There are few iconic getaway destinations that can compare to the Florida Keys. Made up of a group of small islands connected by bridges, the Florida Keys feature pristine beaches with clear water for fishing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The town of Marathon sits on several different Keys, including Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key, and Grassy Key islands, situated in the middle of the island chain that makes up the Keys. Along the Florida Keys are other towns and communities where you can enjoy an amazing beach getaway. Book a stay at a Marathon vacation rental today. Without further ado, check out the most scenic places in and around Marathon.
1. Marathon
While away your days on the beach, looking for seashells, snorkeling, scuba diving, and splashing in the surf when you pick a vacation rental in Marathon. For a day of fishing, hiking, and canoeing, visit Curry Hammock, State Park. Learn a little more about the area when you walk around the Pigeon Key Historic District with its 11 historic buildings. Have an up close and personal experience with stingrays and sharks when you stop by the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
2. Duck Key
Leave the hustle and bustle of Marathon behind when you drive north to Duck Key. Bike around your new home away from home on this tiny little key. Take a boat, kayak, or canoe out on the water for a day of fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. If you dive certified, there are some amazing locations for a dive in the area. At the Hawks Cay Resort, you can schedule an appointment at the quaint spa to massage away the stress of your daily life.
3. Layton
North of Marathon and located on Long Key, the town of Layton has a post office, resort, and boat rental company. Choose one of the small cottages that dot the key as your vacation rental. Rent a boat from Pier 68 Boat Rentals and spend the day out on the water. Also, in this key is the Long Key State Recreational Area, where you and the family can get out and do some hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
4. Islamorada
If you’re looking for a little excitement and numerous attractions with your Florida Keys vacation, then Islamorada has it all. Locals call it the “Village of Islands,” and it covers several keys, including Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key. Watch in awe as trainers encourage dolphins and sea lions to perform tricks at the Theater of the Sea and finish up the day with dinner and live music at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar.
5. Tavernier
In Tavernier, you and your family can enjoy some crowds and still enjoy a town small enough for peace and quiet. Bike around the town to enjoy the beautiful scenery and stop at one of the local boutiques for a unique item to take home. Visit the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary to see some rare birds that live here after suffering injuries that keep them from returning to the wild, or catch a charter boat with one of the local companies for a day on the ocean.
6. Key Largo
Key Largo is one of the first keys you arrive on after leaving the Florida mainland and is a popular destination. Find your choice of vacation rentals along the water or on a houseboat. In the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, hike among the more than 80 protected plants and animals, including cotton that grows wild. If you’re into scuba, stop by the Silent World Dive Center to refill your tanks before heading out on the ocean.
7. Big Pine Key
While away your days in the peaceful community of Big Pine Key. When you get tired of reading a good book in a hammock, rent a boat or kayak and get out on the water for some fishing or just to explore the key. Ride your bike to the side of the key without any vacation rentals for an afternoon of snorkeling at the Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve with its coral reef and tons of seagrass.
8. Cudjoe Key
Keep traveling south down the Florida Keys on state road A1A and the Overseas Highway with their awe-inspiring views to Cudjoe Key with its variety of vacation rentals. Head over to Cudjoe Gardens Marina to rent a boat for some fishing or scuba diving out on the ocean. Stop by Morita’s Cuban Cafe for some authentic Cuban sandwiches that’ll make your mouth water.
9. Sugarloaf Key
In addition to being surrounded by water, Sugarloaf Key has many tributaries running through the island and inland lakes and ponds for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Head out on the ocean with professionals to find the best fishing spots when you book a tour with Sun Dance Charters or Braham Fear Charters. For the daredevils in your family, tell them to go jump out of a plane with Skydive Key West.
10. Key West
Spend your Florida Key vacation on its most popular and southern key, Key West. Once the home to Earnest Hemingway, this coastal community offers you history, unique shopping, and dining options. Visit the historic homes of Earnest Hemingway and the Harry S. Truman Little White House, or stop by the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Your kids will squeal with delight when a butterfly lands on them. This town has many local restaurants, bars, and music venues for an evening out.