9 Incredible Things to do Marathon, Florida Keys

January 15, 2026

Looking for the best things to do in Marathon, Florida? From the best beaches to snorkeling tours, check out the best things to do in Marathon:

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and travel writer since 2018! When I was in college studying Neuroscience, I got it in my head that I would rather be a travel writer. Since then, I’ve lived in Armenia as a US Peace Corps Volunteer, worked as an overnight sea kayaking guide (which I still do!), hosted and guided dozens of women’s trips, and written all about treks and national parks throughout US. I’m from the Midwest originally, and this blog focuses on helping getting other Midwest folks outside!

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a hiker at the waters edge near marathon florida

kayaking mangroves near marathon florida

Best Things to do in Marathon, Florida Keys

From the best beaches to unique experience, here are your can’t-miss stops in Marathon, Florida:

1) Visit the Marathon Turtle Hospital

Personally my favorite thing to do while visiting Marathon was check out The Turtle Hospital. I was really impressed by the informative presentation and it was both a very educational and engaging experience.

sea turtles in the marathon florida turtle hospital

sea turtle in the marathon florida turtle hospital

The Marathon Turtle Hospital is a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured sea turtles. Tours are an hour and a half, and run every half hour beginning at 9am and ending at 4pm. The price for adults is $38, and the price for children is $19. Reservations are recommended.

If you only have time for one activity in Marathon, make this your stop.

2) Drive Seven-Mile Bridge

The iconic seven-mile bridge that stretches between Marathon and the Lower Keys takes about 10 minutes to drive.

3) Book a Snorkel Tour at a Coral Reef

The Florida Keys are beautiful from the land, but the real draw of the area is what lies beneath the water, and the best way to check the coral reefs are by snorkel tours! Near Marathon, check out a snorkel adventure at Somberero Reef.

The Florida Reef is over 350-miles long and is the only coral barrier reef in the continuous United States according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. The reef is a haven for biodiversity, making them not only a beautiful place to snorkel but ecologically important.

4) Visit Crane Point Museum and Nature Center

Fish Pedicure anyone? Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is a beautiful place to go for a walk, go birding, and experience nature in the Florida Keys from the land. In addition to enjoying the nature, you can check out the museum, including seeing a 600-year-old dugout canoe.

Beyond this, you can check out the lagoon and see a variety of local fish, or stick your feet in the fish pedicure pond.

5) Book a Sunset Cruise

The Florida Keys are gorgeous at all times of the day, but one of the best things to do in Marathon is to head out on a sunset cruise and experience that end of day magic from the water.

sunset over the atlantic ocean from Marathon, Florida

Even if you don’t hop out on the water for sunset, I totally recommend catching the rising or setting sun while you’re visiting.

6) Visit Sombrero Beach

If you’re looking for the best beach in Marathon, Florida, check out Sombrero Beach, one of the few sandy beaches (recall that the Florida Keys are made of coral!). This is a gorgeous beach on the Atlantic Ocean side.

Girls play on the beach at Sombrero Beach in Marathon Florida

Sunset behind palm trees at Sombrero Beach Florida

Sombrero Beach is a sea turtle nesting location and the city limits access during high turtle times.

7) Head to Key West and Kayak the Mangroves

One of the absolute coolest things to do while visiting Marathon is take a kayak tour of the Mangroves. This was easily my favorite thing that we did in the Florida Keys.

kayaking through mangrove tunnels in the Florida Keys

A mangrove kayak trip is super magical! We paddled over small sharks and sting rays, jellyfish, birds and turtles. Paddling through the mangrove tunnels (pictured above) was my favorite part.

8) Visit Islamorada

Not far from Marathon, check out Islamorada. Islamorada has great restaurants, beaches, and the Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Alternately, book an upscale private boat tour with snorkeling and sandbar swimming.

9) Book a Sandbar Excursion on the Marathon Mermaid

One of the coolest things to do in Marathon is head out to a sandbar on the Marathon Mermaid. The Marathon Mermaid Sandbar Excursion is perfect for sightseeing and playing in the water.