5 Best Day Trips from Marathon, FL for Your Florida Keys Vacation

Marathon is the heart of the Florida Keys—a place where turquoise waters, swaying palms, and small-town charm meet in the middle of paradise. But one of the best things about staying here is that you’re perfectly positioned to explore the rest of the Keys. From historic sites to natural wonders, there’s no shortage of day-trip adventures waiting just a short drive away. Here are five unforgettable excursions you can easily enjoy while basing yourself in Marathon.

1. Key West – History, Culture & Sunset Magic

Distance from Marathon: About 50 miles (1 hour drive)

A visit to the Keys wouldn’t be complete without a day in Key West. This southernmost city in the U.S. has an eclectic energy all its own—where colorful streets are lined with pastel conch houses, shady courtyards, and blooming bougainvillea.

The island is steeped in history and creativity, attracting writers, artists, and adventurers for centuries. You can spend your morning touring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where six-toed cats wander the lush gardens, before strolling over to the Key West Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views.

In the afternoon, lose yourself along Duval Street, a lively stretch filled with open-air bars, art galleries, boutiques, and world-famous restaurants. Foodies will love a stop at Blue Heaven, where mile-high-meringue-topped Key Lime pie is served under the shade of banyan trees while roosters casually strut past your table.

As evening falls, head to Mallory Square for the nightly Sunset Celebration—a street festival with jugglers, musicians, and local artisans that ends with one of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see.

Key West is vibrant, quirky, and unforgettable—an essential day trip.

Don’t miss: Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where six-toed cats still roam the gardens.

Take it easy: Stroll down Duval Street for shopping and people-watching, then stop by Blue Heaven for Key Lime pie under the banyan trees.

End the day right: Join the crowds at Mallory Square for the nightly Sunset Celebration—jugglers, musicians, and that glowing horizon make it unforgettable.

2. Bahia Honda State Park – Beaches Like the Caribbean

Distance from Marathon: 15 minutes

Bahia Honda is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida—and it’s easy to see why. With its powdery white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and swaying coconut palms, it feels like a Caribbean postcard come to life. The park has several beaches to choose from, each with its own charm. Calusa Beach, tucked alongside the historic Bahia Honda rail bridge, is ideal for families with calm, clear waters. Sandspur Beach stretches for nearly a mile, offering a perfect setting for long walks and shell collecting.

Snorkelers can explore near-shore reefs where tropical fish dart among sea fans, while kayakers can paddle along the shoreline for an entirely different perspective. If you’re up for a short climb, walk up the remains of the old Bahia Honda rail bridge for panoramic views of the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other—a view that perfectly captures the beauty of the Keys.

With picnic tables, shaded shelters, and trails, Bahia Honda is a spot where hours slip by without notice. Pack a cooler, spread out on the sand, and soak in a day of pure island bliss.

Activities: Swimming, kayaking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the sunshine.

Views: Don’t skip the short hike up the old Bahia Honda rail bridge for sweeping views of the Atlantic and Gulf.

Tip: Pack a picnic lunch from Marathon before heading out for the day—shade huts and picnic tables make it easy to linger.

3. Islamorada – Sportfishing Capital of the World

Distance from Marathon: 30 minutes north

Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Islamorada is a paradise for anglers—but even if fishing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do. This village of islands combines upscale dining and shopping with a relaxed, salty charm.

For those looking for adventure, book a half-day charter to try your hand at catching mahi-mahi, sailfish, or tarpon—many charters will even cook your fresh catch at local restaurants when you return. If you prefer to stay on land, explore the History of Diving Museum, which showcases fascinating artifacts from centuries of underwater exploration and tells the story of how diving shaped the Keys. Islamorada is also home to Robbie’s Marina, a lively spot where you can browse open-air shops, dine on fresh seafood, and hand-feed massive tarpon that leap right out of the water to snatch your bait. For a more laid-back afternoon, visit Founders Park, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax under a cabana.

Islamorada strikes a perfect balance—equal parts thrill, culture, and island relaxation—all just a short drive from Marathon.

For adventure: Book a half-day fishing charter and reel in mahi-mahi, tarpon, or bonefish.

For culture: Visit the History of Diving Museum, packed with fascinating artifacts and stories of Keys diving pioneers.

For flavor: Don’t miss fresh seafood at Robbie’s Marina—where you can also hand-feed giant tarpon right off the dock.

4. Big Pine Key & The National Key Deer Refuge

Distance from Marathon: 25 minutes

Big Pine Key offers something you won’t find anywhere else in the world: the endangered Key deer. These miniature deer, unique to the Florida Keys, stand just two to three feet tall and wander freely through neighborhoods, pine forests, and the protected lands of the National Key Deer Refuge. It’s a magical sight to see them grazing casually along the roadside or stepping quietly through the mangroves.

For a closer look, head to the Blue Hole, a freshwater quarry where you might spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds in addition to deer. The refuge also has several trails, like the Jack C. Watson Trail, which winds through peaceful pine rocklands and wetlands that give you a glimpse of the Keys before development.

Big Pine is quieter than Marathon and Key West, with fewer crowds and a slower pace. It’s an ideal day trip when you want to reconnect with nature and see the wild side of the islands.

Wildlife spotting: Early mornings and evenings are the best times to see them along the roadside or on trails.

Nature trails: The Blue Hole, a freshwater quarry, offers a chance to spot alligators, turtles, and birds.

Slow down: Big Pine Key is quieter than other parts of the Keys—a perfect reset from busy vacation days.

5. Looe Key Reef – World-Class Snorkeling & Diving

Distance from Marathon: 30 minutes by boat

For underwater explorers, a trip to Looe Key Reef is a must. Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this protected reef is widely considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in North America.

Boats from Marathon and Big Pine Key whisk visitors out to the reef, where vibrant coral formations create a habitat for hundreds of species of marine life. Snorkelers will find themselves swimming among schools of yellowtail snapper, parrotfish, and angelfish, while lucky divers may spot reef sharks, sea turtles, or even dolphins passing by. The reef’s shallow areas make it accessible for beginners, while deeper sections challenge experienced divers.

Because it’s a protected sanctuary, the water clarity is exceptional, often allowing visibility of up to 100 feet. It’s like swimming in a living aquarium, where every glance reveals something extraordinary. Many charters include gear, snacks, and guided tours, making it easy to spend an entire day immersed in this vibrant underwater world.

Snorkeling trips: Local charters from Big Pine Key and Marathon can whisk you out to the reef in less than an hour.

What you’ll see: Bright parrotfish, angelfish, schools of snapper, and the occasional curious barracuda.

Good to know: This reef is protected, so the water clarity and marine life make it feel like you’re swimming inside an aquarium.

Your Adventure in the Florida Keys Awaits

Staying in Marathon puts you at the perfect crossroads of the Florida Keys for the best day trips from Marathon FL. To the south lies the colorful buzz of Key West, while to the north you’ll find Islamorada’s fishing culture and artistic charm. Just minutes away, Bahia Honda offers postcard-perfect beaches, Big Pine Key introduces you to rare wildlife, and Looe Key Reef invites you to dive into one of the most beautiful marine ecosystems in the U.S.

Whether your idea of a perfect day is cultural exploration, underwater adventure, or simply sitting on the sand with your toes in the water, these day trips promise memories you’ll treasure long after your visit.

Your Perfect Home Base in the Keys

The beauty of these day trips is how easy they are from Marathon—you’re right in the middle of it all. And when the adventures wind down, there’s nothing better than coming “home” to a place where everything is already taken care of. At Casa Feliz, you can slip into the hot tub after a day of snorkeling at Looe Key, sip a cocktail by the fire table after Key West’s sunset, or watch the grandkids cannonball into the pool while you plan tomorrow’s outing. With space to spread out, private beach access, and all the comforts of home blended with resort-style perks, Casa Feliz makes exploring the Keys feel effortless.

Escape the ordinary and book your stay direct to get the best rates: www.casafelizfloridakeys.com.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon—your adventures are waiting.