RV Rental Marathon, FL

Explore Marathon, Florida

About halfway between Key Largo and Key West, you'll find the quaint town of Marathon. While it wasn't incorporated as a town until 1999, it has a rich history dating back to the Spanish sailors of the 1500s. These sailors originally named it Key Vaca. Vaca is the Spanish word for cow and is thought to be named for the abundance of manatees that lived on the island. While it was home to Natives, it was settled by Bohemians and several fishing families from Mystic, Connecticut in the early 1800s. The area developed as a seafaring community with a focus on local fishing. This has permeated the local culture, leading to small hotels, beachside inns, and family-style resorts. What is now properly known as Marathon includes several islands in the key chain, including Boot Key, Knight Keys, Hog Key, Vaca Key, Stirrup Key, Crawl and Little Crawl Key, East and West Sister's Island, Deer Key, Fat Deer Key, Long Pine Key, and Grassy Key. While visiting Marathon, Florida in your RV rental, the most popular things to do include a variety of watersports, taking a chartered fishing tour, and of course, the sandy beaches. But come away from the shore, and you'll still have plenty to do. Grab a bicycle or moped from one of the rental companies on the island to leisurely tour around. Marathon boasts some incredible museums, including the EAA Air Museum, the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Marathon Wild Bird Center, Pigeon Key Foundation & Marine Science Center, and the Crane Point Museum, Nature Center & Historic Site. Enjoy some simple outdoor fun at the three community parks in the chain, or practice your swing at Key Colony Beach Golf. You'll have plenty of cuisine options while visiting Marathon, with over 100 different eateries and restaurants. Given the small-town feel of the island, many of these establishments offer locally developed cuisine with a unique flair to satisfy whatever you crave. Stop by Porky's Bayside for a historic Tiki Diner experience where you can enjoy everything from BBQ to sushi and fresh seafood dishes while enjoying live entertainment every night. Visit Food For Thought for your source of healthy food on the island, including some of the best breakfast and lunch options on the island. Get a true fishing community experience at the Fish Tale Market & Eatery. Whether you dine in or take your food on the go, you'll love the red conch and clam chowders or seafood entrees ranging from the catch of the day to fried shrimp and the fried fish burrito.

Events Near Marathon, Florida

• Taropian Tournament - If mahi-mahi isn't to your taste, then take part in this 3-day tournament in early May. Rules dictate that you have a different captain each day and that you rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon. The tournament wraps up at the Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House.

• Annual Mother's Day Dolphin Tournament - This annual one-day tournament is held over Mother's Day weekend. Not only will you have fun, but the event also benefits Habitat for Humanity.

• Annual Dolphin Tournament - Join in the annual fishing tournament focusing on mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish. The event happens each year in early June, and the person who wrangles the largest fish over 50 pounds wins the massive prize pot.