Florida Vacations - Marathon

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Marathon & Middle Keys>>> 110 miles (176 km) south west of Miami

Marathon Florida

With a location mid-way along the Keys, Marathon is known as the Heart of the Keys and has a population of approximately 12 000 people. The breathtaking drive over the Seven Mile Bridge begins at Marathon and offers a unique vantage point for viewing the magnificent sweep of the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

While proudly maintaining its fishing village history, the town has developed into one of the main destinations for visitors to the Keys.

It is still a focal point for serious anglers but now also attracts many other vacationers.

A supporting infrastructure of airport and accommodation in beach resorts, condominiums, hotels plus restaurants and a variety of holiday attractions are now all part of the scenery.

Marathon was a base camp for Henry Flagler's railroad. The town got its name, so the story goes, because Flagler, by then an old man, worried that he would not live to see the railroad reach Key West.

He made a plea to the workers to finish it in his lifetime and after a marathon effort over the next 2 years, the track reached Key West.

From its railroad camp and then fishing village history, the Keys community have successfully converted Marathon into a world renowned center for Florida sports fishing.

Fishing enthusiasts travel from all over the world to do battle with the tarpon, sailfish, dolphin, and bonefish that are found in these waters. Marathon and nearby Islamorada host several sports fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Every imaginable angling activity is catered for, from the local shoreline and waterways, to charter and party boats carrying anglers to the wrecks and reefs on trips lasting from hours to days. In the early summer season, charter boats head out from Marathon carrying anglers to the Gulf Stream in search of the elusive marlin.

Getting There

There is an airport at Marathon and at Key West in the Lower Keys. By far the majority of visitors to the Florida Keys use the U.S. 1 Highway from Miami.  Greyhound has a service from Miami to all the Keys destinations.  There are no public transport services and visitors need to make use of car rentals to get around. 

  Marathon vacation highlights :: getting the most from your Marathon vacation

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