Another first time visit, March 2026

Question

Hello, considering visiting the keys with Marathon as the base for 6 days. Expecting to travel to other keys and use our car during the day. For dinner we would prefer to not drive- is there lodging available that is walkable to restaurants and live music? Is it possible to get around by bike? should we plan to just chill at our place in the evenings instead?

Answer

Using Marathon as a base for exploring the Florida Keys in March 2026 is a practical choice, as it’s centrally located and allows convenient travel north to Key Largo or south to Key West. With a car, you’ll have the flexibility to visit multiple keys during the day and explore attractions at your own pace.

Regarding evening activities and walkability, Marathon is more spread out than Key West or Key Largo. While there are clusters of restaurants, bars, and a few live music venues, most lodging options are not within easy walking distance of a vibrant dining and nightlife area. Many visitors choose to drive a short distance to dinner or entertainment rather than rely solely on walking.

Lodging within walking distance of restaurants: Look for accommodations near the Marathon City area or Boot Key Harbor, where a small selection of restaurants, cafes, and a few bars are within walking distance. These areas may have limited evening entertainment but can offer casual live music on certain nights.
Using a bike: Biking in Marathon is possible, particularly for short distances, but keep in mind that many areas have limited sidewalks and bike lanes. Traffic on US-1 can be busy, so plan routes carefully. Bikes are good for nearby errands or exploring harbor-side areas, but longer trips to other keys by bike are generally not practical.
Evening relaxation: Many travelers prefer to chill at their lodging in the evenings, especially if their accommodation is a waterfront property with a porch, deck, or private dock. This allows for a relaxed atmosphere with sunset views, enjoying the calm waters and occasional live music from local venues that may be within a short drive.

Tips for planning your trip:

Consider renting a car even if you want to walk to nearby restaurants, as it will expand your dining and activity options significantly.
Check the local event calendars in advance—some restaurants offer live music only on certain nights, and seasonal variations in March may affect availability.
If walking or biking is a priority, focus on accommodations near the more centralized hubs of Marathon, like Boot Key Harbor, but be prepared for limited options compared to Key West.
For a mix of exploration and relaxation, plan daytime drives to other keys and evenings either at your lodging or at nearby restaurants/bars, balancing convenience with a laid-back experience.

In summary, Marathon is ideal for day trips across the Keys with a car. While some lodging options are walkable to a few restaurants and bars, evening entertainment is limited, so many visitors choose to relax at their property in the evenings. Biking works for short local trips, but driving is still recommended for exploring and enjoying dinner and live music options.