History
The name Marathon originated when railroad workers often exclaimed “this is going to be a real marathon” because of their continues effort to complete the railway. In early 1900s when the railroad started its operation between Marathon and Miami, the fishing village became an administrative center.
Wreckers, farmers and fishermen were the early settlers of Marathon. When Overseas Railroad reached its operation in Key West in 1912, Marathon residents started to leave. Though only few settlers decided to stay in Marathon, the village remained an important fishing area in the region.
From its humble beginning, Marathon has now become a modern community with shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, resorts, hospital and modern aviation facility. Today, Marathon attracts anglers from all corners of the world to explore Florida’s center for sports fishing. Lovely sunset, pristine beaches and great fishing throughout the year are few of the things to expect in this tiny island called Marathon.
Getting There
Tourists and visitors can reach Marathon Key by air or land.
By air:
Several airline companies have regular flights to Marathon from host cities including Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa. Small airline companies also have direct flights to Marathon. Chartered flights to Marathon are also available for a more comfortable trip at affordable rates.
By car:
Visitors departing from North, take Florida Turnpike to south until you reach Exit 4- Homestead/Key West. Then take US 1 south to reach Florida Keys.
For visitors from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, follow the signs til you reach 595 West and take Florida Turpike. From there just follow the signs leading to Florida Key entrance.
By bus:
Greyhound Keys Shuttle offers three times a day schedule departing from Miami and Miami International airport to all Florida Keys region.
Weather
Every year “snowbirds” flock to Marathon to relax and escape the cold temperature. Every day the sun is always shining with occasional showers for a brief period.
Temperature during summer is hotter ranging 80 – 90 degrees. During winter the temperature goes down to 60s and 70s during night time.
August is the warmest and wettest month of the year while January is the coldest month.
What to Wear
The “heart of the keys” laid-back atmosphere requires no particular dress code. Shorts and flip flops are acceptable in the area. So, for your Marathon vacation you only need to pack and wear:
• cotton tops for men and women
• sundress
• long pants (for colder nights)
• light jacket or long sleeve (for colder nights)
• flip flops (or casual sandal for dining out or night outs)
• hat
• sunglasses
Everyday life in Marathon is always sunny, so make sure to apply sun block with high SPF and lip balm to protect your skin from the harmful rays. Water container is a must and bring this wherever you go with your preferred refreshment to keep you hydrated while out in the sun.
Fishing
Marathon is a fisherman’s paradise with so much to offer from offshore fishing to reef fishing to flats fishing to bridge fishing to back-country fishing to bay fishing.
The “Marathon Key West Hump” is an excellent location to catch amberjack, Mako shark, blackfin tuna and blue and white marlin. The “hump” is a feeding ground for many game fish, providing anglers great fishing experience.
Marathon is blessed with natural and artificial coral reefs, giving anglers a variety of fish species. Some of these are barracuda, yellowtail, mackerel and grouper, mutton snapper.
In addition, Duck Key at MM 61 is a great venue for reef fishing and catch African Pompano and permit. As the tide changes and when it is too rough offshore, bay fishing is another option to catch Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper and cobia. Another popular ways to fish in Marthon is backcountry fishing, ideal for first timers and anyone who prefers calm and light way fishing.
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
Fishing in Marathon is year-round but it is best to know the exact season when to catch a specific fish or what’s biting while you are in Marathon.
January to March and December – these are the prime months for Sailfish, Cobia and Kingfish fishing.
February to June – excellent period for Shark fishing.
March to April – catch excellent grouper and amberjack during this period.
March to June – these months is the best for Tarpon fishing
March to May – go out and catch excellent Yellowtail
April to June – the prime months to catch Tuna and Bonefish
May to July – excellent season for dolphin and permit fishing.
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
• Sun screen
• Lip screen
• Boat shoes
• Food and drinks
• Camera
• Polarized sunglasses
• Wide hat
• Reef waders
• Light long sleeve top and pants
• First-aid kit
• Binoculars
Attractions and Activities
Marathon is well suited for family, water sports enthusiasts and visitors who want to escape the congested city life. This 10 mile long island offers indoor and outdoor activities, for everyone irrespective of interest and age.
For families and educational activities, these are the must see attractions:
• Crane Point
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Turtle Hospital
• Dolphin Research Center
• Pigeo Key
• Sombrero Beach
• Coco Plum Beach
• Marathon Community Park
For relaxation at the same time enjoying the water, try kayaking and boating. Witness the spectacular view and experience the most beautiful sunset in Marathon island through Sunset cruise, an intimate and romantic fun for couples, groups or families.
Without a doubt fun and adventure in Marathon is endless! Discover the hidden treasures beneath Marathon waters through snorkeling and scuba diving. If you don’t know how to dive then try parasailing or kiteboarding for that extra thrill.
Where to Stay
Find and choose Marathon Key hotels, motels, resorts, inns, guest house and vacation rents with amenities that best caters to your vacation lifestyle and budget.
Gulf View Waterfront Resort
Address: 58743 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 58.5 Marathon , FL 33050
For more information visit their website:
Royal Plum
Address: 133 Coco Plum Drive – Marathon, FL 33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.royalplumclub.com/
Rainbow Bend Resort
Address: 7784 Overseas Hwy. (MM 58) Marathon, FL 33050
For more information visit their website:
http://rainbowbend.com/
Banana Bay Resort and Marina
Address: 4590 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.bananabay.com/
Kingsail Resort Motel
Address: 7050 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.marathonfla.com/
Sea Dell Motel
Address: 5000 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.seadellmotel.com/
Tropical Cottages
Address: 243 61st Street Gulfside (MM 50) Marathon, FL 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.tropicalcottages.net/
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
Address: 2600 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.tranquilitybay.com/
Discount Eco-Divers Bed and Breakfast
Address: 10800 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050
Fore more information visit their website:
http://www.discountdiversbandb.com/
Where to Eat
Marathon Key has a long list of restaurants and bars serving delightful menus to satisfy your cravings. Go ahead! Try mouthwatering foods and local favorites with sun and crystal clear beaches as backdrop.
Island Fish Company
Address: MM 54 Marathon, FL 33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.islandfishco.com/
Porky’s Bayside
Address: MM 47.5 Bayside, 1410 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.porkysbaysidebbq.com/ordereze/default.aspx
Butterfly Cafe
Address: 2600 Overseas Hwy,Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
Alma at Hawk’s Cay Resort
Address: Hawks Cay Blvd Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.hawkscay.com/
Burdines Waterfront – Chiki Tiki Bar and Grill
Address: 1200 Oceanview Ave, End of 15th St Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.burdineswaterfront.com/
Castaway
Address: 1406 Oceanview Ave Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.jonesn4sushi.com/Castaway/CASTAWAY_WATERFRONT.html
El Siboney Restaurant
Address: 5800 Overseas Hwy Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com/
Fish Tales Market and Eatery
Address: 11711 OVERSEAS HWY. Marathon,FL33050
For more information visit their website:
http://www.floridalobster.com/
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