Planning a holiday to the beautiful Florida Keys? Looking for the top things to do in Marathon Florida?
Here are tips on how to have the best trip!
Marathon, Florida is a city and it includes Marathon Key but also Fat Deer Key, Grassy Key, Vaca Key, Duck Key, Key Colony, and Boot Key.
Marathon is an easy place to visit thanks to being just a short ride from Miami or Key West. In fact, it’s a perfect day trip, but I recommend you stay longer.
This isn’t just because there are plenty of things to do in Marathon Florida but also because there are some great accommodation options for great prices (find them below!).
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Marathon!
🌴 Make the most of Marathon Florida with this amazing snorkeling tour, including transportation, drinks, and stopping at 3 different places to snorkel.
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- Where is Marathon, Florida
- How to get to Marathon, Florida
- The Best Time to Visit Marathon, Florida
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
- Where to Stay in Marathon, Florida
- Where to Eat in Marathon, Florida
- Things to do in Marathon Florida with Kids (or without them!)
- More Things to Do in Marathon, Florida
- Final Words about Marathon, Florida
Where is Marathon, Florida
Marathon, Florida is located in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain in Monroe County in the state of Florida.
How to get to Marathon, Florida
The Florida Keys span an area of 125 miles. The span of islands starts just south of Miami and is connected by an over-sea highway with 42 bridges.
The three options to get to Marathon are each unique and all have very specific attractions:
Take the best road trip of your life and drive to the Florida Keys
You may decide to drive from your home, or take a flight to Miami and rent a car to drive the overseas highway.
Marathon is about halfway to Key West so the ride isn’t quite as long. The views are absolutely amazing.
Flights to Marathon Florida
Fly in to Marathon’s airport, a nice sized airport that allows for many non-stop flights or stop-overs in Miami. This is the quickest and the best way to get to Marathon Florida and start your tropical vacation.
If you are already in Florida the third option may be perfect for you.
Take the Key West Ferry Service from Marco Island or Fort Myers
Next, bring your car or rent a car to drive the fifty miles to Marathon.
The ferry is a beautiful ride over the ocean to Key West. While in Key West don’t miss these things to do.
The Best Time to Visit Marathon, Florida
The best time to be staying in Marathon, Florida depends on what you want out of your Marathon Florida vacation. Take a look at the priorities below and make your choice.
Low-Cost
The off-season in Marathon, Key is summer so from June- September you will find the best prices on flights and hotels.
Lobstering
Lobster season is a serious deal in the Keys. The mini-season is in late July each year. The 8-month season runs from August to March.
Weather
The most popular time is the winter months November – March. The water is beautiful, the seaweed is usually not so fresh on the beach and everything is in full swing. This is our favorite time to go.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I always travel with insurance, even if I travel within my own country.
No matter how well you plan and research a trip, there are always things that happen beyond your control. I had to use it several times and it saved my trip!
Where to Stay in Marathon, Florida
Now that you know you are going, it’s time to find the best hotels in Marathon Florida so you can have a fabulous trip. That’s exactly what we will help you with here!
If you are a beach dweller then Marathon Key, Florida will be the best place to stay for your vacation. Staying in Marathon, Florida requires a few tips and tricks to make it a success.
We will help you find the top accommodation in Marathon Florida for your needs no matter what your budget is or what you are looking for.
Marathon Florida Hotels
The first three suggestions are resorts that have all the wonderful amenities you will normally find at a resort. These Marathon Florida resorts will meet your needs regardless of what you’re looking for.
Grassy Flats and Beach Club
Grassy Flats and Beach Club is located in Grassy Key and is a boutique resort focused on being a sustainable responsible resort. The rooms are gorgeous and many have ocean views.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Isla Bella Resort
Isla Bella Beach Resort is a luxury resort with more amenities than would be expected.
Included in the resort are yoga classes, kayaking, biking, a fitness center, bocce, giant chess, cornhole, and dominos. There are also opportunities for charter fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, and more.
Don’t miss eating at the on-site restaurant Il Pastino. So delicious!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Skipjack Resort Suites & Marina
Skipjack Resort’s motto is “Tropical, Tranquil, and Carefree.” Is there a better motto for the perfect location for a vacation?
Skipjack Resort does not skimp on beautiful rooms or wonderful views.
The amenities are what make Skipjack’s a great choice: use of boat dock, and boat slip available, beach buggy transportation to Sombrero Beach, beach bikes, and more!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Marathon Florida Rentals
The second two suggestions are vacation rentals. These could be condos or homes.
We find homes to be more private, larger, and especially nice when they have their own pool!
You can book your vacation rentals with Airbnb, and when using it for the first time you can get an Airbnb discount coupon of that in some places could mean free accommodation for a night or two!
Key Colony Rentals
Key Colony Rentals is a family-owned vacation rental business, serving customers since 1983.
With so many choices with the waterfront, you will be enjoying your Marathon vacation and its memories for a long time.
Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys
Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys will ensure you have the house of your dreams for your dream vacation.
The rentals vary from condos to homes, pools to oceanfront five bedrooms to one bedroom.
Vacation Rentals of the Florida Keys will make sure you are happy with your accommodations.
Map Of The Top Accommodation In Marathon, Florida
You are all set for staying in Marathon, Florida with the choices above, are you excited yet?
Where to Eat in Marathon, Florida
Eating out is just maybe a favorite activity while vacationing in Marathon, FL.
Marathon Florida restaurants vary from seafood to American to Italian to Cuban.
The majority of restaurants carry fresh seafood and some even have live music.
Our first suggestion is Keys Fisheries which is also a seafood market and a restaurant. The fresh seafood and amazing menu will leave you with lasting memories of an amazing dinner.
Sunset Grill has an appropriate name.
This fresh seafood restaurant will give you a great sunset view. With a pool to swim in during your dining experience, how could we leave this out?
Other great restaurants in Marathon Florida are Havana Jacks and the Stuffed Pig for breakfast.
Don’t limit yourself to our choices to get out there and eat!
Things to do in Marathon Florida with Kids (or without them!)
Marathon is an amazing family travel destination!
While you are staying in Marathon, Florida fill your calendar with the super fun things to do with kids.
You will not be disappointed with the many things to do! Marine animal life is abundant in Marathon, with many opportunities to touch and see the animals.
The Turtle Hospital
Next, The Turtle Hospital will explain all the importance of keeping our oceans clean and sustainable travel tips to take care of our planet.
This is an actual working hospital so call ahead to arrange an educational tour.
The Dolphin Research Institute
The Dolphin Research Institute is open to the public for visits. Hands-on opportunities are available for an extra charge.
Sombrero Beach
What tropical island would be complete without an incredible beach?
Sombrero Beach is a typical tropical beach but has some of its own nuances.
The soft sand and beautiful water draw me to this beach. We came back to this beach throughout our vacation.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is the perfect place for outdoor excursions.
Snorkeling is the perfect family activity and Bahia Honda is a great location. Other than snorkeling there is fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, geocaching, flora hunting, boat launching, and a nature center.
If you are a camper there are a variety of sites your family could enjoy. Bahia Honda has three beaches to enjoy swimming all day long.
Florida Keys Aquarium
First, check out the Florida Keys Aquarium for a great touch tank and many other experiences. Our family loved the huge fish tanks, one for smaller fish and one for predators.
There are even opportunities to dive into the tanks. Don’t miss the turtle section too!
Crane Point Museum, Nature Center, and Historic Site
Crane Point Museum, Nature Center and Historic Site are dedicated to showcasing the history of the area by organizing educational natural displays for both the young and the old.
There are various historical sites to visit, natural trails in the forest, and garden butterflies to get an up-close look at the different types of butterflies.
So as you plan your trip, Crane Point Museum, Nature Center, and Historic Site should be added to your list of things to do in Marathon, fl.
Curry Hammock State Park
One of the best things to do in Marathon fl is to visit Curry Hammock State Park.
With an expansive area of untouched ecosystem boasting Rockland hammocks, mangrove swamps and seagrass beds, Curry Hammock State Park is a true haven for nature lovers.
Whether you’re into water sports like kayaking or windsurfing or prefer enjoying the beauty of the wild by going hiking or camping, this slice of heaven in Marathon, FL has something for you.
Catamaran Sirius
Looking for more ideas on what to do in Marathon fl? A vacation to Florida would not be complete without sailing on its calm waters.
Board a catamaran Sirius and enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys as you sail away on a 36-foot catamaran.
Marathon Air Museum
Marathon Air Museum is an aviation museum located at Florida Keys Marathon Airport.
The museum has a display of historical aircraft to showcase aviation history.
If you love aircraft history, visiting the Marathon Air Museum is one of the Marathon fl activities not to miss.
More Things to Do in Marathon, Florida
- Sunset Park
- Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area
- Seven Miles Bridge
- Pigeon Key
Final Words about Marathon, Florida
As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do and places to visit in Marathon Florida.
Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, water sports, beach activities, or hiking, there is something for everyone in Marathon.
It’s also an ideal destination for families with loads of great family-friendly attractions.
Hope you liked this Marathon, Florida travel guide and these cool & fun things to do in Marathon!
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