Guidebook
Top Marathon Eats & Drinks
1. Burdines Waterfront – Classic waterfront dining with great views and fresh seafood (plus excellent fried Key lime pie).
2. Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House – A go-to for surf & turf, lobster, and steak dinners; perfect for a special night out.
3. Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina – Waterfront BBQ, smoked meats, and southern favorites — laid-back and tasty.
4. Island Fish Company – Long-time local tiki-style favorite for seafood, drinks, and sunset views.
5. Castaways– Casual seafood serving fresh local catch and fun island food.
6. Sparky’s Landing Fish and Cocktails – Fusion seafood and creative bar bites with cocktail vibes (happy hour friendly).
7. Herbie’s Bar and Chowder House – Local bar and seafood spot with great chowder, casual eats, and outdoor seating.
8. The Stuffed Pig – Excellent breakfast/brunch spot with hearty classics to fuel your Keys adventures.
9. Fish Tales Market & Eatery – Fresh seafood and market combined — great for a casual lunch or to cook your fresh catch.
10. La Niña Restaurant – A beloved local Cuban eatery with authentic flavors (hole-in-the-wall charm).
🍽️ Local Specialties to Try
• Lobster Reuben — famous at local seafood markets like Burdines or Keys Fisheries.
• Conch fritters & fresh fish tacos — classic Florida Keys staples.
• Key lime pie — an absolute must-try dessert around town.
Top 10 Marathon Attractions
1. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters — Hands-on marine experience where guests can feed and even snorkel with tropical fish and rays, great for families and ocean lovers.
2. Old Seven Mile Bridge — Historic pedestrian/bike span with panoramic ocean views — perfect for walking, biking, fishing and photography.
3. Crane Point Hammock — A peaceful nature preserve with trails, butterfly gardens and natural history exhibits.
4. The Turtle Hospital — Rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing sea turtles; guided tours let you learn about and see these majestic creatures up close.
5. Sombrero Beach — One of the best beaches in the Keys with soft sand, picnic areas, calm water and seasonal turtle nesting.
6. Boot Key Harbor & Waters — Beautiful harbor perfect for boating, kayaking, and sunset views over the water.
7. Curry Hammock State Park — Outdoor paradise for kayaking, paddleboarding, biking and wildlife watching amid mangroves and coastal hammock.
8. Dolphin & Marine Tours — Take a dolphin watching or marine wildlife tour to see bottlenose dolphins and other ocean creatures in their natural habitat.
9. Pigeon Key Historic Island — Small island at the end of the Old Seven Mile Bridge with tours, snorkeling and historic buildings (access by tram or boat).
10. Oceanfront Park — Waterfront park for picnicking, beach time, strolls and enjoying scenic ocean views — a local favorite.
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Bonus Outdoor Stops
• Bahia Honda State Park — Famous nearby beach with stunning sand and snorkeling (a short drive west of Marathon).
• Snorkeling & Reef Trips — Charter snorkeling excursions to Sombrero Reef, a vibrant coral reef teeming with life.
Top 3 Public Boat Ramps
1. Marathon HiFee Public Boat Ramp – A well-known and popular public ramp located on 33rd Street (Gulf side) — handles most boats and is open 24/7 with trailer parking (fee applies).
2. Aviation Boulevard Boat Ramp – Behind Marathon Airport at Harbor Drive & Aviation Blvd., this quieter ramp offers 24/7 access and is a good alternative if the 33rd Street ramp is busy.
3. Crawl Key / Quay Public Boat Ramp – Another public ramp near Mile Marker 54 on the bayside (just north of Island Tiki) with 24/7 access. (Often referred to as The Quay ramp; public access similar to the others.)
🛶 Bonus (Smaller Public Site)
• North Marathon Shores Public Boat Ramp (Dodge Lake) – Small public launch on Aviation Blvd. with limited parking — good for smaller boats or kayaks.
💡 Tips for visitors: Most public ramps in Marathon charge a launch/retrieve fee and have trailer parking (no overnight). They’re typically open 24/7 but can get busy on weekends and holidays.
General House Rules
We kindly ask all guests to treat the home with care and respect, as if it were your own. Please keep the property clean and tidy throughout your stay, and return items to their original place when finished. Any damage, broken items, or missing property must be reported promptly and will be the responsibility of the guest.
Guests are expected to follow all posted rules and use appliances, furniture, and amenities as intended. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in additional charges or fees. Thank you for helping us maintain a comfortable and enjoyable space for all future guests.
To ensure a comfortable stay for everyone, please observe quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This is a non-smoking property, and pets are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
The maximum occupancy is 6 guests at all times. These rules are in place to maintain the home and respect our neighbors. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in additional fees or termination of the stay without refund.
What to do if something breaks or stops working? Call 786-306-4452
Emergency & Safety Information
In case of an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. The nearest hospital and urgent care facility is Fishermen’s Community Hospital located in Marathon, Florida. For fire safety, a fire extinguisher is located inside the washer and dryer closet. Please familiarize yourself with its location upon arrival.
Evacuation Information
In the event of severe weather or an emergency evacuation order (such as a hurricane), guests are required to follow all local and state evacuation notices immediately. Monroe County officials will issue evacuation orders by zone—please monitor local news, weather alerts, or emergency notifications for updates. If an evacuation is ordered, secure the property if time allows, gather personal belongings, and leave the area promptly using designated evacuation routes. Guest safety is the top priority, and compliance with evacuation orders is mandatory.
Checkout Instructions
Checkout time is 11:00 AM. Please ensure all personal belongings are removed, used towels are placed in the designated area, and the home is left in reasonable condition. Be sure to turn off lights, appliances, and lock all doors upon departure. Late checkouts must be approved in advance and may incur additional fees.