1. Visit The Turtle Hospital One of the most beloved attractions in the Florida Keys, The Turtle Hospital on Overseas Highway is a working sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. Guided 90-minute tours take visitors behind the scenes to learn about the species, witness the medical care provided to injured turtles, and even feed the permanent residents who cannot be released back into the wild. It’s an emotional, educational, and unforgettable experience for all ages.
2. Walk or Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key The historic Old Seven Mile Bridge — originally part of Henry Flagler’s legendary Overseas Railway — now serves as a scenic pedestrian and bike path stretching roughly 2.2 miles over the open water. At the end lies Pigeon Key, a tiny island that served as a base camp for railroad workers in the early 1900s. The views of turquoise water stretching in every direction are among the most stunning in all of Florida.
3. Snorkel Sombrero Reef Located just offshore of Marathon, Sombrero Reef is one of the most spectacular snorkeling and diving destinations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Named for the iconic Sombrero Lighthouse that marks its location, this spur-and-groove coral reef teems with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. Charter boats depart regularly from Marathon marinas, making this a must-do for any water lover.
4. Relax at Sombrero Beach Marathon’s crown jewel of public beaches, Sombrero Beach sits along the Atlantic side and offers calm, clear water, white sand, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and a playground. It’s a free, family-friendly beach with ample parking and stunning views of the ocean. Between April and October, lucky visitors may spot loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the shore.
5. Swim with Dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center Nestled on the Gulf side of Grassy Key, the Dolphin Research Center is a world-renowned nonprofit that houses Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Visitors can observe, interact with, and even swim alongside the dolphins in structured programs led by expert trainers. It’s an incredible experience that combines marine education with genuine, meaningful animal interaction.
6. Book a Deep-Sea Fishing Charter Marathon is widely considered one of the top sportfishing destinations in the United States, and for good reason. The waters surrounding the island offer access to offshore fishing for mahi-mahi, tuna, and marlin, as well as reef fishing for snapper and grouper, and backcountry flats fishing for the prized tarpon and bonefish. Dozens of experienced charter captains operate out of local marinas, catering to anglers of every skill level.
7. Explore Crane Point Museum & Nature Center Spread across 63 acres of pristine hardwood hammock, Crane Point Museum & Nature Center is a true hidden gem in the heart of Marathon. The property features miles of shaded nature trails, a natural history museum, a children’s learning center, and one of the oldest known structures in the Florida Keys. It’s a peaceful, immersive experience that connects visitors to the region’s rich ecological and cultural heritage.
8. Kayak or Paddleboard the Mangroves Paddling through Marathon’s mangrove tunnels is one of the most magical outdoor experiences in the Florida Keys. Guided eco-tours take visitors through winding waterways where you’ll glide over nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, jellyfish, and tropical birds. The calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for beginners, while the abundance of wildlife keeps even seasoned paddlers in awe.
9. Discover Curry Hammock State Park Spanning over 1,000 acres across several islands, Curry Hammock State Park is the largest undeveloped parcel of land between Everglades National Park and Key West. The park offers a full range of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, fishing, and beachcombing. Overnight campsites with stunning ocean views make it a perfect base for a nature-forward Florida Keys getaway.
10. Dive the Thunderbolt Shipwreck The Thunderbolt is a 188-foot research vessel that was intentionally sunk in 1986 to create an artificial reef, and today it ranks among the best dive sites in the entire Florida Keys. Resting at about 115 feet on a sandy bottom, the wreck is encrusted with coral and teeming with goliath grouper, barracuda, and nurse sharks. Scuba divers of intermediate to advanced experience will find it a genuinely thrilling underwater adventure.
11. Visit Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is unlike any traditional aquarium — it’s an interactive, hands-on marine park where guests can feed nurse sharks, touch stingrays, snorkel inside a massive coral reef tank, and get up close with moray eels, sea turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish. The facility is perfect for families and features experiences designed for all ages, from touch tanks for young children to immersive dives for certified adults.
12. Watch the Sunset from the Seven Mile Bridge Few sunsets in the world rival the experience of watching the sky turn gold and crimson from the vantage point of the Seven Mile Bridge. This engineering marvel stretches across open water between Marathon and the Lower Keys, and at golden hour, the views across both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are absolutely breathtaking. Pull over at any of the bridge’s designated rest areas to catch one of nature’s finest daily shows.
13. Take a Sandbar Excursion Marathon’s shallow Gulf waters are dotted with gorgeous sandbars — shallow, crystal-clear underwater formations where you can wade in waist-deep turquoise water with nothing but open sky and ocean around you. Charter companies like the Marathon Mermaid offer guided sandbar excursions that combine sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling into a single unforgettable afternoon on the water.
14. Explore Bahia Honda State Park Just a short drive from Marathon, Bahia Honda State Park is consistently rated one of the best beaches in Florida and arguably the most beautiful in the Keys. With three beaches, snorkeling over nearshore reefs, kayak and paddleboard rentals, nature trails through coastal hammocks, and panoramic bridge remnants of the old Overseas Railway, Bahia Honda offers a full day of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
15. Go Kiteboarding or Windsurfing at Coco Plum Beach The calm, shallow waters on the Gulf side of Marathon make it an ideal destination for wind and water sports. Coco Plum Beach is a favorite spot for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, with steady trade winds and wide-open flats that attract enthusiasts from around the world. Shell collectors also love the beach for its abundance of interesting finds along the shoreline.
16. Attend the Original Marathon Seafood Festival Held annually, the Original Marathon Seafood Festival is a beloved Florida Keys tradition that draws visitors from across the state and beyond. The event celebrates the region’s rich maritime culture with fresh seafood, live music, local artisans, and a festive atmosphere right on the waterfront. Stone crab claws, fresh fish tacos, and lobster dishes take center stage at this iconic community celebration.
17. Experience the 7 Mile Bridge Run Every April, thousands of runners from around the country gather in Marathon for one of the most unique road races in America — a 7-mile run across the entire length of the Seven Mile Bridge. The course offers 360-degree ocean views with no traffic, no crowds, and an ocean breeze at your back. Whether you’re a serious runner or a casual jogger, crossing that bridge on foot is an experience unlike any other race in the world.
18. Birdwatch at the Wild Bird Center The Marathon Wild Bird Center is a small but impactful nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates injured native birds, including pelicans, herons, ospreys, and cormorants. Visitors are welcome to observe the birds in outdoor recovery habitats and learn about the challenges facing Florida’s coastal bird populations. The center’s location along the waterfront also makes it a prime spot for spotting species in the wild along the nearby mangroves and shoreline.
19. Dine Fresh at a Waterfront Seafood Restaurant Marathon’s dining scene punches well above its size, with a collection of waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood in the Keys. From legendary fish sandwiches and stone crab claws to yellowtail snapper and grilled lobster tail, the local cuisine is deeply tied to the surrounding waters. Spots like the Barracuda Grill, Keys Fisheries, and Seven Mile Grill offer memorable meals with views to match.
20. Rent a Boat and Explore on Your Own Perhaps the most freeing thing you can do in Marathon is rent a boat and chart your own course across the Keys. Boat rental companies throughout the area offer everything from flats skiffs to pontoon boats, giving you full access to secluded sandbars, mangrove coves, Gulf backcountry fishing spots, and remote snorkeling sites that tour boats rarely reach. With a nautical chart and a full tank of gas, the Florida Keys become your private playground.
