Marathon, Florida, is home to one of the nation's most famous animal sanctuaries, the Turtle Hospital, where injured sea turtles that have been rescued are rehabilitated for release back into the ocean.
As part of the fabulous Florida Keys, Marathon is located at the halfway point between Key West and the mainland
Marathon, Florida, is home to one of the nation's most famous animal sanctuaries, the Turtle Hospital, where injured sea turtles that have been rescued are rehabilitated for release back into the ocean.
As part of the fabulous Florida Keys, Marathon is located at the halfway point between Key West and the mainland. It may not be as famous as Key Largo or Key West, but Marathon still holds its own as a tourist destination, thanks to a myriad of harbors with fantastic fishing and beautiful views. Plus, there's the world-famous Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center, and scores of fantastic restaurants and attractions. With a population of 8,461 (2012 census estimates), it offers all the amenities of Keys living, without the craziness, crowding and rampant tourism.
Driving to Marathon
Marathon is located on Mile Marker 50 of the Overseas Highway (US 1), a spectacular 127-mile drive surrounded by water. Be warned: Marathon has a reputation as a huge speed trap for drivers, so keep your eyes peeled for signs designating speed changes.
Property Rentals in Marathon
Looking for studio apartments or condos for rent? Marathon is a renter's mecca, thanks to the thousands of visitors who spend several months a year here. House rentals are popular, so be sure to check the local classifieds for available homes and duplexes for rent. During the late fall and winter, Marathon is invaded by flocks of human snowbirds who spend the winter months down here, so the best times to rent are late spring, summer and early fall, when you'll find more availability and lower prices. Also, be sure to let the landlord know if you're planning a long term stay, because you might be able to get a vacation rental at a discount.
Before you sign, you'll need your identification, plus personal references, proof of income and current and/or future employment. This is a resort town, so expect to pay first (and possibly last) month's rent along with a security deposit. Paradise ain't cheap, but the good news is that Marathon is considerably cheaper than Key West.
Condo living is especially popular in Marathon, and you'll find a huge number of newly-built condo and apartment complexes and townhouses. There are also plenty of apartments, duplexes and homes for sale or rent, many with waterfront views and private docks. Here are some areas to look for:
Duck Key: Just off of Marathon, this gorgeous bike-friendly waterfront neighborhood is brimming with condos and contemporary homes. It's close to the beautiful Curry Hammond State Park.
Harbor Village Drive: This area has lovely large homes and townhouses, many built within the last 10 or 15 years. It's close to the famous Hawks Cay Resort, which features a fantastic saltwater lagoon dolphin experience.
63rd-79th Streets: This bike-friendly area has beautiful, well-maintained mid-to-late 20th century homes. It's close to shopping amenities such as CVS, Kmart and Publix.
Condos and Apartment Complexes
Key Colony Beach: Sunset Beach Apartments (581 E Ocean Dr) -- one of the area's most popular locations, these contemporary condos are loaded with amenities and lovely landscaping, and are close to the Key Colony Beach Golf Course and beautiful Sunset Park.
Overseas Highway: Many of Marathon's apartment rental units are just off this famous expressway, including the Sea Grape Apartments (7155 Overseas Hwy), a luxuriously-appointed complex with ceiling fans, vertical blinds and dishwashers. It's within walking distance to the ocean, and close to the Dolphin Research Center and Town Square shopping center.
Marathon has a year-round tropical climate, with average July highs in the low-to-mid 90s and January highs in the upper 70s. People think that the Florida Keys are hurricane prone, but nearly all of the annual hurricanes tend to dissipate around Cuba (just 90 miles from Key West, which is 50 miles south of Marathon), so the Keys actually get an undeserved bad rap. Every 15-20 years or so, however, the Keys do experience a hurricane powerful enough to cause considerable flood damage (such as Wilma in 2005). When hurricane season rolls around, follow the locals' lead and pay close attention to the weather, and you should be fine.
Getting Around: A Reality Check
This is an island, folks, and there's only one way out of town: the Overseas Highway. There's public bus transportation via the Lower Keys Shuttle (which will take you down to Key West) and the Dade-Monroe Express (which takes you up to the mainland), but the buses don't run that often. Although Marathon is bike-friendly, it's best to hang on to your car.
Things to Do, Places to Go
One of Marathon's biggest attractions is the Turtle Hospital (2396 Overseas Highway), a sanctuary that specializes in rehabilitating injured sea turtles and releasing them back into the water. Another must-see attraction is the Dolphin Research Center (58901 Overseas Highway). When it comes to beaches, Sombrero Beach (near Mile Marker 50) is one of the area's prettiest and most popular. It offers white sands and a boating dock where you're sure to see dolphins playing nearby. Another gorgeous outdoor getaway is Curry Hammond State Park (Mile Marker 56.2), which offers an abundance of wildlife, as well as a beautiful mangrove tunnel and fantastic kayaking areas.
Hungry? Stop by the pier at Island Fish Company (12648 Overseas Highway) for great fresh-caught seafood. Another locals' favorite is Sparky's Landing (589 Sadowski Causeway), a waterfront oasis that specializes in seafood entrees and tantalizing in-house drink specials.
What more can you say about life in the Keys? It's unhurried, with a tropical ambiance (and climate) and friendly, relaxed vibe that makes you feel like you're on a permanent vacation. Plus, Marathon has the advantage of costing less than other neighboring areas (such as the ultra-expensive Key West), but you get the exact same lifestyle, along with the same magnificent views of the sunset. A la Jimmy Buffett, it's always margarita time down here.
