Best Places to Stay in Marathon, FL.

When visiting Marathon, Florida, location is key! Whether you're just passing through or planning an extended vacation, a wide variety of areas can accommodate all past times, preferences, and budgets.

With its white sandy beaches, gorgeous panoramic views of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, plenty of outdoor activities, and some of the best seafood in town – Marathon is a great destination for your next luxurious vacation home rental.

We’re here to take you on an in-depth tour of this charming island city and all it has to offer when it comes to choosing the perfect location for your next visit to Marathon.

About the Marathon Community

Marathon community is an ideal choice if you're looking for a family-friendly oceanfront destination. There are countless activities and sights to explore in this vibrant area! This area of the Florida Keys is conveniently located 54 miles east of Key West and only a two-hour drive from either the Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Marathon Community is perfect for those traveling with kids or families, offering a variety of things to do and sights to see, from the iconic Dolphin Research Center to The Turtle Hospital and Crane Point Hammock.

There are also activities suitable for families with older children, such as jet ski rentals, deep sea fishing trips, and scuba diving adventures just waiting to be enjoyed in this paradise spot.

These are the best communities to enjoy the sunset over Marathon's picturesque beaches.

Key Colony Beach 

Photo Credit: Paul Briden

Where: Mile Marker 53.5

Highlights: Shopping, gourmet restaurants, access to the Cabana Beach Club

Escape to Key Colony Beach, located just 2.5 hours from Miami International Airport or a mere 3 miles away from the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport - right in the middle of the gorgeous Florida Keys at Mile Marker 53.5.

The community of Key Colony Beach is a stunning oasis in the Florida Keys. Here, you can enjoy all the luxuries of paradise with all of the best amenities a resort town offers, like restaurants, shopping, hiking trails, and watersports.

Enjoy leisurely strolls beneath the cover of lush palm trees or go kayaking or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. No matter what activity in Key Colony you choose to partake in, this alluring island paradise will leave you completely relaxed and rejuvenated!

The town itself is walkable, making the location extremely popular for vacation rentals. Gourmet restaurants, exclusive boutiques, golfing greens, and tennis courts await your exploration.

Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, take a fishing charter or explore the island's numerous hiking trails.

Indigo Reef Resort and Coral Lagoon Resort & Marina

Where: Mile Marker 52.5

Highlights: Fishing, roomy resort homes

Located on the ocean side of Marathon Key, the Indigo Reef Resort and Coral Lagoon Resort are separated by the Key Vaca Cut waterway, but just a three-minute drive separates them.

Fly into Marathon's private airport, drive from the Miami International Airport, or arrive by boat; no matter which way you choose to come in, the scenery won’t disappoint.

Did you know that Marathon is known as the fishing capital of the Florida Keys? Indigo Reef Resort and Coral Lagoon Resort & Marina are both ideal for fishermen. Here, anglers will feel like they're in paradise, with the chance to capture species like grouper, tuna, snook, and amberjack.

If you're looking for something different, why not try your luck with backcountry game fish such as tarpon, permit, and bonefish? Before beginning this exciting journey, remember to ensure you've got all the necessary licenses.

Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of the nearby Boat House Marina, featuring diesel fuel, dockside fueling, boat storage, a launch ramp, and ice for your needs.

The resorts feature sizable homes, all tastefully decorated and equipped with everything you might need during your stay. Featured amenities include on-site laundry, free WiFi, comfortable furniture, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, not to mention an assigned boat slip on each property!

Duck Key Resort

Photo Credit: Ollie Townsend III

Where: Mile Marker 61

Highlights: Tranquil, private, great for kayaking

Marathon’s Duck Key is an ideal selection when searching for a tranquil retreat. Unwind and enjoy the picturesque views of the ocean at Veteran's Memorial Park, a tranquil haven nestled just south of Seven Mile Bridge - admission is free!

Laze away in the pleasant ambiance of this scenic beach spot, where five chickee huts with BBQ grills and picnic tables await. Enjoy a refreshing wade or swim through crystal clear waters while admiring the magnificent palm trees leaning gracefully into frame-worthy postcard shots. You can launch your kayak right at the easy access point boat ramp if you want to paddle out onto the water.

Nestled away from much of the hustle and bustle, Duck Key is a serene paradise with only resorts and luxurious homes surrounding its marina. A mere 15-minute drive can take you to Marathon in the west and 30 minutes to Islamorada in the east - allowing for abundant exploration opportunities and things to do in neighboring areas!

Sombrero Reef

Photo Credit: Reese C. Photography

Where: Mile Marker 50

Highlights: Family-oriented beaches, potential sea turtle sightings

If you want to bask in the breathtaking beauty of Florida's sunny beaches, then Marathon's Sombrero Beach is the perfect destination for you! To truly take advantage of this stunning sand-filled paradise, consider reserving a luxurious vacation home nestled within its shoreline. The Keys have never looked better!

This quaint area of Marathon is located by MM50, just at the end of Sombrero Beach Road. There are plenty of stores nearby to stock up on groceries and any other necessities you may need during your stay.

Nearly all of the vacation rentals in Sombrero Beach come equipped with full kitchens or kitchenettes, including microwaves making it easy to prepare food at your convenience.

Sombrero Beach is great for losing track of the day, snorkeling, and enjoying the sandy shores. Here, you'll be able to partake in various activities, from volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, and restrooms to handicap accessibility.

From April through October, Sombrero Beach becomes alive with the nesting of various turtles, especially Loggerhead sea turtles. A morning stroll along this beach and searching for turtle nests is an exhilarating experience. If you have time, check out the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital to learn about their conservation efforts!

In addition, the Sombrero Reef Lighthouse is perfect for spending the day kayaking around!

Stay and Play in Marathon

Marathon is the perfect escape from reality, and with this guide, you should have no problem finding the best place to stay. Whether you crave the tranquility of Duck Key or the more lively atmosphere of Key Colony, we’ve got you covered.

Let us help you plan your dream vacation rental in Marathon!