An icon of the Overseas Highway
Seven Mile Bridge
Cruise across one of the world's longest and most photographed bridges — turquoise water on both sides, dolphins below, and the historic old bridge running alongside.
Stay nearbyMarathon · Florida Keys Insider Guide
Explore the Florida Keys Like a Local
Discover the best beaches, restaurants, fishing, boating, snorkeling, sunsets and hidden gems throughout Marathon and the Florida Keys — curated by the local team at Sunshine Keys Vacation.
Top Attractions
Iconic sights of Marathon & the Keys
Six unmissable experiences that define a Florida Keys vacation — from the world's most famous bridge to a first-of-its-kind sea turtle hospital.
Marathon's flagship sandy beach
Sombrero Beach
Powder-white sand, gentle surf, palm-lined shoreline and shaded picnic areas — the local favorite for sunsets, swimming and a laid-back beach day.
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Postcard beaches & historic bridge
Bahia Honda State Park
Widely rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida — crystalline shallows, snorkel-ready sandbars, and the towering ruins of the original Bahia Honda railway bridge.
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A Marathon institution
The Turtle Hospital
Tour the world's first licensed veterinary hospital devoted entirely to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing endangered sea turtles — an unforgettable, family-friendly stop.
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A step back into the railroad era
Pigeon Key
A tiny five-acre island beneath the old Seven Mile Bridge, preserving the original 1908 workers' village from Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Ferry tours run daily.
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Meet the residents of Grassy Key
Dolphin Research Center
A world-renowned non-profit sanctuary offering dolphin encounters, educational programs and behind-the-scenes experiences with a resident family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Stay nearby Where Locals Eat
Best Restaurants
A curated taste of the Florida Keys
From sunset-view raw bars to hidden waterfront gems, these are the Marathon restaurants we send every guest to first.
Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
Waterfront · American Seafood
Perched at the foot of Seven Mile Bridge with the best sunset view in Marathon. Fresh local catch, an infinity pool bar, and live music most nights.
Keys Fisheries
Casual · Fresh-Off-The-Boat
A working commercial dock and beloved locals' spot — famous for its legendary lobster reuben, stone crab in season, and Marina Bay views.
The Stuffed Pig
Local · Breakfast & Lunch
A Marathon institution since 1985 — hearty island breakfasts, key lime pancakes, and the friendliest servers on the Overseas Highway.
Lazy Days South
Upscale Casual · Seafood
Elegant oceanfront dining with a shaded veranda over the Atlantic. Yellowtail snapper, coconut shrimp and a serious wine list.
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant
Hidden Gem · Craft Beer
Tucked down a residential lane on the Gulf side — hogfish sandwiches, house-smoked fish dip and one of the best craft beer lists in the Keys.
Herbie's Bar & Chowder House
Old Florida · Classic
A no-frills, roadside classic serving the same recipes since 1972. Come for the conch chowder, stay for the fried grouper sandwich.
Fishing & Boating
World-class water, world-class fishing
Marathon sits at the geographic heart of the Florida Keys — minutes from the Gulf Stream, the backcountry flats and the reef. It's a boater's and angler's paradise.
Offshore Sportfishing
Sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna and marlin await in the deep Gulf Stream waters just minutes from Marathon's marinas. Full-day charters run year-round.
Backcountry & Flats Fishing
Stalk tarpon, bonefish and permit across the shallow flats and mangrove backcountry — a bucket-list experience for fly and light-tackle anglers.
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Center consoles, pontoons, jet skis and sunset cruises — Marathon is the perfect launch pad for exploring the surrounding sandbars and islands.
World-Class Snorkeling & Diving
Sombrero Reef Lighthouse Sanctuary, Coffins Patch and Looe Key deliver technicolor coral gardens and easy dive conditions just offshore.
Family Activities
Memories the kids will never forget
Marathon is the most family-friendly island in the Keys. Sea turtles, dolphins, sandbars and shallow beaches — every day is a new adventure.
The Turtle Hospital
Guided tours of the world's first sea turtle hospital — educational, emotional and unforgettable for all ages.
Dolphin Research Center
Interactive encounters, trainer-for-a-day programs and daily narrated shows on Grassy Key.
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
63 acres of tropical hammock trails, a historic pioneer home, a wild bird center and a hands-on children's museum.
Sombrero Beach Playground
Shaded picnic pavilions, a large kids' playground and calm swimming water make this the go-to family beach.
Sandbar Boat Days
Rent a boat and drop anchor at the Marathon sandbar — waist-deep water, sunshine and hours of family fun.
Aquarium Encounters
Snorkel with tropical fish and reef sharks in a controlled lagoon — a Florida Keys experience the kids will talk about for years.
Traveling with family?
Our homes are built for unforgettable family stays
Private pools, gated docks, waterfront lawns and space for the whole family — pick the perfect base for your Marathon adventure.
Local Events
A year of island celebrations
Time your visit around one of Marathon's beloved annual events — seafood festivals, offshore tournaments, fireworks over the bay and more.
January
Marathon Seafood Festival
The largest seafood festival in the Keys — three days of stone crab, lobster, live music and family fun at Marathon Community Park.
April
Original Marathon Battle in the Bay
A high-energy offshore fishing tournament drawing anglers from across Florida for a chance at leaderboard glory and cash prizes.
July
4th of July Fireworks Over the Bay
The best fireworks show in the Middle Keys, launched from a barge just off Sombrero Beach — bring a boat or a beach chair.
November
Original Marathon Grand Prix
Offshore powerboat racing returns to Marathon — pit row, air shows, live music and a full weekend of waterfront festivities.
Explore the Map
The Florida Keys, at a glance
From Key Largo to Key West — Marathon sits perfectly in the middle. Zoom in to plan your route along the Overseas Highway.
Serving Marathon · Key Colony Beach · Duck Key · Islamorada
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Find Your Perfect Stay
Now that you know where to go — let us help you decide where to stay. Explore hand-picked waterfront homes, private-pool villas and beachfront retreats throughout Marathon and the Florida Keys.
Marathon · Key Colony Beach · Duck Key · Islamorada · Florida Keys