The Best Calm Beaches Near Marathon

Some people come to the Keys for the nightlife. Others come for the snorkeling or the fishing. But if you’re the kind of traveler who values peace—the kind you can hear and feel and breathe—then the calm beaches around Marathon are where you want to be.

Here are a few of our favorite places to unwind, close to home but far from noise:

Sombrero Beach
This one’s right in Marathon, and it’s popular for a reason. Even when there are a few families around, it still feels open and relaxed. There’s space to walk, to lay out, to watch the tide roll in. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it safe for kids and great for floating. Bring snacks, bring a book, and stay until the sun dips low.

Curry Hammock State Park
If you want something quieter, this beach is just a short drive north of town and feels like a secret. It’s not crowded. There are shaded picnic areas and long stretches of sand where the only sound is wind in the palms. You can walk the shoreline, paddle through the mangroves, or just sit and let your thoughts settle.

Bahia Honda State Park
Technically not in Marathon, but just over the bridge, and absolutely worth the drive. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys. The water here is calm, clear, and usually uncrowded—especially in the mornings. You can snorkel close to shore or just wade in and float, staring up at the old bridge overhead.

A Note About the Vibe
None of these are “scene” beaches. There aren’t beach clubs or loud music or vendors. That’s the beauty of them. These are places where people speak quietly, smile at strangers, and look up from their phones. If you’re staying in a vacation home in Marathon, you’ll find yourself coming back to the same spot more than once—not because there’s nowhere else to go, but because once you’ve found your beach, you don’t need much more.