Our discovery of the Florida Keys (or more simply Keys) continues along the scenic Overseas Highway bridge (US Hwy 1) in Monroe County. Time is never enough when you’re traveling and that veil of sadness at having left Key Largo and Islamorada on our southbound itinerary is offset by the joy of having more Keys ahead of us to explore.
In fact, we are about to arrive at Marathon, the union of several small islands (seven of which are main islands) that cover 9.6 square miles with a population of about 8,300 people.
Nature, water sports, wildlife, beaches, tranquility, and sunshine characterize Marathon, a place where you can get rid of stress or simply live different experiences from the normal routine. Here and in all the Keys. To reach Key West, the terminus, it will be an “inevitable pleasure” to drive the stretch of highway called 7-Mile Bridge with beautiful views to be enjoyed from every vantage point, after which should not miss a stop in the paradise of Bahia Honda State Park.
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History, the origin of the name, and climate
It seems that the workers who built the railway complained about working day and night and being subjected to a real “marathon” to finish the work: this could be the origin of the name of the city. This hypothesis is the most credited, but there is another one that wants the name to come from a verse by the poet Byron, referring to the famous Greek battle.
The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons: one very hot and humid from June to November, the other hot and dry from December to May. A curiosity: at 144 feet, the Bonefish Tower (2000 Coco Plum Tower) is the tallest building in the archipelago of the Keys.
Best Things to do in Marathon
Like other islands in the Florida Keys archipelago, this destination is popular for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Boats depart from the marina (1021 11th St. Ocean) each morning to take you offshore for sport fishing in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
You won’t find the classic big shopping malls here, and we’re glad about that as they wouldn’t really be in harmony with the environment. To satisfy a little bit of shopping desire, we recommend The Tackle Box (1901 Overseas Hwy) designed mainly for fishing enthusiasts. It is one of the largest stores in the area dedicated to fishing, but you will also find clothing, camping supplies, beach accessories, and marine equipment. Of course, there are other businesses in the area that are great to discover as you explore Marathon.
Museums and Marine Parks
We have just entered the city, the northern part of Marathon, and a large wooden sign welcomes us. Not much time passes and we are attracted by the sign of the Dolphin Research Center (58901 Overseas Hwy) located on Grassy Key, one of the small islands that make up the town. Sea lions and dolphins await us at this nonprofit educational and research center. We swim with them and enjoy watching them play in the water, then at the Dolphin Theater, a video teaches us more about these friendly finned friends. We can also talk to the instructors and staff. The center operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a cost of $28 for adults and $23 for ages 4 to 12.
The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (11710 Overseas Hwy) is home to stingrays, angelfish, sharks, alligators, and cute iguanas, but there’s more. You can snorkel the reef, and swim with manta rays and even sharks. Those who prefer a “dry” encounter can feed small manta rays. Those interested in learning more about the aquarium can take advantage of exploratory tours of the park and its attractions. The Eagle Ray Cafe is a food court where you can enjoy fish sandwiches as well as great desserts and treats. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $20 for adults and $15 for ages 4 to 12.
Experiencing the outdoors is almost a buzzword here. Take your time to see what the Crane Point Museum & Nature Center (5550 Overseas Hwy) has to offer, where trails lead through plants, shrubs, and vigorous hammock trees typical of the southern states. Plus, coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish, shells, and butterflies; this is a great place. Those of us who are more athletic can take advantage of the daily guided kayak tours. At the Wild Bird Center in this park, we visit injured or orphaned birds.
We also make a stop at the Museum of Natural History for a cognitive tour of the Keys’ natural and cultural history. Even if you are not a museum lover, it is interesting to visit it for its informative content; in fact, it ranges from the Calusa Indians to the Spanish explorers passing through the period of the pirates. Here we also find George Adderley House, the oldest house in the Keys outside of Key West. Lastly, the Florida Keys Children’s Museum is dedicated to children with two saltwater lagoons, fish tanks, and an interactive pirate area. The park is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The cost of admission is $12.50 for adults and $11 for 5-11 years olds.
An important reality awaits us at Turtle Hospital (2396 Overseas Hwy), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating the Keys’ sea turtles. These endangered, sick, or injured creatures are cared for by volunteer veterinarians. Many of the “patients” are temporary and leave the hospital as soon as they are able to care for themselves, while others are “residents” in very good hands. Guided tours of the facility and rehabilitation area are available. Admission is $25 for adults and $12 for ages 4-12.
Do you love water sports? If the answer is yes, then Dolphin Bay Watersports (1996 Overseas Hwy) is worth including in your itinerary where jet skis, kayaks, and paddle-boards can be rented and adrenaline-filled jet ski tours are also organized. Half a day on a kayak costs $45, on a paddle-board $65 and for half an hour of jet skiing, the cost is $65.
Natural attractions
Just because the sea is the main attraction, that does not exclude the pleasure of discovering precious green areas; we dedicate some of our time to them on our way south. Sunset Bay Park (Morton St. & Kyle Ave. on Grassy Key) overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Sturdy hammock, palm, and mahogany trees along with mangroves create a beautiful harmony of greenery, but crabs and birds can also be found here, e.g. ospreys, woodpeckers, thrushes, cardinals, and cute hummingbirds.
And while we’re here, we can watch the sun go down; after all, the name almost dictates it. Curry Hammock State Park (56200 Overseas Hwy) is a beautiful park where nature can be appreciated and experienced in many ways: you can hike trails that wind for about two and a half miles, you can go kayaking and paddle-boarding in pristine shallow waters, and you can even go fishing. When the area is breezy, it’s the perfect time for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
There are also great bird-watching opportunities throughout the year. The park, open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, protects a large area of mangroves and hammock trees, which are essential to the Keys’ ecosystem. The area has a campground with 28 places, and it is possible to rent the necessary equipment for water activities. Admission is $5 for vehicles carrying 2 to 8 passengers, $4 for vehicles with only 1 passenger, and $2 for pedestrians and bicycles.
At Marathon’s Dog Park and Oceanfront Park (9805 Overseas Hwy), we can relax among trails and picnic areas. Fishing is a popular activity here, but scenic boat rides are also common due to the presence of a docking ramp. Part of this oceanfront park is officially dedicated to dogs who can have fun and play off-leash. There are on-site restrooms and a parking lot. If you can’t find space you can park at the nearby City Hall. The park is open daily from 7:30 am to sunset.
Community Park (200 36th St.) is a green area of the city with many resources: you can have fun playing sports, walking along the paths, having a picnic, attending events in the amphitheater, and letting children play in the area dedicated to them. Inside the park, we point out the section called Marathon Skate Park to young people or those who simply want to have fun. As its name indicates, it is structured to enjoy this sport. Between 7.30 am and 4 pm the tracks are not supervised, while they are supervised from 4 pm to 8 pm, the hours with the highest attendance.
Beaches in Marathon
Although the Keys are definitely a place of excellence for water sports and there are not many sandy beaches because of their nature of coral rock, they still manage to satisfy those looking for just swimming and relaxation. Here in Marathon, we would like to talk about two beaches.
Coming from the north, not far from the aquarium, the first we encounter is Coco Plum Beach (109 Coco Plum Dr.), a long coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, accessible from 7 am to sunset, with shallow waters that do not make it particularly suitable for swimming near the shore. Although at residential level this is a private area, the beach fortunately has public access. It is ideal for walking, windsurfing and enjoying beautiful sunsets. The beach is equipped with bathrooms and has a pavilion with tables. It is the only coast in Marathon that is completely dog friendly.
Towards the south, we arrive at Boot Key, another of the small islands that make up Marathon. Here there is a harbor for boats used in recreational activities and in autumn you can spot hawks. Further south, Sombrero Beach (M.M. 50 Sombrero Beach Rd.) is a white sandy beach embellished with palm trees and facing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a good location for snorkeling, and there’s a kayak dock near a small pier. Four-legged friends are welcome on a leash. In both of the mentioned shorelines, from April to October, in the evening you can go to observe sea turtles reaching the beach to go lay their eggs.
Places to Eat in Marathon
We complete our trip testing the local cuisine. There are some restaurants where you can taste excellent dishes in a beautiful location. For lunch and dinner, we recommend Island Fish Company (12648 Overseas Hwy) where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset while you eat. The menu features tortilla wraps, filet mignon, chicken wings, cajun chicken salad, crispy crab sandwich, stuffed shrimp, fried calamari, and linguine with shellfish.
Prices aren’t cheap but satisfaction is guaranteed. The venue boasts the longest-running tiki bar in the Florida Keys (a structure with exotic Polynesian decor serving elaborate cocktails). The daily happy hour comes to life at 3 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. There is also a store on site that sells typical island clothing.
The Lighthouse Grill (1994 Overseas Hwy) is a restaurant inside the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, a hotel complex with a marina whose structure can be recognized by its lighthouse. For lunch and dinner, enjoy fresh seafood cooked with local ingredients while watching the sun go down from the waterfront. The more relaxed restaurant has a veranda with a bar, and you can enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. The restaurant’s motto is: a good time is always on the menu.
At Lazy Days South (725 11th St.) it’s a pleasure to eat on the outdoor patio overlooking the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying the sunset. The menu features great desserts, fresh fish, steaks, chicken, sandwiches, pasta with fish, and vegetarian toppings. A very interesting thing is that here you can have your own caught fish cooked, with the only condition that it is well filleted and without bones.
At the Florida Keys Country Club (where golf and tennis are played) we find the Harbor View Cafe (4000 Sombrero Blvd), a casual waterfront restaurant from where you can admire the view from the comfort of outdoor seating. The affordable menu features crab legs, sandwiches, mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce, and salad with apple, pineapple, and walnuts.
If you’re on vacation in March, don’t miss the Marathon Seafood Festival event at Community Park (200 36th St.). Fresh seafood is the star. Live music performances and games liven up the event, which of course also features street vendors. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up.
Places to stay in Marathon
Some of the accommodations in Marathon include Tranquility Bay Resort (2600 Overseas Hwy) located on the beach. The rooms and beachfront homes, decorated in pastel colors and shades of white, are set in a tropical forest overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are three pools, a spa, and a tiki bar in this oasis of serenity.
The new facility at the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys (2146 Overseas Hwy) has rooms and suites equipped with wi-fi, mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker. The pool and fitness center both have views of the bay but in general, you have beautiful panoramic views from anywhere in the hotel.
The Hammocks at Marathon (1688 Overseas Hwy) welcomes its guests to a lush setting among palm trees, hammocks and striking tiki lights where rooms have balconies and kitchens. A saltwater aquarium with a coral reef has been created in the lobby. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, outdoor parking, and wi-fi. Boat, kayak, and jet ski rentals are available on site.
The Seascape Motel & Marina (1275 76 St. E.) has ten affordable accommodations including an apartment for six. The property is surrounded by a peaceful natural setting. Guests appreciate the marina and private beach, ocean-view pool, barbecue station, and panoramic ocean views.
How to Get to Marathon
To reach Marathon, Miami Airport (2100 NW 42nd Ave.) is the main choice, from where our destination is about 2 hours and 40 minutes away. We suggest renting a car but for those who prefer to use the local means of transport here are some suggestions. The Key West Transit line buses connect Marathon to Key West, while the Dade Monroe Express RT 301 buses connect it to Florida City (south of Miami).
If you stay in town you can easily rent a bike. Bike Marathon Rental (700 39th St.) is an excellent solution. Bikes are equipped with baskets, lights, locks and a protective helmet is also provided. You can rent the bike for a whole week. Advance reservations are recommended during Christmas and Easter.
