Where to Park for Your Marco Island Photo Session: A Beach Photographer’s Guide
Planning a beach photo session on Marco Island? One thing to consider before you head out in your sundress and flip-flops: parking on Marco Island can be tricky, especially on weekends.
Unless you're staying at a beachfront resort like the JW Marriott or Hilton, or have access to a private condo or Marco Island Resident Beach Access, getting to the beach with a camera-ready crew takes a little planning.
As a local Marco Island photographer, I’ve worked at all the major public beach access points and know the ins and outs. Here’s a quick guide to help you arrive on time, stress-free, and ready to capture some beautiful memories.
Marco Island's 4 Public Beaches
Tigertail Beach offers the most parking of any public beach access on Marco Island. It’s a favorite among both locals and photographers... but there’s a catch: it’s about a half-mile walk from the parking lot to the Gulf side beach.
In the cooler months, the walk is pleasant and scenic. But during Florida’s hot and buggy summer, it can be a bit much—especially if you have small children or gear in tow.
Pro: Plenty of parking, stunning scenery
Con: Long walk, especially in hot weather
Photographer’s take: One of my favorite spots for family beach photos, engagement sessions, and maternity shoots.
This lesser-known beach access point has no public parking, which is exactly why it’s such a hidden gem for photo sessions on Marco Island. It's typically quieter than the more popular beaches, making it ideal for romantic or family portraits.
Your best transportation options here are walking, biking, or using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. (Pro tip: I often park at Winn-Dixie and ride over on my kick scooter... it works!)
Pro: Beautiful, quiet, minimal crowds
Con: No parking, must get creative with transportation
Photographer’s take: Ideal for couples or small families looking for privacy and soft golden light.
📍 Winterberry Beach Access Map
Located near the Hilton, Winterberry Drive Beach Access is easy to find but harder to park at. There’s a private paid lot (The Turtle Lot) nearby, and very limited free public parking behind the restaurants across the street, near DaVinci’s, which also offers valet.
While convenient, the beach here is usually crowded and less ideal for professional photography, especially if you're hoping for a peaceful, uncluttered backdrop.
Pro: Central location, some parking options
Con: Busy beach, limited parking
Photographer’s take: Not my top pick for portraits, but good in a pinch if you're staying nearby.
South Beach has a small public parking lot located on Swallow Avenue. It fills up fast, typically by 9 a.m. on weekends, and stays full throughout the day.
Here’s the trick: on weekdays, the lot opens up around late afternoon when day visitors leave. If you aim to arrive 90 minutes before sunset, you can usually find a spot before the lot fills again with sunset crowds.
The beach features a rock jetty that adds a beautiful element to portraits, but it’s about a quarter-mile walk from the entrance.
Pro: Gorgeous at sunset, unique rock jetty
Con: Very limited parking, timing is everything
Photographer’s take: A solid weekday choice for engagement sessions and family photos with a coastal vibe.
Final Tips for Beach Photography on Marco Island
Ride-share is your best friend if you want to avoid the parking hassle.
Weekday sessions are much easier to coordinate than weekends.
I’m happy to help you pick the right beach location based on your group size, mobility, and time of year.
Ready to Book Your Marco Island Photo Session?
If you're dreaming of soft golden light, sandy toes, and beautiful beach portraits, but need help planning around the parking logistics - I'm here to help! I’ve photographed hundreds of sessions on Marco Island and know exactly how to make it seamless and fun.
