Marathon offers a serene, gay-friendly environment, perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. With intimate resorts, tranquil beaches, and a range of outdoor, water-based activities, it provides the ideal spot for a relaxing escape in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Gay Marathon
Marathon is a waterfront paradise offering world-class fishing, diving, boating, and pristine beaches.
Book A Travel Gay Approved Hotel
Marathon Hotels
Banana Bay Resort & Marina
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4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
Show on mapWhy this hotel? A peaceful, intimate getaway with waterfront views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Banana Bay Resort & Marina offers an intimate escape on the Gulf Coast in Marathon, featuring tropical-style accommodations with serene, ocean-inspired décor. Set on 10 acres, the resort provides 59 guestrooms, each with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and balconies, some overlooking the lush grounds or the ocean. Each room includes breakfast for two, and the resort is pet-friendly, welcoming both couples and families.
Guests can relax by the heated outdoor pool, enjoy drinks at the poolside tiki bar, or take advantage of the private beach for a peaceful day in the sun. For those seeking adventure, the marina offers boat rentals and fishing charters. Banana Bay also features two tennis courts and activities like bocce and horseshoes.
Isla Bella Beach Resort
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1 Knights Key Boulevard Mm47, Marathon
Show on mapWhy this hotel? A mix of luxury, adventure, and relaxation with stunning ocean views.
Isla Bella Beach Resort redefines luxury in the Florida Keys with 24 oceanfront acres of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, this upscale resort offers breathtaking ocean views from every room and suite, each featuring expansive outdoor terraces for enjoying the scenery. Rooms come equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minifridges, and rainfall showers. Suites also include kitchenettes and living areas.
The resort offers exceptional dining experiences, including a Polynesian-inspired restaurant with one of the best views on property and an al fresco sushi cabana. Guests can unwind with a drink at the poolside bar or beach bar, shaded by palm trees. For adventure seekers, the resort offers world-class fishing, eco-tours, kayaking, and biking, along with five pools and a full-service spa.
Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco Resort
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2146 Overseas Highway, Marathon
Show on mapWhy this hotel? Offers a resort experience with plenty of activities and a great location.
Courtyard Faro Blanco Resort offers a laid-back yet vibrant getaway along the Gulf of Mexico in Marathon. The resort boasts private balconies in its guest rooms, many of which provide stunning waterfront views. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, with suites offering additional living areas for extra comfort. The resort features four pools, a hot tub, and plenty of fun activities like lawn games, beach bonfires, and seasonal island-inspired events.
For dining, guests can enjoy fresh local flavors at the on-site restaurant and bar, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. The resort is also a great spot for events, offering over 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, meetings, or celebrations. Nearby attractions include the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center, and guided snorkeling excursions.
Marathon Bars & Restaurant
Square Grouper Bar and Grill
22658 Overseas Highway, Cudjoe Key, Marathon, USA
Show on mapSquare Grouper Bar and Grill in Cudjoe Key serves fresh, local seafood with a relaxed, dockside atmosphere. The menu features delicious fish tacos, smoked fish dip, coconut shrimp, shrimp cakes, and a variety of appetizers. The laid-back setting allows you to grab a drink, play games like Jenga or cornhole, and enjoy live music on select nights. It’s the ideal spot for a casual meal or drinks by the water.
Mon: Closed
Tue:11:00 - 22:00
Wed:11:00 - 22:00
Thu:11:00 - 22:00
Fri:11:00 - 22:00
Sat:11:00 - 22:00
Sun: Closed
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2025
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2025
Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden and Cafe
59300 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Marathon, USA
Show on mapBongo’s offers a tropical escape with 22 craft beers on tap and unique cocktails in a lush, palm-filled garden. Located on Grassy Key, it’s the perfect stop before heading to nearby adventure spots or to relax after a day on the water.
The menu includes lobster truffle mac & cheese, and you can enjoy a signature “Rhum Runner” cocktail while lounging or listening to live music.
Mon:10:00 - 18:00
Tue:10:00 - 18:00
Wed:10:00 - 18:00
Thu:10:00 - 18:00
Fri:10:00 - 18:00
Sat:10:00 - 18:00
Sun:10:00 - 18:00
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2025
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2025
Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina
1400 Overseas Highway, Marathon, USA
Show on mapPorky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina in Marathon is a classic waterfront restaurant with a history that stretches back to the 1950s. Known for fresh seafood, BBQ, and live music, it’s a spot where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy fish fries, sushi, oysters, and cocktails.
There is a Tiki bar that overlooks the water, and it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand, listen to live tunes, and enjoy a laid-back meal.
Mon:08:00 - 22:00
Tue:08:00 - 22:00
Wed:08:00 - 22:00
Thu:08:00 - 22:00
Fri:08:00 - 22:00
Sat:08:00 - 22:00
Sun:08:00 - 22:00
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2025
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2025
Marathon Shops
Bayshore Clothing
8911 Overseas Highway, Marathon, USA
Show on mapBayshore Clothing is a family-owned store in Marathon offering everything you need to dress for the Keys. From exclusive custom tees and sun-protection gear to tropical jewelry and Kala ukuleles, this shop has it all.
The focus is on quality, with a range of sizes and styles to fit everyone in the family. If you’re looking for a new shirt or unique island-inspired accessory, this is the place to go.
Mon:09:30 - 17:30
Tue:09:30 - 17:30
Wed:09:30 - 17:30
Thu:09:30 - 17:30
Fri:09:30 - 17:30
Sat:09:30 - 17:00
Sun:10:00 - 17:00
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2025
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2025
Marathon Attractions
Seven Mile Bridge & Pigeon Key
New Seven Mile Bridge, Marathon, USA
Show on mapSeven Mile Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Keys. Offering breathtaking views of the ocean, this bridge connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. You can walk or bike the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, which leads to Pigeon Key, a small island with preserved railroad-era buildings and a small museum. It’s a spot for history, beauty, and unforgettable views.
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, USA
Show on mapSombrero Beach is one of Marathon’s most beloved beaches, offering picnic areas, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to relax in the sun. It’s also a turtle nesting site, where you might see Loggerhead turtles laying eggs during the nesting season from April to October. The beach is open daily from 7 am to dusk and is a peaceful spot for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys.
Crane Point Hammock & Nature Centre
5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon, USA
Show on mapCrane Point is a 63-acre nature preserve in the middle of Marathon, where winding trails lead through lush tropical hardwood hammock to a 1903 Bahamian-built cottage, the Adderley House. Along the way, you’ll find the Marathon Wild Bird Centre, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for injured birds, and a small Natural History Museum.
Visitors can hike, kayak, or snorkel while learning about the area’s history and wildlife. It’s closed every September for maintenance, so plan accordingly.
Mon:09:00 - 17:00
Tue:09:00 - 17:00
Wed:09:00 - 17:00
Thu:09:00 - 17:00
Fri:09:00 - 17:00
Sat:09:00 - 17:00
Sun:12:00 - 17:00
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2025
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2025
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