Sombrero Beach Marathon FL
A beloved Marathon beach with white sand, clear waters, a playground, and pet-friendly policies. Ideal for families and photographers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Sombrero Beach Marathon FL
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Marathon beach with white sand, clear waters, a playground, and pet-friendly policies. Ideal for families and photographers.
"This beach truly has something for everyone, from picnics under the palms to playgrounds for the kiddos. 
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. :car:
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Sombrero Beach welcomes dogs, with cleanup stations provided. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Relaxing Beach Day
Main beach area
Enjoy white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back Keys vibe. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.
Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Site
Nesting areas (seasonal)
Witness the incredible journey of sea turtles. Releases are sometimes held here, offering a unique wildlife encounter.
Family Fun Zone
Adjacent park and playground
Kids will love the playground, while adults can enjoy volleyball courts. A great spot for family outings.
Snorkeling Adventures
Nearshore waters
Explore the underwater world with tropical fish and marine life. Great for a refreshing dip and discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
+1Beach Conditions & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Sombrero Beach welcomes dogs, with cleanup stations provided.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The golden hour at sunset is magical for photos. Don't miss this picturesque moment! :camera:
🐢 Turtle Release Events
Check for sea turtle release events; they're heartwarming and educational experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Sombrero Beach welcomes dogs, with cleanup stations provided.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The golden hour at sunset is magical for photos. Don't miss this picturesque moment! :camera:
🐢 Turtle Release Events
Check for sea turtle release events; they're heartwarming and educational experiences.
🧽 Rinse Off Facilities
Convenient outdoor showers and foot washes are available to rinse off salt and sand. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sombrero Beach offers a pleasant, family-friendly experience with good amenities like a playground and pet-friendly access. While not a pristine Caribbean beach, it provides a relaxing atmosphere for swimming and picnics. Some visitors note occasional issues with seagrass and odors, and water quality advisories can occur, but overall it's a well-loved spot for locals and visitors alike.
"The beach was… decent. Not a Caribbean paradise like Varadero, but it had its charm. The best part? It’s pet-friendly, so I got to bring my husky along for the adventure. The sand wasn’t postcard-perfect, but you could still wade in and enjoy a refreshing swim. They even have a little spot where you can change and rinse off with regular water before heading home—simple, but handy after a salty dip."
Richard Rodriguez
"Amazing children’s park and park is visibility appealing BUT the beach not so much. Sea grass everywhere and the odor is terrible. We were here a few years back and wasn’t this way. Not planning on returning when in the area."
Karen Criswell
"As professional photographers, we absolutely love shooting at Sombrero Beach in Marathon, FL—especially during sunset. 🌅 The soft golden light, swaying palms, and peaceful shoreline create the perfect setting for romantic, natural, and breathtaking photos.
Whether it’s a couples session, engagement, maternity, family shoot, or even a surprise proposal, this location never disappoints. The colors at sunset are unreal—and we know just how to capture them to make your photos truly unforgettable.
Planning a session in the Florida Keys? Hire us and let’s create something beautiful together.
— Jose & Cynthia
Villas Channel Photography"
VILLAS CHANNEL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sombrero Beach is located at 417 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050. It's easily accessible by car. If you're driving down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway (US-1), you'll turn onto Sombrero Beach Road.
Yes, Sombrero Beach is a well-known spot in Marathon, FL. Look for signs for Sombrero Beach Road. It's about 30 miles south of Islamorada and 50 miles north of Key West.
From Key West, you'll drive north on US-1 towards Marathon. The drive takes approximately 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye out for signs for Sombrero Beach Road.
Public transportation options directly to Sombrero Beach are limited. Driving your own vehicle or using ride-sharing services are the most common ways to get there.
From US-1 North, turn right onto Sombrero Beach Road in Marathon. Continue on Sombrero Beach Road until you reach the beach entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee for Sombrero Beach. Some visitors have reported it as $5 per hour, so be prepared for that cost.
Sombrero Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis for parking, and payment is usually made upon arrival.
Information on specific discounts for Sombrero Beach parking is not widely available. It's best to assume the standard parking fee applies.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Sombrero Beach. There are picnic areas available, making it a great spot for a beach picnic.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, have picnics, play volleyball, and enjoy the playground. It's also a great spot for snorkeling and observing marine life.
The waters at Sombrero Beach are generally clear and good for swimming, though some visitors have noted occasional seagrass. Always check local advisories for water quality.
Yes, Sombrero Beach is a good spot for snorkeling, with opportunities to see tropical fish and other marine life.
Yes, Sombrero Beach provides restrooms and outdoor foot wash/shower spray facilities, which are very convenient after a day at the beach.
Absolutely! Sombrero Beach is a pet-friendly beach, allowing you to bring your dogs. There are also cleanup stations available.
📸 📸 Photography
Professional photographers rave about Sombrero Beach, especially during sunset for its soft golden light and picturesque shoreline. Early mornings also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds.
It's ideal for romantic, natural, and breathtaking photos, including couples sessions, engagements, maternity shoots, family portraits, and even surprise proposals.
The entire shoreline with its white sand, swaying palms, and turquoise water provides a beautiful backdrop. The sunset colors are particularly stunning.
Yes, many photographers specialize in shooting at Sombrero Beach and the Florida Keys. You can find local professionals who can capture your special moments.
Standard beach photography gear is recommended. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing marine life or distant shots. Protection from sand and saltwater is also advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to bring your furry family members, as the beach is dog-friendly! This means everyone can enjoy the sun and sea. The convenience of restrooms and outdoor showers makes managing sandy kids (and pets!) much easier. Arriving early is key to securing a good parking spot and enjoying the beach before it gets too crowded.
🐶 Pet Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and be mindful of other beachgoers. The open space and sandy shores provide plenty of room for dogs to explore and enjoy the coastal environment. Remember to bring plenty of water for your pets, especially on warm Florida days.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Whether you're shooting couples, families, or just the stunning scenery, this beach rarely disappoints. Early mornings are also excellent for capturing serene shots with fewer crowds. Be prepared for beach conditions, and consider bringing protective gear for your camera equipment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Sombrero Beach
+1Beyond turtles, the waters around Sombrero Beach are teeming with life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. You can expect to see a variety of tropical fish and other fascinating marine organisms. Even finding small creatures like hermit crabs on the shore can be an exciting discovery for visitors of all ages.
It's important for visitors to be mindful of the natural environment. While the beach is pet-friendly, responsible pet ownership, including keeping dogs leashed and cleaning up after them, helps preserve the delicate ecosystem. Respecting wildlife and their habitats ensures that Sombrero Beach remains a cherished natural resource for years to come.
+1Family-Friendly Fun at Sombrero Beach
For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition or active recreation, volleyball courts are available. The beach itself is suitable for swimming, and the shallow, clear waters are generally safe for younger swimmers. Families can also take advantage of the picnic areas, making it easy to enjoy a full day of fun with packed lunches and snacks.
The beach's pet-friendly policy is another significant advantage for families traveling with their canine companions. With designated cleanup stations, it's easier to manage pets responsibly. The presence of outdoor showers and foot washes also adds to the convenience, allowing everyone to rinse off the salt and sand before heading back.
Photography Paradise: Capturing Sombrero Beach
This scenic backdrop makes Sombrero Beach a prime spot for various types of photography. It's frequently chosen for romantic couples' sessions, engagement shoots, maternity portraits, and family gatherings. The natural, uncrowded feel of the beach, especially during off-peak hours, allows for authentic and breathtaking shots.
When planning a photoshoot at Sombrero Beach, consider the time of day for optimal lighting. While sunsets are popular, early mornings can offer equally beautiful light with fewer people. The beach's amenities, like the outdoor showers, can also be useful for photographers needing to clean equipment or themselves after a session.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit