Things to Do in Marathon
Marathon, the Heart of the Keys, offers incredible activities for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro Tip
Popular activities like dolphin tours, fishing charters, and turtle hospital tours sell out weeks in advance during peak season (January-April). Book early to secure your spot.
Sombrero Reef Snorkeling
World-class reef snorkeling right off the shore. Sombrero Reef is one of the most accessible and vibrant sections of the Florida Reef Tract, with daily trips departing from Marathon's marinas and captains that provide all the gear you need.
Boating and Waterway Access
Marathon is widely considered the boating capital of the Middle Keys. Deep-water canals, favorable fixed-bridge clearances, and direct access between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico via Vaca Cut and Moser Channel at the Seven Mile Bridge make it a premier destination for boaters of all sizes. Whether you are cruising offshore or exploring the backcountry, Marathon offers some of the best waterway connectivity in the Florida Keys.
The Turtle Hospital
A rescue and rehabilitation facility for sea turtles, with guided tours that show visitors the hospital's work firsthand. It is the only state-certified veterinary hospital for sea turtles in the world and a must-see in Marathon.
Dolphin Research Center
A not-for-profit education and research facility on Grassy Key where visitors can swim with dolphins and learn about marine conservation. Dolphin encounters, family programs, and behind-the-scenes tours make it a favorite for all ages.
Seven Mile Bridge
Drive or walk the iconic bridge connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys. The original bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists, with sweeping views of turquoise water and the old railway trestle that once carried Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad.
Pigeon Key
A small historic island beneath the Seven Mile Bridge that once housed railroad workers building Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Visitors no longer drive to Pigeon Key. Access is via the Pigeon Key Express Tram departing from the Visitor Center at MM 47.5, or by walking or biking the 2.2-mile restored section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. The island features a museum, historic buildings, and stunning views of the surrounding waters.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
A 63-acre nature preserve and museum in the heart of Marathon. Walk nature trails through a rare tropical hardwood hammock, visit the historic Adderley House, and meet resident wildlife at the raptor and wild bird centers.
Curry Hammock State Park (MM 56.2)
A pristine state park with beach access, kayaking, camping, and nature trails through one of the largest tracts of tropical hardwood hammock in the Keys. It is a quiet spot to paddle, picnic, and watch wildlife. Read our guide to parks and outdoor recreation in the Florida Keys.
Long Key State Park (MM 67.4)
A beautiful oceanside park with beach access, camping, and the Golden Orb Trail, a short boardwalk loop through a tropical hammock. Long Key offers some of the best birding and shoreline strolling in the Middle Keys. Explore more parks across the Keys.
Sombrero Beach (MM 50)
A family-friendly beach with calm water, palm trees, picnic shelters, and facilities. Sombrero Beach is one of the few natural sand beaches in the Keys and a beloved gathering spot for Marathon residents and visitors alike. Portions of the beach are roped off during sea turtle nesting season (April through October) to protect loggerhead and green sea turtle nests.
Fishing Charters
Reef fishing, offshore trips, and backcountry excursions depart daily from Marathon's marinas. With the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Marathon offers some of the most varied fishing in the Keys. See our guide to the best fishing charters in the Florida Keys.
Sunset Cruises and Catamaran Tours
End the day on the water with a sunset cruise or catamaran tour from Marathon. Many trips include snorkel stops, dolphin sightings, and front-row views of the Keys' famous golden-hour skies.
Aquarium Encounters
Interactive marine life experiences let visitors get up close with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Guided encounters are educational, family-friendly, and a highlight for kids visiting Marathon.
Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key)
A premier family resort with a full marina, dolphin encounters, multiple pools, and on-site dining. Hawks Cay Resort is located on Duck Key (MM 61), approximately 10 minutes north of downtown Marathon.
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