MARATHON AREA ATTRACTIONS AND RESTAURANTS

A guide to our favorite historic and natural area attractions that make the middle Florida Keys so popular with visitors year after year.

DO YOU DREAM OF A SWIM WITH DOLPHINS?

For many folks, the dream of a lifetime is to be in the water with a dolphin. You can experience these fascinating marine mammals in an up close and personal way at the nearby Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key! Swim with a dolphin or become a trainer for a day at the non-profit education and research facility.

58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key , FL 33050-6019 • Reservations: (305) 289-0002 • www.dolphins.org

MEET A SEA TURTLE!

Sea Turtles have survived more than 100 million years, and live in all the world's oceans - their presence, or absence and their health can reveal a lot about the condition of our environment and the oceans of our planet. Meet the residents of Marathon's Turtle Hospital, where injured or sick turtles are treated and released back to local waters. Learn about preservation of this important sea animal.

2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon , FL 33050 • Daily Guided Educational Experiences: (305) 743-2552 • www.turtlehospital.org

CRANE POINT MUSEUM AND TRAILS

Explore the beautiful hardwood hammock trails of Crane Point. There are more than 80 educational (and navigational) signs to make your hike educational and fun! Check out the marine "touch tanks" full of native invertebrates and Florida Keys critters -and do stop by the Creature Feature on the porch of the Cracker House -- observational bee hives, land crabs, box turtles, and corn snakes among others. The museum's exhibits depict the area's local history from early Native Americans to settlers in the 1800s. Kids will love the interactive pirate experience!

5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 • Phone: (305) 743-3900 • www.cranepoint.net

PICTURESQUE PIGEON KEY

Explore historic Pigeon Key for a step back in time. The 5 acre island just west of Marathon was the original Henry Flagler work camp for the Overseas Railway and the 7 mile bridge. The island is a fascinating microcosm of the Florida Keys,says Trip Advisor. Pigeon Key can be reached on foot or bike via the Old Seven Mile Bridge, or by ferry from Knights Key, Marathon. Visitors may tour many of the historic buildings -- including the Honeymoon Cottage, the Bridge Tender's House, and the Commissary. An educational center displays information on the wildlife as well the history of the 'Train Who Went To Sea'. Make a day of it with a picnic and your snorkel gear.

1 Knights Key Boulevard Mile Marker 47, Marathon, FL 33050 • Information: 305-743-5999 • www.pigeonkey.net

"TOP TEN" BEACH AT BAHIA HONDA

The long white sandy beach with the lapping turquoise waters of Bahia Honda State Park has made more than one "top ten" beach list in travel magazines, and is one of the island chain's most popular destinations. Enjoy snorkeling along the shore or in the sailboat harbor and revel in the sunsets framed by a dramatic backdrop of the old railroad's steel truss bridge. Amenities and activities include picnic tables, showers and restrooms, shore fishing. You can also rent kayaks, and snorkel gear or take a charter for snorkeling and diving on nearby Looe Key Reef. It is very popular with birders and known for a variety of wading and shorebirds.

Mile Marker 37 Overseas Highway, Bahia Honda, Florida • Phone: (305) 872-2353 • www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/

SOMBRERO REEF MARINE SANCTUARY

Just off Marathon is the Sombrero Reef Marine Sanctuary. We recommend Spirit Snorkeling to visit Sombrero Reef and Lighthouse on a powerful, stable power catamaran. Spirit only takes snorkelers - No SCUBA divers - which means the trips are to areas perfect in depth for freediving. Between the year round warm water and the colorful coral and fish life just beneath the surface the barrier reef offshore is easily a top local attraction. It's also the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world and the only living barrier reef in North America. Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, second only in ecological diversity to the tropical rain forests; in fact, coral reefs are often called "The Rain Forests of the Sea."

MM 47.5 Bayside, (Behind Porky's), Marathon, Florida • Phone: (305) 289-0614 • www.spiritsnorkeling.net

EXPERIENCE FLORIDA KEYS FISHING!

If you're an angler, you know the keys are world renowned for the big game sport fishing. In the middle Keys where you're closest to the Gulfstream as well as the barrier reef the fishing is considered the best in the Florida Keys. Try drift fishing with the Marathon Lady; party boat fare includes fishing gear, bait and all required licenses!

Overseas Highway at Vaca Cut Bridge, Mile Marker 53, Marathon, FL 33050 • Phone: (305) 743-5580 • www.marathonlady.net

GOLF & TENNIS ON KEY COLONY BEACH!

The tennis courts and 9 hole golf course are open daily to the public from 7:30 am to dusk. Greens fees are very affordable and there are no fees for the tennis courts. There's also a children's playground and other recreational facilities include a basketball court plus horseshoe and bocci ball areas.

8th Street, Key Colony Beach FL 33050 • www.keycolonybeach.net/recreation.html

SUNSET GRILL & RAW BAR

"Spectacular Sunsets accompanied by outstanding food and drink make a trip to Sunset Grille and Raw Bar a must." says the restaurant website, and the reviews match the enthusiasm for food, service and views. Plus there's a sparking pool for patrons. Splash into the Sunset Grill and Raw Bar!

Overseas Highway at Vaca Cut Bridge, Mile Marker 53, Marathon, FL 33050 • Phone: (305) 743-5580 • www.sunsetgrille7milebridge.com

KEYS FISHERIES

Waterfront dining and fish market, popular with locals and visitors alike for years.Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and located right on the marina

3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 743-4353 • www.keysfisheries.com

SPARKY'S LANDING

A long time local favorite, Spark's Landing is located on the docks of the Key Colony Beach Marina - just a minute off the Overseas Highway. The atmosphere is tropical Florida Keys and the food is great. There's something on the menu for everyone: steaks, fresh local seafood, fresh salads, pizza and sandwiches. Popular items include the Frueben - a fish Rueben, the West Coast Style Fish Tacos and the unique Shrimp & Bacon Pizza. Open daily for lunch and dinner 11am - 10pm, Daily Happy Hour 4-6pm.

SADOWSKI CAUSEWAY (TURN AT) MILE MARKER 53, Key Colony Beach, FL 33050 • Phone: (305) 289-7445 • www.sparkyslanding.com

ISLAND FISH COMPANY

Large, open air Tiki right on the Gulf of Mexico serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily 8am till 11pm. Fresh local fish served in locally inspired style. Spectacular views all the time, including sunsets, of course. There's also a beach bar.

12648 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050 • (305) 743-4191 • www.islandfishco.com