Sombrero Beach
Marathon, FL
Sombrero Beach is Marathon's real sandy beach, a genuine stretch of Atlantic coast at mile marker 50 in a chain of islands where most shorelines are rocky or mangrove lined rather than soft sand. Picnic pavilions, a playground, and volleyball courts around a fenced park make it the area's most complete family beach setup.
A genuine sandy beach with full family amenities is rare enough in the middle Keys to make this a real local favorite, though its popularity means it can fill up on weekends despite the free parking.
How we score beachesBring your dog along, Marathon's parks allow them almost everywhere including here, a leash and some cleanup bags are all that's required. No RV or bus parking is allowed, so plan accordingly if arriving in anything larger than a regular car.
Parking is free at the fenced beach park, though RVs and buses aren't accommodated.
The beach is a short, flat walk from the lot, with pavilions, a playground, restrooms, and showers on site.
Leashed dogs are welcome, part of a broader Marathon parks policy that allows pets nearly everywhere except ball fields.
Winter through spring is the Keys' driest, most popular stretch. Summer brings warmer water and hurricane season, June through November, with fewer crowds on weekdays.
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