Key West is considered a top beach destination. 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. Historical value aside, the island is blessed with picturesque and swimmable shores. The state-of-the-art park wont only give you education and awareness, but its also filled with fun and excitement. Being in the middle Keys, Key West is about an hour drive south with beautiful vistas and great places for a bite to eat. But if youre looking for a more laid-back, relaxing vacation with outdoor activities, Key Largo is the way to go. Lol. Marathon is generally not very walkable. Key Largo Marathon The vibe at night is comparable in Key Largo and Marathon. Marathon has the best beaches by Florida Keys standards, not to mention it has plenty of attractions as well. The village of Islamorada is teeming with more adventurous activities. It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) Is any one of these locations superior to the other in terms of accommodations and things to do? People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. $249, Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: Not to mention, its rich natural portfolio has given it immense beauty. Ibis Bay Beach Resort. which is better marathon or key largo? You also have the option of taking the Conch Tour Train throughout the city in Key West. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Are you planning your next vacation but feeling worried about safety? 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. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. These gems are often the second-best options when you dont feel like cramming into the bustle of Key West and Key Largo. Key West Half Marathon Course. (Airport), Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo by Provident Hotels & Resorts, Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton. What is the cheapest month to stay in Key West? Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April are around 74F (24C), and Marathon is about 77F (25C). Expensive flight tickets Lousy hotels Horrible cruise destinations Are you tired of dealing with the hassles of vacation planning? Well, I like wintergreen and can't stand peppermint. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. Sombrero Beach provides a lovely strip of powdery white sand with decent water. Other choices are Marathon Marina and Skipjack Marina. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39177299', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon (we always stay in Islamorada or Layton), but would always choose the middle keys over upper keys. The predominant bite offshore has been swordfish & blackfin tunas. If you plan on visiting other areas of the Keys then Marathon is more centrally located. You can visit the Dolphin Research Center and soft and gentle beaches. It's only an additional 1 hour drive, but the drive is spectacular. The village even boasts many of Florida Keys best restaurants and bars. 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. You can also hop on board a ferry to Fort Myers from Key West. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39186730', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada to feed the tarpon! It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) Thousands gather to watch the sun vanish into the waves, while buskers, or walking salesmen, and other locals bring out their wares and singing, fire juggling, and other acts contribute to the memorable Keys affair. It even has glorious waters and mangrove forests. I've spent about 20 years vacationing in the Keys and to me, Marathon is the "peach" of the Keys. Key Largo, the gateway to the Keys, pretty much has everything you could ever want. Key West is a party town filled with nightlife and activity, while Key Largo is more laid-back and relaxed. Most people set out from Key Largo or Islamorada for snorkeling from the Upper Keys. Summer is in July, and winter is in January in both cities, which are located in the northern hemisphere. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Which is the cheapest Florida key to stay at? The park is a hardwood hammock where you can do many things. This means you'll find more activity available during every waking hour you spend on Key West. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Marathon receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. The Turtle Hospital of the Florida Keys is a tiny nonprofit dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Islamorada sits nearby the best fishing spots in the entire Florida Keys Reef Tract. Visitors may have heard of the infamous Conch Republic and are often familiar with the airline Pan Am, which sent its first plane out from Key West. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. In addition, take him to the Turtle Hospital, walk the old 7-mile bridge, and much much more. If distance is an issue, youll want to note that Key Largo is only about an hour away from Miami. The island chain is surrounded by beautiful flats and sandbars. Marathon Key is the third-most populated point in all of the Florida Keys, but oddly enough a lot of its residents live in boats. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October. However, these destinations can be perfect for different kinds of families seeking a certain set of experiences. For guests of all ages, it also offers a variety of educational programs, summer camps, group and field trips, and more. The drive to Key West is somewhat spectacular. 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! The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. Both Marathon and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Shop around for accommodations and compromise on amenities or location. If youve never seen it, it can only be described as incredible. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private hotels and man made ones at John Pennekamp state park. However, boat charters or tours can take you around different keys. Temperatures in Key Largo average around 78F (26C), and Marathon stays around 80F (27C). It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. But, Marathon happens to have a particular liking for dolphins and turtles. 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-39186383', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada over Marathon? This forum is awesome! The natural beauty of the Keys is unrivaled, especially for those who enjoy the beach and ocean views. Islamorada and all its wealth in marine life is the best place for the adventurous types. Cannon Beach is located at 102601 Overseas Highway in Key Largo. Locals and tourists alike find limitless reasons to appreciate the natural environment of the Keys. If you have long enough, why not split your time between the 2 places so you can experience a little of each ? When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Key West has some great diving, but the snorkeling and diving around Key Largo surpass the opportunities around the southernmost Key by far. The city is full of great beaches, and a plethora of family-friendly stays and activities. After exploring the abandoned town, you can take a quick dip or kayak around the mangrove trees. They tend to remain in Marathon until the wind conditions are favorable enough to traverse the Florida Straits and Gulf Stream. In fact, both Islamorada and Marathon sit close to each other. So Safety Concerns Don't Hold You Back From Exploring The World. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. You had mentioned the beauty of the drive, so I wasn't sure if it's just scenic or if we should plan to make some stops. Eiher way, you're in the Keys! But Key West has significantly more bars. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The most common catch has to be the Yellowtail Snapper, considered to be the Keys signature catch. Marathon is made up of islands surrounded by water in the right conditions. These small cities are packed with high-caliber draws and a few coveted titles on their belt. Some are private, but many are fully open to the public. With their size, and numbers you can expect to find a good catch all year round. And Marathon is the Florida Keys beach capital and family vacation center. Islamorada is home to continuous, smooth white-sand beaches. Is Key Largo or Marathon Better for Nightlife? Key West Marathon For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Marathon are good choices. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marathon receives 258 hours of full sun. If beaches are important then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Is Key Largo or Marathon better? $61, Florida Keys Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): As a visitor to the Keys, you may decide you want to take a day trip to experience some things on either the other islands or the mainland. Thanks to its natural gifts and wonders, the famous village has garnered two titles, making it a US pride. Whether youre coming from Key West or Key Largo, Islamorada is accessible. The many islands of Marathon have clean shallows, excellent winds, and deeper waters. From dolphins to beaches and snorkeling, this island is a great destination for families. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. $64, Marathon Cruiser Bike Day Rentals: There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. For more things to do on your Florida Keys getaway: Robin ONeal Smith is a freelance and travel writer. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Key Largo also has a much more intimate feel than Key West. Key Largo and Marathon are similar when it comes to walkability. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80490023', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon.