The Ultimate Guide to visiting Marathon, Florida

Last Updated on October 14, 2024

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While Key West does not need an introduction, nor does it suffer from the lack of visitors, there are many other amazing places in Florida Keys, that are worth visiting. Marathon, a city set on 13 islands is one of them. Located about 2/3 of the way between Miami and Key West, it’s the perfect place for those who are looking for that a low-key island vibe, so typical for Florida Keys. It’s a great place to relax, but if you prefer a more active trip, there are plenty of things to do in Marathon to keep you busy. From snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports to hiking and enjoying the beaches, you definitely won’t be bored in Marathon.

I first visited Marathon as one of the stops on my Florida Keys road trip and knew right away, that it deserved a much longer visit. Not only there is plenty to do in Marathon itself, but its convenient location makes it very easy to explore the nearby Islamorada, Big Pine Key and Key West. That’s why when I returned to the Keys, I made Marathon my main destination and got to explore the area in depth. If you are looking to base yourself in the Keys, Marathon would be my top recommendation.

I really love that part of Florida Keys, that’s why I decided to put together a Marathon travel guide. From must things to do in Marathon, to best restaurants and hotels and other tips. Hopefully it will help you plan a great trip and most of all, convince you not to rush straight to Key West, but discover the beauty in between.

How to get to Marathon, Florida

Marathon is located in the Middle Keys, about 110 miles south of Miami. Most people fly into either Miami or Ft Lauderdale, rent a car and drive down. It takes approximately 2 hours from Miami, a bit longer ( about 2.5 hours ) from Ft Lauderdale airport. You will need a car to get around anyway, so this is the best and most convenient way. Discover Cars is a good site to find rental cars, as they search all the big rental companies to find the best price.

If for whatever reason driving a car is out of the question, you have a couple of other options. There is a shuttle service, that operates between both airports ( Miami and Ft Lauderdale ) and Florida Keys. The Keys Shuttle runs twice daily and makes several stops, one of them in Marathon.

There is a small airport in Marathon ( MTH ), but it currently does not have any passenger airline flights, only airplane charters ( from Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Naples and Marco Island ).

Things to do in Marathon, Florida

Take a Trolley Tour

If you would like to get an overview of Marathon at the beginning of your trip, there is a great 90-minute Trolley Tour you can join. The Trolley takes you past some of the must-see spots in Marathon like Sombrero Beach and Turtle Hospital, as well as hidden gems. The guides are fun and provide a lot of information.  If this is your first time visiting, this tour can be one of your first things to do in Marathon, to get a lay of the land and give you ideas what to do the rest of your trip.

And if you are just passing through Marathon and your stay is not long enough to see all, the Trolley tour is a great way to see the top spots in Marathon in a short time.

The Trolley Tour runs daily with 2 tours a day (at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm) and you can book your spot here.

Spend a day on Sombrero Beach

If you come to Florida Keys expecting wide, sandy beaches, you might be a bit disappointed. This part of Florida is known more for the amazing coral reef than the classic Floridian beaches. However, there are a few in the area and Sombrero Beach in Marathon is one of them. It’s quite big by Florida Keys standards, with clean facilities and plenty free parking.

Sombrero Beach is located, appropriately, on Sombrero Beach Rd, a couple of miles off the main Overseas Highway.

Visit Turtle Hospital

I didn’t get to visit the Turtle Hospital on my first trip to Marathon, but made it a priority when I returned. This is an amazing facility, that rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured turtles, and if you are an animal lover, it will the absolute highlight of your Marathon trip. Not only will you get up close to these beautiful creatures, but also learn a lot about the dangers they’re facing and what we, as humans, can do to minimize some of the risks.

Since it’s a working hospital, you can only visit it on a guided tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. It starts with a short presentation, where you learn about the type of turtles in care, as well as all the problems they are facing. Some are sick, others are victims of shark attacks or injured by boat strikes. The ultimate goal is, of course, for the turtles to be released back into the water, and while the hospital’s success rate is at an amazing 80%, there are some permanent residents as well. Due to their condition, they would not survive in the wild, but they live comfortably in the large saltwater pool at the hospital.

If you plan on visiting, make sure to book your guided tour ahead of time, as these usually sell out. This is great news, because the hospital is able to operate thanks to the admission paid by visitors ( or private donations ). I was blown away by the amazing work they do and how dedicated and passionate all the workers are. Touring the Turtle Hospital was hands down one of my favorite things to do in Marathon and I cannot encourage you enough to visit as well.

Turtle Hospital is located at 2396 Overseas Hwy (MM 48.5). The guided tours run from 9 am to 4 pm on the hour and ticket costs $35 ($17.50/children).

Go snorkeling

Florida Keys are home to spectacular coral reef, the last living coral reef in the US, so it shouldn’t come as surprise, that snorkeling and diving is one of the top things to do in Marathon. There are several great spots to do that, but one of the best snorkeling destinations is Looe Key Reef, located a few miles off the shore of Ramrod Key. So even though technically, that is not Marathon (it’s about 25 miles south towards Key West), it’s absolutely worth taking a drive down.

Another great area for snorkeling near Marathon is Sombrero Reef. This 3-hour Snorkeling Adventure by Boat gives you plenty of time to enjoy the underwater world. The trip includes snorkeling gear, water/soda and light snacks, as well as a guide.

You can also book a snorkeling tour out of Bahia Honda State Park, which costs a bit less, but it’s a longer boat ride and you get less time in the water. This might be a good option if you already have a day planned at Bahia Honda. They have 3 trips daily and you can check the current schedule/ pricing and book here.

Drive over 7 mile bridge

No matter how many days you spend in Marathon, you cannot leave without driving over the 7-mile bridge at least once. It’s one of the most iconic and best things to do in Marathon and Florida Keys. Driving down the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West is often regarded as one of the most scenic road trips in the country, and it’s largely thanks to this picturesque stretch.

As you drive over the 7-mile bridge, you get to see the Old Bridge, which runs parallel to the new structure. Before it closed for repairs in 2016, it was a popular spot for runners, bikers and fishermen. Keep your eyes open for Fred the Tree, the Australian Pine tree, that became quite the phenomenon in the Keys. A few years ago, it started growing, without soil on the roadbed of the old railroad bridge and has been going strong ever since. Much to everyone’s surprise, it even survived the Hurricane Irma, and became quite famous. If you visit around Christmas, you can see Fred all decorated for Christmas.

Visit Pigeon Key

The tiny island of Pigeon Key is an absolute must visit while in Marathon. Besides being a cool and isolated spot to relax, it’s also a place with a lot of history. During the construction of Henry Flagler’s railroad, the island served as a home base for all the workers, and later for the maintenance crew.

Back when I visited Marathon in 2020, the 7 Mile Bridge was still under construction and the only way to get to Pigeon Key was by the ferry. Well, now when the bridge is finished and open again, you have more than one option of getting there.

First, the ferry got replaced by a little train. The train leaves from the Visitors Center 4 times daily (10 am, 11.30 am, 1 pm, 2.30 pm) and the admission costs $25 ($20/children). The price includes the train ride, access to the island and a 1 hour guided tour while there. You can get your tickets the day of or book online ahead of time.

If you are not interested in joining the tour and prefer to spend the 2 hours on the island on your own, you can certainly do that too. You can go for a swim, snorkel, fish or have a picnic. There’s a great spot with a couple of tables with a nice view of the Seven Mile Bridge. There’s nothing on the island, except for a water fountain, so bring whatever you think you’ll need.

Also, even if you don’t join the guided tour, be sure to visit the museum, which has a nice display of stories and pictures depicting the history of Pigeon Key, which is quite fascinating.

Some people like to walk or bike to Pigeon Key, now that the bridge is open again. If that’s how you choose to get there, keep in mind, that you still have to pay the admission fee to access the island. This costs $15 for adults or $12 for children, and also includes a guided tour if you are interested.

Whether you take the train, walk, bike or run, Pigeon Key is open to visitors from 9 am – 5 pm daily.

Visit Curry Hammock State Park

There are 10 State parks in Florida Keys and one of them is located right in Marathon. Curry Hammock State Park, spreading over 1,000 acres, is the largest uninhabited piece of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key. Curry Hammock was a great little find during my stay in Marathon and even though it’s not as popular as Bahia Honda and often overlooked, it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s plenty to do, depending on how much time you want to spend at the park.

For a short visit, you can take a walk on a 1.5 mile nature trail, which runs through the hardwood hammock, or bring lunch and have a picnic at one of the waterfront tables. Curry Hammock State Park was also recommended to me as one of the best places to launch a kayak (you can either bring your own or rent one). The water is usually calm, and you can paddle through mangrove trails.

Curry Hammock State Park is also very popular among campers. There is a campground with 28 sites right along the ocean, that is open between November 1- May 31. These spots are in high demand, so if camping in Marathon is something you’d like to do, you need to plan well in advance and reserve your spot even up to a year before.

Curry Hammock State Park is open daily from 8 am to dusk. Entrance fee is $4.50 ($5.50 for 2 people).

Enjoy the Stone Crab Claws at Keys Fisheries

Keys Fisheries is a very casual place, located right in the Florida Bay and one of the best places to get fresh seafood in Marathon. But if you happen to visit during Stone Crab season (mid October – mid May), make sure to head to the Upstairs bar, right next to the main restaurant. That’s where you can order 5 for $20 Stone Crab Claws, which is one of the best deals around.

Besides the great deal on Stone Crab Claws, they have a full sea food menu, as well as a take out window.

Visit Crane Point Museum & Nature Center

If you enjoy nature and want to learn more about Florida Keys history, Crane Point Museum & Nature Center is a must visit. It’s spread on 63 acres and has several, very well-maintained trails, Wild Bird Center and Museum of Natural History. Crane Point is home to many endangered plants and animal species and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can also treat yourself to a fish pedicure ( in the tidal pool near the Point), which is included in the admission price.

A visit to Crane Point Museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours, away from other, more touristy attractions. The entrance is right on the main Rt 1 (across the street from Publix supermarket and Sombrero Beach Rd). Look for a red train car, that sits out front, you really can’t miss it.

Open Monday- Saturday 9 am -5 pm and Sunday 12 – 5 pm / admission is $14.95.

Take a scenic Helicopter ride

This one is a bit of a splurge, but if you don’t mind spending a little extra on a great experience, booking a flight with Ultimate HeliTours will sure be one of the top things to do in Marathon. If you think views driving over the 7-mile bridge are great, imagine flying the length of it and seeing it from above.

You can choose from plenty of rides over various points of attractions, from as short as 6 minutes up to a See Everything 60-minute tour. It all depends on what you want to see and how much money you want to spend. Prices start at $157, and you can check out all the tour packages here.

Take a day trip to Islamorada

Even though there’s no shortage of things to do in Marathon, it would be a shame not to take advantage of its proximity to other great spots in Florida Keys. One of them is Islamorada, which is just 30 minutes away and makes for a fun day trip. If you leave early enough, you’ll be able to check out some of the top spots in Islamorada.

• Take a nature walk at Long Key State Park – Covering 965 acres, Long Key State Park is massive, and you could easily spend an entire, blissful day there. I highly recommend taking a walk down the 1.1-mile Golden Orb nature trail. The park is open daily from 8 am to dusk, and there’s an entrance fee of $4.50 per person ($6 for two).

• Feed tarpons at Robbie’s – Robbie’s marina is a hopping place and a must visit while in Islamorada. There is plenty to do, from renting a kayak or a jet ski, to snorkeling or having lunch at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant. However, the main attraction is feeding the giant tarpons. For a few bucks, you get a bucket of fish, then dangle them off the dock, while the tarpons leap out of the water. Just watch out for the pelicans, that just wait for the opportunity to steal your fish.

• Snorkel the Sombrero Reef – Florida Keys have reefs, that rival those found in the Caribbean. Sombrero reef is one of them and a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. If you are already at Robbie’s, I recommend you sign up for a snorkeling trip with Sundance Watersports. They go out twice daily (weather permitting) at 10 am and 1.30 pm for a 2.5-hour trip, with 2 snorkeling stops. The deeper Sombrero Reef and the more shallow by the Alligator Reef. The boat is spacious, and the crew is fun. If you have your own snorkeling gear, the trip is just $45. If not, add an extra $10 to rent it.

• Stop at Rain Barrel Village – this open-air market is a great stop to either browse or pick up a unique souvenir. They sell everything from art to handmade crafts to clothes. Also, Betsy the Lobster, the 40 feet sculpture right in front, is a great photo op.

• Watch the sunset dinner at Lorelei – what better way to end your day in Islamorada than enjoy dinner and a drink by the water, watching the sun set. One of the top places to do that is Lorelei restaurant. The seating is on the first come, first serve basis, so make sure to arrive on the earlier side to score a table right by the water.

Visit Big Pine Key

If you are in Marathon for a few days and are looking for another day or half a day trip, head to Big Pine Key. It’s the last big key before Key West and it’s about a 30-minute drive from Marathon. And by big, I mean by Florida Keys standards. There are a few things to do in Big Pine Key, depending how much time you want to spend there.

• Visit Key Deer Refuge – the top reason I wanted to visit Big Pine Key was the adorable Key Deer, that reside in that part of Florida Keys. In fact, it’s the only place you can find them. There are about 800 of them, and even though their population is up from the all-time low of 40, they are considered to be endangered. Key Deer Refuge is a great place to see them and learn all about them, but you are almost guaranteed to spot them in random places as well. They are all over Big Pine Key, roaming neighborhoods or on the side of the road. So, keep your eyes open and PLEASE, do not go more than the speed limit.

• Blue Hole – if you enjoy nature, you’ll like this quick stop by the Blue Hole. Keep your eyes open for turtles, iguanas, key deer and alligators. There’s usually one alligator hanging out on one of the big rocks. If you can’t spot him, make sure to go to the viewing platform and use the binoculars there. There is a trail you can take, but parts of it are closed, so the hike is rather short.

• No Name Pub – if you like dive bars with a cool ambiance, this is a must stop in Big Pine Key.

• Bahia Honda State Park – the most popular State Park in Florida Keys is also where you will find the best beaches. Bahia Honda has 3 of them: Calusa Beach & Loggerhead Beach and and a mile long Sandspur Beach.

Where to eat in Marathon

Dining experience in Florida Keys is honestly one of my all-time favorites. Amazing seafood in the most beautiful setting, with the casual, unpretentious vibe. There are so many great spots, you could spend your whole time in Marathon just eating out. From food trucks to local hangout spots, to dive bars and waterfront restaurants, here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Marathon.

• Keys Fisheries – If you don’t care about fancy tablecloths or cutlery, but love fresh seafood, Keys Fisheries is a must stop. This casual place, overlooking the marina is famous for their stone crab claws. You actually have two options, you can get a full meal on the first level, or head to the upstairs bar for drinks and raw bar. Don’t miss the 5 for $20 Stone Crab Claws in season.

• Irie Island Eats – there are a lot of great restaurants in Marathon, but our best meal came from the food truck, tucked away behind the farmer’s market. This hidden gem was recommended by a local, and it’s a perfect place for lunch. The menu is unique, the food fresh and delicious. You can either grab lunch to go or enjoy it in the garden like outdoor seating area. It’s located right on the main Rt 1 (4540 Overseas Highway), but kind of hidden behind the farmer’s market. Open Monday – Saturday 11am – 4 pm.

• Sparky’s Landing – great place for Happy hour and live music several times a week. It’s right on the water, behind the Fairfield by Marriott hotel.

• Brutus Restaurant & Seafood Market – one of the best places for seafood. They also serve the best French fries!

• Porky’s – great, waterside BBQ restaurant, serving plenty of seafood as well. If you plan on doing a fishing charter, your can bring your catch to Porky’s and they will cook it for you.

Other great places are Stuffed Pig for breakfast, Dockside for apps and live music several nights a week, Lazy Days for seafood and Sweet Savannah’s for ice the best ice cream and desserts.

Where to stay in Marathon, Florida

• Captain Pip’s Hideaway and Marina – a definite hidden gem in Marathon in an amazing location, with a few restaurants within walking distance. It’s one of the best values in Florida Keys, where accommodations tend to be on the pricey side. They rent kayaks, jet skis and paddleboards on site.

• Courtyard by Marriott Marathon – one of the nicest properties in Florida Keys with large and comfortable rooms. There are two pools on the property, one of them an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, as well as a hot tub and a pool side bar.

• Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort – another beautiful property in the heart of Florida Keys with a private beach. You can choose to stay in either a guest room or a beach house. There are 3 pools on the property, one of them adults only, as well as on site water sports.

• Faro Blanco Resort & Marina – the resort is located on the water, on the Gulf side in Marathon and has a beautiful marina with the famous lighthouse. There’s no beach, but there are 2 pools on the property and plenty of other activities (giant chess board, corn hole, nice bar and Lighthouse Grill restaurant). The ferry to Pigeon Key leaves from the marina, and the hotel is also very close to Turtle Hospital (one of the top things to do in Marathon).

READ NEXT:

• Best things to do in Islamorada, Florida besides fishing
• Best things to do in Key West – the perfect guide for a first time visitor
• Miami to Key West road trip – best stops along the way

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