The Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center of Grassy Key Florida is true home of Flipper! Don't miss this place as they are dedicated to training, studying, and protecting the Dolphins and you will experience some real cool stuff! I recommend reserving a spot to swim with one of the Dolphins if you can afford it. Famous people from around the world visit this facility each year because they are the best Dolphin Facility. You will be amazed at what you will learn and the gift shop is a great place to get some Keys Stuff to take home. Awesome Florida Keys logo'd T-Shirts and more!
FYI - The majority of the time that you will Charter a fishing trip you can now see Wild Dolphin roaming around our Florida Keys Waters
Sombrero Beach
Turn left at Kmart on Sombrero Beach Road and you'll find the Finest beach in the Middle Florida Keys. The Keys are not known for their beaches but Sombrero is a beautiful beach and it is right here in Marathon!
Sombrero Beach is a beautiful park and beach. In 2001 the City redeveloped Sombrero Beach to include total handicap accessibility. A lovely sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean frames a shady park with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms and showers.
Sombrero Beach is a turtle nesting beach. From April through October it is not unusual to have Loggerhead Turtles (primarily) coming on to the beach at night to lay their eggs. During this period we do not have tables or benches on the beach so we do not interfere with turtle nesting activities. The City is responsible for surveying the beaches during turtle nesting season. If you are interested in helping with this lovely obligation please get in touch with us. F.D.E.P. holds classes in February or March every year to be a state certified surveyor. The City then schedules all of the surveyors for their day to walk the beach. Walking the beach first thing in the morning looking for turtle nests is an awesome experience.
The hours are from 7:00 a.m. until dusk. To get there turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road. You are there!
The Historic 7 Mile BridgeMarathon
Pigeon Key
A tiny five acre island sitauted along our Treasure called the Seven Mile Bridge was once the home to the workers who built Henry Flagler's Railroad which connected the Keys to northern commerce. Enjoy the relatively long walk along the Seven Mile Bridge to get out to the Island and take the Trolley ride back. Some of you may remember The famed Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key in the movie 'True Lies' featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Museum and Nature CenterMarathon
Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Center
The most important historical and archaeological site in the Keys. Evidence of Prehistoric Bahamian and Colombian tribes are found here. On site you will also find 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 which is an indoor/outdoor facility with ecological exhibits for the kids!
Don't miss The Adderley home. Early immigrant George Adderley and his Family lived a simple life among tropical trees such as the lignumvitae whose hard wood was once used to make bowling balls. The family survived by making charcoal and gathering and selling sponges.
One trail will take you to the Marathon Wild Bird Center which is a hospital for many of the native birds of the Marathon Area!
Feeding the fish is also a hit with the kids with large resident Barracuda and Shark!
And I have to mention Casa Iguana, the home to many species of Iguanas ranging from 3 to 6 feet long.
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The Turtle Hospital of The Florida Keys
Marathon
Turtle Hospital Educational Tour
Another can't miss experience is the Turtle Hospital Educational Tour which many of our guests have included as a highlight of their vacation. During the Tour you will learn of the many challenges facing the Turtles in todays ocean waters and what we are doing to support their existence now and into the future. Of course you'll also meet Bubble-butt and many of their other residents and have a good time as well.
Price of admission includes an approximate 45 minute educational guide of the hospital with a presentation and a 45 minute guide through the sea turtle rehabilitation area. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
