Marathon on the Florida Keys
Florida Guide > Places to Visit
Visitors to Key West wishing to break their journey often stay over at either Key Largo or Marathon. The latter is a quaint tropical city and is conveniently situated in the middle of the Keys island chain.
The first time we went to Key West we stayed there. Marathon it is a ten mile-long family friendly island fishing community and very much reflects laid back Keys lifestyle. It is a great place for families to stay to enjoy nature, marine life, beaches, and wreck and reef diving.
Surprisingly there is also an airport which allows general and commercial aviation to easily reach the middle of the Keys.
At Marathon you can enjoy sailing, fishing, diving and snorkeling. You can go fishing on a charter boat or you can rent your own boat to go out sailing.
Crane Point is a tropical oasis of trees, nature trails and educational displays for adults and children and is situated in the middle of the shopping district. Originally a Bahamian immigrant and his family set up home here in the early 20th century. The immigrant’s family no longer live there but the home has been restored and you can stop off here along the trail. Trolley tours of the botanic gardens and historic sites can also be arranged.
You will also find children’s activities area here that includes a wooden pirate ship and a tank. If you have time you can also visit Crane Point Museum.
If you go to Pigeon Key you go back in time to a tiny island that played an important role in the Florida Keys of today. This was the base for workers who built the final part of the Old Seven Mile Bridge which made the Keys accessible to mainland Florida. Apparently today a more modern Seven Mile bridge is used by motorists and the original one is used as a fitness path and fishing pier.
Pigeon Key is reached either by foot or ferry service. The Pigeon Key Visitor Centre and Gift Shop are situated on Knight' s Key, mile marker 47 oceanside. Admission to the island costs $11 per adult and $8. 50 for students 14 and under, children 4 and under are admitted free.
Finish your day at Marathon at one of its many restaurants. We prefer to dine at either the Island Fish Co. where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets with bay views and great food or at Tom’s Harbor House on the waterfront deck where visitors and locals alike eat.
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