Marathon · Florida Keys Insider Guide
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
Discover some of our favorite local experiences in and around Marathon, Florida.
Marathon & the Florida Keys
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park offers clear turquoise water, white sand, scenic views, and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in nature.
Best Restaurants
From sunset-view raw bars to hidden waterfront gems, these are the Marathon restaurants we send every guest to first.
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.
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.
Local · Breakfast & Lunch
A Marathon institution since 1985 — hearty island breakfasts, key lime pancakes, and the friendliest servers on the Overseas Highway.
Upscale Casual · Seafood
Elegant oceanfront dining with a shaded veranda over the Atlantic. Yellowtail snapper, coconut shrimp and a serious wine list.
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.
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
Marathon sits at the geographic heart of the Florida Keys — minutes from the Gulf Stream, the backcountry flats and the reef. Local options our guests may want to explore:
Reef, Wreck & Offshore Fishing
A Marathon-based fishing charter operation running reef, wreck and offshore trips suited to all ages and skill levels in the Florida Keys.
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Private Deep Sea & Sportfishing
A Marathon charter company offering private deep sea and sportfishing trips for sailfish, mahi, swordfish and tarpon off the Middle Keys.
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Center-Console Boat Rentals
A local Marathon boat rental company offering center-console and recreational boats for exploring the flats, sandbars and islands of the Keys.
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Marina & Boat Rentals
A Marathon marina offering powerboat rentals and on-the-water access, with a fleet of maintained deck and center-console boats.
Visit WebsiteListed as local options for guests to explore. Independent businesses — not affiliated with Sunshine Keys Vacation.
Local Events
Time your visit around one of Marathon's beloved annual events — seafood festivals, offshore tournaments, fireworks over the bay and more.
The largest seafood festival in the Keys — three days of stone crab, lobster, live music and family fun at Marathon Community Park.
A high-energy offshore fishing tournament drawing anglers from across Florida for a chance at leaderboard glory and cash prizes.
The best fireworks show in the Middle Keys, launched from a barge just off Sombrero Beach — bring a boat or a beach chair.
Offshore powerboat racing returns to Marathon — pit row, air shows, live music and a full weekend of waterfront festivities.
Sunshine Keys Vacation
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
