5 Best Things to do in Marathon, Florida
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If you are looking for your next weekend getaway in Florida, check out Marathon Key it is a hidden gem in the Florida Keys.
For most visitors, they just want to head ALL the way down to Key West. Which if you have not been to Key West it is similar to New Orleans but with more of a beach vibe. Marathon is the perfect key to relax, cruise on a boat and sip cocktails on the beach. It is one of the best little beach towns in the keys.
It is about 173 miles from Miami to Key West and Marathon is about two-thirds of the way down. Perfect for a weekend getaway!
Last time we headed to Marathon we rented motorcycles from the Miami Eaglerider for about $200 a day. With Florida’s beautiful spring weather we couldn’t resist the 3-4 hour ride on a bike. The bikes were perfect for cruising from key to key.
Robbies of Islamorada
On your way down to Marathon you HAVE to check out Robbie’s to feed the tarpon, do a little local shopping and grab a bite to eat on the water. Robbie’s is voted the number one place in the keys that every tourist should visit.
I am a Florida native and we always stop at Robbie’s. It is iconic.
Hotel, Motel, Hampton Inn
You see what I did there? I crack myself up sometimes. Hotels and motels can be pricey in any of the keys. We got lucky for our stay at the Hampton Inn, we shared a room with our friends, which made it more reasonable.
The property is beautiful, clean and up to date with continental breakfast, a tiki bar with happy hour, pool and hot tub. Personally, our selling point was the tiki bar overlooking the water and the pool with a hot tub. Unfortunately, the hotel had an event going on and we were not able to use the tiki bar or pool area.
Like I mentioned this was the reason behind us booking here, so we were not happy. They did resolve the issue and we left the hotel happy and I will stay at another Hampton Inn.
Island Fish Company in Marathon
Location, location, location. The Hampton Inn is just across the street from one of Marathon’s most popular and delicious restaurants. Island Fish Company is on the water, if you are boating you can pull right up. The restaurant is huge as well as the bar and menu. When you stop by get a table on the water, order the crab cakes and try a pain killer cocktail! Sit here and take in the amazing sunset, you really feel like you’re on an island.
One of the best things about being in the keys is you know what you order is fresh. All the fish is caught locally and you can really taste the difference. YUM!
Captain Pips Boats of Marathon
On Saturday, I suggest renting a boat with Captain Pips. Marathon is great for boating so there are a ton of boat rental spots, BUT Pips was the most recommended by far. We hit the water for half of the day, it cost around $400. It was the perfect boat for snorkeling and cruising.
Unfortunately, we did not check the seas. WHAT AN AMATEUR MOVE. Check the seas before you rent a boat, learn from me!
We plowed through rough seas to a little light house. Everyone got in to see a few fish, then we headed toward shore. Cruising around on the boat we found a sunken boat, explored and everyone took a turn at driving, before we headed back to Captain Pips.
Stop at the store before hand to pick up some snacks and drinks for your boat day!
Burdines Waterfront
After a long day of boating you have probably worked up your appetite and it is likely happy hour, so head across the street to Burdines Waterfront Tiki Bar.
This gem is tucked away on the water and has the best key lime pie.
Not just any key lime pie BUT a Deep Fried Key Lime Pie!
I also recommend their fries, which is dusted with a special seasoning that leaves you wanting more!
After snacking at Burdines head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.
Florida Keys Steak & Lobster
When you get back to the hotel, check out the tiki bar before getting ready for dinner. It should be close to sunset time.
This trip for us was about hanging out, getting some sun and relaxing. So basically a lot of eating and drinking. LOL.
The Florida Keys Steak and Lobster restaurant has literally anything you can think of on the menu. We ordered a ton of food and everything was delicious. The table next to us ordered a Tomahawk steak, which was legit as long as my arm, so crazy. They have a ton of signature cocktails too.
When we were finally done stuffing ourselves we headed to the hotel hot tub to do a little more relaxing. Hampton Inn, had a handful of games at the front that we took to our room to play before we crashed.
Sunday morning, we headed to Islamorada for breakfast and slowly make our cruise up the coast make to Miami.
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More Fun
- Charter a boat
- Dry Tortugas
- Theater of the Sea
- Museums of all kinds
- Drive to Key West for the day
- Fishing, Charter a boat, Kayaking
- and so much more
Looking for a closer weekend getaway? Check out Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale has everything to offer from white sand beaches, nightlife and some of the most famous restaurants. For the full scoop click here.
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