Last Updated on April 11, 2024
Marathon, Florida, in the middle of the Keys tropical isles, is surrounded by aqua-blue water and bordered to the south by coral reefs.
It has been attracting explorers since the 1820s. Despite the passage of time, today you can still experience its natural beauty, stunning seas, and a rich sense of history.
The islands of Marathon, located in the heart of the Keys mid-way between Key Largo and Key West, make for a memorable – and authentic – Florida getaway.
Fun Things to Do in Marathon, Florida
Sombrero Key Lighthouse and Reef
One of Marathon’s most spectacular sights lies 3.5 nautical miles off Boot Key.
Completed in 1858, the Sombrero Key lighthouse was commissioned along with other Keys lighthouses by the U.S. government.
This was meant to help prevent the numerous shipwrecks occurring along the Florida Reef.
Today snorkelers can see the still-working lighthouse and visit the coral reef with Captain Pip’s Charter Boats. (If you come in your own boat, be sure to use a mooring buoy instead of anchoring.)
Swim with dozens of tropical fish: sergeant majors, stingrays, snapper, parrotfish, and barracuda, to name just a few.
This utterly absorbing experience is a reminder that to truly appreciate the Florida Keys, you need to leave land behind and see what awaits beneath the waves.
UPDATE: If you’ve never snorkeled before or you want to brush up on your knowledge of snorkeling, check out this incredible Snorkeling Guide on Jen Reviews: https://www.jenreviews.com/snorkeling/
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Start your Middle Keys adventure on land at the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.
Stroll through tropical hammocks, and get a sense of the native plants and flowers that once grew in profusion on these islands.
Step inside the Adderley House, the oldest Keys home outside of Key West, built by Bahamian couple George and Olivia Adderley over 100 years ago.
Be sure to see the Wild Bird Center, where rescued birds are brought for rehabilitation.
The museum itself houses interesting artifacts from shipwrecks and the early pioneers. Visitors can also reserve a spot on a kayak adventure through mangroves and to three nearby islands.
Crane Point Address: 5550 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Marathon Air Museum
For another glimpse into the past, visit the Marathon Air Museum (EAA Chapter) on the grounds of the Marathon airport.
Whether you’re an avid aviation buff, or simply curious, this small museum is worth a stop.
Local volunteers will share a wealth of knowledge while you tour the hangar with planes and the displays with memorabilia and models, including a model of a craft flown by the Wright brothers.
The flight simulator is a particular hit with children. Another bonus? Admission is free.
Marathon Air Museum Address: 9850 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
The Turtle Hospital
Since the 1980s The Turtle Hospital has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing one of the planet’s most graceful sea creatures: the sea turtle.
Phone ahead to reserve your spot on the 90-minute tour of their facilities.
Not only will you see a range of recovering sea turtles up close, but you’ll also learn about their anatomy, and the technology the hospital uses to perform procedures on ill or injured animals.
You’ll also understand why sea turtles matter in the greater environmental picture.
Staff and volunteers continue the hospital’s work with passion and dedication.
The Turtle Hospital Address: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
The Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center got its start back in the late 1950s, when a fisherman named Milton Santini opened Santini’s Porpoise Training School, with his beloved dolphin Mitzi. (Mitzi would go on to star in the 1963 classic film, Flipper.)
Since those early days, this iconic Old Florida property has evolved into the modern Dolphin Research Center.
Both children and adults can experience their activities, which range from swimming with a dolphin to acting as a trainer for the day.
The DRC also supports scientific research on dolphin cognition, behavior, and husbandry, and a number of different educational programs.
You can easily spend hours here, so it’s well worth planning your visit with the help of their extensive website.
Dolphin Research Center Address: 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050
Pigeon Key and the Seven Mile Bridge
Of course, the attractions of Marathon Florida don’t end here. Beach lovers will want to plunk down in the sand at Sombrero Beach, while history buffs will want to take the ferry over to Pigeon Key.
TIP: Buy tickets at the Visitors’ Center on Knight’s Key.
Tiny Pigeon Key is home to restored bunkhouses and office buildings from the construction days of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad.
Today, you can tour the museum and learn about the creation of this “railroad that went to sea.”
And here you’ll also find one of the best views of the famous Seven Mile Bridge and “Old Seven,” the original.
The soaring spans of the bridge against the blues of the ocean are an unforgettable sight. It’s just one more reason to add the Middle Keys to your Authentic Florida travel list.
The islands of Marathon, located in the heart of the Keys mid-way between Key Largo and Key West, make for a memorable – and authentic – Florida getaway.
About the Author
Laura Albritton writes for her own island travel blog, Island Runaways. With co-author and historian Jerry Wilkinson, she recently completed a pictorial history entitled Marathon: the Middle Keys, which was published by Arcadia Publishing in December 2016.
Laura is also a documentarian. You can read more: Florida Keys Film Tells Heartwarming Story.
For more stories on the Florida Keys: