Overseas Experience Trail: Marathon
Aerial view of the new and old Seven Mile bridges, with the historic island of Pigeon Key. Image: Rob O'Neal
Marathon got its name in the early 1900s from workers constructing the monumental Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad whose track stretched from mainland Florida throughout the Keys. Working night and day to meet the grueling construction schedule, crews reputedly said, "This is getting to be a real Marathon."
Appealing to multigenerational families and recreational boaters, Marathon’s bustling community boasts cozy inns, luxury resorts, waterside vacation homes, RV parks, marinas and other modern conveniences including both a newly constructed hospital and high-tech library, as well as plenty of dining and natural attractions. For example …
The Lagoon on Grassy Key is the reimagined Keys Cable Park, created for teaching locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of board, wind, and paddle sports.
Dolphin Research Center. This acclaimed nonprofit marine mammal research and education facility, located at mile marker 59 on Grassy Key, offers a swim program called Dolphin Encounter. Meet the Dolphin, Paint with A Dolphin and a Family Dolphin Splash, offering the opportunity to get waist-deep in water with the resident marine mammals, also are available. dolphins.org
Beach area at Curry Hammock State Park.
At Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters families can swim with and feed the fishes while learning about the region’s marine habitats.
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trail. This 63.5-acre tract at mile marker 50.5 is one of the most important historic and archaeological sites in the Keys. Crane Point contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts and was once the site of a Bahamian village. Other features include the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Florida Keys Children's Museum, a kayak launch, nature trails, a wild bird rehabilitation center and natural habitat for birds and butterflies. cranepoint.net
Sombrero Beach. This well-maintained Middle Keys gem is a free-access public park and beach open daily from sunrise to sunset at mile marker 50. Attractions include a kayak launch, volleyball courts, children's playground, shady picnic pavilions, freshwater shower and restroom facilities. The park at Sombrero Beach also is wheelchair accessible.
Daily educational tours at The Turtle Hospital introduce visitors to the resident sea turtles and the hospital’s curative programs for species they rescue rehabilitate and release.
Pigeon Key. Historic Pigeon Key, lying beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge at mile marker 44.8, formerly served as a camp for laborers constructing the iconic bridge. The island now showcases a museum and offers opportunities to picnic and snorkel, and hosts a robust marine science research program for school-age children from around the world. Daily tours are available, with ferry boat transportation to the island. pigeonkey.net