by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels
Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Florida, may be the quintessential example of a multi-use beach. Am I talking swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnicking, volleyball, barbecuing, and climbing on playground playground equipment? Well, all those things can be done at this beach, but that’s not what I was referring to.
Sombrero is a multi-use beach because humans are not the only ones that use it. Between April and October each year, Loggerhead turtles crawl up onto the beach at night to lay their eggs in the sand. During these months, city workers remove tables and park benches from the beach, nesting areas are roped off, and local officials and volunteers patrol the beach at least once a day to ensure nests are not disturbed. The rest of the year belongs entirely to humans and their canine friends, who are welcome as long as they are leashed (the dogs, not the humans).
With soft white sand, gentle waters, and no crowds, Sombrero Beach is a favorite with locals and visitors
Sombrero Beach is popular with vacationers and locals alike for a number of reasons. First, it is located about two miles down a residential street leading to the Atlantic Ocean side of Marathon, away from the main highway and traffic noise. On the west-facing portion of the beach, a wide ribbon of soft white sand fronts emerald waters that stay shallow for some distance before dropping off to deeper water, inviting use by both swimmers and families with toddlers. A rocky shelf along the left side of the beach attracts sea urchins, sponges, and tropical, making it an ideal snorkeling spot.
The south-facing portion of Sombrero Beach is perfect for romantic walks or viewing spectacular sunsets
At the southernmost point the beach takes a right turn. Graceful coconut palms line this part of the beach; the tips of their giant fronds drape the sand, providing welcome shade in the intense sunshine. A pier juts into the water beyond black boulders that line the shore, providing a perfect place to watch the setting sun.
Other facilities include picnic pavilions and tables, volleyball courts, barbecue pits, showers, changing areas, restrooms, and ample parking. An adjacent park has playground equipment for the kids. There is no fee to use the park or beach, and hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Sombrero Beach is located at mile marker 50 in the Florida Keys, in the city of Marathon.
Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel
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2 Responses
[...] to Pigeon Key depart daily from the southern tip of Marathon at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., & 2:30 p.m. Return trips depart daily at 10:30 a.m., 12 Noon, [...]
Firstly, I have to thank you Barbara for posting this article. My wife and I are planning a holiday in 2010 for the keys. In the past, we’ve been on diving holidays in Egypt, Maldives and Mexico – but never on a trip to Florida before. As it’s a special holiday for us, we’re taking it as a multicentre. Travelling to Duck Key near marathon first, (staying at Hawk Cay Resort) then heading down to Key West where we hope to book Tropical Inn.
I was commenting on another few blogs while researching my trip as we do quite like the idea of combining holidays and nature. We’re going to visit the Turtle Hospital in the Keys with a view to adopt one as a gift next Xmas.
I was unaware of Sombrero Beach prior to reading your post. Perhaps I can contact one of the patrol wardens and arrange to see the Turtles at a time that will not disturb them.