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If you happen to’re searching for enjoyable within the Florida Keys, you’re going to like Islamorada Florida. There are such a lot of issues to do in Islamorada! This small city within the Higher Keys will not be featured in a Seashore Boys tune like Key Largo, nor as well-known as perennially well-liked Key West, however there’s a lot to supply right here.
I’ve been visiting the Florida Keys for years, and once I first visited Islamorada, I used to be most excited to see the sights from the Netflix sequence Bloodline (which I nonetheless extremely advocate when you haven’t seen it but). A lot of the sequence takes place at a resort referred to as “Rayburn Home,” which is shot at Moorings Village in Islamorada!
Situated within the Higher Keys, Islamorada is commonly referred to as the Village of Islands and is made up of six small islands.
All through the Florida Keys, there are ample alternatives for snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and fishing — and Islamorada has all of those in spades. Fishing is very well-liked, and Islamorada is commonly referred to as the sportfishing capital of the world. However that’s not all — I additionally actually take pleasure in Islamorada’s arts scene and craft brewing and distilling scene.
If you happen to’re seeking to journey up and down the Florida Keys from a central location, Islamorada is a fairly good base, simply 20 minutes from Key Largo and an hour and 45 minutes from Key West.
Come to Islamorada for contemporary seafood and brightly coloured sunsets, craft beer and unforgettable souvenirs. This is likely one of the gems of the Florida Keys!
This submit was revealed in January 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Susan Stephens.
The Greatest Issues to do in Islamorada
Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s
Far and away, probably the most distinctive factor to do in Islamorada (and my private favourite factor to do in Islamorada!) is feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada. That is an absolute should within the Florida Keys. You purchase a bucket of small fish, lean over the sting of the dock, and hand-feed them to the large tarpon beneath!
That is thrilling and hilarious — particularly you probably have a slight concern of fish and bigger concern of birds, like I do. (Why birds? Pelicans hang around alongside the sting, hoping to seize a number of the tiny fish. Maintain an honest distance from them them; they will chew.)
Get plenty of photographs and movies of you feeding the tarpon — this can be a very Instagrammable exercise.
After you get accomplished feeding the fish, you may also kayak or paddleboard from Robbie’s or try their restaurant, The Hungry Tarpon, to attempt some native seafood dishes. Their Trailer Trash Bloody Mary is known, that includes bacon, shrimp, a meat straw, pickled greens, and olives filled with blue cheese, pickles and pimentos.
If you happen to eat outdoors, don’t miss popping your head inside to see the inside, coated with greenback payments! Be at liberty to tape a spare greenback of your individual.
Discover the Morada Means Arts District
Proper within the coronary heart of Islamorada is the Morada Means Arts & Cultural District, full of a number of galleries, retailers, and studios that includes treasures made by native artists. If you happen to’re searching for a memento out of your time in Islamorada, that is the place I like to recommend you look.
The Morada Means Artwork Stroll takes place on the third Thursday of each month, when elements of the streets are shut down from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and the native shops keep open until late. The streets flip right into a pageant, with stay music, food and drinks, plenty of artists showcasing their wares.
This artsy occasion is an absolute should when you time your journey to Islamorada proper! It’s top-of-the-line methods to satisfy some locals.
Bike or Hike the Keys Abroad Heritage Path
With 90 miles of trails Key Largo to Key West, this scenic hall threads collectively quite a few historic landmarks, ecological hotspots, and panoramic views of the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. Some individuals even bike the practice the complete size of the Keys!
The path will take you alongside mangrove swamps and coral reefs, with some historic websites sprinkled in. Understand that some elements are good and quiet, whereas some elements are proper up subsequent to the freeway. And it doesn’t matter what you propose to do on the path, it’s a good suggestion to pack loads of water and sunscreen with you. Some sandwiches for a picnic could be enjoyable, too!
If you happen to’d wish to discover by bike in Islamorada, you’ll be able to lease bikes from Backcountry Cowboy, or electrical bikes from Keys Ebikes. (As a lot as I like ebikes for getting up hills, you gained’t be going up many hills within the Florida Keys!)
Entry to the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path is freed from cost.
Attempt Native Craft Beer
I like dropping by native breweries on my travels, and Islamorada is dwelling to a number of the greatest within the Florida Keys. And the employees are superb — as a result of individuals who stop their typical jobs to make beer for a dwelling all the time have tales to inform!
First up is Florida Keys Brewing Firm, Islamorada’s first microbrewery. Nestled within the coronary heart of the Morada Means Arts & Cultural District, the family-owned institution is famend for its progressive brews. The tasting room is open day by day, and their colourful beer backyard is a enjoyable place to chill out and luxuriate in some board video games alongside together with your brews.
Not far off, Islamorada Beer Firm provides extra tasty craft brews. Their declare to fame is “Sandbar Sunday,” which encapsulates the sun-soaked life-style of the Keys. Attempt their citrusy Islamorada Ale or the hoppy Floriday for an ideal Keys beverage.
Not a beer particular person? There’s a wine spot, too! Islamorada Wine Co. is a wine bar that includes a big selection of boutique wines, and their tasting room provides a comfy environment the place you’ll be able to sip and find out about their wine varieties. They’ve acquired a pleasant number of charcuterie and different dishes to pair with their wines.
Go to the Historical past of Diving Museum
Delve deep into the ocean’s secrets and techniques on the Historical past of Diving Museum. As you’ll be able to guess from the title, the museum showcases the historical past of diving across the globe, with artifacts and displays just like the diving helmets utilized by early explorers to instance of underwater habitats.
If you happen to’re searching for issues to do in Islamorada on a wet day, this can be a sensible choice!
Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $12 for veterans. College students with ID pay $11 and youngsters 6-11 are simply $7. Youngsters 5 and below obtain free admission.
Go to the Florida Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart
Right here’s a fantastic spot to immerse your self within the wealthy historical past and tradition of the Florida Keys. The Discovery Heart provides a plethora of displays showcasing the area’s maritime heritage, pure surroundings, and Indigenous peoples.
Right here, guests can discover the storied previous of the Florida Keys from a brand new perspective. You possibly can delve into the tales of well-known pirates, find out about Indigenous peoples and their customs, and marvel on the numerous marine life that inhabits the encircling waters. The museum additionally hosts a wide range of momentary displays.
Admission is $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, $6 for college kids, and youngsters below the age of 6 can take pleasure in free entry.
Catch the Sundown at Marker 88
One factor I like concerning the Florida Keys is that everybody appears to be in a fantastic temper! And one place to benefit from the sundown amongst plenty of pleased Keys guests is Marker 88, a restaurant situated on Plantation Key in Islamorada.
Come right here to take pleasure in an ideal pink and purple Islamorada sundown. They’ve a pleasant cocktail menu, together with a “espresso margarita” if you wish to be a bit adventurous! And the meals is great, too, with plenty of seafood dishes and a uncooked bar.
And naturally, there’s all the time key lime pie for dessert.
Get pleasure from a Spa Day at Cheeca Lodge
If you happen to’re seeking to pamper your self in your journey to the Florida Keys, I like to recommend you try the spa at Cheeca Lodge, one of many nicest inns on the town. It’s additionally an honest method to get again to feeling like your self once more when you had a late evening the evening earlier than!
Companies right here embody a wide range of massages – from conventional Swedish and Jade Stone to distinctive choices like Scorching Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, a therapy that makes use of polished tiger clam shells to invigorate the vitality movement! Different physique therapies embody hydrating wraps, exfoliations, and facials. They usually usually incorporate native components, like Florida Keys sea salt and coconut oil.
Whereas I didn’t get to attempt any of the spa providers at Cheeca Lodge, I did get to affix a Zumba class right here! Examine their web site for the most recent choices.
Get together within the Ocean
Islamorada is unquestionably a vacation spot that may carry the social gathering — however not in your typical seaside bar style! In Islamorada, you don’t social gathering at a bar on the seaside, you social gathering IN the ocean.
The Islamorada Sandbar is situated a mile offshore, round Mile Marker 84. It’s precisely what it appears like — a sandbar in the course of the ocean — however the individuals of Islamorada have turned it into the largest social gathering on the water. Some days you’ll discover lots of of boats alongside the sandbar, with individuals bringing their lounge chairs, grills, and extra to arrange within the shallow water of the sandbar.
Be aware that you simply can’t stroll to the sandbar — it’s accessible by water solely, even at low tide. Many boats will take you right here nevertheless it can be reached by kayak and paddleboard.
Another choice for partying in Islamorada is to constitution a personal tiki boat to cruise round and chill out with a cooler of your favourite drinks. You’ll drop anchor on the sandbar the place you’ll be able to relax with a cool drink on the customized surfboard bar or take a plunge into the water for a refreshing swim.
The boat comes with 4 tower audio system so you’ll be able to jam to your favourite tunes. And maintain your eyes peeled – you may spot wildlife like dolphins, seabirds, and fish. Costs start at $500 for a gaggle of as much as six. Undoubtedly well worth the splurge you probably have a gaggle.
Go fishing
As the game fishing capital of the world, it’s most likely no shock that fishing is likely one of the prime issues to do in Islamorada. Whether or not you’re deep sea fishing for the primary time or an skilled angler, there’s a fishing constitution for you.
This fishing tour is led by native captain Dave and an enthusiastic group of expert shipmates. Relying on the goal species for the day, you might be crusing domestically or heading offshore for 20 minutes to an hour.
The goal is to fill the boat with as many fish as allowed, weigh them, then head again to the dock. There, the crew fillets and ices your catch, packing them so that you can take pleasure in later — and that’s as contemporary as fish can get! Costs for this unique expertise start at $1,600 per group.
Get pleasure from a Sundown Cruise
Getting on the water in Islamorada is a should, and a sundown cruise is considered one of my favourite issues to do within the Keys. There are a number of completely different choices, and I like to recommend you learn the descriptions fastidiously — some are extra tame, whereas some are all-out booze cruises.
On this personal sundown cruise, you’ll cruise to the bay facet of Islamorada and luxuriate in some native wildlife earlier than the solar units. You may even catch the legendary Inexperienced Flash because the solar dips beneath the water! On the journey again, put together for music, disco lights, and a dance-off below the celebs. Costs begin at $350 per group of as much as six individuals.
How a couple of beautiful sundown boat experience from Islamorada to the bay facet of the island? On this group journey, you’ll take within the pure fantastic thing about the Florida Keys and luxuriate in some sneaky peaks on the posh houses that line the waterfront. Take within the sundown with a killer view from all angles. Costs begin at $86 per particular person.
Another choice? Step onto a spacious 49-passenger pontoon catamaran and cross over to the bay facet, the place the solar dips into the Gulf of Mexico, portray the sky with hues of gold. Seize a drink and take heed to crew members’ tales concerning the Keys and native marine life. You may even spot a dolphin when you’re fortunate! Costs begin at $76 per particular person.
Go On a Glass Backside Boat Tour
If you happen to’ve by no means been on a glass backside boat tour earlier than, the Keys is a superb place to attempt it. You’ll get a sneak peek of the underwater world whereas staying dry within the course of!
On this 46-foot glass-bottom boat tour, there’s loads of room to relax, chill out, and drink within the beautiful views. The captain and crew aren’t simply execs at crusing — they’re additionally natural-born storytellers and wanting to share their data with guests.
Alternatively, how a couple of evening tour by glass-bottom boat? The Transparensea is a 46-foot boat with loads of room to witness the ocean creatures of the evening (from a protected, dry distance!). With this boat tour, you’ll get particular entry to beautiful reefs like Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, and Caloosa Rocks.
Go Snorkeling
It wouldn’t be a Keys journey with out a little bit of snorkeling, yet one more of one of the best issues to do in Islamorada. You are able to do it proper off the seaside in lots of areas or be a part of a guided tour like those beneath.
On this 4-hour snorkeling and sandbar expertise from Islamorada, you’ll get loads of time to discover beneath the floor, adopted by a while enjoyable on the Islamorada Sandbar. This journey comes with gear, paddle boards, and refreshments, all led by a charismatic information.
Another choice is that this personal ecotour, which takes you across the mangroves to a number of the prime snorkeling spots — however don’t be shocked when you spot some unique birds or perhaps a crocodile on the way in which there!
If you happen to’re searching for a shorter expertise, this 2-hour snorkeling journey takes place in a protected space, the place you’re prone to see fairly a little bit of marine life underwater. Maintain your eyes peeled for dolphins!
Loosen up on Anne’s Seashore
Anne’s Seashore is situated on the southern finish of Decrease Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. This seaside, a brief stroll from the Abroad Freeway, is a tranquil spot within the Higher Keys.
Fringed with mangroves and palm bushes, the seaside gives ample shade and picnic spots. A boardwalk winds its approach by means of a number of completely different seashores, permitting you to seek out your method to the proper spot.
Don’t neglect your snorkel and masks — the coral simply off shore is good right here. And it’s best to know that this can be a pet-friendly seaside.
Discover the State Parks
Islamorada is dwelling to a few completely different state parks, every of them value visiting, with one thing completely different to supply. The doorway charge to every of those state parks is $2.50.
Indian Key Historic State Park is a fascinating little island that boasts a giant historical past. As soon as the county seat for Dade County, this park was dwelling to individuals who salvaged items from ships that wrecked alongside the reef. As we speak, guests can discover the island’s historic ruins, meander alongside the character path, or take pleasure in a variety of water actions. It’s only accessible by boat or kayak.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is dwelling to an historic coral reef that has since become fossilized limestone, giving a singular glimpse into Florida’s geological previous. The park additionally options 5 trails the place guests can study extra concerning the space’s pure and cultural historical past. The guests’ middle, with its displays of the park’s flora, fauna, and geological historical past, is effectively value visiting.
Lignum Vitae Key Botanical State Park is a panoramic pristine protect that hosts a wide range of plant and animal species. Named for the Lignum Vita tree, the park is situated on a small island and is simply accessible by boat. The principle attraction right here is the stone Matheson Home, in-built 1919 and a throwback to the pioneer days.
Eat All of the Pie on the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Manufacturing unit
I’ll admit it — every time I’m within the Florida Keys, I’m consuming key lime pie at the least twice a day. And Islamorada has a fantastic place to pattern it — the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Manufacturing unit.
Right here they’ve plenty of sorts of key lime pie accessible, together with pie with meringue, whipped cream, chocolate, bare pies, and even key lime on a stick. They’ve espresso-based espresso drinks, key limeade, and a very lovely backyard within the again that’s the excellent place to relax with a slice.
And right here’s a tip — you may get an entire pie for the price of round 4 slices. So get an entire pie! You’re on trip!
Take a Day Journey to Key Largo
Key Largo is the primary place you cross by means of when driving over from the mainland, and it’s only a 20-minute drive from Islamorada, so I extremely advocate spending a little bit of time on this lovely place.
Key Largo is dwelling to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which provides a number of the greatest snorkeling within the Florida Keys. Top-of-the-line methods to expertise it’s to affix a snorkeling journey. The mangroves alongside Key Largo are extremely lovely.
There are additionally some quirky retailers in Key Largo, like Keys’ Meads, which makes a wide range of meads (honey-based liqueurs which have come again into style these days) infused with plenty of contemporary native components.
There’s additionally numerous good meals in Key Largo. Each The Bayside Grille and Skippers Dockside have nice seafood. However Key Largo is dwelling to my favourite key lime pie in the entire Florida Keys: Mrs. Mac’s. I cease by every time I’m passing by means of!
Take a Day Journey to Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is about an hour’s drive from Islamorada and is dwelling to a number of the most well-known seaside pictures of the Keys. The seashores listed below are completely attractive, with views of the Abroad Freeway and historic bridges within the background.
Like in every single place else within the Keys, it’s all about having fun with the character and slowing down. However the seashores listed below are a number of the greatest, particularly Calusa Seashore. The water right here is so clear!
I’d advocate coming right here early if attainable, particularly if it’s a weekend or vacation, as a result of it could get so busy that they shut it to further guests. Entry to the state park is $2.50 per particular person.
And you probably have time, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon makes a pleasant cease on the way in which again, the place you’ll be able to go to the ocean turtles being nursed again to well being by a devoted employees.
Take a Day Journey to Key West
What can I say about Key West that hasn’t been mentioned? It’s one of the enjoyable locations on Earth!! In fact, Key West deserves as a lot time as you may give it — ideally, at the least three days. However when you don’t have that a lot time, you are able to do it in a day journey from Islamorada (1 hour and 45 minutes of driving every approach).
How do you spend a single day in Key West? The Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum is a very fascinating place to go to, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the structure, tales of Hemingway’s life, and see the various six-toed cats (descendants of Hemingway’s beloved pet) that populate the constructing.
I additionally actually love the Little White Home, which was President Harry Truman’s trip dwelling. I like the mid-century decor, and the guides have plenty of nice tales about Truman.
And Duval Road is a should, full of tons of bars, eating places, and retailers. And the Southernmost Level has a vivid crimson and yellow buoy marking the southernmost level within the continental US, solely 90 miles from Cuba!
And you probably have time, end with the Sundown Celebration in Mallory Sq., full of road distributors, performers, musicians, and extra. Don’t miss the Cat Man, who performs together with his circus cats!
How A lot Time to Spend in Islamorada, Florida
If you wish to discover the highest sights of Islamorada, you’ll be able to accomplish that in about two days. However who involves the Florida Keys to hurry from sight to sight? It’s all about soaking it in!
For that motive, I believe 3-5 days is a pleasant period of time to go to Islamorada, which ought to provide you with sufficient time to do just a few day journeys to different Keys when you’re primarily based there. (Although I all the time advocate including on just a few days in Key West.)
And when you’re coming for a calming seaside trip, so long as you’ll be able to! Every week or longer could be beautiful right here.
Easy methods to Get to Islamorada, Florida
The closest main airport to Islamorada is Miami Worldwide Airport. You’ll discover loads of home and worldwide flights touchdown right here. From right here it’s a couple of 90-minute drive to Islamorada.
Alternatively, Key West’s airport is about an hour and 45 minutes from Islamorada, however there are fewer flights that arrive right here.
I extremely advocate renting a automobile within the Florida Keys. I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles for locating good rental automobile charges.
Uber is offered in Islamorada (which I urge you to make use of once you’ve had just a few drinks), in addition to taxi providers, and there’s restricted public transportation by bus all through the Florida Keys.
The place to Keep in Islamorada, Florida
There are a selection of locations to remain in Islamorada, each proper on the Abroad Freeway and tucked away alongside the water in additional remoted places.
Listed here are the top-rated locations to remain in Islamorada:
Prime-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Islamorada: Cheeca Lodge Spa. This tropical resort is a beautiful getaway, tucked away close to the water. Facilities embody one of the best spa within the space, a personal fishing pier, and a nine-hole golf course. Suites characteristic ocean views and fashionable decor.
Prime Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Islamorada: Ragged Edge Resort & Marina. This waterfront resort has apartment-style lodging, splendid for individuals who need to do a little bit of self-catering throughout their journey. Decor is straightforward, and the waterfront location can’t be beat.
Price range Lodge in Islamorada: It’s onerous to seek out low-budget lodging on this a part of the Keys, however The Breezy Palms Resort provides a lower-cost possibility for Islamorada with excessive worth for cash. This beachfront location options apartment-style lodging with small rooms, however numerous persona.
Discover offers on locations to remain in Islamorada right here.
Greatest Time to Go to Islamorada, Florida
I’m a giant fan of visiting the Florida Keys throughout the spring months — March by means of Might — for fantastic climate that’s heat sufficient to swim within the ocean, sunbathe a bit, and escape chillier temperatures up north. I believe that is one of the best time to go to the Keys.
Winter can also be an exquisite time to go to Islamorada and the Keys, although know that you simply won’t be getting {the summertime} temperatures you anticipate. It’s nonetheless fantastic for having fun with sunshine within the open air, although! Anticipate chilly nights and produce a light-weight jacket.
Summer season is extremely scorching and humid within the Florida Keys, and I don’t advocate visiting throughout this time of yr until you’re the form of one who thrives in warmth and humidity. (That was me as a child, teenager, and younger grownup — however I can’t deal with the warmth the way in which I used to!)
Whereas I’m a giant advocate of shoulder season to most locations, I solely advocate spring, not fall, as fall is within the coronary heart of hurricane season (which peaks in September and October) and I strongly advocate avoiding the Keys throughout this time. If you happen to go to and a significant storm arrives, take heed to the authorities and observe their directions.
Learn Extra: Greatest Time to Go to the Florida Keys
Is Islamorada Price It?
I like Islamorada and suppose it’s a necessary a part of a visit to the Florida Keys — even when it’s solely to go to Robbie’s! So lots of my favourite Keys recollections had been made right here.
Do it is advisable truly keep in Islamorada? You don’t need to. I believe you’ll be able to take pleasure in numerous the facilities of Islamorada when you base some other place — maybe Key Largo, simply 20 minutes up the street.
Extra on the Florida Keys:
Extra on Florida:
Have you ever been to Islamorada? Any ideas?