Marathon Key: Florida Keys

The Turtle Hospital

Education & Family: The turtle hospital was one of the highlights for my kids when we visited Marathon for the first time. The Turtle Hospital is a veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. They rescue, rehab, and release sea turtles in the Florida Keys. Be sure to make reservations in advance so you can be a part of the tours. They teach about the turtles and you actually get to see the turtles that they have at their facility! My daughter loved getting to see the sea turtles up close and personal.

Theater of the Sea

Education & Family: Theater of the Sea is located in Islamorada Key, not far from Marathon. Family-owned since 1946, Theater of the Sea offers gardens, lagoons, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators and birds. One of our favorite experiences here was the private animal interactions that they offer. My daughter did a private meet the sea lion interaction. It was just her, the sea lions and the trainers. I highly recommend one of the many private interactions that you can book for your family. I love that it is small but feels spacious and family-owned. If you love sea animals and learning about them, this is a must-do for you and your family!

Take a kayak tour

Family, Ocean & Educational

The Florida Keys are known for the gorgeous water, so why not get out and explore by kayak. There are several companies that offer kayak tours around the area. Explore the mangroves and snorkel in the ocean! Kayaking is a great option for your family!

Fishing

Fishing, Ocean & Boating

Every time my family visits the Florida Keys, my husband and son ALWAYS go fishing! The Florida Keys have so many varieties of fish in the ocean my husband and son always come back with fresh catch. Many of the restaurants will cook it for you and you can enjoy it for dinner. We also like to ship it back home to Texas so we can remanence about our trip.

Explore

Drive & Explore

Get out and explore the Florida Keys! Drive the overseas highway and stop along the way at the scenic spots. We like to plan a day and leave early and drive. We stop along the road at any spots we feel like swimming or exploring. The Florida Keys offers many areas to explore!

Key West Day Trip

Take a day trip to Key West! Visit the Southern-most point and go relax at a beach! Enjoy some yummy food and enjoy the sunset in Mallory Square before heading back to Marathon!

Day Trips

Key west, Key Largo, Bahia Honda state park, cruise the highway from Miami to KeyWest.

Lazy Days - Lunch & Dinner: I love Lazy days! I always get the Jalapeno Encrusted Yellow Tail! I dream of this dish! The conch fritters are some of the best I have ever had! And... they will cook your catch!

The Green Turtle Inn - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Fine Dining: My family really enjoys dinner at The Green Turtle Inn. While it may look unassuming on the outside, the food is incredible! The Peel and Eat Key West Shrimp is a must! Chef “Big Jean’s” Famous Shrimp Scampi is one of my all-time favorites! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner you must stop at the Green Turtle Inn.

Lighthouse Grill - Casual, Lunch, Dinner & Happy Hour: This is a casual stop for lunch! We love the crispy grouper sandwich and highly recommend the seafood chowder.

Lorelei Restaurant And Cabana Bar- Scenic, Bar, Drinks & Dinner: Lorelei Restaurant And Cabana Bar overlooks the bay and is the perfect setting for dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here, but we like to come in the evening for drinks and dinner. The Key Lime Peppercorn Snapper and Lorelei’s World Famous “Frozen”

Key Lime Pie are always a big hit!

Chef Michael's - Fine Dining, Dinner, Florida Cuisine Seafood & Lionfish: Chef Michael is known for their lionfish! Lionfish is one of their specialties and great for the adventurous diner! Some other items that we have enjoyed are Conch & Shrimp Fritters, the roasted duck and creme brulee!

Mahina - Coastal & Hawaiian - Mahina is located in the Isla Bella beach resort and has the perfect Keys setting. Enjoy the Tiki Time drink and Lobster-Crusted Mahi-Mahi! Be sure to request an Oceanside table and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Ziggie & Mad Dog’s - Fine Dining & Steakhouse: This local favorite has been around since 1962, so you know it has to be good! My perfect meal at Ziggie consists of Ziggie’s Classic Lobster Bisque, Fresh Florida Keys Stone Crabs and Potatoes Au Gratin. Perfect for date night!