Marathon, Florida

Marathon Key, Florida has been labeled the unofficial heart of the Keys due to its position in the middle of the chain of islands. Like the rest of the Keys, outdoor activities are the way to spend your time. Scuba, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, hiking, biking, and other pastimes can be found in and around Marathon.

Marathon is home to Crane Point Hammock, a 63.5-acre land tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. The area contains evidence of pre-Colombian and prehistoric Bahamian artifacts, and once was the site of an entire Indian village. On site are the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys, an archive of ancient artifacts found in the area, and the Children's Museum of the Florida Keys, an indoor-outdoor facility with ecological exhibits tailored specifically to children.

For a truly original experience, visit the Dolphin Research Center, located at mile marker (MM) 59. If you have ever wanted to touch, swim, or play with dolphins, this is the place to be! The facility is dedicated not only to training dolphins, but studying them and protecting them as well. The dolphins swim in a 90,000-square-foot natural salt water pool that has been carved out of the shoreline. If swimming isn¿t your thing, you can also take the hour long walking tour and sign up for a class in hand signals, or feed the dolphins from the dock.

Sun worshipers will want to pitch a towel on the shore of Sombrero Beach, the largest beach in the Upper and Middle Keys. A great place for a swim, the beach has volleyball courts, tiki huts for relaxing in the shade, and plenty of beautiful white sand to go around.

History buffs will certainly want to visit Pigeon Key, a tiny five-acre island nestled below the old Seven Mile Bridge. Park your car at the visitor's center, situated in a vintage silver and red Florida East Coast Railway coach. A small entrance fee includes a round trip trolley ride into Pigeon Key.