marco" by famed Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in the 1500s, Marco Island remained largely undeveloped until the early 1960s when developers envisioned a resort destination. e largest land in Florida's Ten ousand Islands chain, Marco Island offers the best in coastal lifestyle living mixed with small town charm. e island 's gentle arcs of white sand rim its transparent waters, mak ing it the ideal spot for elegant condominiums and hotels poised with sweeping , panoramic views of the spark ing turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mex ico and Bays. Neighborhoods featuring single-family homes and condominiums designed in Tuscan elegance to traditional architecture range from the mid-$200s to over $8 million. Surrounded by a lush, tropical seing , this beachside paradise boasts a bev y of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, with shelling excursions as one of the biggest aractions. From deep sea sports and tarpon fishing to mangrove angling , fishermen can pursue their catch in area inlets and Bays or in the Gulf of Mex ico. For those seek ing a view of Florida's real wildlife, the Briggs Nature Center features a half-mile boardwalk for visitors to obser ve birds, alligators and other criers in their natural habitat. A few miles away, the Collier Seminole State Park is a popular spot for nature walks, surrounded by one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. Narrated boat tours are a great way for visitors to learn more about the 7,271-acre park and the variety of wildlife that inhabit the land. Protected by 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest and water ways, the Rooker y Bay National Estuarine Research Reser ve is one of the last remaining mangrove estuaries in North A merica. Visitors can spot 150 species of birds, along with some of the state's most endangered animals. For histor y buffs, the Marco Island Historical Museum explores Southwest Florida's early discover y by the Calusa Indians through a recreated village scene and informative displays, as well as exploring the island 's pioneer roots as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam canner y. Whether you are shopping , dining or exploring , there's something for ever yone on Marco Island. 48 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE WHERE TO EAT For 37 years, the Little Bar Restaurant has dished up dockside seafood and steaks, with a side order of enter tainment that's open until midnight, or at least until everyone is through singing. littlebarrestaurant.com WHAT TO DO Whether your water activities include sailing, eco-tours or spotting dolphins, Marco Island Sea Excursions makes a day on the water unforgettable. seaexcursions.com PLACES TO STAY The Marco Beach Ocean Resor t is an elegant option with spacious suite accommodations, full spa menu, intuitive staff, with onsite options that range from fine dining to beach bar. Take a nature walk in one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. MArcO ISlAND D est inat ion

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