The Florida Keys are one of the vital distinctive locations within the nation – and Marathon is correct within the middle of it. Marathon’s location makes it the right place to base your self whereas exploring the Florida Keys.
There are tons of issues to do in Marathon, and it’s a simple day journey to Key West from right here.
Unfold out over 13 islands, Marathon is thought for its wonderful fishing, boating, calm waters, and diving alternatives. It’s additionally residence to the well-known Seven Mile Bridge, one of many longest bridges on the planet.
In fact, you don’t should spend your total trip on the water. Marathon can be residence to a number of wonderful museums, together with the Crane Level Museum and Nature Middle, which supply insights into the world’s historical past and ecology.
For one thing slightly extra vigorous, take a look at the Turtle Hospital, the place you may study concerning the work being executed to guard these superb creatures.
It doesn’t matter what pursuits, Marathon has one thing to supply. So seize your swimsuit and your sense of journey, and prepare to have an journey within the Florida Keys!
Alright, let’s dive into one of the best issues to do in Marathon Florida!
Is Marathon value visiting?
Sure! Don’t simply drive via.
You can simply spend just a few days exploring all of the issues to do in Marathon. However in the event you don’t have days, we recommend at the very least half a day.
On our final journey, we spent three nights at a Marathon resort, and that was greater than sufficient time to expertise most issues that Marathon has to supply. Two nights is right.
In case you are staying in Key West or Key Largo, Marathon is a simple day journey.
What’s Marathon Florida recognized for?
Marathon is most well-known for all issues on the water – boating, fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
How far is it from Marathon to Key West?
In the event you drive from Marathon to Key West, it’s about 45 miles. It’s a simple, straight drive, however don’t simply drive proper via – there are many nice stops on a Florida Keys Street Journey.
It might take as little as an hour or so, however take your time and see this stunning a part of the world.
Relying on the time of yr you go to the Florida Keys, staying in Marathon or one other Decrease Keys is likely to be a great possibility with pleasant resort costs. Among the greatest resorts in Key West e-book out far prematurely and have a hefty excessive season price ticket.
Do you want a automotive in Marathon FL?
Sure. The one place within the Florida Keys that’s attainable and not using a automotive is Key West. All of the beneath issues to do in Marathon would require a automotive.
In the event you don’t have a automotive and are staying in Key West, we recommend reserving this tour to all the highlights in Marathon.
The place is one of the best place to remain in Marathon?
We stayed at Grassy Flats Resort & Seaside Membership in considered one of their two-bedroom items, which is nice for households touring with youngsters. Having a separate bed room for teenagers is essential! Examine costs right here.
One other excellent spot to remain in Marathon is at Isla Bella Resort, we ate dinner right here one evening, and the grounds have been beautiful. It’s on the increased finish for certain, however the swimming pools, views, and eating places have been all nice and proper on the grounds.
1. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
You’ll be able to’t go to Florida with out encountering some superb sea life! The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is the right place to do exactly that.
With this hands-on aquarium, chances are you’ll come face-to-face with among the world’s most fascinating marine life creatures of the ocean.
This aquarium is a snorkeling, diving, and swimming journey multi functional. They’ve a wide range of packages that may help you swim alongside marine animals. You may even be capable to feed them within the contact tanks!
You’ll be able to contact a stingray, feed a tarpon, and even pet a shark. In case you are searching for enjoyable issues to do in Marathon with youngsters, this can be a must-visit.
Our son cherished it a lot that we went again twice. In the event you have been to ask him what his primary factor to do in Marathon was, it could be feeding the stingrays.
In the event you’re not trying to get moist, in addition they supply behind-the-scenes excursions. These excursions will present you the way they handle all of the animals and what goes into making this place run. Be sure that to cease by the present store and convey residence a stuffed stingray!
In case you are staying in Key West and need to go to, you may be a part of this tour that features a cease on the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and several other different issues to do in Marathon on this checklist.
2. Drive the Seven Mile Bridge
What has typically been known as the eighth surprise of the world, the Seven Mile Bridge is likely one of the longest bridges in existence.
It’s additionally one of the vital stunning, with gorgeous views of the Florida Keys. The drive itself is an expertise, and also you’ll need to take your time to take pleasure in it.
There are two methods to get to the bridge; you may both drive or take a shuttle bus. The drive is about an hour from Key West, and the shuttle bus will take you proper to the bridge.
There’s additionally a pedestrian path on the aspect of the bridge for two.2 miles, so in the event you’re feeling adventurous, you may stroll or bike the Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key. It is very important take loads of water and sunscreen, as there may be little shade on the bridge.
In case you have been trying on the mile markers on the street, Seven Mile Bridge is at Mile Marker 47. I personally like seeing the mile markers. It tells me how far to Key West we’re.
3. Sombrero Seaside
Among the best seashores in Marathon is Sombrero Seaside, and it’s every thing you’d count on out of the Florida Keys. This seashore has all of it: comfortable white sand, turquoise blue waters, palm bushes galore, and even a playground! It’s a fantastic place to spend a day with household or pals.
There are many actions to maintain you busy at Sombrero Seaside. You’ll be able to go swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and even play a sport of seashore volleyball.
In the event you get hungry, there are additionally a number of meals vehicles on-site and a picnic space. With Marathon experiencing such stunning climate year-round, this seashore is the right spot to flee the chilly winters up north.
There may be loads of free parking proper on the road too, which makes it straightforward to go to. There are picnic tables, so we recommend bringing some snacks or lunch and having fun with the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Of all of the sandy seashores within the Florida Keys, Sombrero Seaside is our favourite.
We discovered ourselves at Sombrero Seaside most mornings, burning off some power and energy! Be sure that to take a look at among the greatest breakfasts in Marathon. Our favourite was The Stuffed Pig.
Associated Article – Greatest Seashores in Florida
4. Turtle Hospital
Rise up shut and private with among the cutest sufferers on the Turtle Hospital. This distinctive facility is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles.
The hospital homes over 200 turtles, and you’ll even undertake considered one of your individual!
The hospital is doing an exceptional job of teaching the general public concerning the significance of preserving these magnificent creatures. They provide excursions of the power, the place you may see the turtles being cared for and study concerning the hospital’s work.
The aim of the turtle hospital is to launch all of its sufferers again into the wild, and up to now, they’ve had a hit fee of over 80%.
Take into account the excursions do replenish quick, so make sure you e-book prematurely. You’ll be able to e-book prematurely or donate on-line right here.
Greatest Tour of Marathon from Key West
Brief on time? Take a look at this tour that hits many highlights in and round Marathon, all in at some point from Key West.
Greatest Tour of Marathon – Consists of Seven Mile Bridge, Aquarium Encounters, Bahia Honda State Park, Nationwide Key Deer Refuge, lunch, and extra.
5. Curry Hammock State Park
Curry Hammock State Park is a nature lover’s paradise and a fantastic spot for a day journey from Marathon. This park has a nature path, mangrove forests, and loads of alternatives to see wildlife. There are additionally a number of seashores the place you may go swimming, sunbathing, or kayaking.
Among the best issues about Curry Hammock State Park is that it’s so various. There’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in, whether or not you need to hike via the woods or lounge on the seashore. This park can be nice for fowl watching, as there are over 200 species of birds that decision this park residence.
Curry Hammock State Park is situated just some miles from Marathon, and there’s a common admission charge of $4.50 per particular person.
6. Go Fishing in Marathon
Fishing is likely one of the hottest actions in Marathon, and for a great purpose. The waters round Marathon are teeming with fish, and plenty of constitution corporations can take you out for a day of fishing in Marathon.
Many individuals journey to Marathon to catch a trophy fish. With charters specializing in deep-sea fishing, you may head out into the Gulf of Mexico to catch an enormous one. E-book a personal fishing constitution in Marathon right here. Be sure that to e-book this at the very least per week prematurely.
However there’s additionally loads of nice fishing available proper within the Florida Keys. One of the best time of yr to go fishing in Marathon is from November to April when the waters are calm and the fish are biting.
7. Crane Level Museum & Nature Middle
The Crane Level Museum & Nature Middle is a 63-acre protect that’s residence to a number of historic buildings, a museum, and loads of nature trails. That is the right place to study concerning the historical past and ecology of the Florida Keys.
This museum is situated in an previous coral rock home, and it has displays on the early days of the Keys, the shipwrecking trade, and the endangered Key deer. Be sure that to go to the Oldest Home, which was inbuilt 1904.
The character middle a part of the museum is residence to a number of completely different species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. You’ll discover a number of trails that wind via the mangrove forests, and you’ll even go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding within the bay.
We visited early within the morning, proper after they opened, and we obtained on the golf cart tour with one of many tour guides. This was a fantastic possibility for us, as for these touring with youngsters and strollers (we had our Joolz Aer), it could be laborious strolling on the paths.
The paths weren’t stroller pleasant. The tour was slightly on the lengthy aspect, nevertheless it was a lot better than strolling.
8. Sundown Cruise
A sundown cruise is my favourite strategy to finish a day in Marathon. Watching the sky change colours because the solar units over the water is an unforgettable expertise.
There are numerous completely different constitution corporations that provide sundown cruises, and most of them embrace a buffet dinner and limitless drinks.
Sundown cruises are the right strategy to chill out and unwind after a busy day exploring Marathon. There’s nothing higher than watching the sundown with a cocktail in hand, and also you’re certain to see some superb views of town from the water.
After sundown, we recommend dinner at considered one of many waterfront eating places in Marathon. Our private favorites can be Mahina on the Isla Bella Seaside Resort. They’ve nice sundown views and actually good meals, and they’re one of many greatest eating places in Marathon.
9. Go to Pigeon Key
Pigeon Secret’s a small island situated simply off the coast of Marathon. This island was as soon as residence to a piece camp for the employees who constructed the Florida East Coast Railroad.
As we speak, Pigeon Secret’s a museum that tells the story of the employees who lived and labored on this island.
You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the museum, which incorporates the previous staff’ barracks, the commissary, and the put up workplace. After the tour, you may discover the island by yourself or go swimming on the seashore. Click on right here for tour costs and instances.
10. Sundown Grille and Uncooked Bar
The Sundown Grille and Uncooked Bar is likely one of the greatest locations in Marathon to look at the sundown and luxuriate in some oysters. This restaurant is situated proper on the water, and it has an open-air deck the place you may benefit from the views.
The menu options contemporary seafood, and so they have a full bar the place you may get cocktails and native beer.
This can be a must-visit restaurant in Marathon, particularly in the event you love contemporary seafood. The oysters are among the greatest I’ve ever had, and the sundown views are unbeatable.
In case you are trying to go to one of the best bars within the Florida Keys, be sure that to cease on the Sundown Grille and, ideally, for sundown.
11. Marathon Air Museum
Good for a wet day or only a break from the Florida warmth. The Marathon Air Museum is situated in an previous Navy hangar, and it has a group of classic plane and memorabilia. That is the right place to study concerning the historical past of aviation within the Florida Keys.
Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll via the museum and take heed to educated pilots concerning the plane on show. You’ll be able to even sit within the cockpit of a classic airplane!
12. Helicopter Tour
See the attractive Florida Keys from above on a helicopter tour! This can be a nice exercise for the entire household, and it’s the right strategy to get some distinctive views of town of Marathon and the close by Keys.
Lots of the helicopter excursions embrace a cease at an uninhabited island the place you may take pleasure in untouched nature and pop some champagne.
This can be a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, and it’s the right strategy to see the great thing about the Florida Keys from above
13. Eat Contemporary Fish at Keys Fisheries
In the event you love contemporary seafood, then that you must eat at Keys Fisheries. This is likely one of the greatest locations in Marathon (if not all the Florida Keys) to get your seafood repair, and so they have a market and a restaurant on-site.
The market sells contemporary fish that you may take residence and prepare dinner, or you may eat on the restaurant the place they may prepare dinner it for you. My favourite is the conch fritters… YUM! Take a look at the Keys Fisheries menu right here.
The restaurant is informal, and it’s the right place to take pleasure in a scrumptious meal of contemporary seafood. You’ll be able to even watch the boats are available and unload their catch.
14. Dolphin Analysis Middle
Everyone knows somebody who’s obsessive about dolphins.. okay possibly we’re ALL obsessive about dolphins.
Both means, a visit to the Dolphin Analysis Middle is a well-liked Marathon exercise. This analysis facility is devoted to dolphin analysis, schooling, and conservation. You’ll be able to take a tour of the power and study concerning the work they’re doing to guard these superb animals.
The 90,000-square-foot facility is residence to a number of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, making certain that the animals have a cheerful and wholesome life. If this
For us, this exercise is on most individuals’s lists, however for the worth, we thought it was not value it. We solely stayed about 40 minutes. In the event you don’t have a ton of time, we don’t recommend placing this as one of many prime issues to do in Marathon in your Marathon itinerary.
Associated: Issues to do in Key West
15. Keys Cable Park
Keys Cable Park is the right place to spend a day in the event you love wakeboarding, waterskiing, or kneeboarding. This man-made lake is particularly designed for these actions, and it has a cable system that pulls you across the lake.
In case you are a newbie, don’t fear! They provide classes for all ranges, and you’ll even hire all of the gear you want.
In the event you aren’t up for getting up on a board your self, it’s nonetheless value visiting. Go to Bongos Beer Backyard, a cute little bar and restaurant the place you may seize a drink and watch others out wakeboarding. That is what we did as a result of we had each youngsters with us.
Keys Cable Park is situated on Grassy Key simply outdoors of town of Marathon. We stayed at Grassy Flats Resort & Seaside Membership, which was proper down the street.
When making the drive from Miami to Key West, you’ll find your self driving proper via Marathon. However why simply drive via? Think about staying just a few nights. It’s the easiest way to discover Marathon additional!
