Attractions:

• The Turtle Hospital: A renowned veterinary hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles. Public tours are available.

• Dolphin Research Center: A non-profit marine mammal research and education facility where visitors can interact with dolphins.

• Sombrero Beach: A beautiful public beach with soft sand and designated loggerhead turtle nesting sites.

• Curry Hammock State Park: A large undeveloped state park offering camping, kayaking, and nature trails.

• Pigeon Key: A historic island located under the Old Seven Mile Bridge, accessible by ferry or by biking/walking the old bridge, offering a glimpse into the railroad era.

Hotels:

• Gulf View Waterfront Resort: A laid-back, family-run property with airy rooms and apartments, plus loaner watercraft, a pool, and BBQs. (3-star hotel, currently 24% less than usual at $122/night)

• Tropical Cottages: A down-to-earth motel offering a tiki bar, a boat dock with a kayak launch, and a picnic area with BBQs. (3-star hotel, currently 21% less than usual at $105/night)

• Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort: A family-owned hotel with bright, airy rooms, a private beach, and a pool & hot tub with ocean views. (3-star hotel, currently 39% less than usual at $139/night)

• Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club Marathon, Curio by Hilton: Modern rooms & suites in a waterfront complex with a marina, upscale dining, and an outdoor pool. (4-star hotel, $214/night)

• Hampton Inn Marathon – Florida Keys: A straightforward hotel featuring an outdoor pool with ocean views, plus a bar and free breakfast. ($150/night)

Restaurants:

• Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar: Located at Faro Blanco Resort, this waterfront restaurant offers an eclectic American menu with a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and unique craft cocktails, all with a great view of Florida Bay.

• The Island Fish Co. Tiki Bar and Restaurant: A popular waterfront spot with a huge tiki bar, offering locally inspired dishes, fresh seafood, and refreshing drinks. It’s known for its spectacular sunset views and often has live music. They also serve breakfast.

• Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina: A historic, island-style tiki diner known for its daily smoked BBQ, fresh local seafood, sushi, and “the best mojitos in town.” They offer waterfront dining, live music, and are pet-friendly. Don’t miss their award-winning Deep Fried Key Lime Pie!

• Sparky’s Landing: A lively bar and grill offering a diverse menu from fish tacos to wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and seafood. It’s a fun atmosphere with creative food and cocktails. Dock & Dine is available.

• Sunset Grille & Raw Bar: Situated at the foot of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, this spot offers stunning oceanfront views, especially at sunset. It’s known for its large pool and beach party atmosphere on Sundays, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Lazy Days South: An oceanfront dining gem with a relaxed vibe, offering exquisite Keys-style cuisine, fresh seafood, seafood pastas, and the option to “cook your catch.” It’s great for enjoying romantic sunsets.

• Keys Fisheries: A local institution famous for its fresh seafood market and walk-up window. They are particularly known for their Stone Crab claws (in season) and their massive Lobster Reuben. There’s also an adults-only upstairs tiki bar.

• Angler & Ale (at Hawks Cay Marina): Located on the docks of Hawks Cay, this spot offers great food, including Florida Keys specialties, and “hook & cook” options for your fresh catch. It’s a place for families, friends, and fish stories.

• The Stuffed Pig: A classic Marathon spot for breakfast and lunch, known for its hearty portions, local twists on breakfast standards, and a charming, rustic atmosphere. Cash only.

• Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House: A highly-rated restaurant offering delicious steak and seafood with a “zesty tropical vibe.” Known for great service, fresh ingredients, and popular happy hour and early bird specials.

• Triton Seafood Restaurant: A popular spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, known for its fresh seafood options.

Bars:

• Porky’s Bayside Restaurant & Marina: While a full restaurant, Porky’s has a very popular and expansive tiki bar right on the water. It’s famous for its lively atmosphere, often featuring live music, great mojitos, and fantastic sunset views over Florida Bay. It’s a quintessential Keys experience.

• Sunset Grille & Raw Bar: Located right at the base of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, this is a prime spot for spectacular sunset views over the ocean. They have a large outdoor bar area, often with a pool and a lively “beach party” atmosphere, especially on weekends.

• The Hurricane: A popular local dive bar and restaurant known for its strong drinks, casual atmosphere, and regular live music. It’s a go-to for a genuine Keys experience away from some of the more touristy spots.

• Sparky’s Landing: A vibrant bar and grill, Sparky’s offers a fun atmosphere with a diverse drink menu, including creative cocktails. It’s often bustling and has a great view of the marina, making it a good spot for happy hour or an evening out.

• Keys Fisheries (Upstairs Tiki Bar): While the main operation is a seafood market and casual restaurant, Keys Fisheries has a popular adults-only tiki bar upstairs. It’s a hidden gem for enjoying drinks with a great view, especially when the stone crabs are in season.

• Dockside Tropical Café: Offers a relaxed, open-air setting with views of the marina. It’s a casual spot for drinks and simple food, often popular with boaters.

• Butterfly Cafe (at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort): For a more upscale and sophisticated bar experience, the bar at Butterfly Cafe offers a refined atmosphere, perfect for a quiet drink or pre-dinner cocktails in a beautiful setting.

• Lazy Days South (Bar Area): Similar to its Islamorada counterpart, the Marathon location of Lazy Days has a pleasant bar area that complements its oceanfront dining. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink with a view in a relaxed setting.