If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to visit, look no further than Marathon, FL! This beautiful coastal town is home to some of the best attractions in Florida. From world-class beaches to exciting museums and parks, there’s something for everyone in Marathon. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best things to do in Marathon, FL. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
Sombrero Beach
With perfectly clear waters and white sand, Sombrero Beach is arguably the best beach on the Florida Keys. It features restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a playground; you’ll also find plenty of amenities for rent at this popular spot, like beach chairs and umbrellas. Families will especially appreciate that the calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and even fishing!
Dolphin Research Center
Thousands of visitors flock to the Dolphin Research Center each year. The Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit marine mammal education and research facility dedicated to preserving marine mammals through education, research and rehabilitation. The programs at the Dolphin Research Center are unique, as they allow visitors a chance to interact with dolphins and sea lions, teaching people about these creatures and how they can help protect them. Visitors can attend dolphin shows where dolphins perform tricks, interact with the animals or simply watch them from a distance.
Curry Hammock State Park
The Curry Hammock State Park is an excellent place to relax and unwind. The park has a small entrance fee of $4.50 per person, but it’s worth it for the outdoor activities offered. You can explore nature by hiking through the various trails in and around the park, or you may choose to indulge in some kayaking (there is a kayak rental) or fishing in the lagoon for some fun water activity. If you prefer to stay on land, picnic tables are available at the site, so you can take a break and have lunch or dinner with your family and friends. This state park also allows pets to be on a 6-foot leash, so feel free to bring Fido along too!
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
One of the best ways to learn about the unique marine life in Marathon is through a visit to Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. This educational local aquarium has over 2000 species of fish, sharks, sea turtles and rays as well as a touch tank where you can interact with small animals such as hermit crabs, baby sharks and stingrays.
The 40-minute guided tour organized by the aquarium staff is educational and fun for all ages. The Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 9am to 5pm.
Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is the longest bridge along the Keys, and it’s one of the most popular attractions along the island chain. The area around this bridge is a popular place for fishing and taking pictures, as well as for activities like snorkeling or diving. Uniquely, this area also allows for camping overnight on top of the bridge itself! Camping here is permitted from sunrise to sunset only and requires a permit from Monroe County; reservations must be made in advance through their website. Biking, walking, or running are also popular ways to experience this section of highway.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
At the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, you’ll experience the history of the Florida Keys firsthand. The museum features a restored 1850s-era house and interactive exhibits on how people settled in Marathon’s tropical climate via boat or by railroad. You’ll also learn about the marine life inhabiting this area, including some of its prehistoric inhabitants. The museum has an extensive fossil collection and display of local animals. The museum also has nature trails to walk on, native gardens, hammocks to rest on, and a butterfly garden that you can visit!
Bahia Honda State Park
Be sure to check out some of the beautiful beaches in the park, including Looe Key Reef Beach and Sandspur Beach! Explore the nature trails that wind through hardwood hammocks and tropical forests, or take a dip in one of the freshwater swimming areas! You can also find fresh water at Silver Palm Hammock boardwalk; look out over Buttonwood Sound while you enjoy this peaceful spot! Bahia Honda State Park is open all year, from 8am until sunset. It costs $8.00 per vehicle to enter the park, or $2.00 for pedestrians and bicyclists (extra passengers also pay $2.00 each).
Turtle Hospital
For the animal-loving traveler, visiting Marathon’s Turtle Hospital is the ultimate thing to do in Marathon, FL. It’s the only turtle hospital in the world, and it has rehabilitated over 1,800 turtles since 1986. The hospital treats sick and injured sea turtles, returning them to their natural habitat as soon as they’re ready. Along with being a wonderful place of healing for this beautiful species, the hospital is also an educational center and a unique tour destination. Visitors can learn about turtle care in their museum or take guided tours through their facility. There are also opportunities to get up close and personal with sea turtles at their resident pool party on Fridays at 3pm where you can feed them and take pictures (for a fee).
Pigeon Key
Pigeon Key, located just off of Marathon, is a small island that any history buff would enjoy visiting. The island was originally built and maintained by the Florida East Coast Railway from 1908 to 1912. You can take a tour on one of three boats—the Fury, Fury Water Adventures or Captain Hook’s Marina & Dive Center—for $12 per person or hop on board their shuttle ferry for $10 per person. Once on the island you can spend time hiking along their nature trail, exploring their museum, beachcombing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or just relaxing on one of their beaches.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park sits on Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Florida Keys. The park is most famous for its glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling and scuba diving. However, there are also kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing opportunities. Campsites are limited to only 15 RV’s per night, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to camp out here. Aside from all the water activities there are some hiking trails and a mile long bicycle path as well as several picnic areas spread out throught the park. How does a picnic in the shadow of a mangrove tree sound?
There Are So Many Things to Do in Marathon, FL!
Marathon, FL. is located in the Florida Keys, a string of islands running south from Key Largo to Key West. A trip to Marathon offers you the opportunity to see some of the best snorkeling and fishing spots in the U.S., as well as visit some unique places like Pigeon Key or take a tour at The Turtle Hospital. We hope you liked our choice of 10 things to do in Marathon, FL. Thanks for reading and see you on another virtual journey!
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