Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio by Hilton
Marathon, Florida Keys
- Prime waterfront location
- Iconic lighthouse & full-service marina
- Fresh seafood & island dining
- Relaxing pool & outdoor spaces
Holidays in Marathon
Family-friendly fun, reef-bright adventures and a proper laid-back Keys rhythm.
Marathon puts you right in the heart of the Florida Keys, with beaches, wildlife encounters and the Seven Mile Bridge all close enough for easy exploring.
From Long Key to the Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon sits at mile markers 47 to 61, right in the middle of the Florida Keys. That means easy access to beaches, boating, fishing, wildlife spots, reef trips and those only-in-the-Keys road trip moments.
Sombrero Beach brings the sand-between-your-toes bit, while Sombrero Reef takes care of the underwater wow. Add the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Centre, Crane Point’s hammock trails and the Old Seven Mile Bridge, and you’ve got a holiday that keeps everyone busy without ever feeling full throttle.
It’s a brilliant base for families, couples and fly-drive explorers, especially if you want the Florida Keys without being tucked into one corner of the island chain.
Hotels in Marathon
Hampton Inn Marathon
Marathon, Florida Keys
- Prime Location
- Complimentary Breakfast
- On-Site Tiki Bar
Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort
Marathon, Florida Keys
- Waterfront resort in the heart of the Florida Keys
- Outdoor pool and marina-side setting
- On-site dining and bars
- Ideal base for island hopping and water activities
Marathon: where the Florida Keys slow down
Set between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon is where the Florida Keys slow things down beautifully. Think turquoise water, laid-back marinas, seafood with a sea breeze and that dreamy Overseas Highway drive that makes the journey feel like part of the holiday.
Holiday highlights
Island bites
Getting around
Meet the marine locals
Marathon is big on wildlife experiences. Visit The Turtle Hospital to learn about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, or spend time at Dolphin Research Centre, a nonprofit research and education facility where dolphins and sea lions are part of the story.
Beach days at Sombrero Beach
Pack the sunscreen and settle in. Sombrero Beach is one of Marathon’s best-loved spots for swimming, picnicking and relaxed family beach days. With soft sand, clear shallows, picnic spots and plenty of room to slow things down in true Florida Keys style too.
See the Seven Mile Bridge
A Florida Keys icon, the Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon Key with the Lower Keys and serves up those classic blue-on-blue ocean views. It’s one of the most memorable stretches of the Overseas Highway, made for scenic drives, big skies and sunny photo stops.
Get out on the water
Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, fishing and boat trips are all part of the Marathon Key rhythm. The waters around the Middle Keys are made for exploring, with calm bays, clear channels, colourful marine life and plenty of ways to drift into holiday mode.
Burdines Waterfront
Casual, family-friendly and right on the water, Burdines Waterfront is made for easy-going lunches, fresh seafood, burgers and a slice of key lime pie. Add views over Boot Key Harbour, and you’ve got a classic Marathon Key stop with sunshine written all over it.
Castaway Waterfront
A local favourite with a little extra character, Castaway brings together Keys-style seafood, sushi, island dishes and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. It’s also known for its lionfish dishes, making it a great pick for something a bit different after a day exploring Marathon Key.
Lazy Days South
Oceanfront dining with proper Florida Keys flavour. Lazy Days South serves fresh seafood, seafood pastas, sandwiches, steaks and daily specials, with laid-back views and a full-service bar for those post-beach sundowners. They’ll even cook your catch fresh.
Bicycle
Hiring a bike is a breezy way to explore nearby beaches, cafés and marinas at your own pace. Local bike rentals are available, making it easy to swap four wheels for two and enjoy Marathon Keys sunshine, sea air, and laid-back island feel on every gentle ride.
Bus
Public buses connect the Marathon Keys with nearby Keys and mainland Florida, making them a handy option if you’re travelling without a car. Services link towards Key West and Miami, so you can sit back, skip the driving and enjoy the scenic route with ease all day.
Car
Hiring a car gives you real freedom to explore the Marathon Keys and the wider Florida Keys your way. Cruise the Overseas Highway, stop at beaches, visit nearby islands and take on day trips without watching the clock. Windows down, Keys playlist on, sunshine ahead.
Marathon is perfect for families after a relaxed holiday with plenty to do, from beach days and boat trips to wildlife encounters. It’s also a brilliant choice for couples wanting a quieter alternative to Key West, road trippers exploring the Florida Keys, and nature lovers keen to discover sea turtles, dolphins and the great outdoors.
Essential information for Marathon
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You'll need to obtain approval no less than 72 hours prior to travel to the US via the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme.
Driving times
Marathon sits in the Middle Keys. Driving from Miami International Airport to Marathon usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. It’s roughly 108-110 miles by road via the scenic Overseas Highway, making it a brilliant base for exploring the Florida Keys, with Key West further south and Islamorada and Key Largo to the north.
Marathon is a year-round sunshine spot.
December to May is the sweet spot for warm days, lower rainfall and plenty of beach time.
June to November can be hotter and more humid, with Atlantic hurricane season running from 1 June to 30 November and higher historical storm activity from 15 August to 15 October.
