This Dreamy Florida Keys Destination Has Great Snorkeling, Luxury Resorts, And Beautiful Beaches

When it comes to beach destinations, the South has no shortage of charming seaside towns and teeny, tiny coastal villages to explore. From Lowcountry retreats in South Carolina to North Carolina’s serene Atlantic stretches to Florida’s world-famous blue-green waters, the options are endless. However, nowhere feels more like a true escape than the Florida Keys, a 125-mile-long chain of islands off the coast of Florida just south of Miami, beginning at Key Largo and terminating in Key West. The entire stretch is connected by the Overseas Highway, which includes 42 bridges. While road trips are a common way to tour the entire area, it can be just as rewarding to pick one town and really dive deep into all it has to offer. If you don’t know where to start, consider Marathon. Located smack dab in the middle of the Keys, about an hour from both Key West and Key Largo, this ten-mile-long community is made up of 13 islands surrounded by the area’s signature crystal-clear turquoise water. Keep reading for the best things to do in Marathon, Florida.

What To Do In Marathon, Florida

Visit The Turtle Hospital

Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West

Learn about sea turtles at this rescue and rehabilitation center that offers 90-minute tours where patrons learn all about the species, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital, and have the opportunity to meet the center’s permanent residents. At the end of each tour, guests even get to feed the turtles.

turtlehospital.org; 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-2552

Cross The Old Seven Mile Bridge Train To Pigeon Key

Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West

Dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World, the Old Seven Mile Bridge was completed in 1912 as a connector between Marathon and the Lower Keys. Though it was replaced by a modern crossing in 1982, a 2.2-mile section reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2022. The bridge leads to Pigeon Key, a National Historic Landmark and historic community that’s open to visitors. Take the Pigeon Key trolley over to the island where you can learn more about the town on a guided tour or at the museum. Stick around to see the daily animal feeding of sharks, grouper, snook, tarpon, eels, and more in the community’s saltwater pool. Admission onto the island costs $15 for walkers or bikers, or $28 for trolley riders.

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pigeonkey.net; 1090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-5999

Relax On Sombrero Beach

Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West

You can’t come to Marathon without spending significant time on the beach, and one of the best places to soak up the sun is Sombrero Beach. The public, handicap accessible stretch of sand has everything you need for a day out—including shady picnic pavilions set away from the water, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until dusk, this is a great place to set up your umbrella and chairs, then sit back and relax. Turtle lovers will be glad to hear that it’s also a popular turtle release spot for the Turtle Hospital, as well as a loggerhead nesting area.

ci.marathon.fl.us/parksrec/page/sombrero-beach; Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-6598

Go Snorkeling

Stephen Frink / Getty Images

Since the Florida Keys are home to the country’s only living coral barrier reef, you won’t find a better place to see underwater wildlife. Experienced scuba divers flock here from all over the world to enjoy the colorful array of tropical fish and sea creatures, but you don’t have to have your diving license to get in on the fun. Since the reef is just five miles offshores, snorkeling charters can easily take you out over the reef for some exploring of your own. Outfitters like Marathon Mermaid, Snorkel King LLC, and Spirit Snorkeling at Captain Pip’s are on hand to take you out for half-or whole-day trips.

Spend The Day At Crane Point Museum, Nature Center, and Historic Site

This 64-acre tropical oasis is jampacked with things for the entire family to do. Hike the hardwood hammocks on nature trails, visit the Marathon Wild Bird Center, and tour a historic home. There’s also a Museum of Natural History, where you can learn about everything from sea turtles to Native American settlers. Kids will love the wooden pirate ship playground and touch tank full of marine life. Trolley tours also take guests around the botanical gardens and to historic sites.

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5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-9100

Have An Up-Close Encounter With Marine Life

You’ve likely never been to an aquarium like the one you’ll find in Marathon. Aquarium Encounters goes beyond your standard display tanks and instead features carefully designed habitats that mirror the natural ecosystems found in the Keys. But these habitats aren’t just for looking—guests have the opportunity to engage in several hands-on encounters ranging from feeding reef fish to playing with stingrays to diving directly into tanks stocked full of coral reef species.

floridakeysaquariumencounters.com; 11710 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-407-3262

Enjoy Island Life At Curry Hammock State Park

photo © Ned Baringer Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon, Florida (1 of 2)

The largest undeveloped parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key, Curry Hamock State Park is a known for offering a secluded, undisturbed glimpse into true island life. The sanctuary is a favorite of paddlers who enjoy the calm mangrove swamps, as well as kiteboarders who relish the excellent conditions at the park’s bay. Biking, camping, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and walking the 1.5-mile nature trail are other popular activities here.

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floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park; 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-289-2690

Where To Eat In Marathon, Florida

Burdine’s Waterfront Marina Bar & Grille

Folks come by land and by sea to this waterfront eatery in Marathon. The attached marina offers fishing supplies, bait, ice, boat docking, fuel, snacks, laundry, showers, and restrooms for boaters. The restaurant offers a laidback atmosphere with a casual menu of burgers, hand-cut fries, sandwiches, and seafood plates. Every meal should start with a plate of homemade hushpuppies served with raspberry jalapeno dipping sauce.

burdineswaterfront.com; 1200 Oceanview Ave., Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-9204

Keys Fisheries

Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West

If you want to get a true taste of the Keys, this is your spot. The restaurant offers everything from conch fritters with remoulade to coconut shrimp with mango chutney to Keys cracked conch with island sauce. The Keys Mixed Grill plate gives diners a taste of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and mahi. During stone crab season (roughly from mid-October through April), jumbo crab claws are served directly from the restaurant’s boats starting after 5 p.m. And of course, you’ll need to end your meal with a slice of award-winning homemade key lime pie or rum cake. Want a night in? Swing by the attached seafood market for fresh catch, plus prepared dips, soups, and sauces to create a feast at home.

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keysfisheries.com; 3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-4353

Sparky’s Landing

The menu is as colorful as the Keys at this casual eatery that’s been known for its creative dishes, refreshing cocktails, and excellent ambiance since 2006. Dine on fusion dishes like Cajun shrimp eggrolls and Asian baby back ribs. There’s also a pizza topped with shrimp and bacon, a take on a Reuben sandwich made with fish in place of corned beef, and fried oysters tossed in buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Happy hour, held daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., features $0.30 wings and shrimp, $1 off draft beer, $2.50 domestic bottles, and $3.25 well drinks.

sparkyslanding.com; 13205 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050; 305-363-2959

7 Mile Grill

Established in 1954, 7 Mile Grill is a certified Florida Keys legend. The bayside eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (except on Thursdays when it’s closed for dinner), so you can come by at any time for a great meal. The weekday early bird special (two eggs, plus home fries or grits, toast, and your choice of breakfast meat) for just $8.99 is one of the best deals in town. You’ll find a little of everything on the lunch and dinner menu, from classic seafood shack specials to burgers to tacos.

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sevenmilegrill.com; 1240 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-4481

Island Fish Co. Restaurant & Tiki Bar

Voted Best Waterfront Dining in Weekly Newspaper’s Best of Marathon poll, it’s hard to better in terms of ambiance than the sunsets over the water at Island Fish Co. The full-service bar serves up all your favorite tiki drinks from Mai Tais and Hurricanes to Painkillers and Planter’s Punch. Frozen Daiquiris or a Key Lime Colada are also excellent starts (or finishes) to your night. Island-inspired eats are the thing to get here. Start with something from the raw bar (cold water oysters or clams on the half shell are good choices), then opt for the Key West Shrimp Tempura with mango chutney or Caribbean Special pan-seared grouper with pineapple salsa.

islandfishco.com; 12648 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-4191

Where To Stay In Marathon, Florida

Find Your Dream Resort

Courtesy of The Florida Keys & Key West

It’s hard to feel anything but pure bliss when you’re watching the steady ebb and flow of turquoise waves. Nearly all of Marathon’s accommodation options specialize in helping visitors find that unmatched brand delight. Waterfront resorts, each offering a range of amenities and gorgeous ocean views, are numerous in in Marathon. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort offers two- and three-bedroom villas, as well as single garden guest rooms, all just steps away from a private 2.5-acre beach and lagoon-style swimming pool. Isla Bella Beach Resort’s contemporary décor, sprawling terraces, private marina, and onsite spa are just a few reasons to choose this modern luxury resort. For a boutique resort experience with Old Florida flair, opt for Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club, which has three separate buildings, a rooftop cocktail lounge, beachside tiki bar, and oceanfront restaurant. A quaint red-and-white lighthouse is the calling card for the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, a Curio Collection resort that offers the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Beachfront yoga, sunset cruises, and a heated infinity pool are all part of the extensive offerings.

Book A Condo Or Home

If you’d like a relaxing stay without all the bells and whistles, Marathon has plenty of private home and condo rentals to suit any group size. Island Breeze Vacation Rentals can hook you up with your dream stay, whether it’s a luxury villa on the water, complete with a private pool, or a cozy canal-front home.

premierkeys.com; 12220 Overseas Highway. Marathon, FL 33050;

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