Overview
Marathon is a city in the Florida Keys, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay on the other. It is on somewhat of a long narrow island (Vaca Key). You will find all of the amenities of a small town including an excellent hospital, shopping and small airport. Mosquitos are less common than in some parts of the Keys, as they spray them. The waters are warm, clear and inviting. If you are visiting the Florida Keys, Marathon is a great choice to make your base. Marathon has more of a permanent population than some of the other Keys and a good base of services.
6 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marathon
Curry Hammock State Park
Park entrance fee has a variable rate depending on the number of persons per vehicle. Kayaks are available for rent.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Here you can learn about the native key inhabitants as well as native animals. There is also a simulated coral reef cave that everyone will be able to enjoy. Children of all ages can enjoy a touch-me-tank that houses dif…
The Dolphin Research Center
Learn about dolphins in a natural environment. There are many programs offered here to get participants encounter dolphins on a one on one basis or in a group setting. If you want to go to the research center for a tour,…
Pigeon Key
A historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. This was the site of one of the work camps in the early 1900s used during the construction of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway. Many of the original buildi…
Seven Mile Bridge
Part of the Overseas Highway, just south of Marathon, it is one of the longest segmental bridges in the world and spans the shallow channel between Key Vaca and Little Duck Key. The area around the bridge is one of the m…
The Turtle Hospital
This attraction provides educational tours through the facility letting each of its participants learn about the life of turtles in Florida. Reservations recommended, but if you don't have one, don't let it stop you turn…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 55°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Sep. (climate data from nearby Everglades National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EYW Key West International Airport, Key West — 47 mi away. Directions
- MIA Miami International Airport, Miami — 88 mi away (major hub). Directions
Marathon is located about two hours south of Miami and only accessed by road via US1, the Overseas Highway. There are several shuttles or private car services that can take you to your doorstep destination such as the Keys Shuttle. The town can be accessed by water and several marinas are available.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, The Turtle Hospital, Pigeon Key
- Lunch Hideaway Cafe
- Afternoon Seven Mile Bridge, Sombrero Beach
- Dinner Herbie's
Day 2
- Morning Curry Hammock State Park, The Dolphin Research Center
- Afternoon Marathon Kayak
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Fresh seafood is abundant, stone crab claws when in season are a great local favorite and can easily be found cooked, chilled, ready to eat and give a new meaning to fast food. Stone crabs only give up one claw, then are returned to the water to give another day and allow for regeneration of the missing claw. Yum. Be extra careful when buying fish and shrimp off of pick up truck vendors along the road. If you have any doubts about the freshness of the offerings, move on. Another local favorite to look for is the Key Lime pies, available throughout the area. Numerous fish houses are to be found, offering fresh seafood plates at reasonable prices, at less than fancy places. A key to quality may be the number of local automobile licenses in the parking lot. Many restaurants will also cook your catch, if you are fishing. The price is reasonable, they provide the side dishes and clean up the mess for you.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Municipal information
Get in
Marathon is located about two hours south of Miami and only accessed by road via US1, the Overseas Highway. There are several shuttles or private car services that can take you to your doorstep destination such as the Keys Shuttle. The town can be accessed by water and several marinas are available.
By plane
Go Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH)
The local airport supports general aviation and Fixed Based Operations (FBO) with a 5000-ft runway. There is no scheduled commercial air service to Marathon. There is a US Customs & Immigration unit for international arrivals, rental car companies, and a bus stop for Greyhound Lines. Next nearest airports for commercial air services are in Key West and Miami.
There is a seaplane base on Marathon Key. Travelers who fly commercially will typically fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami, and drive the rest of the distance (2-3 hours depending on traffic) to Marathon. Key West Airport, located one hour south down US 1, hosts several commercial airlines.
By boat
Boaters can reach Marathon on the Atlantic side of the Keys or Florida Bay on the Gulf of Mexico side. Specially-marked Intracoastal Waterway takes you as far as Long Key. Numerous marinas are waiting, but make reservations ahead.
Marinas
- Marathon Marina, +1 305-743-5367, 1021 11 St.
- Pancho Fuel Dock and Supplies, +1 305-743-2281, 1280 Oceanview Ave.
- Shelter Bay Marina, +1 305-743-7008, 77 Coco Plum Dr.
- Sombrero Marina, +1 305-743-5663, 35 Sombrero Blvd.
- Marathon City Marina, +1 305-289-8877, 800 35th Street, Oceanside
- Captain Pip's Marina, +1 305-743-4403, 1410 Overseas Highway
- Hawk's Cay Marina, +1 305-743-7000, MM 61 Duck Key
- Key Colony Beach Marina, +1 305-289-1310, Key Colony Beach.
By bus
Inter-city bus lines in Key West were discontinued in 2023, so it is no longer possible to get from the Key West airport to Marathon solely by bus.
- Metrobus #301 is at (Publix) on MM 50 of US HWy 1. Metrobus #301 connects Marathon to Florida City through Islamorda, Tavernier and Key Largo.
- Lower Keys Shuttle begins/ends at the Holiday Inn at 13201 Overseas Hwy (US 1). It connects Marathon Key to Key West through Big Pine, Middle Torch, Summerland, Cudjoe, Upper/Lower Sugerloaf Keys. Passenger transfer to/from Metrobus #301 the Publix at MM 50.
Get around
The best way to get around is to rent a car. The many attractions are not close together and public transportation is scarce and can be inconvenient and costly with families. The island is flat and lends itself well to a bicycle. Although there are few beach areas, the area is loaded with marinas catering to most water sports. Charters are available for all activities.
When driving near the southwest end of the Key, be aware that once you pass Knights Key Blvd, you begin crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, and there is no place to turn around for about 7 miles. Missing your turn can therefore mean a 14-mile detour!
See
See The Dolphin Research Center
Learn about dolphins in a natural environment. There are many programs offered here to get participants encounter dolphins on a one on one basis or in a group setting. If you want to go to the research center for a tour, you can just show up, but if you want to participate in an interactive program, booking should be done in advance.
See Pigeon Key
A historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. This was the site of one of the work camps in the early 1900s used during the construction of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railway. Many of the original buildings still stand. Get a unique closeup view of the old Railway, which was converted to a highway in 1938, then closed in the 1980s after US 1 was rerouted.
See Seven Mile Bridge
Part of the Overseas Highway, just south of Marathon, it is one of the longest segmental bridges in the world and spans the shallow channel between Key Vaca and Little Duck Key. The area around the bridge is one of the most popular Tarpon fishing areas in the United States. Portions of the old rail/road bridge are open to the public to allow fishing.
See The Turtle Hospital
This attraction provides educational tours through the facility letting each of its participants learn about the life of turtles in Florida. Reservations recommended, but if you don't have one, don't let it stop you turning up at tour time. There is usually room for one or two more on a tour.
Do
Snorkeling
There are many different charter boats that take groups out to the various aquatic reefs. Spirit snorkeling is one of the reputable companies that can take you to sombrero beach reef. Through this company, it is $30 for an adult to snorkel and children under 5 are free with a paid adult. If you are not into snorkeling, you can still go out on the boat and enjoy the views from the deck and chat up with the boat crew. Coolers are allowed for lunch or snacks as they are not provided for you. Reservations can be made by calling +1 305 289-0614.
Diving
As with snorkeling there are many different charter services that you can go through. Even if you are not a certified scuba diver, many of these services offer time of instruction and a chance to get acquainted with the equipment, and later on in the day a chance to go out on a dive. One of the larger companies in the area is Tilden's Scuba Center which has two locations, one of them being in Marathon at Mile Marker 49.5. Reservations and rates vary depending on what activity you want to participate in and how experienced a diver you are. For reservations or inquires call +1-888-728-2235. Open seven days a week.
Fishing
Fishing is always popular and charters are available.
Other
Do Marathon Kayak
The waters around Marathon are great for both beginner and experienced kayakers to explore. The most experienced kayaking outfitter in the middle Keys is Marathon Kayak. Guided eco-tours are available each day and rentals are available by the half day, full day and week, with free delivery.
Do Sombrero Beach
There is paid parking. The beach and picnic area was provides an excellent picnic lunch stop for the whole families. Shady trees and warm breezes will allow everyone to relax. There is a roped off area for swimming and a nice public restroom with outdoor wash facilities. The hours are from 7AM until dusk.
Buy
Marathon is not really a shopping destination, however this may be the spot to look for marine, hardware, grocery and other travel needs. In Marathon, if you find yourself in need of bathing suits or other sun essentials just drive down US1 which is the main highway and you will be sure to find many shops to fulfill your needs. You will find better prices and selection here than less populous areas of the Keys.
Eat
Fresh seafood is abundant, stone crab claws when in season are a great local favorite and can easily be found cooked, chilled, ready to eat and give a new meaning to fast food. Stone crabs only give up one claw, then are returned to the water to give another day and allow for regeneration of the missing claw. Yum. Be extra careful when buying fish and shrimp off of pick up truck vendors along the road. If you have any doubts about the freshness of the offerings, move on. Another local favorite to look for is the Key Lime pies, available throughout the area. Numerous fish houses are to be found, offering fresh seafood plates at reasonable prices, at less than fancy places. A key to quality may be the number of local automobile licenses in the parking lot. Many restaurants will also cook your catch, if you are fishing. The price is reasonable, they provide the side dishes and clean up the mess for you.
Eat Hideaway Cafe
This restaurant is on the more expensive side and would be nice for a romantic evening for two or a family dinner overlooking the ocean. Seafood, poultry, and beef are the main staples at this restaurant. Since it does over-look the ocean and tends to get crowded early, make reservations.
Eat Herbie's
This is the local hangout for many people that live here year round. This is a great place to eat for burgers and fries. Seating is limited and it tends to get packed in the evening. Reservations are not required.
Sleep
There is a real variety of places to sleep. If you have reservations and show up to find the accommodations unacceptable, do not hesitate to complain or check out. There are some beautiful accommodations to be found in the marina areas that are floating, two story efficiency rooms with bath, kitchen and balcony that can be rented by the day or week at reasonable cost. These are a great choice and offer a fantastic view and privacy. Some of the cottages being offered are very old, have had little repair and may have moisture/humidity problems due to being in shaded areas. Again, if you find it unacceptable, move on. There are few times you will find rooms unavailable, exceptions may be when the weather is bad and forces the bigger pleasure boats into port, and during the Fantasy Fest in Key West, when the rooms fill up fast.
Camping
- Jolly Roger Trailer Park, +1 305-289-0404, 59275 Overseas Highway.
- Key By The Sea +1 305-743-5164, 6099 Overseas Hwy.
Stay safe
Theft can be a problem in this area, keep all valuables out of sight in parked cars. If you are bringing, or on a boat, keep an eye on it. There are more outboard motors stolen here than anywhere in the state, some say they end up in Cuba.
- Pay attention to the weather. The Keys are a narrow band of islands that offer little protection from tropical storms. In the past storms have generated waves with enough strength to demolish bridges and topple freight trains and engines sitting on tracks. The locals seem immune to these dangers, rely on National Weather reports, rather than the opinion of locals. If it is suggested you go back to the mainland, do so immediately. There is only one highway out and it can become clogged quickly. The Overseas Highway can and will be closed for a period should a car or truck accident occur. Always allow extra time if traveling back to the mainland to meet a flight or cruise.
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