The 8 Most Underrated Beaches in Marathon, Florida

Marathon, Florida, is located in the middle of the Keys island chain. The 10-mile-long stretch of paradise is known for its excellent fishing, waterfront restaurants, luxurious real estate, annual festivals, and tropical beachside hotels. It is also one of the most boating-friendly cities in the Keys, with almost 2,500 wet and dry slips and impressive marine facilities to accommodate the needs of most boaters.

In addition to offering ample opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, watersports, and eco-immersion attractions, Marathon has some highly underrated beaches worth checking out!

Sombrero Beach is the most well-known beach in Marathon, offering white sand and soft lapping waves. The popular family-friendly area features grassy knolls, volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. Snorkeling is fabulous along the shoreline, with tropical fish dashing between the rocks. Aside from Sombrero Beach, there are several beaches off the beaten path that many tourists don't know about. They are ideal for relaxing under the Florida sun with nothing but a book in one hand and a cold drink in the other.

Ocean Sotheby's International Realty (OceanSIR) has established a well-respected reputation for working with clients searching for Marathon homes for sale. They offer a personalized experience with a dedicated team that can help potential buyers discover an ideal property conveniently situated near the region's exclusive beaches.

Because of its location on the Atlantic side of the Key, Coco Plum Beach often receives a cool ocean breeze, making it a popular spot for local kite surfers. The palm trees provide ample shade, allowing for a laid-back day of rest and relaxation without the crowds.

A covered pavilion and restroom facilities are available, and there is a fantastic launch spot ideal for accessing the waterways of Deer Key or Curry Hammock State Park atop your kayak or paddleboard. The natural beach is adjacent to a wetland area and is one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Marathon.

Location: 109 Coco Plum Drive, Marathon, FL – MM 54. Head south on Coco Plum Drive for 1.4 miles. The beach entrance is on the right, with public parking on the sand.

Sunset Park in Key Colony Beach does not allow swimming, but you can sit on the scenic dock under a tiki umbrella to admire the picturesque view. There is a great vibe at this local's favorite destination, where watching the sunset is a daily ritual with a group of local singers that enjoy ending the day with a song that typically includes "The Islands of Marathon."

Location: West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL. Follow the Key Colony Beach Causeway to City Hall. Turn right and continue until the road curves, leading to the beach area.

Considered one of the nicest beaches in Marathon, Curry Hammock State Park features 1,000 feet of white sand that stretches along the calming shallow waters on this crowd-free beach. A gradual slope along the water's edge makes dropping in with a kayak easy and hassle-free. There's a 1.5-mile paddle trail that circles Little Crawl Key and takes approximately one hour to complete.

Another five-mile course offers a unique view of the open ocean, grassy flats, a mangrove tunnel, and deep lagoons. The longer path takes about four hours to complete, especially if you take your time to enjoy some fishing and viewing dolphins, manatees, and other marine life at play. Paddle boards and kayaks are available to rent, and there are picnic shelters, restroom facilities, a playground, and a nature trail. There is also a campground for RV or tent camping.

Location: 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL

The 63-acre preserve features miles of winding walking trails throughout mangrove forests and other natural terrains where iguanas like to drop from the overhead trees. The rippling tidal lagoons at Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center are a relaxing place to relish in a quiet morning or afternoon, away from the crowded beaches where you can appreciate the Keys up close and personal.

Location: 5550 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL

Oceanfront Park in Marathon is a passive public park with no admission fee. The 7.94-acre grass field is dog-friendly and ideal for exercising, picnicking, kite flying, or decompressing. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the park offers residents a perfect spot for fishing or launching a kayak at the convenient public launch area.

Location: 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL - On the ocean side between 98th and 99th Streets, behind City Hall.

Slightly to the north of Marathon is Long Key State Park, where you will find secluded beaches and waterway access for paddling around the area's natural ecosystem. Once a haven for affluent tourists, the tranquil beach offers a quiet respite for swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, or relaxing on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking, flats fishing, and snorkeling are also popular activities among visitors.

Location: 67400 Overseas Highway, Long Key, FL

While not technically in Marathon, Veterans Memorial Park is a 10-minute drive across the Seven Mile Bridge. The small beach area features a public boat ramp, barbeque grills, picnic tables, tiki hut shelters, showers, and restrooms. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, swimming is permitted, and the leaning palm trees create an oasis unlike any other beach in the Marathon area.

Location: 39900 Overseas Highway, Little Duck Key, FL

Twenty minutes from Marathon, heading across the Seven Mile Bridge towards Key West, you will find Bahia Honda State Park, where three expansive beach areas offer ample space for snorkeling, boating, and other recreational activities.

Location: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL – MM 37

When looking at houses for sale in Marathon, most buyers want to be close to the waterways to live the ultimate Keys lifestyle. The professional team at OceanSIR can take it a step further, helping you find luxury properties near some of the best-kept secret beaches in the region.

Their expert team has extensive experience working with high-end properties and can help you find Marathon homes for sale that meet your lifestyle needs. Contact Ocean SIR today to start looking for the home of your dreams.

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