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5 Best Beaches in Marathon Florida in 2023
Are you searching for the top beaches in Marathon Florida? With its unparalleled fishing spots and exciting water activities, it’s no wonder why visitors flock here year-round. But what many might not know is that this sun-kissed paradise doesn’t have as much beach frontage compared to other destinations – but never fear! We’ve got the inside scoop on all of the best Marathon beaches to explore and enjoy.
Marathon is a stunning city that attracts travelers from near and far for its breathtaking waters and marine life. Whether you’re looking to find some peace in the sun or explore all of what this destination has to offer, there’s something here for everyone!
Visiting Marathon has become an annual family tradition of mine, and I’ve been fortunate to travel there every year for the last two decades. During that time, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the best beaches in Marathon Florida.
So, without further ado, here are the 5 best beaches in Marathon Florida that you need to add to your things-to-do list when visiting Marathon Key!
Here’s a list of my favorite beaches in Marathon Florida
1. Sombrero Beach
Located in Marathon, Florida, Sombrero Beach is considered one of the nicest beaches in the Florida Keys. With its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and beautiful natural surroundings, it is no wonder why Sombrero Beach is a popular tourist destination.
Sombrero Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean, is a picturesque park with a lovely sandy beach with coconut palms that is perfect for a relaxing day out in the sun. In 2001, the City of Marathon redeveloped Sombrero Beach to make it completely handicap accessible.
Today, it is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike, offering a range of amenities including picnic areas, picnic tables, pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers.
🐢 A Turtle Nesting Beach
Sombrero Beach is also a turtle nesting beach, primarily for Loggerhead Turtles. From April through October, these majestic sea turtles come onto the beach at night to lay their eggs. During the active turtle nesting season, the City limits human activities in the vicinity of active turtle nest establishments. The turtle nest areas typically represent less than 10% of the available beach area, with the remainder of the beach open for visitors and residents to enjoy. The City regularly surveys the beach for new turtle nesting and invites interested individuals to assist in preserving the turtle population as a turtle surveyor.
🕰️ Visiting Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach is open from Monday through Sunday, with hours from 7:00 am to Dusk. To get there, turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities and activities at the park and sandy beach. There is ample parking that lines that beach.
Reviews
Overall, visitors to Sombrero Beach have praised the accessibility, cleanliness, and beauty of the beach. One reviewer commented, “This is a beautiful beach with plenty of room to spread out, swim, and sunbathe. The sand is soft and white, and the water is clear and refreshing. The park area is well-maintained, with plenty of shade and amenities.” Another reviewer noted the importance of preserving the turtle nesting areas, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the City taking such an active role in preserving the turtle population. As a visitor, it’s important to respect the turtle nest areas and do our part to protect these magnificent creatures.”
⌛Hours: 7 am to Dusk, free parking lots
📍Address: Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050
🚻Restroom Facilities & Showers
🧺Picnic Areas & Pavillions
🏐Volleyball Courts
2. Coco Plum Beach
Coco Plum Beach is located just a few miles away from Sombrero Beach and it’s another popular spot for visitors. This beach has soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters that make it perfect for swimming or wading around in.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life when you visit Coco Plum Beach in Marathon at MM 54. Lesser known than other beaches, this secluded spot boasts a covered pavilion and restrooms for your added convenience.
Pet Friendly
If you’re looking for a beach to let your furry friends off leash and play, look no further than Coco Plum Beach in Marathon. This coastal paradise is perfect for letting Fido run free while appreciating picturesque sunsets! Not only that, but the shallow waters make it an ideal spot for watersports as well. So grab your pup and come explore this beautiful stretch of sand – just don’t forget towels to dry them off afterward!
Reviews
Most visitors to Coco Plum Beach are in awe of the gorgeous natural setting and they praise its secluded location and soft sand. Many people also comment on the dog-friendly atmosphere and appreciate that there is a pavilion and restrooms for their convenience.
❗Some visitors have noted that the beach can get quite crowded, especially during peak season, and that depending on when you go it may be overrun with seagrass.
Highlights:
🐶 Pet-friendly beach
🏖️Secluded location with soft white sand and shallow waters
🧺Covered pavilion and restrooms
🏄♂️Perfect spot for watersports, swimming, and wading
⌛Hours: 7 am to Dusk
📍Address: Coco Plum Drive Rd, Marathon, FL 33050
3. Bahia Honda State Park
Located just 10 miles from Marathon, we don’t want to leave out Bahia Honda State Park. It is a tropical paradise that offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most stunning scenery and natural wonders in the state. This stunning park is known for its palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters, and magnificent sunsets that provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. With balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round, it’s no wonder that Bahia Honda State Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Interesting History
In the early 1900s, Henry Flagler attempted to build a railroad to Key West, which turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. The park was established in 1961, and today it is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, making it an excellent place for nature lovers to explore.
Things to Do
Bahia Honda State Park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Visitors can rent kayaks and snorkeling gear to explore the park’s stunning waters or take a boat trip to the reef for a snorkeling excursion. The park is also an excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds, and visitors can learn about the island’s plants and animals through educational programs and guided tours.
Reviews
Visitors to Bahia Honda State Park rave about the park’s stunning scenery and natural beauty. Many reviewers comment on the park’s clear waters and beautiful beaches, and some mention the park’s excellent snorkeling opportunities. Others appreciate the park’s educational programs and guided tours, which offer a chance to learn about the island’s unique plants and animals. Overall, Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
“Beautiful park with clear water and a lovely beach. The snorkeling was great, and we saw some amazing fish and coral. We also took a guided tour and learned a lot about the island’s plants and animals. Highly recommended!” – Sarah, TripAdvisor
“I loved everything about this park! The beach is stunning, and the water is so clear you can see right through it. The snorkeling was fantastic, and we saw a ton of fish and even a few rays. I can’t wait to go back!” – Mike, Yelp
“Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination in the Florida Keys. The scenery is breathtaking, and the educational programs and guided tours are a great way to learn about the island’s unique plants and animals. Highly recommended!” – Jessica, Google Reviews
Highlights:
🌴 Iconic Florida scenery
🌊 Gin-clear waters
🌅 Magnificent sunsets
🐦 Wading birds and shorebirds
🛶 Kayak and snorkel rentals
🐠 Snorkeling excursions to the reef
🌿 Educational programs and guided tours
4. Cabana Beach Club at Key Colony Beach
The first thing you should know is that the Cabana Beach Club is a private beach club. But if you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Key Colony residences then check with your host because you may have access during your stay!
The club offers a private beach, a heated/cooled pool, and full-service cabana servers to provide food and drinks while you lounge. It’s a great spot to truly be pampered.
The private beach is a perfect spot to soak up the sun, lounge under a palm tree, and play in the ocean. If you prefer a freshwater pool, the Cabana Club has you covered with their 65’ long heated/cooled pool, perfect for summer days and cool winter evenings.
🍸 The Cabana servers offer a full-service menu of your favorite cocktails and snacks, including hand-dipped ice cream, soft pretzels, hot dogs, and frozen smoothies. The Cabana bar/lounge also offers a full selection of adult libations and TVs to catch up on your favorite sports or news.
🎁 For those in need of beach necessities, the Cabana Club offers a selection of Cabana wear, Island Art, towels, and sunscreen.
📅 The Cabana Club is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.
🏝️ Many area vacation rentals include membership at no additional cost to their tenants. Make sure your rental includes a Cabana Club membership to make your vacation complete!
Overall, the Cabana Club is a highly recommended spot to relax and unwind in the beautiful Florida Keys. Many reviewers on the page share their positive experiences and memories at the club. Some mention the great service provided by the staff and the beautiful views from the private beach. Others mention the delicious food and drinks provided by the Cabana servers. However, some reviewers mention the strict rules regarding memberships and the restrictions on bringing food or beverages inside the club. Overall, the Cabana Club is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in the Florida Keys.
5. Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park is a popular attraction in Florida that offers camping, hiking, and biking opportunities. The park is a Travelers’ Choice award winner on Tripadvisor, which is given to properties that consistently receive great reviews from travelers.
If you’re into camping, there are four “primitive” campsites at the park that offer basic amenities such as bathrooms and showers with battery combo locks, but no electrical outlets or lights. The campsites are separated from the parking lot by a boardwalk and have a thin line of mangroves, but no direct views of the water.
Hiking
The Golden Orb Trail is a 1.25-mile hiking trail that takes visitors through different habitats and offers a chance to spot wildlife. However, some sections of the park may be closed due to hurricane damage, and visitors recommend checking the status of the park before visiting.
Reviews
Reviews of Long Key State Park are mixed. Some visitors recommend visiting early or late in the day to avoid the heat and mosquitoes. Some reviewers have enjoyed biking and relaxing in the shade, while others have found the park to be small and not worth the entry fee. However, the park is generally appreciated for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. When it comes to summertime in the Florida Keys, visitors suggest bringing a hammock and a portable fan to combat both the temperature and mosquitoes. After all, this is Florida!
Conclusion
The Florida Keys is a great destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers. From outdoor activities to amazing wildlife viewing, there are plenty of things to do and see in the Florida Keys. So make sure to enjoy some of the best sandy beaches during your Florida keys vacation and you’ll be sure to have a good time.
