The beauty of a living in the Florida Keys is enjoying that sweet blend of downtime—lounging on the beach, floating in the ocean, or diving down to experience the teeming aquatic life, and then there are all the charming boutiques and enticing restaurants that beckon you to stroll the town and experience the idyllic local life.
Marathon’s fishing history is alive and well, but the community has evolved and now serves up more than fresh seafood. What’s your fancy—boutiques, museum and gallery gift stores, or consignment shop bargains? Marathon’s eclectic shopping scene has more than a little something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite shops waiting to welcome you.
CLOTHING AND BLING
DK’s Beach Boutique; 303 Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach; MM54 Ocean, 305-922-2493 Open Monday-Saturday, 10-5:30; Sunday, 11-4
This shop is “a fun, hip, stylish little boutique jam packed with fashion-forward clothes and accessories from the USA and all over the world.” For women they carry swimsuits, fashion accessories, gifts, jewelry and to-die-for fashion! They are even considerate enough to have a man cave with Tiki Bar accessories, koozies, shoes, sandals, glasses and all the other sought-after items the men in our lives desire. Some of the crazy good brands carried: Tommy Bahama; Havaianas; LAMade; Jag; LuluB; Angie; Tribal: Tempo Paris; Zowee; Puravida. Those with Florida Keys vacation homes who frequent DK’s rave about the owners and staff who make the experience of shopping at this unique boutique above and beyond.
Christina's Consignment Store; 2225 Overseas Hwy, Marathon MM48 Ocean, 305-289-3222 Monday-Friday, 10-6; Saturday & Sunday, 10-4
In 2016 Christina’s moved to a bigger location in Marathon and added men’s, children’s and home décor to the awesome women’s inventory. The store has doubled in size and is nestled in with other popular shopping and dining businesses. Some of the coveted brands you’ll find: Columbia, Express, Jam’s World, Chico’s, Michael Kors, Coach, Cache, Banana Republic, Athleta, Gucci, Dooney, Tribal, Columbia, J. Crew, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, Lauren, Lulu, Forever 21, Lilly Pulitzer and more! The beauty is in the mix of both secondhand and consigned items from wedding dresses to fishing clothes. Shop at Christina’s and you’ll find bargains at a fraction of the boutique price along with a warm welcome from the owner herself.
Anthony's Ladies Apparel; 5800 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; MM 50 Gulf, 305-743-5855 (with many other locations throughout the Florida Keys); Monday-Saturday, 9:30-5:30; Sunday, 12-5
Anthony’s clothing was founded more than 120 years ago, and has provided comfortable and stylish fashion to women throughout the decades. “…we color outside the lines..mixing and matching bold prints and chic stripes for an eccentric style, other days we believe in a classic, yet chic black and white look.” This is resort style at its best with a myriad of exceptional brands to keep you looking Tropical fresh. Anthony’s exclusive brands--Coconut Row; Breezes; Oli & Sofia; Kristin Crenshaw; Anthony’s Resort Wear; Via Ritina; Pippa Blair; and some new brands--Tribal, Tango Mango and Cabana Life.
Bayshore Clothing; 8911 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, MM52 Ocean; 305-743-8430; Monday-Friday, 9-5:30; Saturday, 9:30-5; closed Sunday
Folks who own Florida vacation homes have great things to say about Bayshore Clothing: “…a must stop in Marathon…gifts or clothing for all ages!” This store is know for the quality of its items as well as the friendliness of the staff. It’s not just the locals that make Bayshore popular; tourists flock here for unique souvenirs and gifts so they can remember their sweet time in the Keys. For women: SPF protection, T-shirts and tanks, long sleeves and sweatshirts, hats, buffs and accessories. For men: hook and tackle, SPF protection, shirts and tanks, long sleeves and sweatshirts, shorts, board shorts, trunks and resort wear. For children: sizes 0 and up, SPF protection, hats, accessories, books and gifts. Bayshore Jewelry: Dune Beach Sand, Nau-T-Girl Hook Jewelry, necklaces, pendants, chains, bracelets and cuffs, earrings and rings; and Sparkle Life: Sparklies, pendants, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings. And don’t forget to browse the gifts--handbags and wallets, Tervis, Inis Fragrance and Body, Home Gifts, Decals and Coozies too!
GIFT STORES & THE UNEXPECTED
Shady Palm Gallery and Photography; 2888 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; (MM49) Gulf; 305-998-4165
This is a celebrated gallery “where artists can display their artwork! We have a big selection of artists ranging from Key Largo to Key West, but the majority are from our little town here in Marathon.” Locals rave about the owners, as well as the gorgeous art and crafts. For those of you who need to frame some of your artwork, this is the place to get a professional touch. There’s a lot of talent beneath the roof of the Shady Palm Gallery to browse and inspire. Be sure to check out their events like art receptions with refreshments and live music. Shady Palm Gallery currently displays over 60 local artists and they will be sure to continue to grow and support the arts. Don’t forget to say hello to Odie, the gallery cat when you stop in!
Marooned In Marathon; 11528 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, MM 53 Gulf; 305-743-3809; every day 10-5 except Wednesday, 10-4
A favorite shopping destination in the Middle Keys! Locals rave, “You can find something for everyone…young, old or in between.” The assortment is mind boggling from artsy wedding and housewarming gifts that will ensure you find the perfect something for those you love, to novelty gifts, decorations for your home like wall décor, flags, mailbox covers, welcome mats, and lights; Christmas ornaments to make your Florida Keys vacation home festive for the holidays; as well as clothing like T-shirts, swim wear, adorable kids’ clothing, and sandals. No wonder this island gift shop was voted Best Gift Shop in the Best of Marathon contest.
Sweet Savannah's; 8919 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, MM 52 Ocean; 305-743-3131
This hot spot serves cold sweet ice cream in 24 flavors as well as scrumptious baked goods when you’re in need of a treat in paradise. Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, you’ll know you’ve found Savannah’s by the blue umbrellas and white picket fence. Two close friends opened the doors to their store eight years ago and they are thrilled to add a smile to the faces of locals and tourists alike. This is a great place to bring your kids, get take out, or sit outside. And leave time for their precious gift shop that is chock full of fun—adult aprons, gift shop items like little confection trinket boxes; Swig travel tumblers; adorable children’s books, Key West Aloe products and more.
Crane Pointe Museum; 5550 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, MM50 Gulf; 305-743-9100; Monday-Saturday, 9-5; Sunday, 12-5
The gift shop at Crane Point will please the nature lover in your life. The wide array of gifts all reflect the tropical environment of the Florida Keys. More fun shopping includes jewelry, fashion accessories, hats, home décor, wind chimes, candles, T-shirts, fashion accessories, hats, and games and toys. Marathon values the Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, a non-profit organization that supports the museum of natural history as well as the well-tended nature trails. Take a scenic hike and follow up with a little shopping for a relaxing day in the Keys.
Marathon Garden Club; 5270 Overseas Highway, Marathon, MM50 Gulf; 305-743-4971
The garden club’s gift shop is open Monday-Saturday, 10-2. Filled with charming and reasonably-priced garden and floral supplies as well as unique gift cards, locals pop in to shop while they also support Marathon. Gift certificates and special event tickets are sold in the gift shop. After you’ve browsed for your garden or holiday gift, check out some of the amazing events on the Marathon Garden Club’s calendar--from annual House and Garden Tours to informative monthly meetings on topics such as conservation, landscaping and orchid growing. The club has been thriving since 1955 with the support of civic-minded residents. Their indoor clubhouse and outdoor gardens lend the perfect backdrop to your celebrations.
Dolphin Research Center; 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, MM 58 Gulf; 305-289-1121
Open daily from 9-4:30; closed most holidays; ocean-inspired apparel for women, men and kids; souvenirs like dolphin art shot glasses and travel mugs, brightly-colored sweatshirt blankets, artsy lithographs, water bottles and plush sea creatures, exclusive pendants and charms that are dolphin-inspired, as well as key chains. Shop in this non-profit, marine mammal education and research facility, founded in 1984, and be sure to leave time for an educational session given every half hour, or an interactive program like swimming with the dolphins!
No, you won’t find big shopping malls in the Middle Keys but what you will find are local treasures and one-of-a-kind items that will make your friends jealous.
Ask us anything. We’re happy to be your Florida Keys connection!
