Trip report Marathon!

Question

My stay in Marathon in the Florida Keys

I recently returned from an amazing trip to the Florida Keys, and I wanted to share my experience in case anyone is planning a visit. I stayed at Glunz Ocean Beach Resort in Key Colony Beach, and it turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the Keys.

The Hotel

Glunz Ocean Beach Resort has its own private beach, which was a huge plus. I loved being able to step right out onto the sand without worrying about crowds. There were plenty of lounge chairs, and the water was clear and calm enough for a morning swim.

The resort also has two pools, so if I wanted a change of scenery from the beach, I could relax by the pool with a cocktail from the tiki bar. I also liked that they had kayaks and paddleboards available, which made it easy to get out on the water without booking a separate excursion.

My room was clean and spacious, with a kitchenette that came in handy for quick breakfasts. The vibe of the hotel is laid-back, very “barefoot luxury,” which fits perfectly with the Florida Keys.

Location

Key Colony Beach is right in the Middle Keys, which made it easy to drive both north toward Key Largo and Islamorada and south toward Key West. Marathon itself also has some great spots, like Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum Beach, but honestly, I spent a lot of time just enjoying the resort’s private beach.

Beaches I Visited

During my stay I made it a point to check out several of the well-known beaches in the Florida Keys. Here are the highlights:

Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – Just a short drive from the resort, this was one of the most beautiful beaches I saw. Soft sand, clear water, and picnic pavilions make it great for families.

Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key) – Probably the most famous beach in the Keys, and for good reason. The water here is stunning, and the white sand is rare for the Keys.

Smathers Beach (Key West) – A long sandy beach perfect for people-watching and water sports.

Anne’s Beach (Islamorada) – Shallow water, calm waves, and a boardwalk make this a nice stop if you’re driving through the Upper Keys.

Activities

Aside from relaxing on the beach, I went snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. The reefs there are beautiful, and I saw lots of colorful fish. Back near the resort, I also tried fishing off the nearby piers, which was a fun way to spend the afternoon.

If you are into history, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West is also worth a visit. It combines a Civil War-era fort with one of the best snorkeling beaches in Key West.

Dining

The resort has Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar, which is convenient for a relaxed dinner overlooking the ocean. In Marathon, I also tried a few local seafood places where the fish was incredibly fresh. The Keys are known for their Key lime pie, so of course I had to try that!

Overall, staying at Glunz Ocean Beach Resort made my trip really special. Having a private beach right at the hotel gave me the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience, while the location made it easy to explore the rest of the Florida Keys.

If you are planning a trip and want both comfort and direct ocean access, I can highly recommend this resort. The combination of amenities, location, and atmosphere made it a fantastic stay.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your trip report from Marathon and Key Colony Beach! It sounds like you had an incredible experience, and your detailed account is really helpful for anyone planning a visit to the Florida Keys.

The Hotel Experience

Glunz Ocean Beach Resort seems like an excellent choice for travelers who want a laid-back, barefoot luxury vibe. Having a private beach right at the resort is a major advantage, as it allows for easy access to the water without crowds. The availability of lounge chairs and calm waters for morning swims adds to the convenience and enjoyment.

The resort’s two pools provide an alternative to the beach, and with a tiki bar on-site, guests can easily enjoy cocktails while relaxing by the pool. The option to use kayaks and paddleboards directly from the resort is great for water activities without extra planning or expense.

Your room, being clean, spacious, and equipped with a kitchenette, adds practical comfort, especially for quick breakfasts or snacks. Overall, the resort’s atmosphere appears perfectly suited to the Keys’ relaxed style.

Location Advantages

Key Colony Beach in the Middle Keys offers a convenient central location. Driving north to Key Largo and Islamorada or south to Key West is easy, allowing you to explore a wide range of attractions. While Marathon itself has great beaches like Sombrero and Coco Plum, your preference for the private beach shows how much value there is in staying directly on the sand.

Beaches Visited

Sombrero Beach (Marathon): Soft sand, clear water, and picnic pavilions make it ideal for families and relaxing beach days.
Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key): Known for its rare white sand and stunning waters, this is arguably the most scenic beach in the Keys.
Smathers Beach (Key West): A long sandy stretch perfect for people-watching, walking, and water sports.
Anne’s Beach (Islamorada): Shallow water and calm waves, combined with a boardwalk, make it an enjoyable stop when driving through the Upper Keys.

Activities

You mentioned snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, which is a must-do for seeing vibrant coral and marine life. Fishing off nearby piers is a fun, local-style activity that doesn’t require a boat. For those interested in history, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West combines a Civil War-era fort with excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Dining

The resort’s Havana Jack’s Oceanside Restaurant & Bar provides convenient ocean-view dining. Additionally, exploring local seafood restaurants in Marathon is highly recommended, as the freshness of the fish is outstanding. Sampling Key lime pie is a must in the Keys, and it’s great that you included that in your itinerary.

Overall Experience

Your stay at Glunz Ocean Beach Resort offered the perfect combination of relaxation, convenience, and access to local attractions. The private beach, resort amenities, central location, and laid-back atmosphere all contributed to a fantastic trip.

Recommendation

For those planning a visit to the Florida Keys who want both comfort and direct access to the ocean, Glunz Ocean Beach Resort is highly recommended. It’s an excellent base for exploring the Keys while enjoying a private and relaxing beach experience.