Sombrero Beach Marathon, FL |
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Rating |
Excellent |
Age |
1 and up |
Lockers |
Not Available |
Restrooms |
Available |
Food |
None Available |
Closest Coffee |
Marathon |
Recommendation |
This is one of the best beaches we have ever seen. Clear, warm water, white sand, coral, and palm trees - all FREE! |
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Review: by Dad
When I think of Florida beaches the image that comes to mind is very much like Sombrero Beach. This is a city run beach that is totally free. The facilities were very clean, and there were a lot of picnic tables in the park for picnic lunches.
Sombrero Beach is shaped like a sombrero. At the tips and in the middle there are small coral reefs. Between these points is white sand beach. We spent a few hours here and enjoyed the swimming and playing in the sand in the shadow of a large palm tree. We also spent a little time snorkeling. A play area and changing rooms are located in the park behind the beach.
The middle reef is large, and there is a coral fossil outcropping that is dry that many people stand on to fish. From shore we saw another manatee. Sam saw it first out of everyone on the beach, announcing it loudly to the whole beach. It ended up being a very nice experience as many people came over to see it swim by, and we got to meet a lot of very nice people from all over the country.
We did do a little snorkeling here and it was fun. It was nothing like our snorkeling experience out on the main reef, but it would be a good start for kids too young, scared or inexperienced to snorkle in the open water. It is shallow enough to stand on the sandy bottom and get yourself ready. Then swim into the reef, take a look around and head back to the sand. The water was murkier than on the reef (as you can see by the picture) but the red corals were vivid, and some of the more colorful fish really stood out. I also saw a very, very small jelly fish.
The park has no concessions or gear rental, so plan ahead. We stopped in the K-mart that is right where you turn to get to the beach. We picked up food, water, and snorkeling gear (They had a wide variety of gear). It made for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Other Reviews:
Sam: "I just had to get a picture of this sign. It is at the entrance to Sombrero Beach. We didn't see any big jellyfish. The locals there said there was a short time in the year when they get the jellyfish in, but even then they are pretty easy to spot."