Coco Plum Beach

Overview

Coco Plum Beach is Marathon’s mellow, Atlantic‑side escape—natural, quiet, and more local than flashy. Expect shallow, glassy water that’s perfect for wading and easy paddling, plus a long ribbon of sand that comes and goes with the tides. It’s dog‑friendly and rarely feels hectic, especially compared to bigger Keys beaches.

What You’ll Find

• Facilities: A small restroom building, outdoor/foot shower, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables. No food or Wi‑Fi—pack what you need and pack it out.
• Parking: Free but limited right by the beach, with an overflow lot across the street when the main spaces fill.
• Vibe and conditions: Calm, very shallow water; beach width changes noticeably with the tide and can shrink at high tide. Seaweed can appear depending on conditions.

Nature & Wildlife

Adjacent wetlands draw birds, and the beach is a sea turtle nesting area—give any posted roped‑off zones a wide berth. On the sand and in the shallows, look for hermit crabs, juvenile queen conchs, and rock snails. Keep an eye out for Portuguese man‑o’‑war that sometimes wash ashore; do not touch them, and keep pets away.

Activities

This is a lounge, stroll, shell, and kayak kind of beach. The shallow, gentle water makes for easy launches and beginner‑friendly paddles; it’s less about “real” swimming and more about wading and relaxing.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for low‑tide mornings for the most exposed sand and best shelling. Weekdays are typically the quietest. The beach is open 7:30 a.m. to dusk, so plan sunrise‑style photos just after opening and unhurried picnics later in the afternoon.

Getting There

From the Overseas Highway (US‑1), turn oceanside onto Coco Plum Drive; the beach entrance is about 1.4 miles down on the right.

Know Before You Go

• This is a turtle nesting beach—respect closures and leave no trace.
• Sand spurs hide in dune grasses; sandals or water shoes help.
• There are no concessions—bring water, snacks, and sun protection.