Located on Marathon Key, Sombrero Beach is an island oasis with calm, clear blue waters and pristine white-sand shores. This location is a hot spot for locals and tourists who travel to enjoy its mangrove-free beaches and excellent amenities.
Just past mile marker 50 on US Highway 1, you’ll find this uniquely pristine stretch of beach. While Marathon Key is undoubtedly known for its bars and restaurants, you can expect to find a more family-friendly environment at Sombrero Beach.
The beach has calm temperate shallow waters, plenty of areas to rest in the shade, and more often than not, is relatively secluded.
Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sunbathing, biking, volleyball, fishing, and lots more.
Much like other areas in the Keys, Sombrero Beach is the perfect environment to go snorkeling. The relatively shallow water and clear visibility means you can wade out into the mild surf and catch schools of tropical fish as they swim by.
The area is also a perfect spot to lay in the sun and relax. The swaying swaths of coconut palms shade the site, and since the beach is reasonably secluded, you can expect to find your own slice of paradise.
Fishing is also popular in the water of this beach. Just make sure you are aware of the local rules and regulations, as you will need a fishing license to drop a line.
Amenities
You can find picnic pavilions, restrooms, and showers located on this beach. There are also several biking trails.
There is also a kid’s playground to entertain the little ones.
Keep in mind that this beach does not have lifeguard stations. While the water is shallow, you should still watch for little kids in the surf.
There is parking available at the park, but it is first-come, first-serve, so get there early.
Nearby Attractions
Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trail is an excellent place to take in the area’s natural wonder. Take a walk down several nature trails or explore the 63 acres of tropical hardwood hammock habitat.
If you are looking for some more fun-filled activities in your day, then make sure to check out the Marathon Community Park. This park features tennis courts, basketball/hockey courts, and even a skate park.
Fun Facts
The area is home to a natural abundance of sea turtle nesting areas. This means you need to be extra careful when walking around the beach not to disturb the nests.
The natural sandy beach comes from the expansive coral reef offshore. While you might guess that erosion allows for the fine sand particles to make their way onshore, you might be surprised to find out that it gets there in a much different way.
Tropical Parrot Fish are known to munch on the algae that grow on the coral. They usually ingest both their food and bits of the rocky coral. When they digest it, what remains are fine particles of coral sand.
A Parrot Fish can produce upwards of 50 pounds of sand in a year!
Details
Address: Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon, FL 33050
Season: All-Year
Pilgrim Hot Springs