Islamorada, is a paradise made up of six Florida islands. It boasts endless fun and adventure for those who want to escape from it all. Relaxing, exhilarating, serene but never dull, there are so many things to see and do in Islamorada. As a top tourist destination, Islamorada draws people in with its pristine beaches, thriving nightlife, historic beauty, and laid-back vibe.
This magical place leaves a lasting impression on everyone. Many of the Islamorada’s tourists are repeat visitors and some have even decided to move to Islamorada permanently. If you long to experience the perfect vacation, recharge, and enjoy natural beauty at its finest, head for this popular destination.
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WHY ISLAMORADA SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT VACATION DESTINATION
Islamorada is conveniently located
Islamorada is conveniently located between bustling Miami and the resort town Key West and is easily accessed from both locations. The island’s name, which translates to “purple island,” is a place for those who prefer sparkling shorelines, swaying palms, and everything sunny and tropical. It’s said that Islamorada has more in common with the Caribbean than it does the US.
Islamorada has fantatstic weather
The islands average 254 sunny days a year, 49 more days than the US average. The best time to visit this laid-back tropical haven is between the months of March and May when it’s not too humid.
Islamorada has some of the best beaches in the world
Islamorada has a gorgeous coastline. The island’s gentle waves and turquoise waters can quiet the mind and induce a blissful state of relaxation. Enjoy whole days exploring the natural beauty of the beaches like Anne’s Beach, Founders Park, Holiday Isle Beach, and Long Key State Park, to name a few.
Islamorada is the best place to enjoy “Floribbean cuisine”
Exploring the cuisine on offer is one of the top things to do in Islamorada. Sample the island’s famous “Floribbean cuisine,” dishes influenced by flavors of the Caribbean, Latin America, and the American South. Favorite dining spots in the area include Lazy Days Restaurant, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, and Islamorada Shrimp Shack. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll find a wide selection of exquisite dining options serving local and international delights.
Islamorada’s overall vibe is welcoming and positive
The warm hospitality of the locals is easily one of Islamorada’s best assets. The minute you arrive, you’ll be greeted by wide smiles and welcoming arms. It’s just an overall positive vibe in Islamorada – spend any amount of time here and you’ll find yourself falling in love with the locals’ laid-back approach to life.
15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ISLAMORADA
There’s so much to experience and enjoy on the islands. Here is just a short list of the things to do in Islamorada.
- Soak up the sun on your own private sandbar
During low tide, sandbars pop up at various points in Islamorada and the adjacent White Harbor Channel. Each sandbar has its own charm, which makes every visit a unique, unforgettable experience. If you prefer company, the Islamorada Sandbar—one of the largest in the locale—is a popular spot, especially during holiday weekends.
- Visit the History of Diving Museum
If you love underwater diving, visiting the History of Diving Museum is a must. The museum is a nonprofit institution dedicated to the collection, display, and preservation of materials and artifacts related to diving. A massive collection of diving helmets serves as the site’s most important showcase, including freedive helmets, treasure hunt helmets, historical helmets, and those used for marine life research. Even if you’re not an avid diver, the museum has a lot of interesting displays that make it worth a visit during your vacation.
- Blaze the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Bikers, hikers, and adventurers visiting Islamorada will be naturally attracted to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a paved multi-use transportation route that runs 106 miles from Key Largo to Key West. The paved path passes through many scenic sites, including the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, and Everglades National Park, allowing trekkers to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, picnicking, and horseback riding, to name a few.
- Go snorkeling at Hen & Chickens Reef
With its exceptional snorkeling conditions, Hen and Chickens Reef is arguably the best snorkeling spot for novice snorkelers and parents who’ve brought kids along. Located a few miles away from Plantation Key in the heart of Hawk Channel, the reef—which consists of one large reef (the hen) and a spattering of smaller reefs (the chickens)—has a variety of underwater landscapes complete with small channels and caverns where snorkelers can observe a diverse array of marine life up close. At the shallow depth of 5 feet, snorkelers can see marvelous sea creatures such as sponges, corals, and even Christmas Tree Worms!
- Experience the local culture at the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District
Famed American novelist Ernest Hemingway once wrote about Key West: “It’s the best place I’ve ever been, anytime, anywhere.” Artists and art lovers may find themselves saying the same after a visit to the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. MWACD houses a number of studio and gallery facilities that showcase local fine art from new and established artists. Every third Thursday, the location hosts a monthly Art Walk that displays the works of emerging artists.
- Discover the past at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation
A list of things to do in Islamorada wouldn’t be complete without learning about the region’s rich history. The Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation is where you can learn about the many events and characters that helped shape the island’s unique cultural heritage. This world-class museum’s prominent exhibits—which include First People/Native Americans, Pirates/Wreckers/Salvagers, Spanish Treasure Fleets, and Coral Reef Exploration—are guaranteed to evoke images of bygone days. The two-story, 7,500 sq. ft. facility also houses a theater and research library to which visitors are invited.
- Engage in family-friendly fun at Theater of the Sea
The whole family will love the Theater of the Sea. An Islamorada tourist staple has animal shows and performances including dolphins, sea lions, parrots, and even alligators! Visitors also have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sea lions, and sharks! Other attractions include a Bottomless Boat Ride, Fish and Reptile Tour, and Sea Turtle Experience. The place is popular and can get tends crowded, so you’ll want to book your tickets as far in advance as you can, especially if you plan to visit during peak travel seasons.
- Embark on a kayak eco-tour
One of the more relaxing things to do in Islamorada, kayaking eco-tours in Islamorada lets you explore parts of the locale that most tourists never get to see. Make your way through the shimmering turquoise waters and the lush mangroves, — the natural beauty and biodiversity of the island’s ecosystem is an adventure in itself. If you’re interested in trying this activity, some of the well-known kayaking eco-tour service providers in the area include I Can See CLEAR Kayaking Tours, Aquaholic Adventures, and Key Aquasports.
- Marvel at the beasts of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The Florida Keys are known for their incredible biodiversity, but species in the area have become vulnerable and even endangered over the years. By visiting Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll be supporting a good cause. Located at the north end of the Keys, the refuge is one of only three breeding locations for the American Crocodile. It also supports the protection of many other endangered species including the Key Largo woodrat, Stock Island tree Snail, Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly, and Eastern indigo snake. Support CLNWR and help ensure that future generations will still be able to experience the local animals that call the Keys their home.
- Hand-feed tarpons at Robbie’s Marina
For some feeding fun, head out to Robbie’s Marina. Famous for tarpon feeding, visitors can delight in seeing massive fish jump up from the water and swallow the feed directly from their hands. If that sounds a bit scary, you can simply toss the fish and watch the spectacle of up to 100 tarpons feeding simultaneously. Later, you can enjoy the various water sports activities offered on-site and then dine at the nearby Hungry Tarpon restaurant.
- Paint the town red at Lorelei Cabana Bar
If you’re looking for the best outdoor bar in the neighborhood, try Lorelei. Spend an evening here watching the sunset with a drink in hand. Lorelei strikes the perfect balance between a cherished local hangout and must-visit tourist attraction—something drinks to try are the frozen margaritas, rum runners, and daiquiris. Regardless if it’s your first or fifteenth Islamorada vacation, Lorelei’s will always be the perfect spot to end a perfect day in the Keys.
- Savor the tastiest key lime pie at the Blond Giraffe
Key lime pies are a common delicacy in the Florida Keys, but for the best of them, there’s only one place to go: Blond Giraffe. Located along Overseas Highway Tavernier, Blond Giraffe is an unassuming little bake shop that serves their multi-award-winning Key Lime Pie throughout the day, along with a bevy of other key lime-inspired treats such as cookies, candies, and rum cakes.
- Get your fill of delicious seafood at Chef Michael’s
Having honed his culinary skills in the finest restaurants around the world, Chef Michael Ledwith decided to bring his talents to Islamorada two decades ago, establishing the upscale restaurant that bears his name. Since then, Chef Michael’s Islamorada has cemented itself as the go-to place for signature hogfish dishes. Crowd favorites include the Hogfish Pontchartrain, Hogfish Benedict, and Hogfish Juliette. Other bestsellers include Crabmeat Ambassador, Grilled Prime NY Strip, Seafood Pasta.
- Delight in the dishes at Key Largo Conch House
For the best breakfast experience in the Keys, the Key Largo Conch House is your destination. This restaurant and catering service along Overseas Highway has a reputation for quality food and service, with its menu of sustainable seafood and non-seafood entrees having been featured in numerous national TV shows, Bestsellers include Conch House Omelet, Cajun Shrimp & Grits, and Spicy Cajun Omelet. Did we mention that they also do catering? In case you’re planning to host your wedding in Islamorada, the Conch House also serves wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and brunches.
- Sample the beer at the Florida Keys Brewing Co.
If you enjoy craft beer or want to learn about the brewing process, make sure you schedule a stop at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. As the first production brewery in the Florida Keys, FKBC serves up an array of seasonal and tropics-influenced craft beers made with high-quality locally sourced ingredients. The brewery is open seven days a week, and in the evening, the atmosphere turns lively, encouraging patrons to play bar games, listen to music, and enjoy the various artwork on display while drinking their favorite brews.
WHAT ABOUT FREE THINGS TO DO IN ISLAMORADA?
You can also take advantage of the free things to do and see in Islamorada. Here’s just a short list:
- Free snorkeling at an awe-inspiring reef. The Alligator Reef Lighthouse has three sites ideal for snorkeling, with lots of marine life to behold. The location is a moderate distance from Islamorada, and can only be reached by boat.
- Free beer. Sample the beers at the Islamorada Brewery and Distillery. This place offers regular free tasting of its premium spirits.
- Free art exhibits. The Old Road Gallery exhibits the work of member artists in rotation. For art lovers, this is where you get to view the latest from the region’s most prominent artists.
- Free souvenir pics. Snap away at the Rain Barrel Village, an open-air complex that offers a bit of everything, including boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries, and more.
- Free to visit the Hurricane Monument. This memorial is dedicated to those who perished in the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and offers views of the area surrounding Overseas Highway.
CONSIDER BUYING A VACATION HOME IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
SOLD IN ISLAMORADA: A 4-bed, 4.5-bath, 3,856-square foot waterfront home
The Florida Keys attract home buyers from all over the world. If you are interested in purchasing a property here, there are plenty of excellent choices in the many residential communities, such as those found not only in Islamorada but also in Key Largo and Tavernier.
Whether you want to know more about the homes available in the area or are looking to pursue buying a home in Islamorada, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Angel DiGiorgio’s elite team of luxury realtors in the Florida Keys. Give Angel a call at 305.509.0971 or leave her a message here.