Half Way to The End of the Road: Mile Marker 50

If you’ve been eyeing the Florida Keys for your next road trip vacation and can’t decide where to stay, you might as well sit yourself smack dab in the middle of all the fun at mile marker 50, Marathon Key.

After heading South from Miami, half way between Key Largo (around Mile Marker 100) and Key West (Mile Marker 0), you’ll find yourself not only at the midway point, but at the northern entrance to one of the most beautiful roadways you’ll cross, the Seven Mile Bridge.  Take a look.

It’s a road that appears to stretch on to infinity.

Sitting very conveniently and cozily at the base of this famous Seven Mile Bridge is Bluegreen Resorts Hammocks at Marathon, a vacation destination offering everything from relaxation at the poolside tiki lounge to day trip adventures by land or by sea, including boat, jetski, and even bicycle rentals. Not only does this spot offer many ways to enjoy a day trip, but no island or attraction in the Keys is more than 60 minutes away.

By bicycle:

If you decide to take advantage of the on-site rentals, you’ll be ready to pedal the two miles south alongside the Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key, a 5-acre island sometimes described as a “ghost town” There you’ll see historical buildings and grounds preserved from the heyday of the Flagler railroad. The trip takes you over a portion of the old bridge, preserved for bicyclists and those who enjoy a walk by the ocean. It’s a great evening trip if you’d like a bicycle ride with a view of the sunset.



By car, motorcycle or RV:

If your ride is powered, enjoy the full Seven Miles south and head down as far as the road will take you, to Key West. In 60 minutes, you’ll be ready for Duvall Street’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. Give the day a great sendoff at Mallory Dock, where street performers, and musicians perform nightly as the sun sinks low on the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico.


I’ve named just two of the destinations you can ride to from Marathon, both South of the resort, but be sure to make time to visit Big Pine Key's Bahia Honda State Park where you'll find some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Conde Naste has even named it best beach in the Continental U.S.!  Activities within this park are nearly endless, with bicycling, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming boating, and camping topping the list. I can't think of too many things better for your mental health than a campfire view of a beachside sunset.  There's a lot more. Heading about 14 miles North is John Pennekamp State Park where you'll want to get in some snorkeling or reef peeping in glass bottom boats.  Reservations are recommended.

The Florida Keys are some of the best locations to plan your vacation whether it’s by two or four wheels, but adds endless opportunity with the freedom of seemingly endless waterways. Any of the destinations I’ve named here are available to you by water from the resort’s well-equipped docks.  This trip is by far one of my favorites, but that's because I'm a water lover.

Peak vacation times in the Keys are between January and June, so plan, and plan early!

Been to the Keys?  What’s your favorite spot and what would you most like to experience?

Photo Credit:  Bluegreen Resorts Colorful Places

Resources:
PigeonKey.net
Florida Parks page on Bahia Honda
Bahia Honda F.A.Q page
Discovering Florida Keys
Jerry's Charter Services - Boat Rentals at The Hammocks
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park