Curry Hammock State Park
"Marathon is the closest major hub and a convenient base for visitors heading to the park for kayaking, fishing, and beach time. Travelers often stop here for lodging, marinas, and dining before exploring the Middle Keys."
Curry Hammock State Park protects one of the largest undeveloped tracts in the Middle Keys, with mangroves, tidal flats, and open water views. Its calm waters and natural shoreline make it a favorite for paddlers, anglers, and visitors seeking a quieter Keys experience.
Long Key State Park
"Marathon visitors often come for a quieter day trip to paddle, fish, or enjoy a scenic stop along the Overseas Highway. It is close enough for an easy half-day or full-day outing."
Long Key State Park preserves a stretch of the Middle Keys with shallow turquoise water, mangrove islands, and abundant birdlife. Visitors come for kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and peaceful oceanfront camping in a classic Keys setting.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
"Marathon visitors can reach the park in a short drive north along U.S. 1. It is a convenient stop for families and road-trippers exploring multiple Keys destinations."
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park highlights one of the Florida Keys’ most unusual geologic features: an exposed fossil reef cut by historic quarry operations. The park offers interpretive displays, shaded walking areas, and a close look at the limestone formations that helped build the Overseas Railway.
Bahia Honda State Park
"Marathon is close enough for an easy beach outing or sunset visit. Families and boaters from Marathon come for swimming, picnicking, and scenic views of the old bridge."
Bahia Honda State Park features some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, along with excellent snorkeling, paddling, and fishing opportunities. The park also preserves a historic railroad bridge and offers memorable views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Indian Key Historic State Park
"Marathon offers easy access to the Middle Keys and is a common base for day trips to Indian Key. Travelers from Marathon often visit for boating, history, and reef-focused outdoor recreation."
Indian Key Historic State Park protects the remains of a former wrecking and trading settlement on a small island off Islamorada. Visitors come for history, snorkeling, kayaking, and the chance to experience a secluded slice of the Keys.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
"Marathon offers family-friendly lodging, marinas, and easy access to the Middle Keys. Travelers often pair a visit with fishing, snorkeling, or island-hopping."
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a remote island preserve known for its lush tropical hardwood hammock, historic structures, and exceptional birdwatching. Visitors come for guided tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and a quiet escape into one of the Keys' most pristine natural areas.
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
"Marathon is a popular Keys destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Visitors may use it as a home base for day trips to historic sites in the Upper Keys."
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is a submerged historic site where visitors can snorkel or dive among the remains of a 1733 Spanish shipwreck. The preserve combines maritime history, coral reef habitat, and excellent visibility in the waters off Islamorada.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
"Marathon visitors come for reef access, boating, and marine-focused recreation throughout the Middle Keys. Many use the park as part of a longer Keys itinerary centered on water activities."
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park spans both land and sea, with mangrove shoreline, tropical hardwood hammock, and offshore coral reefs. It is one of the best places in Florida to experience the underwater world of the Keys without needing a boat of your own.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
"Marathon travelers often make the drive for a Key West beach day with a historic twist. The fort and shoreline snorkeling provide a different experience from the central Keys."
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is known for its well-preserved 19th-century fort, calm swimming beach, and excellent snorkeling along the rocky shoreline. The park also offers picnic areas, fishing, birdwatching, and interpretive exhibits that highlight Key West’s military history.
Indian Lodge
"Marathon visitors often head to Indian Lodge for a mountain getaway and dark-sky viewing. The lodge is a strong option for travelers exploring Big Bend country and West Texas road trips."
Indian Lodge is one of Texas State Parks’ most distinctive overnight destinations, combining a historic adobe lodge with a quiet high-desert mountain setting. Visitors enjoy easy access to Davis Mountains State Park, nearby Fort Davis, and some of the darkest night skies in Texas.