Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Marathon?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Marathon?

Many visitors spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Marathon during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The island offers the chance to lounge on the beach, take in the beautiful scenery, explore the underwater world, and sample the delicious cuisine.

Marathon is part of the Florida Keys island chain and it has beautiful beaches and turquoise water. The island is also home to the Dolphin Research Center which allows visitors to get up close and personal with friendly dolphins. Many people visit the island for its diving and snorkeling or to see the Loggerhead turtles that nest at Coco Plum Beach and the popular Sombrero Beach.

Do you have one or two days to visit Marathon? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one day enough time in Marathon?

With its wealth of sights and attractions, Marathon is a top choice for tourists. One day is probably not enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities. You will likely feel rushed to see the beaches, the gorgeous scenery, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the food. To thoroughly enjoy your trip, you'd need more time, as most vacationers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully experience the quaint island. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Marathon

Don't miss the Dolphin Research Center during your trip to Marathon, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

Marathon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Marathon?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the quaint island of Marathon, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the gorgeous scenery, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the food. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Marathon Key Marathon Key

How to spend 2 days in Marathon

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Marathon, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the island has to offer.

The beautiful beaches await you in Marathon, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Marathon, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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