Hello From

Marathon!

 

 

“The Heart of the Florida Keys”

Anna Maria Island

Marathon

  A City in Monroe County, Florida

 

Marathon, Florida, is a charming island city located in the middle of the Florida Keys, stretching across 13 islands, including Boot Key, Key Vaca, and Fat Deer Key. Known as the “Heart of the Keys”,  Marathon is famous for its turquoise waters, boating, and world-class fishing and family-friendly atmosphere. 

The city is home to family-friendly attractions like the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, and Sombrero Beach. With the iconic Seven Mile Bridge nearby and easy access to coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, Marathon blends small-town charm with endless water adventures. It is a hub for marine activities and a paradise for nature lovers, offering a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by turquoise waters.

 

Marathon, Florida

Turquoise waters in Marathon

Photo by xbrchx via Canva.com

Location & Size

Marathon is situated in Monroe County, about halfway between Key Largo and Key West in the Florida Keys and covers roughly 9.6 square miles of land.

Founded

Marathon, Florida, located in the Middle Keys, traces its roots back to the early 1900s during the construction of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. The city’s name is said to have come from railroad workers who joked that building the line through the Keys was a “marathon” due to the grueling work and long hours. Once the railway was completed in 1912, the area began attracting settlers, fishermen, and tradespeople, laying the foundation for a small but growing community. After the devastating Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 destroyed much of the railway, the Overseas Highway replaced it, connecting Marathon to the rest of the Keys. Over time, the city developed into a thriving hub for fishing, boating, and tourism, while still holding onto its laid-back island character.

MARATHON WEATHER

Population

Around 9,600 residents (2023 estimate).

Known For

  • Sportfishing capital and boating paradise.

  • The iconic Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world.

  • Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital.

  • Stunning coral reefs and diving spots.

  • Family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful beaches like Sombrero Beach.

Cost of living

  • Median household income: about $67,000.

  • Median home price: around $600,000.

  • Median rent: approximately $2,500 per month.

Things to do

  • Visit the Turtle Hospital for marine education and rescue tours.

  • Explore Sombrero Beach for swimming and relaxation.

  • Enjoy world-class deep-sea and backcountry fishing.

  • Walk or bike along the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge.

  • Snorkel or dive at Sombrero Reef or Coffins Patch.

  • Discover marine life at the Dolphin Research Center.

Fun Facts

  • The name “Marathon” comes from the workers building the Overseas Railroad who joked that the project was a “marathon” effort.

  • The Seven Mile Bridge has been featured in numerous films, including True Lies and 2 Fast 2 Furious.

  • Marathon is home to one of the few places where you can swim with dolphins in their natural environment.

Nearby Cities

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