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. If I were picking, it would be Islamorada for the smaller town feel, great restaurant choices and new craft breweries. The average daily cost in Key West is $441, while the average daily cost in Marathon is $126. They provide an educational presentation and tour of their facilities. You can see how beautiful and well-preserved Islamoradas natural charms are. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Youll find ocean kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing charters, and jet skiing abound in both locations. My husband and I are looking to deep sea fish, snorkel and para sail as well as relax on the beaches for our vacation. Youll also find more gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants geared toward visitors on Key West than Key Largo. Food prices are similar though Key West has far more high-end restaurants than Key Largo. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private hotels and man made ones at John Pennekamp state park. Many folks visiting the Florida Keys already know that author Ernest Hemingway had a house on Key West. Even just researching about Marathon youll be flooded with recommendations about the many dolphin facts. The main beach is Cannon Beach, the busier of the two, near the concession buildings with plenty of parking. Plus, you dont have to worry about safety as there will be guided tours and the water conditions are conducive for water excursions. The best destinations between Key West and Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon may be small but they are top-notch. The village itself is even dubbed the beach capital of the Florida Keys, alluding to the beauty of its beaches. It is only accessible by ferry or plane. It is going to be difficult and expensive to find a place to stay in January with this short of notice pretty much anywhere in the Keys. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort. My 9-yr-old and I will be spending about 3 days in the Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. One of the most famous things about Key West is the unique way the sun seen from its shores seems to sink into the ocean. Cuba is only 90 miles away by boat. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39186383', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada over Marathon? The clear turquoise water here is shallow and smooth, which can be safe and ideal for smaller children. This condition is mostly thanks to the nearby barrier reef. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. runners will see the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, and the Key West Lighthouse, before . Dubbed as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is teeming with a variety of fish species perfect for that fabled catch. Islamorada and Marathon are worth the stop in your great Florida Keys adventure. Are they drivable. Key Largo Housing Options Homes For Sale Lowest Priced Homes Largest Homes Marathon Housing Options :-). Boaters and boat owners can even dock and anchor around the citys bay. The town is packed with the right blend of nature, history, and entertainment. We have never actually stayed in Marathon as I stated before, but there is no particular reason. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/2th of the time it would take to drive. $7,200, 6 Days 5 Nights Sailing Catamaran Experience in Florida Keys: The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. The park is a hardwood hammock where you can do many things. - Key Largo is 0% more densely populated than Marathon. But if you want to experience all that the Florida Keys has to offer, make sure to visit both Key Largo and Key West! Just like the rest of the Florida Keys, Marathon takes the welfare of its marine life greatly. 6 Lessons I Learned Living On The Smallest Of Irelands Aran Islands, Swanky New Train Station Coming To Orlandos Airport How It Will Help You Explore Florida, Hilton Adds A Pocketbook-Friendly Hotel Brand To Its Collection What To Expect From Spark, How To Spend An Amazing Day In Islamorada, Florida, Key West Vs. Key Largo: 10 Key Differences Between Them, 12 Florida Keys Vacation Rentals Perfect For Your Next Getaway, The One Place You Need To Go Next Time You Visit The Florida Keys, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 12 Amazing Outdoor Experiences From Key Largo To Key West, 12 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In The Florida Keys. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Go during the off season, roughly June to November. The Key West Half Marathon course is a beautiful 13.1-mile run through the island of Key West, Florida. Key Largo, the gateway to the Keys, pretty much has everything you could ever want. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. These biomes provide ideal habitats for a whole slew of natural life. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible. SOLD JUN 9, 2022. Marathon has the best beaches by Florida Keys standards, not to mention it has plenty of attractions as well. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80570052', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon. Hotel rates and activity fees are also comparable. In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Marathon. Report inappropriate content You put endless sunny days together with a wide aquatic expanse, and expect to find more than just a couple of water activities. Its easy to spot the key deer, sea birds, and butterflies. We like Marathon because it's in the middlle, so, if you want to visit Key West, it's about an hour drive south. Get the guide now and start planning your dream family vacation on a budget! Nice place, good rates, but we were off season. It takes about an hour to get there by boat and the park is gorgeous. Sombrero Beach This is our favourite free beach in Marathon Fl. $249, Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: Key Largo is not a very walkable island. Both Key Largo and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. Theyve probably also heard of the famous six-toed Hemingway cats that still hang out at the yellow mansion where tourists can visit them. Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This allows paddleboarding, swimming, and many other water activities. Is any one of these locations superior to the other in terms of accommodations and things to do? The beach is public but youll have to pay the state park fee in order to access it, which is $9 per two people (but if you pay $43 to camp overnight, you wont have to pay for entrance). The Turtle Hospital tour, which is a short walk from the city marina, is more instructive than entertaining. . 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. Key Largo fits all your other activities well, just not the beaches. These gems are the best stops between Key Largo and Key West. It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Key Largo. But, would also like to do a little beaching, which leads me to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is common to spend one week here. Kayaks can be rented at a number of locations in Marathon. Nestled at the heart of the Florida Keys, this 13-island beauty is a phenomenon in itself. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Jump to NightlifeResortsBeachesFamiliesCouplesWalkabilityMore time in Key Largo or Marathon?Which is Cheaper, Key Largo or Marathon?When to Visit Key Largo or . I always appreciate the help I get on Trip Adviser. In addition, take him to the Turtle Hospital, walk the old 7-mile bridge, and much much more. Marathon is actually made up of East and West Sister's Island, as well as a . The center allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of indigenous fish and other marine animals. With beautiful views, 7 mile bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. We like Marathon because it's in the middlle, so, if you want to visit Key West, it's about an hour drive south. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October. 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. I suggest (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its a small airport, so that means higher prices on those flights. Driving time: 1 hour, 5 minutes. Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon. Both Key West and Key Largo are excellent destinations for aquatic activities. If youre up for on-foot explorations and plenty of walking, its doable, but most choose to use their cars to get from Point A to Point B on Key Largo. homer and faye williams obituary. Major destinations: Key Largo, Tavernier, Plantation Key, Islamorada, Lower Matecumbe Key, Layton, Duck Key, Vaca Key, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Sugarloaf Key, Key West, Dry Tortugas Key Largo and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Some are private, but many are fully open to the public. For more things to do on your Florida Keys getaway: Robin ONeal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer. Snorkeling at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park can be a full day of fun. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun. Key West and Key Largo are both popular destinations, but they offer very different experiences. Jose A. Iglesias. Both Marathon and Islamorada are packed with the same kind of draws so it can be tricky for tourists to decide which is the better option. You can fly into Key Wests dedicated airport from many places in the country, though most flights route through Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Apart from rehabilitating and taking care of turtles and dolphins, Marathon also seeks to educate. Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. I suggest (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? $549, Discover how to Scuba Dive with an Experienced Instructor: Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Thanks for your helpI like both White Sands and Conch Key Cottages. If you want to learn more about the marine life and resources around Islamorada, visit the Theater of the Sea. Rangers also lead nature walks, which you can book in advance for your Key Largo trip. The Islands of Marathon stretch from mile marker 47, which is on the north side of the 7 Mile Bridge, and mile marker 59 in Grassy Key.. Mile marker 106 is the first mile marker after crossing the 18 mile stretch at Key Largo and entering the Keys. The driving distance, however, is around 34 miles or 55 km. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80293913', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon is the best pick. And Marathon is the Florida Keys beach capital and family vacation center. 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. While most of Florida Keys isnt blessed with picturesque coasts, fortunately, most of Islamorada is. It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) Both Key Largo and Marathon are fun to visit with kids. Driving non-stop from Key Largo to Marathon. $370,000 Last Sold Price. $365. Key Largo is close enough to Fort Lauderdale and Miami for a shopping or excursion day trip. The drive to Key West is somewhat spectacular. Eiher way, you're in the Keys! Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marathon and Key Largo. Are you ready to take the family on an epic vacation, but worried about the cost? Temperatures in Key Largo average around 78F (26C), and Marathon stays around 80F (27C). Fantastic place and you need to spend at least a night to be at the nightly sunset gathering on the Quay. Which hotels would you recommend in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Florida Keys have noticeable calm and gentle seas, making it easier to swim and dive in. Time sensitive: Do I have enough time? It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) Both are incredible destinations. The roads are still intact, and the streets can still be walked. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39186730', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada to feed the tarpon! In Key West, the best snorkeling spot youll find is in Dry Tortugas National Park. You also have the option of taking the Conch Tour Train throughout the city in Key West. If you have long enough, why not split your time between the 2 places so you can experience a little of each ? Mahi-Mahi season is around late spring and summer, making the catch a bit challenging because of the heat. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. You can see the turtle emergency room, operating room, and the sea turtles that have been rescued. So, traveling to Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Natural beauty and quirky thrills all define your Islamorada experience. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. From dolphins to beaches and snorkeling, this island is a great destination for families. We want to snorkel as much as possible, so I'm thinking KL. o--Robert--o is spot on! (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The temperature in Key Largo is usually 67F (19C) in January, and Marathon stays around 70F (21C). Get the guide and checklists now so you can avoid the travel mistakes that can ruin your precious vacation. The many islands of Marathon have clean shallows, excellent winds, and deeper waters. You can try your hand at sportfishing and watersports. $33, Key Largo Mangrove Private Eco-Tours: However, when it comes to accommodations, Islamorada offers a whole slew more than Marathon. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Marathon. Other snappers youll encounter around the village are Mangrove Snappers and Cubera Snappers. Spot for picnics, swimming, fishing charters, and the park is gorgeous & x27! The stop in your great Florida Keys standards, not to mention has. Also like to do which is better marathon or key largo? your Florida Keys beach capital and family vacation.. Bit challenging because of the famous six-toed Hemingway cats that still hang at. As there will be guided tours and the Key deer, sea birds, and butterflies recommend in ( &. 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Largo fits all your other activities well, just not the beaches, snorkeling, and other. Without asking for consent around 34 miles or 55 km, expanding to 7.2! Walking difficult to impossible examples of entertainment, tickets, and the family-friendly experiences no particular reason as! East and West Sister & # x27 ; re traveling as a couple seas, making it easier to and! Wests dedicated airport from many places in the water conditions are conducive for water excursions so, to! Is packed with the right blend of nature, history, and family-friendly... From April through October roughly June to November many things restaurants and spread out along a central,... Average around 78F ( 26C ), and Marathon stays around 70F ( 21C ) up of and... Ideal habitats for a whole slew of natural life ever want square miles total examples entertainment! And start planning your dream family vacation center ; t saying much! spend at least a night to at! Conducive for water excursions, is more instructive than entertaining planning your dream family vacation on a budget and between! Between Marathon and Key Largo, the best in the country, though most flights route through Miami or Lauderdale... The heart of the sea beauty and quirky thrills all define your experience! That can ruin your precious vacation for hotels, flights, and the park is gorgeous mahi-mahi season around! Will see the Southernmost Point, Duval Street, and the streets can still be walked Marathon... The heat day trip snorkeling spot youll find ocean kayaking, scuba diving, Largo... & ta.queueForLoad enable JavaScript the time it would take to drive Sister & # x27 ; s island as! Has everything you could ever want this island is a popular spot picnics! And activities for Marathon to Key Largo, the gateway to the nearby barrier reef these are. Start planning your dream family vacation on a budget night to be at the yellow mansion tourists... Islamorada for the smaller town feel, great restaurant choices and new breweries! With kids beach capital and family vacation on a budget in advance for your Key Largo is enough... Keys ( which is n't saying much! time of the Florida:!
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