Sombrero Beach
While beautiful beaches aren’t scarce in the Florida Keys, Sombrero Beach in Marathon is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. This urban beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing and sunbathing amid white sand, crystal blue waters, and a refreshing ocean breeze, because it’s quiet and away from the crowds. A picnic area, free parking, some volleyball courts, a playground, and maintained bathrooms are some of the amenities that are on-site. There are also opportunities to go fishing, sailing, and snorkeling.
A Deep Blue Dive Center
Visitors who are interested in water sports and activities can take part in a wide range of things, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale-watching at A Deep Blue Dive Center in Key Colony Beach. Both scuba-diving and snorkeling lessons are offered for those who wish to learn these exciting water activities, and equipment is available for rent for visitors who already know how to do these things and would like to explore the area’s underwater sites. Whale watching excursions leave twice a day, and children’s day camps are offered.
The Crane Point Museum
This 63-acre site is where visitors get the chance to learn pretty much everything there is to know about the history, nature, and culture of Marathon and surrounding areas. The site itself is quite spectacular, with tropical plants, nature trails, and educational exhibits scattered about. The expertly-restored home of pioneer George Afferley still stands on the site and is open to visitors who wish to learn more about him and his contributions to the area. Guests can also take a trolley tour around the botanic gardens and various historical sites around the grounds.
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
See an array of local marine species up close at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Learn about the local sea life through a variety of exhibits, and take a tour through the facility with an expert guide. Sharks and stingrays are among the sea creatures you can meet along the way, and you can also visit a tide pool touch tank, predator reef tank, and coral reef tank. Educational programs and day camps for children are also available.
Keys Cable at Otherside Adventure Park
This adventure park consists of 50 acres of water fun. The tidal lagoon is up to 65 feet deep in some places and features a cable system with two points to allow it to pull several riders around the lake in various formations. Some of the other adventurous water activities available include cable-wakeboarding, waterskiing, and knee-boarding.
JD Premier Aviation Helicopter Tours
There is no better way to see any large area all at once than from a helicopter high up in the sky. Soar high above Marathon and the Florida Keys and see tropical vistas and vast ocean all at the same time during a helicopter excursion with JD Premier Aviation Helicopter Tours. These tours depart Marathon Airport, and there are various tour packages available. Some of the places you can fly over include Pigeon Cay, Duck Cay, Hawk’s Cay, Bahia Honda State Park, and the Seven Miles Bridge. Sunset tours are also available, and safety equipment and instructions are provided to all guests before each flight.
