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Marco Island may work well for you.
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If you want to save some money, consider staying off the beach at someplace like the Gulf Town Center. There is a Residence Inn and a Courtyard by Marriot and it is much cheaper than staying on the beach. The advantage is that it is centrally located to all that SW Florida has to offer. If you stay on Marco, you’ll probably find yourself leaving the island every day anyway.
January will be a little odd. It’s “high season” for the snowbirds so the roads will be a little crowded along with the restaurants and bars. It may also be a little chilly at night (as in long pants and a windbreaker weather) and you probably won’t want to go swimming. As the locals say; “we don’t have Winter, we have about three months to paint your house, fix your roof and clear out the brush.”
There is a LOT to do but you will need to drive around a bit to see it all.
Beaches! There are several beaches in the area and unlike much of the east coast, each one is very different and has it’s own flare. Wiggins Pass State Park is probably our favorite. Pay attention to the swim warnings. There are some treacherous currents in some places. Tiger Tail is great too. Walk across the lagoon. Rent a Kayak.
Shelling. I recommend getting on a bout and heading out to the mangrove islands for a day of shelling. You never know what you will find. Generally, the harder it is to get there, the bigger and better shells you will find.
Fishing. The fishing has been a little off for the past few years. I’m not saying you won’t catch fish but it seems to be getting harder. A GOOD Guide will make all the difference. My usual guide closed his operation so I don’t have a recommendation for you.
The Everglades. January is a dry season so depending on what the SWFWMD is doing, tours may be limited to the deeper channels. ASK about what is available before spending a bunch of money on an airboat charter.
Paddling. Lots of Kayaking and Canoeing opportunities. Imperial River, The Calusahatchee, Estero Bay. We have only begun to really explore the inland waterways.
With I75 and US41 (Tamiami Trail) close by, you can get anywhere. Again, in January there will be more traffic so plan your day trips.
On Marco have sunset drinks at CJ’s but the food is meh
Have Breakfast at Doreen’s.
ETA- Actually, for “fancy” Marco or Sanibel is probably what you are looking for. On Marco, I highly recommend the J.W. Marriott.