Set across 13 islands in the Florida Keys, Marathon is a vibrant city known for its white sandy beaches and coral reefs. It’s home to an excellent natural history museum, the famous Seven Mile Bridge and wildlife refuges conducting vital conservation work.
Things to do in Marathon
Discover the natural history of the Florida Keys at the Crane Point Museum, which is located on the main road of Marathon. Learn about the Calusa Indians that once occupied the islands and the Spanish explorers who settled here, together with the wildlife that occupies Marathon both above and below the water’s surface.
The Crane Point Museum includes the Marathon Wild Bird Center where injured and orphaned birds are rehabilitated. Get up close to recovering birds in their outdoor flight cage and learn about their ongoing research projects to protect the Florida Keys avian residents and migratory species.
Cycle or walk along the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Knight’s Key to Little Duck Key. It was one of the longest bridges in the world when it was built in the early-20th century and offers superb views of the modern Seven Mile Bridge.
Spend an afternoon relaxing at beautiful Sombrero Beach, where white sands are backed by swaying palms. The nearby Sombrero Reef forms part of the third largest barrier reef in the world, with both snorkelling and diving excursions available.
Getting around Marathon
Marathon is located around two hours’ drive from Miami International Airport and is connected to the surrounding islands by bridges. The Keys Shuttle travels between the neighbouring towns and the flat terrain makes it easy to explore by bicycle.