Things to Do in Marathon, Florida: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Marathon sits in the heart of the Florida Keys, halfway between Key Largo and Key West. Famous for the Turtle Hospital, the Dolphin Research Center, the iconic Seven Mile Bridge and Sombrero Reef, it is a laid-back base for snorkeling, fishing and boating in turquoise waters, with Bahia Honda's beaches and Key West within easy reach.
This guide covers the best things to do in Marathon, Florida, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Marathon, Florida
The Turtle Hospital
Sea turtle rescue and rehab center.
Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin and sea lion encounters.
Seven Mile Bridge
Iconic Overseas Highway bridge.
Pigeon Key
Historic railroad camp island.
Sombrero Beach
Family-friendly beach.
Sombrero Reef
Snorkeling and diving reef.
Crane Point Museum
Nature trails and history.
Bahia Honda State Park
Top Keys beach.
Marathon, Florida in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Turtles and beach
Start with a guided tour of the Turtle Hospital, where injured sea turtles are rehabilitated and released, and see the patients up close at feeding time. Lunch with fish tacos at a waterfront shack. Spend the afternoon at Sombrero Beach with its calm water, palm trees and picnic areas, and end with sunset drinks on the harbor.
2Day 2 · Dolphins and Crane Point
Visit the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, where you can watch dolphin and sea lion sessions or book an in-water encounter. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon walk the trails at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, with a historic Bahamian-style house, then dinner with fresh catch.
3Day 3 · Sombrero Reef
Join a morning snorkel or dive trip to Sombrero Reef, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with colorful coral, parrotfish and sea turtles around the lighthouse. Lunch back on land. In the afternoon, kayak through the mangroves or rent a paddleboard at Curry Hammock State Park.
Marathon, Florida in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key
Walk or bike the old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key, a tiny island that once housed workers building Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, and tour its museum. Lunch in Marathon. Spend the afternoon fishing from a charter boat in the Gulf or Atlantic, and enjoy the catch for dinner.
5Day 5 · Bahia Honda
Drive across the new Seven Mile Bridge to Bahia Honda State Park, regularly ranked among the best beaches in America, and swim, snorkel or climb to the old railroad bridge for views. Picnic lunch. On the way back, stop at Big Pine Key to look for tiny Key deer.
Marathon, Florida in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Key West
Day trip to Key West, about an hour away, for Duval Street, the Hemingway Home, the Southernmost Point buoy and the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Lunch with conch fritters. Return to Marathon late in the evening along the Overseas Highway.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Enjoy a last morning swim or boat ride, browse the local shops for souvenirs, and finish with a farewell dinner of hogfish or stone crab followed by authentic Key lime pie at a dockside restaurant.
What to do in Marathon, Florida on a weekend
Things to do in Marathon, Florida on a weekend? Saturday: Turtle Hospital and Sombrero Beach. Sunday: Seven Mile Bridge and Sombrero Reef.
The Marathon Seafood Festival in March and lobster mini-season in July.
What to do in Marathon, Florida in the evening
In the evening, sunset over the Gulf and dockside bars.
Live music at waterfront restaurants.
Marathon, Florida for couples
For couples, sunset sails, Bahia Honda and a romantic dinner on the water.
Marathon, Florida with kids
With kids, the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach and Key deer.
What to eat in Marathon, Florida
Key lime pie
Classic dessert.
Hogfish
Local catch.
Conch fritters
Fried bites.
Stone crab
In season.
Fish tacos
Casual favorite.
Where to stay in Marathon, Florida: best areas
Marathon
Central Keys.
Grassy Key
Quiet.
Duck Key
Resorts.
Big Pine Key
Nature.
What to do in Marathon, Florida when it rains
Things to do in Marathon when it rains? Turtle Hospital, Crane Point Museum, Pigeon Key museum and seafood lunches.
How much does a trip to Marathon, Florida cost?
Expect $200–400 per night and $50–80 for snorkel trips.
Practical tips for Marathon, Florida
Best time to visit
December–May.
Getting around
Car or bike; boats for reefs.
Our practical tips
- Book the Turtle Hospital ahead.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Snorkel in the morning.
- Check fishing licenses.
- Bike the old bridge.
- Watch for Key deer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hurricane season.
- Touching coral.
- Feeding wildlife.
- Driving fast on US-1.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Marathon, Florida?
Turtle Hospital, Seven Mile Bridge and Sombrero Reef.
Things to do with kids?
Turtles and dolphins.
How far is Key West?
About an hour.
Best time?
Winter and spring.