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If you happen to’re on the lookout 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 might not be featured in a Seaside Boys music like Key Largo, nor as well-known as perennially well-liked Key West, however there may be a lot to supply right here.

I’ve been visiting the Florida Keys for years, and after I first visited Islamorada, I used to be most excited to see the sights from the Netflix collection Bloodline (which I nonetheless extremely advocate if you happen to haven’t seen it but). A lot of the collection takes place at a lodge referred to as “Rayburn Home,” which is shot at Moorings Village in Islamorada!

Positioned 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 get pleasure from Islamorada’s arts scene and craft brewing and distilling scene.

If you happen to’re trying 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 recent seafood and brightly coloured sunsets, craft beer and unforgettable souvenirs. This is likely one of the gems of the Florida Keys!

This put up was revealed in January 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Susan Stephens.

The Finest 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 when you 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 among the tiny fish. Preserve a good distance from them them; they’ll chunk.)

Get plenty of pictures and movies of you feeding the tarpon — this can be a very Instagrammable exercise.

After you get performed feeding the fish, you can too kayak or paddleboard from Robbie’s or take a look at their restaurant, The Hungry Tarpon, to strive 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 exterior, don’t miss popping your head inside to see the inside, lined with greenback payments! Be happy to tape a spare greenback of your individual.

Discover the Morada Approach Arts District

Proper within the coronary heart of Islamorada is the Morada Approach Arts & Cultural District, stuffed with a number of galleries, retailers, and studios that includes treasures made by native artists. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a memento out of your time in Islamorada, that is the place I like to recommend you look.

The Morada Approach Artwork Stroll takes place on the third Thursday of each month, when components 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, foods and drinks, plenty of artists showcasing their wares.

This artsy occasion is an absolute should if you happen to time your journey to Islamorada proper! It’s probably the greatest methods to fulfill 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. Remember that some components are good and quiet, whereas some components are proper up subsequent to the freeway. And it doesn’t matter what you intend to do on the path, it’s a good suggestion to pack loads of water and sunscreen with you. Some sandwiches for a picnic can be enjoyable, too!

If you happen to’d prefer to discover by bike in Islamorada, you’ll be able to hire bikes from Backcountry Cowboy, or electrical bikes from Keys Ebikes. (As a lot as I like ebikes for getting up hills, you received’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 among the finest within the Florida Keys. And the employees are superb — as a result of individuals who give up their standard jobs to make beer for a residing at all times have tales to inform!

First up is Florida Keys Brewing Firm, Islamorada’s first microbrewery. Nestled within the coronary heart of the Morada Approach Arts & Cultural District, the family-owned institution is famend for its modern brews. The tasting room is open each day, and their colourful beer backyard is a enjoyable place to loosen up and luxuriate in some board video games alongside along with your brews.

Not far off, Islamorada Beer Firm gives extra tasty craft brews. Their declare to fame is “Sandbar Sunday,” which encapsulates the sun-soaked way of life 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 gives a comfy environment the place you’ll be able to sip and study 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 identify, the museum showcases the historical past of diving across the globe, with artifacts and reveals just like the diving helmets utilized by early explorers to instance of underwater habitats.

If you happen to’re on the lookout 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. Children 5 and beneath 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 gives a plethora of reveals showcasing the area’s maritime heritage, pure atmosphere, and Indigenous peoples.

Right here, guests can discover the storied previous of the Florida Keys from a brand new perspective. You’ll be able to delve into the tales of well-known pirates, study Indigenous peoples and their customs, and marvel on the various marine life that inhabits the encircling waters. The museum additionally hosts quite a lot of short-term reveals.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, $6 for college students, and youngsters beneath the age of 6 can get pleasure from free entry. 

Catch the Sundown at Marker 88

One factor I like in regards to the Florida Keys is that everybody appears to be in a fantastic temper! And one place to benefit from the sundown amongst plenty of glad Keys guests is Marker 88, a restaurant situated on Plantation Key in Islamorada.

Come right here to get pleasure from 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 superb, too, with plenty of seafood dishes and a uncooked bar.

And naturally, there’s at all times key lime pie for dessert.

Get pleasure from a Spa Day at Cheeca Lodge

If you happen to’re trying to pamper your self in your journey to the Florida Keys, I like to recommend you take a look at the spa at Cheeca Lodge, one of many nicest motels on the town. It’s additionally a good strategy to get again to feeling like your self once more if you happen to had a late evening the evening earlier than!

Providers right here embrace quite a lot of massages – from conventional Swedish and Jade Stone to distinctive choices like Sizzling Lava Shell Therapeutic massage, a therapy that makes use of polished tiger clam shells to invigorate the vitality circulation! Different physique therapies embrace hydrating wraps, exfoliations, and facials. And so they typically incorporate native elements, like Florida Keys sea salt and coconut oil.

Whereas I didn’t get to strive any of the spa companies at Cheeca Lodge, I did get to hitch a Zumba class right here! Verify their web site for the newest choices.

Social gathering within the Ocean

Islamorada is unquestionably a vacation spot that may convey the get together — however not in your typical seashore bar vogue! In Islamorada, you don’t get together at a bar on the seashore, you get together IN the ocean.

The Islamorada Sandbar is situated a mile offshore, round Mile Marker 84. It’s precisely what it feels like — a sandbar in the course of the ocean — however the individuals of Islamorada have turned it into the most important get together 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.

Word that you simply can not stroll to the sandbar — it’s accessible by water solely, even at low tide. Many boats will take you right here but it surely will also be reached by kayak and paddleboard.

An alternative choice for partying in Islamorada is to constitution a non-public tiki boat to cruise round and loosen up with a cooler of your favourite drinks. You’ll drop anchor on the sandbar the place you’ll be able to sit back 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 would possibly spot wildlife like dolphins, seabirds, and fish. Costs start at $500 for a bunch of as much as six. Undoubtedly definitely worth the splurge when you have a bunch.

Go fishing

As the game fishing capital of the world, it’s in all probability 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 purpose 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 get pleasure from later — and that’s as recent 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 totally different choices, and I like to recommend you learn the descriptions rigorously — 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 would possibly 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 beneath the celebrities. Costs begin at $350 per group of as much as six individuals.

How about a 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.

An alternative 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 in regards to the Keys and native marine life. You would possibly even spot a dolphin if you happen to’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 strive 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 sit back, loosen up, and drink within the beautiful views. The captain and crew aren’t simply professionals at crusing — they’re additionally natural-born storytellers and desirous 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, one more of the perfect issues to do in Islamorada. You are able to do it proper off the seashore 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.

An alternative choice is this personal ecotour, which takes you across the mangroves to among the prime snorkeling spots — however don’t be stunned if you happen to spot some unique birds or perhaps a crocodile on the best way there!

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a shorter expertise, this 2-hour snorkeling journey takes place in a protected space, the place you’re more likely to see fairly a little bit of marine life underwater. Preserve your eyes peeled for dolphins!

Chill out on Anne’s Seaside

Anne’s Seaside is situated on the southern finish of Decrease Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. This seashore, a brief stroll from the Abroad Freeway, is a tranquil spot within the Higher Keys.

Fringed with mangroves and palm bushes, the seashore offers ample shade and picnic spots. A boardwalk winds its manner via a number of totally different seashores, permitting you to search out your strategy to the right spot.

Don’t overlook your snorkel and masks — the coral simply off shore is good right here. And you need to know that this can be a pet-friendly seashore.

Discover the State Parks

Islamorada is dwelling to a few totally different state parks, every of them price visiting, with one thing totally different to supply. The doorway payment to every of those state parks is $2.50.

Indian Key Historic State Park is a fascinating little island that boasts an enormous 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. At the moment, guests can discover the island’s historic ruins, meander alongside the character path, or get pleasure from a spread of water actions. It’s only accessible by boat or kayak.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is dwelling to an historical coral reef that has since was fossilized limestone, giving a novel glimpse into Florida’s geological previous. The park additionally options 5 trails the place guests can study extra in regards to the space’s pure and cultural historical past. The guests’ middle, with its reveals of the park’s flora, fauna, and geological historical past, is effectively price visiting.

Lignum Vitae Key Botanical State Park is a panoramic pristine protect that hosts quite a lot of plant and animal species. Named for the Lignum Vita tree, the park is situated on a small island and is barely accessible by boat. The primary attraction right here is the stone Matheson Home, inbuilt 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 very 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 out there, 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 stunning backyard within the again that’s the excellent place to sit back with a slice.

And right here’s a tip — you will get a complete pie for the price of round 4 slices. So get a complete pie! You’re on trip! 

Take a Day Journey to Key Largo

Key Largo is the primary place you move via 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 stunning place.

Key Largo is dwelling to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which gives among the finest snorkeling within the Florida Keys. Among the best methods to expertise it’s to be a part of a snorkeling journey. The mangroves alongside Key Largo are extremely stunning.

There are additionally some quirky retailers in Key Largo, like Keys’ Meads, which makes quite a lot of meads (honey-based liqueurs which have come again into vogue currently) infused with plenty of recent native elements.

There’s additionally loads of 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 all the Florida Keys: Mrs. Mac’s. I cease by every time I’m passing via!

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 among the most well-known seashore photographs 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 among the finest, particularly Calusa Seaside. The water right here is so clear!

I’d advocate coming right here early if potential, particularly if it’s a weekend or vacation, as a result of it will probably get so busy that they shut it to extra guests. Entry to the state park is $2.50 per particular person.

And when you have time, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon makes a pleasant cease on the best way 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 stated? It’s one of the enjoyable locations on Earth!! After all, Key West deserves as a lot time as you may give it — ideally, at the very least three days. However if you happen to 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 manner).

How do you spend a single day in Key West? The Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum is a very attention-grabbing place to go to, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the structure, tales of Hemingway’s life, and see the numerous 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 Avenue is a should, stuffed with tons of bars, eating places, and retailers. And the Southernmost Level has a brilliant pink and yellow buoy marking the southernmost level within the continental US, solely 90 miles from Cuba!

And when you have time, end with the Sundown Celebration in Mallory Sq., stuffed with avenue distributors, performers, musicians, and extra. Don’t miss the Cat Man, who performs along 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 offer you sufficient time to do a couple of day journeys to different Keys whilst you’re based mostly there. (Although I at all times advocate including on a couple of days in Key West.)

And if you happen to’re coming for a calming seashore trip, so long as you’ll be able to! Every week or longer can be pretty right here.

Tips on how 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 obtainable in Islamorada (which I urge you to make use of whenever you’ve had a couple of drinks), in addition to taxi companies, and there may be 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 below 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 embrace the perfect spa within the space, a non-public fishing pier, and a nine-hole golf course. Suites function ocean views and fashionable decor.

Prime Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Islamorada: Ragged Edge Resort & Marina. This waterfront resort has apartment-style lodging, preferrred for individuals who need to do a little bit of self-catering throughout their journey. Decor is easy, and the waterfront location can’t be beat.

Finances Lodge in Islamorada: It’s arduous to search out low-budget lodging on this a part of the Keys, however The Breezy Palms Resort gives a lower-cost choice for Islamorada with excessive worth for cash. This beachfront location options apartment-style lodging with small rooms, however loads of character.

Discover offers on locations to remain in Islamorada right here.

Finest Time to Go to Islamorada, Florida

I’m an enormous fan of visiting the Florida Keys through the spring months — March via Could — 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 the perfect time to go to the Keys.

Winter can also be a beautiful time to go to Islamorada and the Keys, although know that you simply may not be getting {the summertime} temperatures you anticipate. It’s nonetheless fantastic for having fun with sunshine within the outdoor, although! Anticipate chilly nights and produce a light-weight jacket.

Summer time is extremely scorching and humid within the Florida Keys, and I don’t advocate visiting throughout this time of yr except you’re the type of one that thrives in warmth and humidity. (That was me as a child, teenager, and younger grownup — however I can’t deal with the warmth the best way I used to!)

Whereas I’m an enormous 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: Finest Time to Go to the Florida Keys

Is Islamorada Price It?

I like Islamorada and assume 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 reminiscences had been made right here.

Do it’s essential truly keep in Islamorada? You don’t must. I believe you’ll be able to get pleasure from loads of the facilities of Islamorada if you happen to base someplace else — maybe Key Largo, simply 20 minutes up the street.

Extra on the Florida Keys:

Extra on Florida:

Have you ever been to Islamorada? Any strategies?