Boating in Marathon, Florida
Heart of the KeysMarathon situated mainly on Vaca, Fat Deer, and Grassy Keys, is a 10-mile-long island city at the midpoint of the Florida Keys. Known by locals as "The heart of the Keys" for geographic reasons, it also reflects the old-Keys lifestyle that is prevalent along with the spectacular fishing, diving, snorkeling and sailing.
Things To See and Do
Because Marathon is located in the middle of the keys, between Key West and Key Largo, the Gulf of Mexico and Ocean reef are easily accessible. This means most of the activities here are closely related to one or the other. Chances are if you chose to spend your vacation in Marathon, Florida, you plan on either fishing, snorkeling, diving, or going to the beach.Sombrero Reef, a federally protected section of North America's only living coral barrier reef, lies just a few miles offshore. Beyond it are the Florida Straits, and on the north side of the island lie the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay and the Keys backcountry. Do not miss Bahia Honda State Park, which has one of the world's top beaches and is home to many rare and unusual plants and animals.
Take in the beautiful sites while walking or biking on Seven Mile Bridge. Tarpon, Sea Turtle, Manatees, as well as palm trees complete with coconuts can be seen all the walkway. This abandoned bridge provides vacationers with exceptional sunsets, and a great place to hangout with the entire family.
Take the entire family to the Dolphin Research Center (58901 Overseas Highway, 305-289-1121). This center is home to many bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions and provides visitors with daily demonstrations including dolphin education fun facts, high-flying athletics, dolphin research, dolphin swims and much more.
And who would want to miss the Annual Original Marathon Seafood Festival during mid-March, showcasing gourmet delicacies from the waters of the Florida Keys. It is held at the Marathon Community Park (1-800-262-7284).
Where to Eat
Stop in the Butterfly Café for award winning tropical cuisine including their famous horseradish encrusted grouper (MM 48.5 at Tranquility Bay Resort, Marathon, 305-289-7177).Keys Fisheries is one of the top destinations in Marathon for locally caught fresh seafood. Try the lobster Reuben and stone crabs when in season (3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, 305-743-4353).
Do you have a sweet tooth. Don't forget to stop by Sweet Savannah's for the most delicious cakes, cupcakes and pastries in all of the Keys! (11287 Overseas Hwy, 305-743-3131)
Sit down at relax at Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar (1406 Oceanview Ave, MM 48, 305-743-6247). This restaurant was originally built in 1951 and has since overcome major renovations. The menu includes and array of different seafood, steaks, spirits, sushi, and over 33 different beers on draft.
