Picayune Strand: The Forest Near the Sea

Picayune Strand - Marco Island Homes for Sale

Marco Island and the surrounding coastline are best known for such things as surf, sand and ocean sunsets. However, sometimes area residents prefer to spend a day enjoying the shade of beautifully towering oak or cypress trees, or perhaps an easy hike for breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fortunately, Picayune Strand State Forest is less than an hour’s drive from your Marco Island home, and it makes a fabulous day or weekend trip.

Recreation in Picayune Strand State Forest

The Sabal Palm Hiking Trail is a 3.2-mile trail affording hikers an opportunity to view majestic 100-year-old cypress trees and several species of native wildlife.

Patient birders are usually able to spy multiple species of woodpeckers, wood storks and several other species of seasonal avian visitors. Cyclists have miles of forest roads and trails to explore, as well.

Equestrians can enjoy the 22-mile Belle Meade Tract*, which includes 10 paddocks and a primitive equestrian camping area.

The best part is that your canine pals can come along for the trip (if they’re not already booked for a playdate at Marco Island’s best dog park). Your four-legged friend must stay on-leash during your visit, but the entire area is extremely dog-friendly – just remember to leave only footprints.

Hunting and Camping in the Most Beautiful Forest Near the Sea

Backpacking is a favorite weekend activity within Picayune Strand, and campsites are available throughout the forest. Seasonal hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area and is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

*It’s important to note that all horses in the forest must have current negative Coggins test results. For everyone’s health and safety, riders are required to carry proof of test results at all times.

Are You Moving to Marco Island?

If you’re looking for Marco Island homes for sale, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.

Call us at 239.821.7926 or get in touch with us online. In the meantime, check out our:

992 ROYAL MARCO Way 0
$5,700,000
  • 0 Bedrooms
  • 0 Sq Ft
  • 0.450 Acres

992 ROYAL MARCO Way 0 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

866 SEA DUNE Lane
$4,795,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • 9,618 Sq Ft
  • 0.300 Acres

866 SEA DUNE Lane MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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866 HYACINTH Court
$4,495,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 8 Bathrooms
  • 7,995 Sq Ft
  • 0.250 Acres

866 HYACINTH Court MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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800 W COPELAND Drive
$3,875,000
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 8 Bathrooms
  • 8,658 Sq Ft
  • 0.500 Acres

800 W COPELAND Drive MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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751 ROCKPORT Court
$2,995,000
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • 8,553 Sq Ft
  • 0.340 Acres

751 ROCKPORT Court MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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195 S BEACH Drive
$2,450,000
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • 10,309 Sq Ft
  • 0.260 Acres

195 S BEACH Drive MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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355 GUMBO LIMBO Lane
$2,350,000
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • 7,099 Sq Ft
  • 0.380 Acres

355 GUMBO LIMBO Lane MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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2000 ROYAL MARCO Way 15
$1,950,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 3,099 Sq Ft

2000 ROYAL MARCO Way 15 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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5000 ROYAL MARCO Way PH-936
$1,685,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 3,905 Sq Ft

5000 ROYAL MARCO Way PH-936 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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1069 BALD EAGLE Drive 1002
$949,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 2,635 Sq Ft

1069 BALD EAGLE Drive 1002 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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380 SEAVIEW Court 1807
$725,000
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1,346 Sq Ft

380 SEAVIEW Court 1807 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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3000 ROYAL MARCO Way 321
$695,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • 3,043 Sq Ft

3000 ROYAL MARCO Way 321 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

395 WILD COFFEE Lane 0
$399,000
  • 0 Bedrooms
  • 0 Sq Ft
  • 0.340 Acres

395 WILD COFFEE Lane 0 MARCO ISLAND, Florida

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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY