Marathon is actually quite the Island (and connected keys) for regular life. If we were ever to move to the Florida Keys, we’d choose Marathon to live out our days. There are great things to do on Marathon and the Lower Keys, and lots of restaurants too. Something I love about this part of the Florida Keys (yes, I know that Marathon is considered the Middle Keys) is how quiet it is in comparison to Key Largo or Key West. Most of our activity picks keep things pretty mellow, unless you opt for one of the snorkeling trips.
Do you have a favorite or a go-to activity in Marathon or the Lower Keys? I’d love to hear about it, as we’re always looking for new things to do and stops to make. Please leave a comment or send us a note if you’d like to share. We’re always happy to forward others’ recommendations to our readers.
Learning and Kid-friendly Activities on Marathon
Most of our trips through the Florida Keys are with our kids, so we’ve had lots of practice finding worthwhile things to do with kids, especially in Marathon. Being the Middle of the Keys before the Seven Mile Bridge, it’s the start of the Lower Keys and the seemingly longest stretch of the drive. We always spend time here to break up the drive to Key West.
Marathon Turtle Hospital
A meaningful place to stop, the Marathon Turtle Hospital is one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids. Touring the Turtle Hospital, you’ll learn all about the different species of sea turtles that call the Keys home. More importantly, you’ll see first hand how things like pollution and human behavior have impacted the sea turtle population.
Between the hospital area where surgery is performed and the many turtle tanks, it’s quite the experience. We saw hawksbill turtles, loggerhead, green sea turtles, Kemp’s Ridley and even a few leatherback sea turtles. Our kids learned a lot and were so happy to support the efforts of the Marathon Turtle Hospital operation. This is a very different experience than the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island or any other we’ve visited. Very unique thing to do!
Visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key
Did you know that there is a tiny, adorable deer that is endemic to the Florida Keys? It’s true! The key deer is a very unique creature in that it only grows to about three feet tall and less than 100 pounds! To see these nifty creatures you need to head down to Big Pine Key.
The National Key Deer Refuge has a visitor center for learning about this endangered species, and it’s surrounded by a protected refuge area. Since key deer are so small, you may not see them right away, but as the Forest Service rangers for recommendations for spotting them and you may see one of the most special residents of the Florida Keys.
Crane Point Hammock Museum and Wyland Murals
Yes, there’s yet more Wyland murals on Marathon to check out. Located on the Crane Point Hammock Museum, Minke Whales is a small mural but beautiful and then at the entrance is another small mural of a manatee. While you’re there, check out the actual museum and nature trails too!
Adjacent to the Crane Point Hammock Museum is the Marathon Wild Bird Center. The goal of the Marathon Wild Bird Center is rescue, rehabilitation and release. Those that cannot be released often find homes in the sanctuaries of the Keys.
Visit Whaling Wall #87: Florida’s Radiant Reef
Once upon a time, this same wall had a different Wyland mural titled Sperm Whales and Florida Keys Reef, but it’s since been painted over with the current feature. Florida’s Radiant Reef is a gorgeous mural, a Whaling Wall, showing humpback whales, sharks, fish and more.
This beautiful mural is in the parking lot of an old K-Mart (not so glamorous) so there is plenty of space to pull over and admire it. Google Maps link here
Tip: another beautiful mural to admire on Marathon is at the Marathon Veterinary Hospital. This awesome undersea mural by Yoslan O’farrill is also easily accessible with parking. Google Maps link here
Visit Historic Pigeon Key
You can visit Pigeon Key via bike, walking or doing the tram tour. This is a fun stop where you’ll learn way more about the Florida Keys and the railroad than you thought you ever wanted to know. I went into it not too excited and actually loved the whole visit to the island. Starting with the tram tour on the Old Seven Mile Bridge, you get to hear fascinating stories about how the Overseas Highway and old railroad were built, and then tour the historic island.
The other part of visiting Pigeon Key that I love is the snorkeling and birdwatching. While most people visit via the tram tour, you’re free to spend extra time on the island on your own. When you come for a visit, bring your gear for a fun half day.
Experiencing Nature on Marathon and the Lower Keys
As you get into the less populated part of the Florida Keys, before Key West, there are some great places to enjoy nature, from the beach to great kayaking spots. What you’ll find are protected spaces and parks. With little to no effort each of these things to do are easily added to your drive to KW or time in the Lower Keys.
Sombrero Beach: the best beach in the Florida Keys
There aren’t a lot of beaches in the Florida Keys that are great for waves and swimming, but Sombrero Beach on Marathon is perfect for it. The beach park has a great playground and the sandy area has lots of space to spread out.
Sombrero Beach faces the open ocean, so there are actual waves here. The swimming is pleasant, but it’s not a snorkeling beach due to the clarity of the water. If you’re looking to add a nice beach day to your Florida Keys road trip, this is THE spot for it.
Hammerhead Sharks at Bahia Honda State Park
One more stop to make before you get to Key West (or on the drive as you head north again) is at Bahia Honda State Park. Bahia Honda is beautiful and one of the most unique views in the Florida Keys. Have some beach time or walk along the old, broken bridge to nowhere. Visit April/May and watch in the channel below as hammerhead sharks migrate past Bahia Honda. Who knew that the shark migration would be one of the coolest things to do in the Florida Keys?!
Note: seeing hammerhead sharks is never a guarantee, but this is the best way to see them (and the safest) besides diving with professionals. Sharks are always in the waters around the Lower Keys, but April/May is the best time to see them here at Bahia Honda.
You can also visit the south side of the old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge for some amazing views and great wildlife experiences. Kayaking here is doable from the state park if you paddle out aways to ensure you don’t get caught in the channel’s current. Kayaking in Florida’s state and National Parks is a wonderful way to experience a different side of the area, and that includes here in the Keys.
Curry Hammock State Park for Kayaking and Beach
That’s right, Curry Hammock State Park on Marathon has kayaking trails, a beach and some fantastic birdwatching. Bring a picnic and your gear and you can easily spend a half a day here at Curry Hammock State Park. There is also interesting snorkeling here. While you don’t have a reef to explore like at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, there are grassy flats that are strangely cool for snorkeling.
Note: if you’re snorkeling, the State Park does require the use of a diving flag even though it’s quite shallow.
Top Picks for Guided Tours from Marathon and the Lower Keys
I wish everything to do in the Lower Keys was easily done without much planning or cost, but that’s not the case. Some of the coolest experiences from Marathon and beyond do require either a boat or a guided tour. We’ve got great recommendations for these though!
Snorkel at the Sombrero Reef National Marine Sanctuary
You can see the Sombrero Reef Lighthouse from Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge, but did you know that this is actually a protected marine sanctuary with amazing snorkeling? Doing a snorkeling tour from Marathon, the journey out to the Sombrero Reef is half of the fun of this activity. Once you get out there, the sea fans, grouper, trumpet fish and everything else is really just incredible. While this isn’t the most popular snorkeling spot, it’s my favorite.
We really like going out to Sombrero Reef with Starfish Catamaran snorkeling tours. They are a no-frills guide service with an awesome expedition boat. It’s really fun and great for the more adventurous snorkeler.
Snorkel Trip to Looe Key Reef
Looe Key Reef is another spot in the Lower Keys that’s a great snorkeling experience. A lot of divers head out to Looe Key Reef, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great snorkeling spot too. What I like about this snorkel trip is the depth for snorkeling OR free diving. I think having the option of both sorts of exploring is what makes this a great option for a variety of skill levels and interests.
We enjoyed going out with Looe Key Reef Resort with our kids. Despite this being considered a more experienced snorkel location, they were very welcoming of our young (and experienced) family. The crew was awesome with the kids and made it a great experience for everyone on board.
Fishing Charters out of Marathon
We’ve always been very hesitant to go fishing with the kids because we don’t need to catch fish to live. We did go out fishing in Marathon so the kids could learn about where our food comes from. It was a great experience.
Heading out to the southeast towards the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, we fished for yellowtail snapper and grouper. We had success and afterwards took our fish to Robbie’s up in Islamorada for a Hook and Cook lunch.
Find a Marathon Key fishing charter here!
READ THIS – “How Much Does a Fishing Charter Cost?”
Fishing in the Florida Keys is quite the costly activity, so be sure that you or your family really wants to experience fishing in the Florida Keys. In addition to the base fee for a fishing charter, there may be additional fees. Gratuity is not just appreciated, but may be mandatory on top of the cost of the charter. While you should always plan to tip your guide for any tour, some fishing charters in the Florida Keys have a policy of charging guests who book if they do not tip 20% on the total cost of their trip. This is a fine print policy with some companies.
Depending on the type of Florida Keys fishing charter you book, shallow or deep see / half or full day, you may be spending from $400 to $1600. A shallow water (20-40 feet depths or so), half day fishing charter in the Florida Keys will run a minimum of $350 plus gratuity. To go further out and have more time and more services included will start around $700 plus gratuity.
Note: you may be able to find some Florida Keys fishing charter deals online or even just visiting the marinas, but you should still expect a few hundred dollars price tag for the experience.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time enjoying the many things to do on Marathon and throughout the Lower Keys. It’s a great area to explore and you’ll love the nature. If you have any questions about visiting Marathon or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
