Boasting the village of Islands and the world's sport fishing capital, located in the Upper Keys of Florida, it is a perfect destination for fun and adventure. Its stunning natural beauty, clouded with lovely ocean views and atmospheric scenic bays, propels an array of entertaining activities you can enjoy. Whether you love fishing, swimming, boating, snorkeling, or scuba diving, Islamorada has got you covered.
It has a rich history, a vibrant arts scene, and a fascinating culinary experience that will keep calling you back. Enjoy fresh seafood with a local taste, and unwind with tasty craft beers as you watch the spectacular sunset views. Numerous enjoyable activities await you, enabling you to forge unforgettable memories. Here are some of the top activities to do on Islamorada:
01 Adventure the Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Named after a pirate ship that sank in the same spot over 100 years ago, Alligator Reef Lighthouse is a popular snorkeling spot thanks to its expansive marine life and clear waters with corals. Access this historic lighthouse by covering about four and a half miles east of the Indian Keys, nestled between the shallow reef in the Upper Keys and the Middle Keys' deeper reefs, and experience a wide variety of marine life.
Enjoy the serenity of the reef with a spur-and-groove system while diving or snorkeling. Meet the local divers and snorkelers with boats that offer guided tours regardless of skill level.
02 Visit Indian Key Historic State Park
Located on Windley Key near Islamorada, the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers home to ancient coral formations that have decorated the landscape with fossilized limestone. It houses the Key Largo limestone quarry that supplied stone for Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Explore the 8-foot-high quarry walls to experience a cross-section of ancient coral. Additionally, you can hike the 1.3-mile, five-guided trails and appreciate the area's natural beauty and rich culture.
The Windley Trail, Hammock Trail, Flagler Trail, and Quarry Station Trail help you discover nature's beauty through the quarries. Together, these trails provide a delightful 1.3-mile walk to the visitor center, where you can interact with the educational exhibits that explain the park's history, flora, and fauna.
03 Discover the Robbie's Marina
Located down the Overseas Highway at Mile Marker 77, Robbie's Marina hosts enormous tarpons in its clear waters. The tarpons swim around the dock in shallow waters, making them visible to everyone and possible to feed them. Buy a bucket of fish pieces and entertain yourself by feeding the tarpons. However, be careful not to end up with tarpon teeth on your wrist.
Additionally, you can enjoy the serene waters by renting boats, kayaks, or paddleboards and booking fishing and snorkeling excursions. Enjoy a delectable selection of fresh seafood while sipping one of our handcrafted cocktails, local draft beers, or our renowned Trailer Trash Bloody Mary.
04 Explore the Theater of the Sea
Established in 1946, this family-owned mammal rescue center promotes marine protection and conservation. Enjoy interactive programs and shows that create awareness and sensitize the public about rehabilitated animals and why they should be protected. Explore the Theater of the Sea and experience various aquatic animals in the lagoons and gardens. You get to interact with a variety of fish, dolphins, sea lions, turtles, sharks, alligators, birds, and parrots.
Admission to the Theater of the Sea allows you to enjoy performances, boat rides, a private beach, and opportunities to swim with dolphins, rays, and sea lions.
05 Have a historic moment at the Diving Museum
If you're a history enthusiast and want to understand underwater life and the ocean's secrets, this interactive museum on mile marker 83 U.S. Route 1 has you covered. Explore the history of diving, understand its development from the 19th century, and appreciate the technological advances that have made the watersport very interesting. Interact with the 13 galleries showcasing diving artifacts and exhibits recovered underwater.
Browse the various diving paraphernalia, including diving helmets, historic oil lamps, diving bell replicas, and a collection of single-atmosphere suits. The museum provides an exciting mobile scavenger hunt experience for children to enjoy while exploring the exhibits.
06 Have fun at Anne's Beach
Located at the southern end of Lower Matecumbe Key, Anne's Beach offers a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beach experience. Windsurfers often grace Anne's Beach, gliding through the air on breezy days. It was named after Anne Eaton, a local environmental champion, just a short walk from the Overseas Highway. The beach has shallow swimming areas, palm trees, and mangroves, making it a tranquil picnic spot. It features restrooms, picnic tables, and boardwalks, helping you access your perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Additionally, visitors are allowed to bring their pets, including dogs, to the park as long as they are leashed.
07 Tour the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Rent a boat and begin a trip to the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park in the Upper Keys of Florida. It dates back to 1919, having been bought by Wiliam Matheson from Miami. The park portrays the tropical hardwood hammocks that characterized the area, with Matheson's home serving as a visitor center.
Enjoy the island's features by renting a boat or a kayak from local vendors. Visitors can explore and learn about the home and other attractions on the lawn through a self-guided tour brochure from the park, which does not offer guided tours.
08 Enjoy time at the Founders Park
The 45-acre Founders Park provides you with a number of outdoor experiences with family and friends. Access the park freely if you're a local or have reserved a hotel or room. Enjoy the park's heated Olympic swimming area, picnic spots, public beach, and sports facilities. Have fun at its extensive outdoor facilities, including a tennis, basketball, and pickball court; fitness and walking trails; a football and multipurpose field; a softball and baseball pitch; and an amphitheater.
At the park, you can experience the ultimate beach getaway. With its meticulously maintained shallow waters and designated swimming area, this beach offers a scenic destination for relaxation and fun.
09 Traverse the Way Arts & Cultural District
Explore Islamorada downtown or the main street on this six-block corridor on Morada Way. The fascinating district is full of pomp and color and is lively with monthly art walks featuring local artists, live music, and food vendors. It hosts dozens of local galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing local art. The many restaurants and shops with parks and bike paths offer a conducive environment in which to enjoy a memorable afternoon.
Traverse the area, moving from one store to the next, and you'll be satisfied with the diverse display at every glance. For a full-filled artistic experience, check out Islamorada galleries, including Jessica Ann Art, Limelight Studio + Gallery, and Morada Way Clay.
10 Experience Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
Islamorada hosts some of the best breweries and distilleries that craft enjoyable beers. The staff in the local breweries are amazing, and they have lovely stories to tell. They make tasty craft beers encapsulating the sun-soaked Florida lifestyle. With plenty of tasting rooms open daily, you'll get the perfect taste of Florida beverages. Sip and learn about different varieties of wines at the Islamorada Wine Company, or try the citrusy Islamorada Ale at the Islamorada Beer Company. The neon yellow taproom is a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
Here, you get served a wide variety of rotating beers and cocktails on tap, from our signature original Sandbar Sunday to our most-liked Lavender Lemonade vodka.
11 Take a walk to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Sitting on the grounds of the Islander Resort, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center exemplifies Florida Key's rich history, culture, and unmatched environmental conservation. The Discovery Center opened its doors in 2014, helping visitors understand the history of the indigenous people and their customs, the area's maritime heritage and its inhabitants, and the tales of the famous pirates in the natural environment through a display of different exhibits.
The artifacts cut across different matters, from highlighting the building of the Overseas Railway to explaining the marvelous coral reef system present all over the Keys.
12 Take pictures at the Rain Barrel Village
The Rain Barrel Village is the perfect site to have a feel of art, with a collection of gardens, galleries, and boutiques that enable a complete display of local art, crafts, and souvenirs. Its open-air complex makes shopping for local art and strolling through the lush gardens a lovely experience. Take a picture with Betsy, the iconic giant lobster sculpture measuring 30-foot-tall and 40-foot-long, and make long-lasting memories.
You can also take a bite at one of the eateries or walk into the onsite bar with cocktails and live music; there is always something for everyone.
13 Tour the Long Key State Park
Experience breathtaking scenery with wildlife and fun-filled outdoor activities at Long Key State Park on a 965-acre area. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as canoeing through lagoons and hiking trails. It's an incredible place to swim, kayak, and beach comb. Have fun on the picnic tables with grills and outdoor showers as you snorkel. Experience the panoramic views from the observation tower on the Golden Orb Trail.
Also, get a feel for the Great Florida Birding Trail and view the migratory birds alongside wading and shorebirds. Observe a variety of fish species, including mullet, snapper, bonefish, and redfish, among others. If you consider kayaking, you'll see loggerheads and green sea turtles.
14 Visit Islamorada Fish Company
Islamorada Fish Company is located inside Bass Pro Shops and is largely popular for serving seafood. Enjoy Florida's culinary experience with fresh seafood, great appetizers, a variety of sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy scenic waterfront views and beautiful sunsets as you take a bite of your favorite meal. You can listen to live music while enjoying the lovely ambiance from the outdoor patio. The friendly workers at the company will recommend special meals and drinks that you might want to try out. It's a great venue for outdoor events when enjoying seafood is on your mind.
15 Explore the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Located on Windley Key near Islamorada, the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers home to ancient coral formations that have decorated the landscape with fossilized limestone. It hosts the Key Largo limestone quarry that supplied stone for Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Explore the 8-foot-high quarry walls to experience a cross-section of ancient coral. You can hike the five guided trails and enjoy the area's natural beauty and rich culture.
Some loop trails that will give you a good view of the quarries are Windley Trail, Hammock Trail, Flagler Trail, and Quarry Station Trail, covering 1.3 miles. Walk to the visitor center and interact with the educational exhibits that explain the park's history, flora, and fauna.
16 Wrapping it up
Embark on this journey through Islamorada and experience the fun and adventure you've been longing for. Art lovers, history buffs, and fun and adventure enthusiasts all get their fair share of interesting things to do. Come with friends and family to create memorable memories in Islamorada. Located on Windley Key near Islamorada, the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers home to ancient coral formations that have decorated the landscape with fossilized limestone. It hosts the Key Largo limestone quarry that supplied stone for Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad.
Explore the 8-foot-high quarry walls to experience a cross-section of ancient coral. You can hike the five guided trails and enjoy the area's natural beauty and rich culture. Some loop trails that will give you a good view of the quarries are Windley Trail, Hammock Trail, Flagler Trail, and Quarry Station Trail, covering 1.3 miles. Walk to the visitor center and interact with the educational exhibits that explain the park's history, flora, and fauna.
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