Dreaming of turquoise waters, fresh seafood, and tropical vibes? Head to Islamorada! Located in the Florida Keys, this laid-back village of islands is perfect for snorkeling, sport fishing, and sipping cocktails by the sea. It’s the ideal destination for sunseekers and ocean lovers alike.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Islamorada is December through May when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities. Summer and early fall offer fewer crowds but higher humidity and the chance of hurricanes.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Located along the scenic Overseas Highway (US-1), Islamorada is about 1.5 hours from Miami and 2 hours from Key West.
- By Air: Fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or Key West International Airport (EYW), then drive through the Keys for stunning ocean views.
- By Shuttle: Several companies offer shared or private shuttle services between the Keys and major airports.
Where I like to stay
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Luxury beachfront resort with a private beach, golf course, and upscale dining.
- Islander Resort – Spacious oceanfront suites and cottages with pools, beach access, and tropical gardens.
- Amara Cay Resort – Stylish resort with hammocks, tiki bars, and a relaxed island vibe.
Top Attractions
1. Wade into Tranquility at Anne’s Beach
Situated on Lower Matecumbe Key, Anne's Beach is a popular white sand beach named after the environmentalist Anne Eaton. The water here is shallow and warm and there are typically very few waves, making it perfect for swimmers of all abilities. The beach is popular with kiteboarders as well; foot protection is recommended for beginners, as there is often sea life underfoot in the water. Amenities include restrooms, two parking lots, several covered picnic areas, and a charming wooden boardwalk that stretches for half a mile through the scenic mangroves and wetlands on the shore.
Mile Marker 73.5, Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, FL 33036
2. Dive Deep into Legends at the History of Diving Museum
Although the History of Diving Museum was only opened to the public in 2005, it houses a collection of diving equipment and memorabilia that has been carefully collected over the last 40 years. Exhibits cover topics like the history of diving, the stories of well-known local divers, and the influences behind the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Guided tours are available.
82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-9737
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Paddle to the Past at Indian Key Historic State Park
Although it's conveniently located only a few hundred yards from U.S. Route 1, Indian Key Historic State Park can only be reached by boat or by kayak. The 11-acre island is no longer inhabited, but it still holds the remains of a ghost town that was constructed in the early 1800s. Visitors can now explore the island by strolling through the recreated street system; other popular activities here include canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the island's flats. The park is open between 8 a.m. and sunset every day of the year, and a small entrance fee is charged.
Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-2540
4. Unlock Island Secrets at the Keys History & Discovery Center
Situated inside the Florida Keys Conference Center, the Keys History & Discovery Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the colorful history of Islamorada and the Florida Keys. The beautiful two-story building encompasses 7,500 square feet right on the waterfront, and in addition to a state-of-the-art movie theater boasts a selection of permanent exhibits created by the same company that was responsible for designing St. Petersburg's Salvador Dali Museum.
82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-922-2237
Attractions for Couples
5. Laugh, Learn, and Splash at Theater of the Sea
Family owned and operated since the mid 1940s, the Theater of the Se was one of the world's first marine mammal habitats. An incredibly diverse range of animals can be found here, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, birds, and more. The price of admission includes entry to the park's dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows; for an additional fee, guests can interact with the animals directly. Other attractions in the park include a glass-bottom boat ride around the dolphin lagoon, a guided marine life tour, and a private lagoon-side beach that guests are welcome to use for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-2431
6. Walk Ancient Coral at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Formerly a quarry used to build the Overseas Railroad, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park allows visitors to actually walk through a fossilized coral reef full of fossils formed approximately 125,000 years ago. Guided tours of the park are available between December and April for a small fee, and visitors can take self-guided tours year round thanks to the park's five short interpretive trails.
The visitors center offers a variety of exhibits on the history of the park and the railroad, and a number of picnic tables can be found scattered throughout the quarry. Find it on a map
84900 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-664-2540
7. Make Waves with A Family Fun Boat Tour Company
A Family Fun Boat Tour Company knows that a trip to Islamorada isn't complete without spending some time out on the water, and so they offer private guided boat trips that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Florida Keys. A wide range of tours are available; popular options include trips out to the Islamorada sandbar, evening sunset cruises, and snorkeling tours that bring guests to the only living coral reef in the continental United States and include all equipment and lessons for those who need it. The boats can hold up to six passengers, and tours are available every day of the week.
85500 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, Phone: 305-896-2915
Where I Like to Eat
- Morada Bay Beach Café – Caribbean-inspired cuisine with toes-in-the-sand seating and sunset views.
- Lazy Days Restaurant – Oceanfront dining with fresh seafood and the famous “cook your catch” option.
- Green Turtle Inn – Iconic Keys eatery known for creative coastal dishes and historic charm.
Local Events
- Florida Keys Island Fest (April) – Art, music, food, and classic cars at Founders Park.
- Bay Jam Music Festival (Spring) – Live music and local vendors in a family-friendly setting.
- Islamorada Holiday Fest (December) – Tree lighting, snow mountain, and holiday cheer by the sea.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Islamorada
- Lower Matecumbe Key (15–20 min) – Kayak mangrove tunnels, relax on uncrowded beaches, and spot native wildlife.
- Long Key State Park (25–30 min) – Hike coastal trails, birdwatch, or paddle tranquil waters in this quiet Keys retreat.
- Key Largo (30 min) – Snorkel coral reefs, dive shipwrecks, or explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Plan Your Trip