The Florida Keys are a tropical paradise, blending stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and a rich cultural history. During our trip, we stayed in Marathon, an island city that’s a favorite for Florida Keys attractions for families, offering everything from sandy beaches to exciting outdoor activities. This guide takes you through the best of Marathon, Key West, and beyond, highlighting top Florida Keys beaches, incredible accommodations or hotels, and things to do in Key West with kids.
Disclaimer: Links may contain affiliate links. This means I may get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
How to Get to Marathon and Start Your Adventure
Our journey began with a flight to Miami International Airport, but you could also consider Key West for convenience. Marathon is about a two-hour drive from Miami, offering scenic views along the Overseas Highway. We opted to stay in Marathon for its proximity to some of the best Florida Keys hotels and family-friendly activities, while still being a short drive to Key West. Our VRBO was on Marathon Key and we bought our plane tickets and rented our car from Expedia. I bundled flight and car for the best deal.
Where to Stay in the Florida Keys
Marathon and Key West offer an array of accommodations, from cozy vacation rentals to luxury resorts. Staying in Marathon was ideal for our family. We chose a canal-front VRBO home with a heated pool, providing both privacy and access to nearby Florida Keys attractions for families. Also, having a pool in Key West or any of the Florida Keys is a wonderful thing to have with kids.
Here are the views from our balcony at the VRBO rental house we chose.
Right in the canal we saw manatees swimming every day. This was definitely a highlight!
Where Else can you Stay in the Florida Keys?
VRBO Home Rentals
Staying in a house rental in the Florida Keys offers several appealing benefits. You can enjoy the privacy and comfort of a home away from home. Along with having ample space for families or groups to relax and unwind. House rentals often come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare meals and save on dining costs, while many properties include amenities like private pools, waterfront views, and direct access to water activities such as kayaking and fishing. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to explore the unique attractions and vibrant local culture of the Keys at your own pace.
Oceanfront House Rentals:
Home Rentals on the Canal:
Budget Home Rentals:
Best Hotels in the Florida Keys
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
One of the top-rated resorts in Marathon, Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort offers luxurious beachfront accommodations, three pools, and a private beach. The resort’s spacious beach houses and tropical gardens make it a perfect retreat for families and couples. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this resort offers spacious beach houses and pools, making it one of the best Florida Keys hotels for families.
Isla Bella Beach Resort
Isla Bella Beach Resort is a stunning oceanfront property featuring modern rooms, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. With five swimming pools and a private marina, this resort promises a luxurious stay.
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club combines contemporary comfort with historic charm. The resort offers well-appointed rooms, a lighthouse, a marina, and two outdoor pools. It’s a fantastic option for those who love boating and water sports.
Best Resorts in Key West
Key West offers several high-end accommodations perfect for families. Among the best resorts Key West has to offer, Little Palm Island Resort stands out for its secluded luxury, while Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key caters to those seeking water sports and marine life encounters. The best resorts offer plenty of things to do when traveling to Key West with kids.
Hawks Cay Resort
Located on Duck Key, just a short drive from Marathon, Hawks Cay Resort is one of the premier destinations in the Florida Keys. The resort features a full-service marina, a dolphin encounter program, and a variety of water sports activities.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
For a more secluded and exclusive experience, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is an adults-only resort accessible only by boat or seaplane. This resort offers luxurious bungalows, a world-class spa, and gourmet dining, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
Casa Marina in Key West
Casa Marina in Key West is a historic luxury resort built in 1920, offering elegant accommodations and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its stunning beachfront, it provides a blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, making it a premier destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This historic resort combines elegance with family-friendly charm, offering an excellent base to explore things to do in Key West with kids.
Best Florida Keys Beaches
No trip to the Keys is complete without visiting its iconic beaches. Sombrero Beach in Marathon was our favorite, offering calm waters perfect for swimming and picnics. For families, Anne’s Beach in Islamorada is another must-see, known as one of the top Florida Keys beaches with shallow waters ideal for kids.
Dining in the Florida Keys
Dining in the Keys offers something for everyone. In Marathon, we loved Havana Jack’s for its beachfront ambiance, while Key West’s Blue Heaven was a unique experience for our day trip. These spots are conveniently located near some of the best Florida Keys hotels and Florida Keys attractions for families.
The Island Fish Co. is a waterfront restaurant that is popular for its seafood offerings and tropical ambiance. They often feature live music and have a tiki bar. Their fish sandwiches, ceviche, and seafood platters are frequently recommended.
Keys Fisheries is known for its seafood market and restaurant. This restaurant is a local favorite for its casual seafood dishes and picturesque views of the marina. Their lobster bisque and stone crab claws are highlights.
Lazy Day’s Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and oceanfront dining. With its laid-back atmosphere and a diverse menu, you’ll love the view and the food.
Blue Heaven is in Key West, we took a day trip to Key West on one of our days in the keys. Blue Heaven is known for its relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, and delicious Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Activities for Families in the Keys
From snorkeling at Sombrero Reef to exploring Dry Tortugas National Park, the Florida Keys are brimming with adventure. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip, a snorkeling excursion to the vibrant coral reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the top Florida Keys beaches experiences.
Fishing charters are another great family activity. Our visit to Robbie’s of Islamorada, where you can feed tarpons, was a highlight and one of the unique Florida Keys attractions for families.
Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center is a must-visit for families and animal lovers. This non-profit facility offers interactive programs where visitors can swim with dolphins. And they can learn about marine mammals, and participate in educational workshops.
Sombrero Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, Sombrero Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The beach features picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and a playground, making it ideal for a family day out.
Seven Mile Bridge
An iconic landmark, the Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. Driving across this engineering marvel offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and is a quintessential part of any Florida Keys road trip.
Crane Point Hammock
Crane Point Hammock is a 63-acre nature reserve and historic site that offers hiking trails, a natural history museum, and a bird rehabilitation center. It’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, is a remote paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and historic Fort Jefferson. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this park offers exceptional snorkeling, bird watching, and a unique glimpse into 19th-century military history.
Snorkeling
We did a snorkeling excursion to Sombrero Reef. Sombrero Reef is a renowned snorkeling and diving site located off the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys. Known for its stunning coral formations and abundant marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and rays, it offers a captivating underwater experience. The lighthouse on the small island of Sombrero Key nearby adds to the unique charm of this popular destination.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, Florida, is the first undersea park in the United States, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours to explore the stunning underwater world.
Fishing
We are a fishing family, so naturally we did plenty of fishing in the Florida Keys, one of the big attractions in the area. The last time we were down, we had a friend who owns a boat in the Keys who took us out fishing. We caught a wide variety of fish, including shark. If you’re looking for a highlight activity in the Florida Keys and don’t have access to a boat, I highly suggest doing a charter. We usually do a charter. I will have a link to a charter below. Fishing is one of our favorite things to do with kids and charters can be found on any key, including Key West.
Robbie’s on Islamorada
Robbie’s of Islamorada is a renowned establishment in the Florida Keys, offering a unique experience where visitors can hand-feed tarpon fish from the docks. This iconic attraction provides a chance to interact with these massive fish and enjoy the thrill of up-close encounters. Additionally, Robbie’s features a marina, waterfront dining, gift shops, and opportunities for various water activities, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. This is a VERY fun place to visit!
Conclusion
The Florida Keys offer an idyllic mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether exploring top Florida Keys beaches, staying at the best Florida Keys hotels, or diving into the vibrant marine life, this destination is perfect for all ages. From Marathon’s family-friendly charm to the unforgettable things to do in Key West with kids, the Keys provide endless opportunities for a memorable vacation.
Links may contain affiliate links. This means I may get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
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