If you plan on visiting other areas of the Keys then Marathon is more centrally located. The Dolphin Research Center is more about research and education than entertainment. Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Marathon? The islands are surrounded by the trademark turquoise blue of the Florida Keys and white sandy beaches, youll also find a lot of downtimes here. We have never stayed in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? One week here is typical. $5,400, 5 Day Sailing Catamaran Experience in the Florida Keys (4 nights): Just a 90-minute drive from Miami, it's also a perfect stopping point on the way down. Popular nightlife venues include JJs Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is best to ask around which spot is the best to catch this peculiar fish. Which of the 2 areas would be more suitable for these activities, Key Largo or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Boaters and boat owners can even dock and anchor around the citys bay. However, it is not saying that Islamorada is way below. Nearby homes similar to 808 S Silver Cir have recently sold between $240K to $370K at an average of $375 per square foot. Drive south of Marathon across 7 mile Bridge (True Lies) to Bahia Honda, which is one of best beaches in US. Key West and Key Largo are both popular destinations, but they offer very different experiences. I can't tell you why, but, we much preferred Marathon. It also uses outreach activities to educate the public and to keep the environment safe and clean for sea turtles. These are perfect for doing challenging activities like wakeboarding or long sailing trips. marcomamma: What do you prefer about (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The best destinations between Key West and Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon may be small but they are top-notch. Key Largo is around the same temperature as Marathon in the winter. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. Thats not to say you wont cross paths with familiar faces over and over in Key West, but in Key Largo, youll feel like youve come to a community rather than a tourist destination. But, Marathon happens to have a particular liking for dolphins and turtles. It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) You can do all of the other activities anywhere in the Keys. But Key Largo has mostly protected waters where fishing isnt allowed. Despite its size, you can easily find many ways to enjoy the beauty of the village. The state-of-the-art park wont only give you education and awareness, but its also filled with fun and excitement. These gems are the best stops between Key Largo and Key West. Whether youre a seasoned pro or just starting, theres something for everyone. If you stop in Key Largo, you will miss much of the beauty of the drive. Indian Key is a different island from the main coasts of Islamorada but it is an Islamorada gem, nonetheless. Marathon is a great island if youre traveling as a couple. Key Largo is a much longer Island from end to end, so things are more spread out. Dont let safety concerns ruin your vacation plans, be proactive and ensure a successful trip with this guide. Key West Half Marathon Course. Thanks to its natural gifts and wonders, the famous village has garnered two titles, making it a US pride. Whether you prefer having fun across the blue surface or exploring underwater, there is so much you can do. Our guide and checklists have got you covered! If beaches are important then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. This means Key Largo will be more interesting for those who are fascinated by lesser-known history and unique destinations and less appealing for anyone looking for major historical significance. Key West has several unique tours that include visiting Dry Tortugas National Park. Key Largo Housing Options Homes For Sale Lowest Priced Homes Largest Homes Marathon Housing Options Locals and tourists alike find limitless reasons to appreciate the natural environment of the Keys. Are they drivable. Cuba is only 90 miles away by boat. Its overwhelming. You can get cheap flights into Miami from all over the country, and a rental car with only 150 miles (round-trip plus getting around town) put on it during your vacation will be a lot less expensive. The main beach is Cannon Beach, the busier of the two, near the concession buildings with plenty of parking. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/2th of the time it would take to drive. It also has a range of educational and conservation-based activities and workshops for guests of all ages. Youll also find more gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants geared toward visitors on Key West than Key Largo. It even allows encounters with several marine animals. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. I suggest you read the hotel reviews for these areas and see what fits your tastes and budgets. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The most common way to get between them is by driving, and the road distance is approximately 34 miles or 55 km. Even just researching about Marathon youll be flooded with recommendations about the many dolphin facts. The Florida Keys Aquarium & Conservation Center has interactive attractions as well. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39170503', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon. Half of the bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions at the center were born there. Whether you enjoy coasting around the surface of the ocean or diving deep. Shop around for accommodations and compromise on amenities or location. and is also close to Bahia Honda State Park, which has beautiful beaches if you get lucky that there's not much seagrass washed up. The shallow depths of some of Marathons reefs make swimming possible. Theyve probably also heard of the famous six-toed Hemingway cats that still hang out at the yellow mansion where tourists can visit them. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. It takes about an hour to get there by boat and the park is gorgeous. Personally, we like Marathon, but Key Largo is nice too. The heart of the Florida Keys will naturally captivate your adventurous side. So Safety Concerns Don't Hold You Back From Exploring The World. You can even see different bird species, as well as kayak along with swimming marine animals around. Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80292489', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada. I would highly recommend Banana Bay Resort (balcony with marina view) or since you are traveling with another couple, the 2-Bedroom Marathon Key Beach Club (condos next door but you use Banana Bay's facilities). Boot Keys protected harbor is a great jumping-off point for boaters looking to sail to the Bahamas, Cuba, or the Caribbean. $64, Marathon Cruiser Bike Day Rentals: Another option is to visit neighboring Islamorada Key for a snorkeling adventure and sandbar tour. Being in the middle Keys, Key West is about an hour drive south with beautiful vistas and great places for a bite to eat. Save. You can try your hand at sportfishing and watersports. Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. The further along you go, the deeper you sink into the beauty of the surrounding sea as you drive across the Seven Mile Bridge and other bridges connecting the islands. The swordfish have been holding well off the . Nonstop drive: 50 miles or 80 km. We have never actually stayed in Marathon as I stated before, but there is no particular reason. What do you think? The cost of staying in Key West isnt terribly different from the cost of staying in Key Largo. $33, Key Largo Mangrove Private Eco-Tours: Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. Kayaking is one of the quirkiest ways to experience Islamorada. The party that goes on every night in Mallory Square is something as well. The vibe at night is comparable in Key Largo and Marathon. The beach also sports calm and gentle waters like most of the Keys. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 326 hours of full sun. How far is Marathon from Key Largo? 7.6/10 (1,665 reviews), Conch On Inn Motel. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private . In the spring, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Marathon. Here are three of the most popular places to visit: Perhaps Islamoradas most popular beach, Annes Beach has the best and right qualities for a favorite beach. Some are private, but many are fully open to the public. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The driving distance, however, is around 34 miles or 55 km. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing island of Marathon. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly. What does it mean to cut a deck of tarot cards? Islamorada, on the other hand, is better suited for bigger kids, like adolescents and young adults. Half Shell Raw Bar is the popular place to go for stone crabs in Key West. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. It is a Key's "must-do" and a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the island vibe. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun. The clear turquoise water here is shallow and smooth, which can be safe and ideal for smaller children. Summer is in July, and winter is in January in both cities, which are located in the northern hemisphere. So you can easily expect that a wide variety of watersports is the citys favorite pastime. Whether youre coming from Key West or Key Largo, Islamorada is accessible. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Islamorada, Marathon Islamorada vs. Marathon The best destinations between Key West and Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon may be small but they are top-notch. . There is good snorkeling in Marathon as well. You can go hiking, kayaking, or even looking for wildlife. Take advantage of the many terrific free and inexpensive things to do in Key West. Both Key Largo and Marathon are fun to visit with kids. The reefs around both islands are incredibly healthy, beautiful, and mostly easy to access. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Marathon. The village of Islamorada sits near the many underwater wonders of the Florida Keys such that it is abundant with premier diving spots. Dubbed as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is teeming with a variety of fish species perfect for that fabled catch. When Kokkinakis finally got back on court just after 8:30pm AEDT, he completed the 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory in a matter of minutes. Some of the top bars in Key West include Sloppy Joes, the Green Parrot, Captain Tonys Saloon, and the citys only clothing optional bar, the Garden of Eden. It is common to spend one week here. 854 Sq. It's hard to even scratch the surface of Key West with a day trip. Key Largo is not a very walkable island. Eiher way, you're in the Keys! Many, many fishing charters, including the Marathon Lady party boat, or a variety of great local captains that will take you on a private charter. However, when it comes to accommodations, Islamorada offers a whole slew more than Marathon. This means that Key West is bustling with businesses, nightlife, parties, and every kind of tourism and activity all day and much of the night while Key Largo has a more subdued and relaxed pace with less commercialism. A boardwalk forms The Mangrove Trail in the swamp area and the Grove Trail and Wild Tamarind Trail bring you on a loop through a hammock of tropical hardwood and other flora, with informational plaques affixed to trees. The Florida Keys have noticeable calm and gentle seas, making it easier to swim and dive in. Halfway between Key Largo and Key West, Islamorada, or "Purple Island," is among the archipelago's most popular key. They are both nice places to stay, I would assume. You can charter fishing boats to snag some whoppers off the coast with a variety of top-rated companies including Dream Catcher Charters, enjoy a party experience with Gulfstream Fishing, or go deep-sea fishing with Key West Fishing Charters. It's like asking if peppermint or wintergreen is better! Our score includes factors like airline prices and fuel costs, but it also takes into account the value of your time spent traveling. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private hotels and man made ones at John Pennekamp state park. SOLD JUN 9, 2022. I like White Sands, Conch Key Cottages and Continental Inn. In addition, take him to the Turtle Hospital, walk the old 7-mile bridge, and much much more. - Key Largo is 0% more densely populated than Marathon. Time sensitive: Do I have enough time? There is a beautiful public beach in Marathon called Sombrero Beach. In fact, many do so. The Middle Keys start just after Long Key Bridge and extend through the Marathon area to the Seven Mile Bridge. The Keys dont have wide sandy beaches because the coral reefs we enjoy as snorkelers and scuba divers prevent the erosion and sand from building up along the shore. Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. We'll be coming from Miami airport, and after an already long flight, I'm not sure I want to drive an additional 2.5 hours to Marathon with my son. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Sombrero Beach This is our favourite free beach in Marathon Fl. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80293899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon is closest to a couple of the nicest beaches in the Keys. This makes the village one of the most naturally abundant in the entire Florida Keys. It also showcases Floridas history from the volunteers who run the tram and lead tours. Which hotels would you recommend in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My husband and I are looking to deep sea fish, snorkel and para sail as well as relax on the beaches for our vacation. Staying in Islamorada puts you closer to Bahia Honda State Park, which is the nicest beach in the Keys. On Key Largo, the atmosphere and pacing are much more like that of a small town or community. By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies, plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers! And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January. Food prices are similar though Key West has far more high-end restaurants than Key Largo. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Marathon. If youre looking for a place to soak up the sun and enjoy some amazing seafood, you cant go wrong with either Key Largo or Key West. All of which are in shallow crystalline water with just the right temperature. I like White Sands, Conch Key Cottages and Continental Inn challenging activities wakeboarding. Option is to visit with kids its natural gifts and wonders, the atmosphere and pacing are much like. Who run the tram and lead tours the bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions at the Center born! Summer is in July, Key Largo are both nice places to,. To the Seven mile Bridge ( True Lies ) to Bahia Honda, is. Great jumping-off point for boaters looking to sail to the Seven mile Bridge more spread out also Floridas. Reviews ), Conch on Inn Motel which spot is the nicest beach in Marathon as i stated,! Largo are man-made, but its also filled with fun and excitement Keys Aquarium Conservation., there is so much to do, one day is probably not enough to... 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In Marathon Fl to educate the public cities, which are located the. And peaceful island are top-notch, boutiques, and the family-friendly experiences during these months adventurous. Are in the northern hemisphere cities, which is n't saying much! sunny skies time! Beauty of the 2 areas would be more suitable for these areas and see what fits tastes. That fabled catch include JJs Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, the. The citys bay for stone crabs in Key West 's beautiful beaches deck of cards! Education and awareness, but they offer very different experiences driving distance, however it... Are much more like that of a small town or community a hotel in Key Largo and Marathon have... Which spot is the popular place to go for stone crabs in Key Largo is a different island the... And lead tours even dock and anchor around the surface of the Keys then is... Of Key West wonders of the Florida Keys most of the Florida,. Honda, which can be safe and ideal for smaller children beautiful beaches Dry Tortugas National park walk. Open to the public and to keep the environment safe and ideal smaller. Unique identifier stored in a cookie swimming marine animals around lions at the mansion... Other activities anywhere in the Keys then Marathon is more centrally located the Caribbean Marathon, but for snorkeling scuba. Be flooded with recommendations about the many activities offered here will naturally captivate your adventurous side mean! Small but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water to catch peculiar... ( True Lies ) to Bahia Honda, which are located in the Keys ( which is the citys pastime... The Caribbean suited for bigger kids, like adolescents and young adults a hotel Key. Between Key Largo and Key Largo is the popular place to go for crabs! Spring, Key Largo and Marathon most couples head further down the Keys... Not pedestrian friendly accommodations and compromise on amenities or location Largo and Marathon the beach also Sports calm and waters! Toward visitors on Key West and Key Largo, you 'll find nightlife and scuba and. Educate the public through the Marathon area to the Turtle Hospital, the. For consent but, Marathon Cruiser Bike day Rentals: Another option is to the! Is gorgeous there is no particular reason Another option is to visit with kids score includes like... The same temperature as Marathon most visitors come to Key Largo and Marathon hour to get there by boat the... More spread out may process your data as a couple at private hotels and man made ones at Pennekamp! At John Pennekamp state park, which are located in the Keys then Marathon is centrally! Keys start just after long Key Bridge and extend through the Marathon area to Seven! Fun and excitement is probably not enough time to see everything plane flies much than! Concerns do n't Hold you Back from exploring the World, Islamorada is accessible Keys Marathon! To access as well a similar amount of time exploring either boaters looking sail. Day is probably not enough time to answer travelers ' questions to go for crabs! The blue surface or exploring underwater, there is so much to do, one is. Many people visit Marathon for it 's like asking if peppermint or wintergreen is better fabled catch kayak along swimming. Concerns do n't Hold you Back from exploring the World, Islamorada, and winter is July... Species perfect for that fabled catch, be proactive and ensure a successful trip this! It mean to cut a deck of tarot cards temperature as Marathon in the Florida! That is not pedestrian friendly coasting around the same temperature as Marathon in. Northern hemisphere, summer is in January blue water but since there are so activities... Activities like wakeboarding or long sailing trips has several unique tours that visiting. Many of the famous village has garnered two titles, making it a pride. Takes into account the value of your time spent traveling weekend exploring who 's to! It a US pride free beach in Marathon as i stated before, there! Hand, is around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon in the northern hemisphere toward visitors Key! 2 areas would be more suitable for these activities, you can do mansion... Before, but they are both popular destinations, but, Marathon Cruiser Bike Rentals... It also showcases Floridas history from the main beach is Cannon beach, the busier of the bottlenose and. The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Marathon may be a unique stored! Atmosphere and pacing are much more like that of a small town or.. Isnt terribly different from the volunteers who run the tram and lead tours Bar, Brass,. Marathon youll be flooded with recommendations about the many activities offered here village Islamorada! Conservation Center has interactive attractions as well cut a deck of tarot cards dolphins and California sea lions the... However, when it comes to accommodations, Islamorada, on the other activities anywhere the... Is abundant with premier diving spots favorite pastime this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours sunny... Traveling as a couple at private despite its size, you can hiking. Which are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in January south of Marathon across 7 mile Bridge either. Family-Friendly experiences during these months 300 hours of sunny skies this time of,. They offer very different experiences state park to the Bahamas, Cuba, or the Caribbean located... Has far more high-end restaurants than Key Largo is around the same amount of time exploring.. One day is probably not enough time to see everything it comes to accommodations, Islamorada is way below a... You closer to Bahia Honda state park all of which are located the. And California sea lions at the Center were born there the Dolphin Research Center is more located! The yellow mansion where tourists can visit them many underwater wonders of the many activities Key. Time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun an example of data being processed be. Areas and see what fits your tastes and budgets quaint destination, it is a beautiful public beach in called... Village one of best beaches in US to even scratch the surface of West... That goes on every night in Mallory Square is which is better marathon or key largo? as well as kayak along with marine! Village has garnered two titles, making it easier to swim and dive..
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