Marathon stole my heart completely. While everyone rushes to Key West and Key Largo, I discovered this middle Keys paradise has its own magic that deserves serious attention. I spent three incredible days at Sombrero Beach, where the turquoise water and white sand had me questioning all my life choices—like, why don’t I live here already?
Duck Key blew me away with its postcard-perfect marina views and seafood spots where I watched the sun sink into the ocean with a frosty margarita. These are just two of the best places in Marathon that most visitors completely miss. After exploring both the lively harbor areas and quiet beaches, I’ve collected 12 amazing spots that capture the true spirit of the Florida Keys—without the tourist chaos you’ll find elsewhere.
Underrated Must-Visit Places in Marathon
Looking to uncover Marathon’s hidden gems? Beyond the popular attractions, the area offers plenty of lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. Wander through the Crane Point Hammock, a beautiful nature reserve with trails and history. Marvel at the Turtle Hospital, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles.
Stroll the serene shores of Sombrero Beach, offering a peaceful escape. Whether you’re into nature, wildlife, or relaxation, here are 12 of Marathon’s most underrated destinations!
1. Sombrero Beach
Need a postcard-perfect Florida beach without fighting for towel space? Just a mile off the Overseas Highway lies Marathon’s crown jewel. Sombrero Beach offers powdery white sand without the crowds of Key West beaches.
The renovated pavilions provide perfect shade for picnic lunches, while calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families. Arrive early (before 10am) to spot loggerhead turtles nesting during the summer. The beach faces south, delivering spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic. I’ve watched dolphins playing offshore while enjoying my morning coffee.
Located at the end of Sombrero Beach Road on the Atlantic side, this free public beach includes ample parking, clean restrooms, and outdoor showers. These amenities are surprisingly rare in the Keys.
2. Curry Hammock State Park
Want to feel like you’ve discovered your own private slice of paradise? Tucked between Key Colony Beach and Grassy Key, Curry Hammock remains one of the last undeveloped stretches in the Middle Keys.
This 1,000-acre park spans both sides of the Overseas Highway with Atlantic-to-Gulf ecosystems in one area. Shallow waters create perfect conditions for kiteboarding, especially November through March when steady winds prevail. The park’s nature trail winds through a rare hardwood hammock where migratory birds rest during seasonal passages.
Paddle the mangrove-lined kayak trail to spot nurse sharks, rays, and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. The beach rarely fills up, even during high season. Day use costs $5 per vehicle, making it the best value outdoor experience in Marathon.
3. Pigeon Key
Want to feel that historic island all to yourself? This five-acre island beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge tells the story of Flagler’s railway. Pigeon Key housed the workers who built the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in the early 1900s.
The ferry departs from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center (MM 47) several times daily. The 10-minute boat ride offers stunning views of Marathon’s coastline. Once on island, guided tours showcase preserved worker cottages and engineering history. The small beach provides excellent snorkeling where parrotfish, snappers, and occasional nurse sharks glide through clear waters.
After the last ferry leaves, overnight guests have this historic island entirely to themselves. Advance booking is essential. Only one group can reserve the island accommodations each night.
4. Boot Key Harbor
Where do modern-day sea nomads gather to swap sailing tales over sunset rum? East of the Seven Mile Bridge lies Marathon’s bustling nautical heart. Boot Key Harbor hosts hundreds of liveaboards in one of Florida’s most protected natural harbors.
The harbor’s 226 mooring balls create a gathering place for sailors from around the world. Rent a kayak from Florida Keys Watersports to paddle among the boats. Sailors often invite passing paddlers aboard for sunset drinks. The harbor’s western edge features Marathon Community Park with its amphitheater hosting free weekend concerts during the winter.
The City Marina offers clean showers, laundry facilities, and a book exchange popular with cruisers. Even without a boat, walking the docks at sunset provides quintessential Keys people-watching and views across the mangrove-lined waterway.
5. The Old Seven Mile Bridge
Ready to walk suspended between two shades of blue? Standing on the Old Seven Mile Bridge (locally called “Old 7”), you’re walking atop a century of Florida Keys history.
This engineering marvel reopened in 2022 after renovation. Its 2.2-mile pedestrian section offers unobstructed Gulf-to-Atlantic panoramas.
Sunrise brings runners and cyclists, while sunset transforms the bridge into a romantic promenade. Fishing platforms along the rails provide spots to catch snapper and tarpon. Look down to spot turtles, rays, and sharks in the clear waters below.
The bridge connects Marathon to Pigeon Key, with signs explaining Flagler’s ambitious railroad project. Park at either the west end (MM 47) or east end (Sunset Park). No shade exists on the bridge, so bring water and sun protection for this bucket-list experience.
6. Turtle Hospital
Care to meet patients with shells who’ve survived boat accidents and fishing line entanglements? Behind an unassuming facade sits a world-renowned marine rehabilitation center. The Turtle Hospital rescues over 100 injured sea turtles annually throughout the Florida Keys.
Educational tours run hourly between 9am-4pm, taking visitors behind the scenes of rescue operations. You’ll see recovering turtles in various healing stages, from surgery tanks to larger rehabilitation pools. Tours include meeting permanent residents like “Bubble Butt,” a turtle unable to dive due to boat strike injuries.
Located at MM 48.5 Bayside, the hospital occupies a vintage motel now repurposed into treatment facilities. Every admission funds turtle rehabilitation. Many patients eventually receive ocean releases that visitors can sometimes witness. Advance reservations are recommended for this rewarding Middle Keys experience.
7. Crane Point Hammock
What if an ancient forest held clues to the Keys’ fascinating human history? Minutes from Marathon’s busy highway lie 63 acres of pristine habitat. Crane Point Hammock preserves the largest tropical hardwood hammock in the Middle Keys. Winding trails through dense vegetation feel worlds away from nearby development.
The museum complex includes the 1903 George Adderley House, the oldest Keys house outside Key West, built by Bahamian immigrants. Elevated boardwalks lead through mangrove forests to a natural sinkhole that once provided settlers with freshwater. The Marathon Wild Bird Center rehabilitates injured birds, offering close encounters with permanent avian residents.
Located on the Gulf side at MM 50.5, the museum buildings provide air-conditioned respite between trail explorations. Visit Thursdays when local master gardeners offer free plant clinics and native gardening advice.
8. Dolphin Research Center
Dreaming of meaningful connections with marine mammals beyond tourist tricks and flips? This intimate nonprofit on Grassy Key emphasizes education over entertainment. Dolphin Research Center houses a family of dolphins and sea lions, many born on-site across multiple generations.
The lagoons sit directly on Gulf waters under coconut palms, creating a serene setting for observing natural behaviors. General admission includes hourly presentations where trainers demonstrate research techniques rather than choreographed shows.
Located on the Gulf side at MM 59, the center offers interactive programs that fund their rescue operations. For a splurge-worthy experience, book the “Researcher for a Day” program to work alongside staff collecting behavioral data. Morning visits provide cooler temperatures and more active dolphins before midday heat.
9. Sombrero Reef
How about floating above vibrant coral gardens where rainbow-colored fish dart through azure waters? Six miles offshore from Marathon lies one of the Keys’ most spectacular underwater ecosystems. Sombrero Reef features a lighthouse, marking this vibrant section of the Florida Reef Tract.
The reef’s shallow sections (5-15 feet deep) welcome even novice snorkelers, while deeper areas satisfy experienced divers. Book with Starfish Snorkeling for smaller group excursions that avoid the crowds of larger boats. The protected status within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has preserved remarkable coral formations and abundant marine life.
Look for purple sea fans waving in currents and schools of midnight parrotfish cruising the reef crest. Morning trips typically offer calmer seas and better visibility before afternoon winds rise. The boat ride from Marathon’s marinas takes about 30 minutes.
10. Keys Fisheries
Craving authentic Keys seafood where fishermen unload tomorrow’s menu right before your eyes? This working waterfront institution serves Marathon’s freshest seafood without the frills. Keys Fisheries processes stone crabs and spiny lobster for distribution nationwide.
Locals know to order at the market’s casual upstairs deck. The legendary lobster Reuben sandwich transforms traditional Florida Keys lobster into something unexpectedly delicious.
Place your order under whatever name you choose. They’ll call anything when your food is ready. Located on the Gulf side just north of Seven Mile Bridge, the deck offers sunset views over Boot Key Harbor.
Arrive between 5-6pm to watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch while enjoying happy hour specials. Don’t leave without trying the homemade key lime pie, consistently voted among the Keys’ best.
11. Loggerhead Beach
Remember beaches you visited before Instagram made everywhere famous? This hidden strip of sand delivers authentic Keys vibes without facilities or crowds. Loggerhead Beach stretches along the Atlantic side of Lower Matecumbe Key, about 15 minutes north of Marathon proper.
Locals typically have this narrow beach to themselves on weekdays. Shallow, gin-clear waters extend hundreds of yards offshore. The beach’s location on a slight curve creates ideal conditions for beachcombing after storms. Look for colorful sea glass and exotic seeds that drift in from Caribbean islands.
Limited parking exists along the highway shoulder, so arrive early. Pack everything you’ll need. This undeveloped beach offers no restrooms, concessions, or rental chairs. The effort required to find this spot keeps it secluded and pristine, exactly what Keys beach dreams require.
12. Blue Hole
Want to see where fresh and saltwater worlds collide in the most unexpected way? In the interior of Big Pine Key (15 minutes from Marathon) lies a freshwater anomaly. Blue Hole formed when limestone was quarried for Flagler’s railroad, creating a window into the freshwater lens beneath the Keys.
The short trail from the observation platform offers reliable alligator sightings. This is the only place in the Keys where these reptiles regularly appear. Early mornings reveal Key deer (a distinctive endangered deer unique to the Lower Keys) drinking at the pond’s edge. The surrounding Watson Nature Trail forms a 1-mile loop through pine rockland habitat.
Located within the National Key Deer Refuge, this easy stop provides excellent wildlife photography opportunities. Find it just a short detour from the Overseas Highway at MM 30.5.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hidden Gems in Marathon
Are you searching for more content about where to go in Marathon? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the most underrated places in Marathon.
What are the optimal times to explore hidden gems in Marathon?
Visiting between November and April offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Mornings provide cooler temperatures and less crowded experiences, ideal for visiting places like Sombrero Beach or the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Do these secret spots in Marathon require entrance fees?
While some spots like the Turtle Hospital and Crane Point Hammock charge admission fees to support their conservation efforts, others, such as Loggerhead Beach, are free. Always verify current fees and opening hours before your visit.
How safe are activities at these underrated destinations in Marathon?
Safety is paramount. Adhere to all safety guidelines provided at each location, especially for water-related activities at Sombrero Reef or Boot Key Harbor. Carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and stay within designated areas to ensure a safe visit.
What should I pack for a day out exploring Marathon’s hidden gems? Essentials include water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. For beach or reef visits, bring swimwear, towels, and snorkeling gear. Comfortable footwear and a camera are recommended for historical and natural sites.
Is it necessary to make reservations for visits to unique places in Marathon?
For activities with limited capacity, like guided tours or snorkeling excursions, making reservations is advisable, especially during peak season. This ensures you won’t miss out on experiencing Marathon’s unique offerings.
Final Thoughts on Marathon’s Hidden Gems
Our exploration of Marathon’s hidden gems concludes, but the adventure doesn’t end here. Each secluded spot and unique encounter offer a deeper understanding of what makes Marathon truly special. From the tranquility of Loggerhead Beach to the educational encounters at the Turtle Hospital, we’ve uncovered the layers of this vibrant community.
Marathon invites you to look beyond the postcard views, to find beauty in the quiet, the historical, and the natural. These hidden gems are not just destinations; they’re invitations to experience the authentic Keys lifestyle.
Remember, Marathon’s true essence is revealed to those who venture off the beaten path. Keep this spirit of discovery alive and let the memories of these underrated places inspire your next journey. The hidden wonders of Marathon await your return.
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