Marathon

Travel Guide
Marathon
Visit this thriving coastal community in the heart of the Middle Keys for old-fashioned family fun, seafood festivals, kayak adventures and sandy beaches.

Join the “snowbirds” from the northern United States and Canada who annually escape the cold northern winters by flying or sailing to Marathon. The coastal settlement is one of the best places to relax in the Florida Keys. Lounge on the beach or take long fishing trips and get to know the friendly locals.

Marathon is a community that covers a 10-mile (16-kilometer) long group of islands in the middle of the Florida Keys. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that charms visitors of all ages from far and wide.

Head to Sombrero Beach for some of the best fishing, swimming and diving in the region. Explore the protected waters of the Curry Hammock State Park on a kayak to meet local wildlife. Marathon is a boating paradise with extensive marina facilities so investigate your options for getting out on the water on a charter or rented vessel. While you’re out on the water, dive or snorkel on the colorful coral reef that runs along this coast.

Drive, walk or cycle along the Seven Mile Bridge, a spectacular feat of engineering that crosses the junction between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, running all the way to Little Duck Key. Back in the Marathon area, stop by Dolphin Research Center for education and entertainment for the whole family.

Dine on delicious seafood while looking out on the sparkling ocean at one of Marathon’s many restaurants. Each day, boatloads of freshly caught fish arrive. A seafood festival is held in March each year, allowing you to taste stone crab and other delicacies.

Reach Marathon by air via private plane or charter, car or boat through the Boot Key Harbor. Boaters should be aware of the boundaries of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and use the provided mooring buoys to protect the reefs.

Come during January or February to enjoy warm sun, as the temperature never reaches freezing in Marathon. If you visit in the summer season, cool breezes keep even the most tropical days pleasant in temperature.

Where to stay in Marathon

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Marathon Shores

Though Marathon Shores might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Sunset Park Beach.

Marathon Shores
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Coral Lagoon

While Coral Lagoon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Sunset Park Beach.

Coral Lagoon
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Little Venice

When in Little Venice, you can plan a visit to Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Sunset Park Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Little Venice
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Farara Shores

When in Farara Shores, you can plan a visit to Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Sunset Park Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Farara Shores
Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort
4 out of 5
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Marathon, FL
The price is CA $409 per night from May 14 to May 15
CA $409
CA $545 total
includes taxes & fees
May 14 - May 15
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the family amenities ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"nice"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hawks Cay Resort
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47, Marathon, FL
The price is CA $487 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $487
CA $635 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Location was excellent, views were amazing! Live singers were not great but atmosphere was relaxing. Staff was friendly and rooms and grounds were kept extremely clean and neat."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
4 out of 5
1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL
The price is CA $279 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $279
CA $355 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,461 reviews)
"Will most definitely recommend. Amazing staff , clean rooms and top notch service"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Skipjack Resort & Marina
Skipjack Resort & Marina
3 out of 5
19 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Marathon. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,089 reviews)
"Remodeled and very nice. Just wish our balcony overlooked the water and nit a torn up parking lot. Room was great and staff was very friendly. Breakfast was very good"

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Skipjack Resort & Marina
Aqua Lodge Rentals At Coconut Cay
Aqua Lodge Rentals At Coconut Cay
3.5 out of 5
7200 Aviation Blvd, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Very clean, comfortable and relaxing."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2024

Aqua Lodge Rentals At Coconut Cay
Tropical Cottages
Tropical Cottages
3 out of 5
243 61st Street Gulf, Marathon, FL
Stay at this cottage in Marathon. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sombrero Beach and Seven Mile Bridge are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (680 reviews)
"Room was great, shopping,gas,coffee and restaurants very close and you have tiki bar and taco wagon on site you will love this place"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Tropical Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Marathon

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
" "5 - Excellent 28.571428571428573%
4 - Good
26
" "4 - Good 53.06122448979592%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 18.367346938775512%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 19, 2020

It was fun and we were super glad we chose to stay there versus one of the Keys on the either end.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 16, 2020

Loved eating at Porky's BBQ

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 26, 2020

Would go back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 2, 2020

It was fun! Want to come back for an extended stay.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 1, 2020

Herbies Restaurant is Awesome, everything we ordered was Fantastic!! Great Job:)

3/5 - Okay

Drew
Oct. 26, 2019

We found Marathon to be a good place to visit the whole Keys area. The attractions of Marathon need to be sought out, otherwise its just a highway on the road to Key West, which is a shame because it has its own beauty and a much quiter pace than KW.

Cities near Marathon