If you want access to everything, Marathon and the Middle Keys are the central location you need. Before you unpack and head off along the Overseas Highway, don’t overlook the fantastic diving, fishing, attractions and dining the Marathon area has to offer. Sombrero Reef is among the most beautiful dive sites in the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, and the marine biology facilities in the Middle Keys are unique and informative.

Since the temperature rarely fluctuates beyond the 89 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range, Marathon’s mild tropical climate allows for short and water sports year-round. You don’t have to wait until winter to flock to the white sand beaches of the Middle Keys, though – it’s also a great place to escape the brutal summer heat prevalent throughout the lower 48 states.

Photo of Cruise 7 mile bridge

The Middle Keys extend from the southern edge of Lower Matecumbe Key (MM 74) in the north to the Seven Mile Bridge (MM 46) in the south. Vaca Key, the largest in this sub-set, is so named for the sea cows (a.k.a. manatees) that frequented the waters and revealed themselves to Spanish settlers. The city of Marathon itself is on Vaca Key; other Middle Keys islands include Grassy Key, Crawl Key, Fat Deer Key, Conch Key, Boot Key, Pigeon Key, Long Key, and Fiesta Key. Marathon is situated 45 miles from Key West, and 90 miles from Miami. All three cities have an airport; only private, charter, and domestic aircraft fly into Marathon, while Miami and Key West welcome international traffic.

The vibrant coral colonies of Sombrero Reef attract hundreds of species of tropical fish to the area, and the clear waters and interesting structures make this site a favorite of underwater photographers. Swim through a natural coral arch while you watch the resident nurse sharks, stingrays, parrotfish, and sergeant majors. Sombrero Reef is marked by a lighthouse and located just south of Boot Key harbor, where many charter companies await, ready to take you for the dive experience of a lifetime.

Just south of the Middle Keys is Looe Key & Reef, another spectacularly beautiful and especially varied reef system – some divers say it’s a microcosm, representative of nearly all the types of reefs in the Marine Sanctuary. Since the depth ranges from 5 to 70 feet, this site is ideal for both scuba diving and snorkeling, and though most charters launch from nearby Big Pine Key, several in Boot Harbor also make the short trip.

Other popular Marathon & Middle Keys dive sites include Coffins Patch, Delta Shoal, the Thunderbolt wreck, Tennessee Reef, The Barge wreck, and Pillar City, which is very unique and often not advertised as a dive spot. All are located Oceanside, where the warm Gulf Stream keeps the waters clear, so visibility is high and the reef stays healthy.

Photo of Gulf View from Marathon

If you’d rather stay on the boat and reel in the exotic fish, Marathon waters are beloved by many a fisherman. Charter captains can help you land deep-water trophies – dolphin, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, kingfish – or evasive backcountry fighters – tarpon, bonefish, permit – as you prefer. Only a few nautical miles north is Islamorada, the sport fishing capital of the world—and the same fish swim in the waters surrounding the Middle Keys.

Naturally, you’ll be tempted by the glass bottom boat tours, kayaking trips, art galleries, romantic sunset cruises, and world-class opportunities for just lying on the beach in a tropical paradise, but it’s worthwhile to plan time for several of the exciting attractions available in Marathon and the Middle Keys. It’s tough to choose between the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key and the heart-stopping fighter jet flights offered by Tropical Fighters, so do both. After you’ve finished swimming with bottlenose dolphin and California sea lions, stop by the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

Nature-lovers will enjoy the 63 preserved acres of Crane Point, where various museums and historical structures stand in hardwood hammocks along the Florida Bay. The Marathon Wild Bird Center and the Children’s Museum, among others, can be reached by hiking through the preserve’s winding nature trail; the park entrance is at MM 56.2 Oceanside. Stretch out on the sand at the twin beaches of Curry Hammock State Park or wade through the mangroves while your fresh catch simmers on the barbecue grills. Beaches slope into both the Atlantic and Gulf waters; enter at MM 56 Oceanside on Little Crawl Key. Another popular beach is Sombrero at MM 50 Oceanside, which has recently been renovated and hosts many seasonal events. It’s also one of the few pet-friendly public places in the Florida Keys.

Explore the history of the Florida Keys and its once-vital Overseas Railway by stopping at Pigeon Key. This National Historic Site was once home to the railroad workers who laid the foundation for the current U.S. 1. Today, there’s a railroad museum, snorkeling beach, and busy fishing pier.

Look for fresh seafood, innovative Caribbean-Asian fusion cooking, and a relaxed atmosphere in the Middle Keys. Favorite spots include Marker 88, an easy-to-find Keys institution; Kaiyo, one of South Florida’s premiere sushi restaurants; and the innovative and elegant Atlantic’s Edge. Middle Keys accommodations are similarly varied-but-excellent; surround yourself in luxury at The Moorings full-service resort, or camp beneath the stars at Long Key State Park.

Marathon and the Middle Keys have everything to make this vacation the trip of your dreams and the experience of your life.