Does your ideal family vacation include sun-filled days, sparkling waters and unique adventures with few or no crowds? Then you have got to discover a 10-mile stretch of paradise known as Marathon.

Located between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon is the "Family Fun and Boating Destination" of the Florida Keys. And it certainly lives up to this title, with outstanding boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, dining and unique sites you won’t find anywhere else.
Marathon is the "Family Fun and Boating Destination" of the Florida Keys. And it certainly lives up to this title, with outstanding boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, dining and unique sites you won’t find anywhere else.


What to See?

Sombrero Beach is one of those pretty-as-a-picture spots where families can spend a few hours or a full day. There are shelters with picnic tables, barbecue grills, a playground, a roped-off swimming area and restrooms at this 12.6-acre beach that is also pet-friendly (must be on a leash). And the best part is that it’s free! To get there, just turn off US 1 at Sombrero Beach Boulevard (mile marker 50) and head toward the ocean.

At mile marker 59, you can swim with dolphins, train them, touch them or just learn about their mischievous behavior at the Dolphin Research Center. With sessions every 30 minutes, come by anytime, and you won’t miss a thing. Say hello to Theresa, the charming matriarch of the dolphins.

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center's hammock is 63 acres of wooded trails that will lead you to all kinds of natural treasures. Spend an afternoon among the hundreds of plants species, exotic animals and tour a restored settler’s home. Kids can also reach in to the touch tank for hands-on fun.

What started out as a motel with a saltwater swimming pool is now the Turtle Hospital, the only facility of its kind in the world. Learn about these creatures by participating in a fascinating Guided Educational Program. You can even see the turtle ambulance used for "patient" transport.

Where to Eat?

Casual is the name of the game in Marathon, and kids are welcomed at most any restaurant. We especially love the Cracked Conch on US 1 for its no-frills atmosphere and authentic conch dishes. At Keys Fisheries, you know their seafood is fresh as they get it right from the boats coming into the on-site marina. Place your order at the window, and then have a seat at a picnic table. You’ll be rewarded with a big basket of made- to-order seafood. Find them at mile marker 49, Gulf-side.

Bring your swimsuit to Chappy’s Steak and Seafood for lunch or dinner. Sit beneath the cathedral-high tiki hut, soak in the best view in Marathon and take a dip in the pool built for restaurant patrons. Favorites include sea scallops wrapped in bacon, barbecue shrimp and fish dip. Look for the big tiki at the foot of the Seven Mile Bridge.

Where to Stay?

Whether you prefer bed & breakfasts, funky motels, cottages or condos, you’ll have lots to choose from in Marathon. One of my favorites is Tranquility Bay. This resort is 12 acres of bay-side luxury offering two- and three-bedroom units complete with everything you could wish for, like plasma TVs, a gourmet kitchen, handmade furniture and on-site award-winning dining. Bring your camera because the views are dramatic, and the "conch" style architecture is delightful.

Key Colony Beach is nestled on the edge of the Atlantic; step out your sliding glass door and step right on the sand. This little community within Marathon is definitely worth finding, and you can walk to several restaurants including their own Key Colony Inn.

Bring your entire clan to Cocoplum Beach and Tennis Club and stretch out in their two-bedroom, two-bath waterfront villas. Be sure to take the time to relax in a hammock, swim in the heated pool, play some tennis, take a dip in the whirlpool and build castles on their private beach.

Mark Your Calendar

Every March, Marathon’s Annual Seafood Festival attracts visitors from all over. And no wonder - they serve up a multitude of seafood delicacies including lobster, stone crab, shrimp and more. There’s also live music and vendors selling everything from boats to jewelry. Best of all, proceeds go to the local fishermen.

Getting There

From Miami, Marathon is about a two-hour drive south on US 1. Marathon even has an airport, or you can fly into Key West and drive an hour north.

This article is brought to you by the Florida Keys & Key West TDC. To plan your own getaway to Marathon, call 1-800-FLA-KEYS or visit www.fla-keys.com/marathon.