When you visit Marathon, you’ll find a charming tropical town with some of best beaches and water sports in the world.  The Marathon Airport is located at the mid point on the island chain making it in close proximity to the many desirable locations on the Keys.

Though much of the romantic history of Marathon is still in evidence, the town has also modernized. There are luxury accommodations, intimate resorts, many fine restaurants and casual eateries, shops with designer sportswear/swim suits, gift shops, and more.  Services include a 58-bed hospital.  Marathon has retained the ambience of a 19th century fishing village while providing up-to-date amenities.  Marathon is known for its annual Seven Mile Bridge Run held in April each year when 1500 runners make the challenging run over the longest and one of the most uniquely beautiful bridges in the world. 

Ready for the tropical, palm-lined beach, azure waters, warm ocean breezes, and glorious sun?  Zip down to the #1 rated beach in the continental U.S. at Bahia Honda State Park.  The waters are calm and comforting and many tropical plants adorn the area.  All water sports, fishing, picnicking, and camping are available at the recreation area.  Sombrero Beach is known for some of the best snorkeling anywhere.

When you’re ready for a bit of the indoors, you can enjoy a theatre performance at the Marathon Community Theatre, enjoy the artwork of the Florida Keys Watercolor Society, take the Marathon House and Garden Tour, or hear a classical concert at San Pablo Church.  Later a cool drink on the patio at Hideway Café is just the thing to complete your day.

The Florida Keys are rich with the history of pirates and shipwrecks, hurricanes and pineapples groves, and the railroad “that went to sea”.  Much of Marathon’s past is still in evidence.  Visit Crane Point Hammock, an area of protected historic sites, trails with wild flowers, and museums.  Pigeon Key can be reached by crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge.   Learn about bottlenose dolphins at The Dolphin Research Center before swimming with these gentle and intelligent creatures, and then visit Bubbles and Rebel, two of 12 permanent residents at the Turtle Hospital. 

Marathon is at the heart of the Keys marine habitat where kayakers can paddle through the shallows and observe sea turtles or tropical fish, or watch egrets and herons catching fish.  While most of the waters around Marathon are open to fishing, some are designated for fish viewing and eco-tourism.  Home to the only living coral barrier reef in North America, Sombrero Reef is a protected marine area lying several miles offshore.   

Return to Top

LOCATION

Marathon is referred to as “The Heart of the Keys” because it is located at the mid-point in the chain of islands.  The Marathon Airport is 120 miles south of Miami, and an hour from Key West.  Call Lela for all your real estate needs, wants and desires 305-395-0814.

Return to Top

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS

Getting around the Keys:  Everyone travels by automobile up and down the islands on the famed Overseas Highway, which stretches from Key Largo to Key West.  Travelers also have the option to sit back and let Ambiance Sun's Big Purple Buses luxury coaches carry them to and from Marathon airport and Key West.

Getting to the Keys by ground:  Greyhound Lines has scheduled stops between Miami International Airport and many locations on the Keys. The Keys Shuttle travels between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami International Airport to various towns on the islands.

Air Travel to the Keys:  Several major air carriers schedule regular service to both Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon Airport. These include US Airways and Delta, and American Eagle Airlines.  Many flights are routed through the Miami International Airport, although some smaller airlines, such as Cape Air and private charters, schedule direct flights from many major cities in Florida, such as Ft. Meyers, Ft. Lauderdale, Naples, and the Bahamas. International flights must connect to one of these airlines in Miami.

Marathon Airport began as a World War II airstrip and now is a convenient destination for both commercial and private planes.  Located in the middle of the island chain Marathon Airport is an hour away from either Key West or Key Largo, making it a popular travel choice for visitors to the Keys.

Traveling by water:  The Key West Express provides passenger ferry service from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island on Florida's southwest coast to the Key West Bight Ferry Terminal.  It’s about 3.5 hours of scintillating breezes and sun.  For private boaters be sure to reserve your space in the numerous marinas that dot the coastal inlands.

Return to Top

BRIEF HISTORY

Monroe County, in which Marathon is located, is named after James Monroe, the 5th President of the U. S.  Monroe County constitutes a grouping of islands connected by an overseas highway, built by the state.  By utilizing 42 defunct railroad bridges between Key Largo and Key West and by constructing miles of highway, the longest segmented bridge in the world was successfully completed.  The bridges utilized were constructed as part of the historic railroad route that ran the length of the Keys, but which was dramatically destroyed in a hurricane. The highway contains 19.3 miles of bridge spans.  The population of the county has grown from 5,657 in 1870 to 79,589 in 2000.

This marine wonderland with its fascinating history of pirated ships, famous writers and artists, its connection to Cuba and the Bahamas, attracts millions of tourists each year, making tourism the major source of employment for local residents. Retail services, commercial fishing and government employment are also important industries.

The Keys are made of a two-mile layer of limestone on top of the ancient Appalachian mountain foothills.  The highest point in the Keys, only 18 feet above sea level, lies on Windley Key. The Keys are islands of composed of rock.  Sandy beaches are uncommon, and are found primarily on the Atlantic side of the larger islands.  This environment has many benefits to the environment and marine recreation.  It holds the only living coral reef in the continental U.S., and provides an extremely attractive and stimulating place for diving, boating, fishing, wildlife, flora and fauna. 

Return to Top

ABOUT EDUCATION

Students who live on the Keys are served by the Monroe County Schools.   Randy Acevedo, Superintendent of Monroe County Schools, is quoted: Together, as a team, we will support our vision - “that all students succeed in academic, artistic and athletic endeavors” and “that every employee is appreciated, highly qualified, an effective communicator, and improves continuously to meet emerging needs of students.” 

There are three high schools: Coral Shores (Tavernier), Key West (Key West), and Marathon High School (Marathon); one Middle School; and five Elementary Schools throughout the area.  Monroe County offers many other educational services as well:  Hurricane Island Outward Bound, Montessori Elementary Charter School, and Big Pine Neighborhood Charter School are just a few.

Florida Keys Community College is located in Key West.
Using Neuro-Linguistic Programming To Close The Deal