The Florida Keys are a tropical paradise, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of the Keys is Marathon, which is where we stayed, a charming island city known for its stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and top-notch resorts. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled trip, Marathon and Key West offers plenty of things to do for everyone. This guide will highlight the best of Marathon, Key West and more, including attractions, accommodations, and tips for an unforgettable Florida Keys vacation, including some of the best hotels and even some all-inclusive resorts.
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 Enjoy Your Florida Keys Vacation:
For our Florida Keys vacation, we flew Delta into Miami International Airport. Key West also has an airport, but choosing where you fly into depends on your preference and cost. We chose Miami, simply because we saved around $1000 on the flight. Moreover, Key West is a more convenient airport and will significantly cut down your drive time. Our VRBO was on Marathon Key, this is about a 2 hour drive from Miami. We bought our plane tickets and rented our car from Expedia. I bundled flight and car for the best deal.
Where We Stayed on Marathon Key
When we go on beach vacations like this, we prefer to rent a house, preferably on the canal with a private pool. What better than at the end of a long day of activities to relax by the pool while the kids swim? The house we chose in Marathon was just perfect for us. Our son was able to fish the canal, it had a big heated pool to swim in and was more than comfortable and roomy.
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, with 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.
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.
Florida Resorts in the Keys
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.
Where to Eat?
We ate at Havana Jacks plenty of times out of convenience. It was just down the street from our rental. Fortunately Havana Jack’s had great food, drinks and atmosphere. This restaurant is right on the beach, it’s a beautiful place to eat.
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.
Florida Keys Attractions
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, 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.
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
As your unforgettable journey through the Florida Keys comes to a close, you’ll reflect on the vibrant Florida Keys attractions, pristine Florida Keys beaches, and the best Florida Keys hotels that provided comfort and luxury. From snorkeling in turquoise waters to savoring fresh seafood, the range of things to do in Key West will have enriched your experience with memories of adventure and relaxation. The best resorts Key West offered an idyllic base to explore the island’s unique charm and vibrant nightlife. With its natural beauty and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation, the Florida Keys truly stand out as a paradise that beckons you to return.
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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