Islamorada felt like an exhale I didn’t know I needed. Tucked between the busier Keys, it moved slower, softer, more deliberately. The beaches weren’t endless stretches of sand—they were pocket-sized sanctuaries, each with their own rhythm. I remember thinking, “This is what I hoped the Keys would feel like—undiscovered, unhurried, utterly peaceful.”
Best Beaches in Islamorada:
Anne’s Beach: Walkways Over Water
Anne’s Beach felt like a love letter to stillness. Shallow water stretched out for what felt like miles, warm and clear and impossibly calm. Wooden boardwalks connected shaded picnic nooks, and every turn brought more ocean. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that teaches you how to slow down.”
What I Loved Most: Wading ankle-deep far from shore, watching tiny fish scatter around my toes, with not a wave in sight.
My Highlights? I brought a picnic from The Good Food Conspiracy—a vegan wrap and cold-pressed juice, eaten on a bench over the water with only seabirds for company.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Mile Marker 73, Oceanside
- Vibe: Peaceful, wading-friendly, great for families
- Highlights: Boardwalk, shallow waters, picnic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning before it gets too warm
Islamorada Library Beach and Park: Hidden in Plain Sight
This beach felt like a secret tucked behind the library—small, grassy, and perfect for a quiet swim or a shaded sit under the trees. I remember thinking, “Who knew something so lovely could be hiding behind a municipal building?”
What I Loved Most: The easygoing vibe and how kids played in the sand while locals read under the palms.
My Highlights? A Cubano sandwich and café con leche from Cafe Moka, enjoyed at a shady table with soft breezes coming off the bay.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Behind Islamorada Library near Mile Marker 81
- Vibe: Local, quiet, family-friendly
- Highlights: Shady areas, swings, gentle swimming
- Best Time to Visit: Early evening for sunset colors
Long Key State Park: Natural and Rugged
Long Key offered something wild and wonderful. Nature trails, mangrove tunnels, and beaches that looked like they’d never been touched. I remember thinking, “This is what Florida must’ve felt like centuries ago.”
What I Loved Most: Walking the Golden Orb Trail and ending at a breezy beach, tucked far from the road and noise.
My Highlights? A simple beach picnic with coconut water and a shrimp po’boy from Habanos On The Creek—the perfect combo of rustic and refreshing.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Mile Marker 67.5, Bayside
- Vibe: Natural, scenic, great for exploring
- Highlights: Kayaking, nature trails, remote feeling
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for shade and breeze
The Beach at Founders Park: The Social Heart
This was the beach where everything came together—families, boaters, sunbathers. With palm trees swaying and music drifting from picnic areas, Founders Park felt festive but never crowded. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place people come back to, summer after summer.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the calm water with the marina in the distance and laughter echoing from the playground.
My Highlights? I grabbed a jerk chicken plate from a food truck just outside the entrance and brought it down to the sand—spicy, juicy, and completely satisfying.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Mile Marker 87, Bayside
- Vibe: Active, family-friendly, local favorite
- Highlights: Volleyball courts, marina views, palm-lined beach
- Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon for sunshine and energy
Let the Keys Remind You to Breathe
In Islamorada, the beaches didn’t shout—they whispered. They invited you in slowly, with soft shallows, salty breezes, and that timeless Florida Keys rhythm. I left with sea-soaked hair, warm skin, and the kind of calm that lingers long after the sand is gone from your shoes.
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