Marathon is the Middle of Paradise in The Florida Keys.

• On our 10-day 'vacay' we decided to stop for a several night stay-over at a quaint town which is halfway along the Florida Keys. It's called Marathon, and I do credit it to the famous and wondrous Seven Mile Bridge. It should get billing as one of the 7 Wonders In Our Manmade World, and you'll see beautiful watery scenes on both sides yet in different colors of blues and greens! Serenely breath-taking as the bridge goes from miles of flat driving over shallow water to arching up high in the sky just as you embrace Marathon.
  
  Another thing I've never experienced until my adventure was the ability to see 180° of sky, from the sea-level horizon on one side, up and across to the water horizon on the north side, just jaw-dropping, as are the sunsets. If you're unusually fortunate, you may even catch a sighting of the rarity known as the Keys 'Green Flash'. It only happens under special conditions during sunrises or sunsets, where the sun will appear 'green' but only for several seconds.
  
  My companions acknowledged the fact that on a funds allocation of shoe-string proportions you can travel to the Florida Keys area, Marathon in particular, yet still feel as you've left the U. S. behind and are in a tropical Eden of a foreign land. We didn't know that the United States had its own huge, living coral sanctuary reefs!
  
  The dining was always 'to die for' also, especially if you're a fish eater. Surrounded by access to some of the most inspiring fishing in the world, the prices are very good for differing kinds of fish. And if you are an animal/nature lover like 'yours truly', or have kids along, there's exciting nature conservatories and museums to explore showcasing live animals like Giant Sea Turtles, porpoises and fluorescent sharks!
  
  
• A local dweller of Marathon told me that apparently some of the wealthiest world travelers sail to the Florida Keys aboard yacht's and cruise ships, or fly in to the airport of Marathon. It's casual in this town, yet there are signs of opulence and a shred of decadence also, thanks to 'alot' of night-time partying in the Floridian West Keys. Between that and the extreme fishing, there's lot's going on. We hadn't even reached our turn-around point of Key West, before I promised myself I'll be sight-seeing here again in Marathon. I love it here!
  
  Marathon is smack-dab in the middle of the long 100 mile stretch of isles starting from the southern tip of Florida. It's a perfect centering location to stay in motels, hotels, and beach resorts since from its central point you can make day trips either way to encompass the major Florida Keys. Go 50 miles west to Key West, the farthest tip of this chain of isles, or go 50 miles east to the starting place at the tip of Florida state.
  
  The town of Marathon itself is relaxed, beautiful and perfect for water-based activities, world-class fishing and sumptuous dining. Directly north you'll find the entrance waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. This is deeper salt-water where sharks are sometimes fished for! Tarpon fishing over across town, or south is very celebrated here. The town itself sits on several small islands, all connected by the famous Overseas highway.
  
  The balmy, tropical weather is almost perfect year 'round, but for the 2 to 3 month hurricane season, historically centered from mid August to mid October. The highs are rarely above 90° Fahrenheit or under 50° during the winter months. For water lovers the ocean waters are typically around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• Abutting the Gulf of Mexico side of this island, it's less than 1 mi west from the Marathon airport. This place likely has everything you'd expect of a world-class resort. Surrounded by coconut palm tree groves, the sand is glittering white, warm and inviting!
  
  There is a public airport here in Marathon, easily accessible from the major airport on the southern Florida mainland in Miami. A dazzling, eco-natural environment of jungle-like, tropical archipelago of approximately 1,700 isles with miles and miles of pristine beaches, it's a casual playground but with world class accommodations too.
  
  There's a Championship 18 hole course to golf nearby, close shopping, many state parks (some with tennis courts) and specially protected area's for diving and snorkeling. The Florida Keys are verifiably a spectacular piece of our United States, with Marathon as a perfect hub.
  
  
• Again, you can make your trip to Marathon a budget trip or take the 'you can't take it ($$) with you' attitude and go 'luxury stay'. Here we found genuinely clean and well-appointed lodging spots in Marathon:

Hotels and Resorts in Marathon:

• Tranquility Bay's Resorts
  Tranquility Bay's renowned Beach House & Resort is a world of delight like no other with its gourmet kitchen, handmade furniture and water front porches. Picture-perfect may be the best way to quantify it! These 2 and 3 bdrm, 2 or more baths, connected beach houses sport luxury items like large, flat, HD screen TV's and it is also a fully equipped resort. 3-Star Resort. Top-end Deluxe lodging.
  Our Score: 4.30/5.00
  
  
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marathon
  The Holiday Inn Express-Suites of Marathon. Features here include a fitness/exercise equipment room, pool, boat docks and ramps, and nearby attractions like the Dolphin Center for education and research.2-Star Hotel. Average-range lodging.
  Our Score: 4.30/5.00
  
  
• The Hammocks at Marathon
  Directly on the Marathon Ocean. Swimming pool, lounge bar with ocean view. Kayak, boat and jet ski rentals available on-site. Spacious rooms with classic design. Wi-Fi cost USD 6.95/day. Free parking. Fitness Centre, Hot Tub. Family Rooms. Very nice resort.
  Our Score: 4.27/5.00
  
  
• Tropical Cottages
  This Marathon, Florida hotel offers comfortable outdoor lounge areas and hammocks, a boat launch and free Wi-Fi. The Gulf of Mexico and beach is just one-half block from this property. Children's Playground, BBQ Facilities, Cycling, Diving. Free Public Parking. 2-Star. Budget savvy Inns.
  Our Score: 4.20/5.00
  
  
• Hawks Cay Resort
  Featuring a full-service spa and the chance to swim with dolphins, this resort hotel on the Florida Keys provides a choice of exotic and elegant rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available. Five pools, tennis courts and a fitness center are also available. Latin dining with steak and seafood with an enchanting ocean view. Babysitting/Child Services. Free private and public parking. Very big rooms with nice decor. 4-Star Resort. Top-end Deluxe lodging.
  Our Score: 4.18/5.00
  

Budget Hotels in Marathon:

• Sea Dell Motel - Marathon
  Set in the centre of Marathon, just 2 miles from the famous Sombrero Beach. It's a family hotel we strongly suggest. Cheap with very good service. Free Wi-Fi. Swimming pool, barbecue facilities. Spacious rooms without frills. Non smoking-rooms. Free public parking. Reserve in adavance.
  Our Score: 4.25/5.00
  
  
• Siesta Motel
  The Siesta Motel is locally famous for being the favorite stay of a legendary fly fisherman who set world records. The very clean rooms have microwave ovens, toasters, wi-fi Internet, and outside have a children's play area, beach access, and lot's of cement path bike and walking trails. Budget savvy Inns.
  
  
• Kingsail Motel
  This motel is 7 minute drive of Marathon downtown. Free Wi-Fi, close to the Marina. Swimming pool. Barbecue facilities. Free public parking. 2-Star Hotel. Budget savvy Inns.
  
  
• The Sandpiper Motel is recently renovated in beautiful colors with wicker furniture, and clean, affordable rooms with kitchens and remote-control tv's. Located 1/2 mile from the 7 mile bridge it's easy to find. Not directly adjoining the water and no swimming pool gives you availability of low-cost rooms near all the tourist favored attractions. Next door to a Natural History Museum with 63 acres of interesting hiking trails.
  

Useful Links:

• Exotic Car Rental

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