July 2025 Marathon, Florida Vacation Guide: Best Things to Do For Maximum Family Fun
- Debbie Kronebusch
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Underwater Music Festival, Finding Nemo Jr. at Marathon Community Theater, Hemingway Days, and Lobster Mini Season
Welcome to your July escape, where turquoise waters shimmer under the summer sun, island breezes carry the scent of salt, and every day holds a new adventure...Marathon, Florida is ready to welcome you! This month, our slice of paradise in the heart of the Florida Keys is buzzing with fireworks, festivals, and family-friendly fun.
Get your feet wet during mini lobster season with a snorkeling charter to the reefs just offshore—perfect for spotting tropical fish and maybe even catching dinner. Cool off with a scoop (or two) from Sweet Savannah’s, a local favorite for ice cream and homemade fudge. Wander through the unique exhibits at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, where hands-on experiences delight kids and grownups alike. And for a relaxing afternoon, cast a line off the old 7-Mile Bridge or simply kick back with a beach read while the kids splash in the pool.
Whether you're joining the festivities from this July Marathon Florida vacation guide or simply soaking in the easygoing rhythm of the Keys, Marathon in July is where family memories are made—sun-soaked, joy-filled, and built to last.
July 11-12
Dive into the ultimate Florida Keys snorkeling adventure this July with the annual Underwater Music Festival at stunning Looe Key Reef! Snorkelers and scuba divers alike get to groove beneath the waves as live ocean-themed music—think Jimmy Buffett’s "Fins," "Octopus’s Garden," and Disney’s "Under the Sea"—is piped underwater through special speakers floating above the coral reef.
This eco-conscious event supports coral reef conservation and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, inviting guests to learn about reef protection, environmentally responsible diving, and the underwater ecosystem. The weekend kicks off on July 11 at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Coral Reef Research Center, where families can explore coral nursery tours and learn how science is helping rebuild reef habitats. On July 12, choose your pace: jump on a local dive operator’s boat charter, bring your own kayak or boat, then slip beneath the surface at Looe Key—just six miles south of Big Pine Key—for a sub-sea concert meets snorkel tour.
Know what makes it magical? You’ll swim alongside colorful reef fish and vibrant coral formations, spotting playful mermaids and costumed divers in a whimsical underwater jam that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.
Perfect for adventurous multi‑generational family vacations, the festival offers a one‑of‑a‑kind blend of marine life encounter, family-friendly outdoor events, and feel‑good eco-tourism. Imagine grandparents, parents, and kids all smiling ear‑to‑fin as they float among coral in tune with live music—truly a Florida Keys experience where laughter bubbles to the surface.
July 11-13
If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly activity during your Florida Keys vacation this July, don’t miss Finding Nemo Jr. at Marathon Community Theatre. This heartwarming musical brings the beloved Pixar story to life with a talented local youth cast, colorful costumes, and all the charm of small-town island theater.
Running July 11–13, the show is perfect for families looking to cool off indoors and enjoy a night of laughter and music. With showtimes that fit perfectly between beach days and seafood dinners, it’s an easy way to add a touch of culture and community to your trip. Whether your grandkids are singing along to “Just Keep Swimming” or you're soaking in the nostalgia of live theater in paradise, Finding Nemo Jr. is a feel-good highlight for your Florida Keys family vacation itinerary.
This is the kind of night that feels special without being fussy. It’s the perfect way to experience a deeper layer of the Florida Keys community—where art and hospitality go hand in hand.
July 23-27
Every July, Key West transforms into a vibrant tribute to the legendary author with Hemingway Days, an immersive celebration of Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous spirit and island legacy. The festival features the iconic Hemingway Look‑Alike Contest held at the historic Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where “Papas” don khakis and bushy beards in a warm, community‑charged atmosphere. You’ll also catch the playful Running of the Bulls parade down Duval Street on July 26, a quirky, fun‑for‑all spectacle complete with faux bulls and festive fans.
Beyond the humor and pageantry, Hemingway Days offers rich cultural experiences, from the Key West Marlin Tournament, where anglers test their skill on the open water, to the prestigious Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition, spotlighting emerging literary talent. Lovers of the written word and history can enjoy daily tours of the Hemingway Home & Museum, stepping back into Papa’s life on Key West’s charming Old Town. As the week winds down, join the spirited Papa Birthday Bash and Rum Bar Stroll—a crawl through beloved island bars featuring signature Papa’s Pilar Rum drinks, live music, and island camaraderie.
This festival blends cultural events, whimsical street fairs, beachside races, and literary programming into a truly unique Florida Keys experience. Whether you're cheering on your favorite look‑alike, savoring local rum, or exploring Key West’s rich oceanfront heritage, Hemingway Days delivers a nostalgic, fun‑filled and unique activity to check out.
July 30-31
Every summer, Florida Keys Mini Lobster Season launches a wave of excitement for just 48 hours—on Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31, 2025. This much‑anticipated “sportsman’s weekend” gives recreational divers and snorkelers the exclusive chance to harvest Florida spiny lobster before the commercial season opens on August 6. Warm, turquoise waters teem with lobster as eager families, boaters, and vacationers—especially from Marathon to Key West—gear up with tickle sticks, nets, lobster gauges, and their snorkeling charter gear to catch up to six lobsters per person per day in Monroe County.
What makes this a must-add to your Florida Keys family vacation itinerary is the unforgettable sense of community and adventure. Imagine setting out at dawn into calm, crystal-clear seas, guided by local charter captains who handle all permits and show you the best reefs—then surfacing with your limit of fresh lobster, ready to grill back on shore. Beginner-friendly dive trips, even pint-sized explorers aged 8+, can join in the fun, making it an ideal family adventure.
Completion comes with bragging rights: cooking your own lobster dinner, swapping stories at waterfront restaurants, and sampling island culture with fellow vacationers.
Your Summer Starts Here—with this July Marathon Florida Vacation Guide
July in Marathon, FL is everything a Florida Keys vacation should be. Think sun-soaked mornings, reef-side snorkeling, fresh lobster dinners, and easygoing evenings under the stars. Whether you're diving into the thrill of mini lobster season, exploring vibrant coral reefs, or enjoying live island music with the whole family, this is the kind of summer that lingers in your memory long after the tan lines fade.
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Marathon FL? July brings it all—family-friendly events, beach picnics, fireworks, paddleboarding, and those quiet, breezy pockets of paradise where time seems to slow down. It’s a destination that invites you to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with the simple joy of being together.
And when it’s time to relax, Casa Feliz is your private beach retreat—a luxury home where grandparents, kids, and everyone in between can spread out, unwind, and truly feel at ease. From the pool cabana to the paddleboards, from movie nights to balcony breakfasts, every detail is designed to make your multi-generational family vacation effortless and unforgettable.
So pack your flip-flops, grab your snorkel, and come make July memories that are equal parts sun, sea, and soul.
Looking forward to welcoming you soon.
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