Hotel at a Glance: Banana Bay Resort & Marina
Whether arriving by car, boat, or plane, it’s easy to see right away what makes Banana Bay Resort & Marina special: It’s right on the ocean, set on a lovely stretch of the Florida Keys. The airy rooms at the hotel fit in with the beachy setting, with stark accent walls, white fabrics, and hardwood floors. When you’re not on the water, you can enjoy yourself on the property grounds, which have a tennis court and two horseshoe pits.
- Enjoy the freshwater pool or take a dip in the whirlpool.
- Cook up a feast for friends or family on the communal barbecue grills.
- Rent a slip: The marina has 34 transient slips available, each of which includes water, electricity, and cable television.
- Grab a snack at the tiki bar.
Marathon, Florida: A Tropical Oasis on Florida’s Seven Keys
The town of Marathon is a 10-mile-long stretch of land, but it manages to cover a lot of ground, incorporating seven of Florida’s Keys. Visitors will find abundant family-friendly activities, starting with the keys’ fishing heritage. The biggest draw may be its tarpon fishing, which gives beginners the best chance at hooking an impressive fish that can weigh up to 280 pounds. More experienced fishers can head out on the open water looking for sailfish, wahoo, and even mako sharks. The town boasts more than 2,400 wet and dry slips, and its boat-friendly atmosphere makes it even easier to explore the water’s natural reefs, which are suitable for diving and snorkeling trips.
On land, you can learn about the key’s natural wildlife and inhabitants at the 63-acre Crane Point Museum, Nature Center & Historic Site. Educational displays on Native Americans, sea turtles, and wild birds provide a picture of what the land was like before European settlers.
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