Coco Plum Beach Marathon FL
A tranquil, secluded public beach in Marathon, FL, perfect for shelling, kayaking, and dog-friendly fun with calm, shallow waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More beach to explore
Coco Plum Beach Marathon FL
Best Time
More beach to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, secluded public beach in Marathon, FL, perfect for shelling, kayaking, and dog-friendly fun with calm, shallow waters.
"This is a nice beautiful beach as part of Marathon city in the keys with free parking access."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive early, especially on weekends! Only ~20 spots, with overflow across the street.
🐚 Shelling Success
Great for shelling! Look for hermit crabs and keep an eye out for Portuguese Man o' Wars.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shelling Haven
Along the shoreline
Discover a treasure trove of shells, from delicate shells to juvenile queen conchs. A paradise for collectors!
Kayaking Launch Point
Shallow waters
The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot to launch your kayak and explore the coastline.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Entire beach
Your furry friends will love this beach! It's a popular spot for dogs to run and play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seclusion
Dog-Friendly Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive early, especially on weekends! Only ~20 spots, with overflow across the street.
🐚 Shelling Success
Great for shelling! Look for hermit crabs and keep an eye out for Portuguese Man o' Wars.
🐶 Doggy Day Out
This beach is very dog-friendly! Your pups will love the space to roam.
🌊 Tide Watch
Beach size varies greatly with tides. Low tide offers more sand to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive early, especially on weekends! Only ~20 spots, with overflow across the street.
🐚 Shelling Success
Great for shelling! Look for hermit crabs and keep an eye out for Portuguese Man o' Wars.
🐶 Doggy Day Out
This beach is very dog-friendly! Your pups will love the space to roam.
🌊 Tide Watch
Beach size varies greatly with tides. Low tide offers more sand to enjoy.
☀️ Natural Shade
Hammock vegetation provides natural shade, making it comfy for a full day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Coco Plum Beach for its secluded, natural beauty and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for kayaking and shelling. Its dog-friendly atmosphere and free parking are significant draws, though the beach size can vary greatly with the tides, and parking is limited. Some note the presence of Portuguese Man o' Wars.
"Very secluded beach on the south side (Atlantic) side of Marathon fairly close to the bridge going to Islamorada. A great place to put in a kayak etc since there is a very short walk to the water. The water was very shallow and had no observable wave action the day we were there. Approximately 20 parking spaces which are free including a shower and small restroom facility. Careful as many dog owners use this beach as a bombing range."
John Public
"Great shelling beach, not crowded, dog friendly, restrooms at entrance and free parking pretty much on the beach. Get out of your vehicle and it's about 15 steps to the sand. Hermit crabs and watch out for the Portuguese Man o' wars"
Kristy
"Small public beach with toilets and one shade structure. If the small parking lot is full, there is an overflow lot across the street from the entrance."
Playa Squirrel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coco Plum Beach is located on the south (Atlantic) side of Marathon, FL, near the bridge to Islamorada. It's accessible via US-1 and Coco Plum Drive. There's a paved trail that runs along Coco Plum Drive, perfect for a scenic run or walk.
Yes, there are approximately 20 free parking spaces directly at the beach entrance. If the main lot is full, there's an overflow lot across the street.
While the beach itself is for walking and relaxing, the paved trail along Coco Plum Drive is excellent for running and biking.
The Overseas Heritage Trail is a popular choice for longer runs. For shorter, scenic runs, the paved trail along Coco Plum Drive is highly recommended.
It's a bit secluded, but look for signs for Coco Plum Drive off US-1. It's a well-loved spot by locals and those in the know.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Coco Plum Beach is a public beach and offers free parking and access.
The beach is open from sunrise to sunset, offering ample time to enjoy the Florida Keys scenery.
No tickets are required for entry to Coco Plum Beach. It's a public access beach.
The main considerations are respecting the dog-friendly nature of the beach and being mindful of the tides. It's open sunrise to sunset.
It's generally less crowded than other Keys beaches, especially on weekdays. Weekends can see more visitors, particularly during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find clean restrooms with showers (including a foot shower), picnic tables under a shaded area, and natural shade from the surrounding vegetation.
The water is typically shallow and calm, making it suitable for wading and gentle swimming. It's especially nice during low tide.
It's a great spot for observing hermit crabs on the beach and near the trees. You might also spot juvenile queen conchs and rock snails. Be aware of Portuguese Man o' Wars.
Absolutely! Coco Plum Beach is very dog-friendly, allowing your pets to enjoy the sand and surf.
The beach features fine, white powder sand. While seaweed can sometimes accumulate, beach raking machines help keep it clean.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly on Coco Plum Beach. You'll need to venture into Marathon for dining options.
Yes, there are picnic tables available under a shaded area, making it a perfect spot for a beach picnic.
Marathon offers a variety of eateries, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining. Consider Isla Bella Beach Resort for a nearby option.
There are no permanent food trucks at Coco Plum Beach. It's best to pack your own snacks or plan to dine in Marathon.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and any picnic items you'd like to enjoy. Remember to bring a cooler to keep things fresh.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene shoreline, the shallow turquoise waters, and the natural vegetation. The beach at low tide offers expansive views.
While it faces the Atlantic, you can still capture beautiful light and sky colors, especially during golden hour.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the softest, most flattering light for photography. Low tide also reveals more of the beach.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of shells.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site. The natural shade from the vegetation is a bonus for keeping kids out of direct sun. The beach's dog-friendly nature means the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy a day out.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
Ensure you bring waste bags to clean up after your pet and keep them hydrated, especially on warmer days. The open space and gentle surf make it an enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners.
🐚 Shell Collectors
Visit during low tide for the best chance to find treasures washed ashore. Remember to check local regulations regarding the collection of certain shells, especially live ones.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Coco Plum Beach
One of the standout features of Coco Plum Beach is its natural beauty and the abundance of shells. Visitors often find a variety of shells, including juvenile queen conchs and rock snails, making it a popular destination for shelling enthusiasts. The beach is also lined with hammock vegetation, offering natural shade, which is a welcome amenity on sunny Florida days.
Beyond its natural allure, Coco Plum Beach is also a fantastic spot for activities like kayaking due to its calm, shallow waters. It's a place where you can truly unwind, whether you're searching for shells, enjoying a picnic, or simply soaking up the sun. The beach's dog-friendly policy further adds to its appeal for many visitors.
Wildlife Encounters at Coco Plum Beach
While the beach is a haven for smaller creatures, visitors should also be aware of potential hazards. Portuguese Man o' Wars can sometimes wash ashore, so it's important to admire them from a distance and avoid contact. The presence of these marine animals highlights the wild and natural character of the beach.
For those interested in conservation, The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a nearby attraction that rehabilitates injured sea turtles. While not directly on Coco Plum Beach, it's a significant part of the Marathon community's commitment to marine life. Videos showcase the incredible work done to rescue, rehabilitate, and release these magnificent creatures.
Activities and Recreation
For beachgoers, shelling is a major draw. The shoreline is often dotted with interesting finds, from small, delicate shells to larger specimens. It's a treasure hunt for all ages, and the soft sand makes for comfortable searching.
Running and biking enthusiasts can take advantage of the paved trail that runs along Coco Plum Drive. This scenic route offers a pleasant way to experience the Marathon area, with views of the water and local flora. It's a great alternative to beach activities, providing a different perspective of the Keys.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit