Islamorada is a village made up of six of the Florida Keys, lying half-way between Miami and Key West. Whether you’re making the entire fabulous road trip across the Overseas Highway, or just stopping for a night or two on your way down or back up, this fun getaway has plenty of water sports, history, and succulent local food to offer. It’s a bit more hippy than Miami and a little more elegant than Key West, with five-star resorts, a buzzing arts scene, long stretches of wilderness preserves, and an aesthetic all its own.
The island’s best-known attraction is the family-owned Theater of the Sea, which is a sanctuary for dolphins, sea lions, and parrots as well as a top-notch aquarium and nature tour facility. The kids, especially, will love the chance to swim with the animals and see them interact in a setting that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
If you’d prefer to get out on the open water and hook your own catch, rent a boat in islamorada is known as “the Sportfishing Capital of the World.” The village has dozens of fishing charters that will be happy to take you out for a day (or half-day) on the ocean or the bay to pursue monster fish like marlin, sailfish, bonefish, and dolphin (mahi mahi).
A trip to the island wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of those famous Islamorada sunsets. It’s a beautiful sight, framed by hundreds of miles of clear sea and the swaying palm trees that make the Florida Keys such a magical destination. Grab a drink, some munchies, and find the perfect spot on the beach to watch.
Islamorada has a few cultural attractions worth checking out, too. In particular, the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District is a vibrant six-block neighborhood where the streets are lined with restaurants, galleries, and studios, and live music plays throughout the day. There’s a tremendously uplifting community feel to the place, and it’s a must-visit for any visitor.
Getting around Islamorada is easy with a car, though it’s also possible to explore on foot or with Freebee, an electric rideshare that uses an app to connect drivers with people in need of transportation. The service is free, although it’s customary to tip the driver.