Marathon FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marathon, Florida.
1. The Turtle Hospital
MARINE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a premier marine conservation facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured sea turtles. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about sea turtle biology, common injuries, and the hospital's mission to protect these endangered creatures. The facility has successfully treated and released thousands of turtles back into the wild since its founding, making it both an educational and inspiring attraction for all ages.
2. Sombrero Beach
PRISTINE TROPICAL PARADISE
Sombrero Beach offers visitors a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters in the heart of Marathon. This free public beach features amenities including picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and clean restroom facilities, making it ideal for family outings. During certain seasons, the beach serves as a turtle nesting ground, offering visitors a chance to witness conservation efforts firsthand.
3. Dolphin Research Center
INTERACTIVE MARINE EDUCATION
The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon provides unforgettable encounters with dolphins and sea lions in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe training sessions, participate in interactive programs, and learn about marine mammal behavior and conservation efforts. The facility's focus on education and research offers a more meaningful experience than typical tourist attractions, with programs suitable for all ages.
4. Seven Mile Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL SCENIC DRIVE
The Seven Mile Bridge is an iconic engineering marvel connecting Marathon in the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. Travelers can drive across this stunning span while enjoying panoramic views of the turquoise waters stretching to the horizon on both sides. The bridge serves as both a practical transportation link and one of the most photographed landmarks in the Florida Keys, offering unparalleled opportunities for scenic stops and memorable images.
5. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
HISTORICAL ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center encompasses 63 acres of protected land showcasing the natural and cultural history of the Florida Keys. Visitors can explore nature trails through tropical hammocks, visit a historic Bahamian house, and discover native wildlife in their natural habitats. The center provides both educational exhibits and immersive outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
6. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
INTERACTIVE MARINE EXPERIENCE
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers visitors hands-on interactions with various marine species in a controlled environment. Guests can participate in coral reef tank encounters, feed sharks through special feeding windows, or enjoy touch tanks filled with fascinating creatures. This attraction combines entertainment with education, teaching visitors about marine conservation while providing memorable close encounters with sea life.
7. Curry Hammock State Park
PRISTINE COASTAL WILDERNESS
Curry Hammock State Park spans 1,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched natural beauty of the Florida Keys. The park features excellent kayaking trails, calm beaches, and camping facilities with oceanfront views. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and paddling activities while exploring this protected wilderness area that serves as an important migratory bird stopover.
8. Marathon Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Marathon Air Museum preserves the rich aviation heritage of the Florida Keys through its collection of historic aircraft and memorabilia. Visitors can view restored planes, learn about the region's strategic importance in aviation history, and speak with knowledgeable volunteers who share fascinating stories about local flight pioneers. This compact but informative museum provides an interesting diversion from the area's water-based attractions and offers insight into an often-overlooked aspect of Keys history.
9. Bahia Honda State Park
AWARD-WINNING BEACH PARADISE
Bahia Honda State Park, located just 14 miles from Marathon, is renowned for its pristine beaches consistently ranked among the best in the United States. Visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters, explore the remnants of the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, and enjoy exceptional snorkeling opportunities in the protected shallow-water reefs. The park also offers camping facilities, kayak rentals, and nature trails that showcase the diverse ecosystems of the Lower Keys.
10. Sunset Park Beach
TRANQUIL SUNSET VIEWING
Sunset Park Beach offers visitors a peaceful alternative to more crowded Florida Keys beaches, located just minutes from Marathon in Key Colony Beach. This small, well-maintained beach area provides perfect sunset viewing opportunities with unobstructed western views across the Gulf of Mexico. The park features convenient amenities including benches, picnic areas, and nearby parking, making it an ideal spot for romantic evening strolls or family gatherings at day's end.
11. Dolphin Connection
INTIMATE MARINE ENCOUNTERS
Dolphin Connection in nearby Duck Key offers intimate, small-group dolphin swimming experiences in a natural lagoon setting. Participants receive educational briefings about dolphin behavior and conservation before enjoying in-water interactions guided by experienced marine mammal specialists. The program's focus on respectful animal encounters and educational components sets it apart from larger commercial operations, creating meaningful connections between visitors and these intelligent marine mammals.
12. National Key Deer Refuge
ENDANGERED SPECIES SANCTUARY
The National Key Deer Refuge protects the habitat of the diminutive Key deer, an endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the Florida Keys. Visitors can explore hiking trails through various ecosystems including pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, and freshwater wetlands that support these unique animals. The refuge's Blue Hole observation area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with chances to spot not only the iconic Key deer but also alligators, various bird species, and other native wildlife.
13. The Overseas Highway
ICONIC FLORIDA KEYS DRIVE
The Overseas Highway is a spectacular 113-mile road that connects the Florida mainland to Key West, with Marathon situated along its most scenic stretches. Drivers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico simultaneously while crossing dozens of islands connected by a series of bridges. The highway's numerous pull-offs and viewing areas allow travelers to stop and appreciate the stunning panoramas, spot marine life, or take photographs of this engineering marvel that transformed the Keys from isolated islands into an accessible paradise.
14. Coffins Patch
PREMIER DIVING DESTINATION
Coffins Patch offers divers and snorkelers a remarkable opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life near Key Colony Beach. The reef system features a variety of dive sites suitable for different experience levels, from shallow coral gardens to deeper ledges frequented by larger pelagic species. Visitors can expect excellent visibility, diverse coral formations, and encounters with tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and other fascinating marine creatures that make this protected area their home.
15. Marathon Wild Bird Center
AVIAN RESCUE SANCTUARY
The Marathon Wild Bird Center provides care and rehabilitation for injured birds throughout the Florida Keys region. Visitors can tour the facility to observe recovering birds including pelicans, herons, ospreys, and other native species while learning about conservation challenges and rehabilitation techniques. The center's educational programs highlight the importance of preserving coastal habitats and protecting the diverse bird populations that migrate through or permanently reside in the Florida Keys ecosystem.