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Marathon, The Buena Vista

The second largest key in the Florida Keys, Marathon inhabits over 12,000 residents. Marathon is comprised of a collection of beautiful little islands, including Duck Key, Grassy Key, Key Colony Beach, and Marathon. Centrally located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon begins at Duck Key and continues to the beginning of the Seven Mile Bridge. Regardless of where you stay, gorgeous views are visible from almost anywhere. The fresh, warm breezes of the balmy tropical air serve to gently cool the subtle warmth of the midday sun, for the ultimate in vacation splendor. The Marathon area is accessible via Long Key Bridge, where stunning panoramic vistas are immediately noticeable. Here, the long stretches of blue horizon meet the never-ending painted sky and strokes of borderless colors blend together to create the most fascinating seascapes. With views like these, fishing is even more popular from the Marathon seas. Some say there is not a species of southern sea creature that has not been caught in the local fishing waters. In addition, the robust ocean life invites boating and snorkeling, as both beginners and seasoned pros enjoy nature’s bountiful aquatic treasures. But, even for the landlubber, the list of attractions in the Marathon area is endless. From living rainforests to children’s museums, Marathon attracts the most curious visitors to explore its natural beauty and island history. Location: Marathon is nestled neatly between the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge to the west and the Straits of Florida to the east, Long Key to the north, and Bahia Honda Key to its south. While many consider Marathon as the key’s most panoramic fishing spot, there are waves of other activities on the collection of islands, as well. Marathon has been chosen for countless weddings and honeymoons, as the reliable climate and easy access make it the perfect romantic getaway. Naturally, Marathon offers a wide variety of recreation in the beautiful waters, including diving, parasailing, wind-surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and boat racing. For historians, Marathon boasts Crane Point Hammock, conveniently located on the bayside, offering 63 acres of nature-preserved tropical hardwoods and mangrove wetlands. A wealth of botanical, exotic treasures, this rainforest allows visitors to stroll along a boardwalk and absorb Mother Nature’s organic wonders. Marathon is never short of culture, with both the Museum of Natural History and the Florida Keys Children’s Museum open all year round. And, for the serious bird-watchers, nearby Boot Key is awash in exotic feathered vertebrates ready for admiration. The islands of Marathon sport many other vacation favorites including numerous campgrounds, hiking/biking paths, nature trails, historic sites, galleries, shopping, guided tours, and competitions. With accommodations to suit any traveler, Marathon offers a wide variety of lodging. From Bed and Breakfasts and cottages to 5-star elegant resorts, your wish is Marathon’s command. Romantic sunset dinner yacht cruises, ocean-view suites, award-winning dining, and spotless white sandy beaches are just a few tempting reasons to book your dream vacation this year in Marathon. 7 mile bridge, Marathon End Quick Links in Marathon Attractions Hotels Fishing Diving Boat Rentals Tours Camping Dining Vacation Rentals Bed and Breakfast Getting to Marathon is Easy By Car: Either traveling on busier Route 1 with “crocodile crossing” signs or Card Sound Road, a longer but more beautiful and scenic route to the Florida Keys, Marathon is centrally located only 60 minutes from either Key Largo or Key West. By Air: With several domestic and international airports to choose from, Marathon can be easily reached by travelers around the globe. Airport Name Airport Code Distance from Marathon Airport Type Florida Keys Marathon Airport Monroe County Florida 9400 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 Located in Marathon Located in Marathon Domestic Key West International Airport 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 46 miles west 46 miles west International Miami International Airport 4200 N.W. 21 Street Miami, FL 110 miles northeast 110 miles northeast International Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport 320 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 133 miles northeast 133 miles northeast International Sombrero Beach, Marathon Enjoy Marathon’s Yearly Climate Of the entire state of Florida, the Keys receive the lowest amount of average yearly rainfall. When it does rain, it comes in brief periods, often returning the skies to a beautiful, clear day for continued outdoor activities. As for brutal, humid, summer heat, you won’t find it in Marathon. And hurricanes like to skirt around the Keys, leaving its beauty untarnished. With the ocean breeze to keep cool, visitors love the reliable, balmy climate of the Florida Keys. Season Average Ocean Temperature Average Rainfall Average High Temperature Average Low Temperature Jan – Mar 72°F 2 inches 78°F 58°F Jan – Mar 82°F 4 inches 85°F 68°F Jul – Sep 87°F 5 inches 89°F 73°F Oct – Dec 77°F 3 inches 84°F 63°F