Answer: Using Marathon as a base for exploring the Florida Keys in March 2026 is a practical choice, as it’s centrally located and allows convenient travel north to Key Largo or south to Key West. With a car, you’ll have the flexibility to visit multiple keys during the day and explore attractions at your own pace.
Answer: Mid-February is part of the peak winter season in the Florida Keys, including Marathon. This period coincides with the “snowbird” season when many visitors from colder northern states come to Florida to enjoy the warm weather. As a result, the town tends to be noticeably busier than during the summer months, though it is generally less crowded than Key West.
Answer: The Florida Keys, particularly Marathon and Key West, offer plenty of opportunities to go beyond the typical tourist experiences and immerse yourself in local culture, nature, and artisanal communities. Since you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path activities, here are several ways to explore what locals enjoy and support small businesses along the way.
Answer: If you’re looking to stay near Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina in Marathon, you have several good hotel options within a short drive. Marathon is a mid-Keys location, so most hotels are waterfront or along US-1, making it easy to access the RV park and surrounding attractions.
Answer: Staying at Grassy Flats in Marathon in March gives you access to a number of excellent local restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating with waterfront views. March is a great time in the Keys for dining outdoors because the weather is warm but not unbearably hot, and the humidity is lower than in summer.
Answer: Thank you for sharing your trip report from Marathon and Key Colony Beach! It sounds like you had an incredible experience, and your detailed account is really helpful for anyone planning a visit to the Florida Keys.
Answer: Marathon is a fantastic choice for a week-long vacation in the Florida Keys, especially for couples who want a relaxing canal-side experience with easy access to boating, fishing, and local attractions. Since you are looking for a rental with two bedrooms, a private pool, and a boat slip suitable for a 24' fishing boat, there are several factors to consider regarding location, pricing, and amenities.
Answer: The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is an iconic part of the Overseas Highway, connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys. For first-time drivers, it can feel intimidating due to its length and the fact that it stretches over open water with minimal visual reference points.
Answer: For your one-night stay in Marathon on December 9th, all of the options you’re considering—Fairfield Inn & Suites, Tranquility Bay, Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, and Courtyard Faro Blanco—are great choices, and each has its unique benefits. Since you’re looking for a hotel with a restaurant or bar on-site or within walking distance, here’s a breakdown of each option to help you make the best choice:
Answer: If you're spending one night in Marathon, Florida Keys in December, here are some top picks for where to stay + where to eat for a memorable, relaxing evening.
Answer: Yes, Marathon and the surrounding Keys have a few options for outdoor pickleball enthusiasts, including courts at Key Colony Beach and other local community centers. While the pickleball scene is smaller than in larger metropolitan areas, it’s active and welcoming.
Answer: Grassy Flats Resort is located in Marathon, right in the heart of the Florida Keys, which gives you several convenient options for watching the Super Bowl locally. While the Keys don’t have huge sports bars like in major cities, there are a few spots that cater to sports fans and typically show NFL games, including the Super Bowl.
Answer: Biking in Marathon for two weeks is possible, but there are some important considerations to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Marathon is a relatively spread-out area, and while it is more bike-friendly than some other parts of the Keys, distances can add up quickly depending on where you want to go.
Answer: Both Crane Point and Curry Hammock are excellent nature-focused destinations in the Marathon area of the Florida Keys, but they offer different experiences depending on what you are looking for.
Answer: Noseeums, also known as biting midges, are very small insects common in the Florida Keys, particularly in areas like Marathon. They are notorious for leaving multiple itchy bites, often in clusters, and can be quite bothersome for those sensitive to insect bites.
Answer: The Old 7 Mile Bridge in Marathon, Florida Keys, is a popular spot for walking, biking, and fishing. Here’s the detailed info on parking and access:
Answer: Both Marathon and Key West offer excellent sunset cruise experiences, but the vibe is different in each place. Marathon tends to be quieter, more laid-back, and great for smaller groups or families. Key West, on the other hand, has the classic festive sunset sail scene with live music and lots of energy. Depending on the kind of cruise you want—romantic, calm, party-like, or adventure-focused—you’ll find options in both locations.
Answer: Marathon has a relaxed, friendly vibe, and Sunday evenings are perfect for a casual nightcap with some live music. After dinner at Key Fisheries, there are a few great spots where you can enjoy drinks, dessert, and tunes.
Answer: Great question. Here’s the most up-to-date information I found on Burdines Waterfront in Marathon, FL — and what people are saying about mosquitoes.
Answer: Great question — and so important, especially when you're headed to a fragile coral environment like the Florida Keys. “Reef-safe” usually means sunscreens that avoid ingredients known to harm corals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) and instead rely on mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Answer: Rideshare services in Marathon, like Uber or Lyft, are available, but they are generally less reliable than in larger cities or more tourist-heavy areas like Key West. Since Marathon is a smaller, more spread-out community, you might face longer wait times, especially during the off-peak hours or on weekdays when the area isn’t as busy. That said, it’s still possible to find a ride, but it may not be as consistent or quick as in busier areas.
Travel FAQ list for Marathon
Marathon
Question: Another first time visit, March 2026
Answer: Using Marathon as a base for exploring the Florida Keys in March 2026 is a practical choice, as it’s centrally located and allows convenient travel north to Key Largo or south to Key West. With a car, you’ll have the flexibility to visit multiple keys during the day and explore attractions at your own pace.
View MoreMarathon
Question: How busy does marathon get in the winter(February)?
Answer: Mid-February is part of the peak winter season in the Florida Keys, including Marathon. This period coincides with the “snowbird” season when many visitors from colder northern states come to Florida to enjoy the warm weather. As a result, the town tends to be noticeably busier than during the summer months, though it is generally less crowded than Key West.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Off The Beaten Path
Answer: The Florida Keys, particularly Marathon and Key West, offer plenty of opportunities to go beyond the typical tourist experiences and immerse yourself in local culture, nature, and artisanal communities. Since you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path activities, here are several ways to explore what locals enjoy and support small businesses along the way.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Hotel close to Coconut RV Park
Answer: If you’re looking to stay near Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina in Marathon, you have several good hotel options within a short drive. Marathon is a mid-Keys location, so most hotels are waterfront or along US-1, making it easy to access the RV park and surrounding attractions.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Restaurants
Answer: Staying at Grassy Flats in Marathon in March gives you access to a number of excellent local restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating with waterfront views. March is a great time in the Keys for dining outdoors because the weather is warm but not unbearably hot, and the humidity is lower than in summer.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Trip report Marathon!
Answer: Thank you for sharing your trip report from Marathon and Key Colony Beach! It sounds like you had an incredible experience, and your detailed account is really helpful for anyone planning a visit to the Florida Keys.
View MoreMarathon
Question: vacation rentals in Marathon
Answer: Marathon is a fantastic choice for a week-long vacation in the Florida Keys, especially for couples who want a relaxing canal-side experience with easy access to boating, fishing, and local attractions. Since you are looking for a rental with two bedrooms, a private pool, and a boat slip suitable for a 24' fishing boat, there are several factors to consider regarding location, pricing, and amenities.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Seven Mile Bridge
Answer: The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is an iconic part of the Overseas Highway, connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys. For first-time drivers, it can feel intimidating due to its length and the fact that it stretches over open water with minimal visual reference points.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Hotel in Marathon for 1 night
Answer: For your one-night stay in Marathon on December 9th, all of the options you’re considering—Fairfield Inn & Suites, Tranquility Bay, Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, and Courtyard Faro Blanco—are great choices, and each has its unique benefits. Since you’re looking for a hotel with a restaurant or bar on-site or within walking distance, here’s a breakdown of each option to help you make the best choice:
View MoreMarathon
Question: Best Hotel and place to eat for 1 night in Marathon in Dec
Answer: If you're spending one night in Marathon, Florida Keys in December, here are some top picks for where to stay + where to eat for a memorable, relaxing evening.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Pickleball
Answer: Yes, Marathon and the surrounding Keys have a few options for outdoor pickleball enthusiasts, including courts at Key Colony Beach and other local community centers. While the pickleball scene is smaller than in larger metropolitan areas, it’s active and welcoming.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Super Bowl!
Answer: Grassy Flats Resort is located in Marathon, right in the heart of the Florida Keys, which gives you several convenient options for watching the Super Bowl locally. While the Keys don’t have huge sports bars like in major cities, there are a few spots that cater to sports fans and typically show NFL games, including the Super Bowl.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Getting around in Bikes
Answer: Biking in Marathon for two weeks is possible, but there are some important considerations to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Marathon is a relatively spread-out area, and while it is more bike-friendly than some other parts of the Keys, distances can add up quickly depending on where you want to go.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Crane Point or Curry Hammock
Answer: Both Crane Point and Curry Hammock are excellent nature-focused destinations in the Marathon area of the Florida Keys, but they offer different experiences depending on what you are looking for.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Noseeums
Answer: Noseeums, also known as biting midges, are very small insects common in the Florida Keys, particularly in areas like Marathon. They are notorious for leaving multiple itchy bites, often in clusters, and can be quite bothersome for those sensitive to insect bites.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Old 7 mile bridge
Answer: The Old 7 Mile Bridge in Marathon, Florida Keys, is a popular spot for walking, biking, and fishing. Here’s the detailed info on parking and access:
View MoreMarathon
Question: Sunset Cruises
Answer: Both Marathon and Key West offer excellent sunset cruise experiences, but the vibe is different in each place. Marathon tends to be quieter, more laid-back, and great for smaller groups or families. Key West, on the other hand, has the classic festive sunset sail scene with live music and lots of energy. Depending on the kind of cruise you want—romantic, calm, party-like, or adventure-focused—you’ll find options in both locations.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Night cap and live music?
Answer: Marathon has a relaxed, friendly vibe, and Sunday evenings are perfect for a casual nightcap with some live music. After dinner at Key Fisheries, there are a few great spots where you can enjoy drinks, dessert, and tunes.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Burdines Waterfront Restaurant
Answer: Great question. Here’s the most up-to-date information I found on Burdines Waterfront in Marathon, FL — and what people are saying about mosquitoes.
View MoreMarathon
Question: Reef Safe Sunscreen
Answer: Great question — and so important, especially when you're headed to a fragile coral environment like the Florida Keys. “Reef-safe” usually means sunscreens that avoid ingredients known to harm corals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) and instead rely on mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
View MoreMarathon
Question: How available/reliable is rideshare service in Marathon?
Answer: Rideshare services in Marathon, like Uber or Lyft, are available, but they are generally less reliable than in larger cities or more tourist-heavy areas like Key West. Since Marathon is a smaller, more spread-out community, you might face longer wait times, especially during the off-peak hours or on weekdays when the area isn’t as busy. That said, it’s still possible to find a ride, but it may not be as consistent or quick as in busier areas.
View More