abrunettetravels As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying items purchased through this blog at no additional cost to you. If you choose to make a purchase through any of the links that I am affiliated with, thank you! For more information, see my privacy page.
Are you someone who thinks visiting the Keys means only visiting Key West? Admittedly, I was that person. To me, the Keys were Key West, and it wasn’t until I was researching our Florida Keys road trip did I realize how many options I had for places to stay. You will find your choices begin in Key Largo and stretch down to Key West. After looking at several places, we chose Islamorada, and we are so happy we did. Here are the top 5 reasons you need to stay in Islamorada.
Vacationing in the Florida Keys means different things to different people. Some people want to spend their time out on the water while others prefer to soak up the sun by the water. Whatever your preference, Islamorada has something for you so you can create a perfect sunny getaway. Let’s get started with why staying in Islamorada is a great choice.
Location
We have all heard the saying location, location, location. Well, it matters when choosing where to stay when visiting the Keys. Do you prefer a bustling environment teeming with people or a more laid back vibe? If you are like us, you tend to enjoy a laid back beach vacation. Don’t get me wrong, we love going to fun restaurants, brewpubs and shops, we just prefer fewer crowds where we are staying.
All of this makes Islamorada a great location and one of the top reasons to stay in Islamorada. You will be close enough to visit busy Key West while being able to enjoy the beauty of Florida without the constant crowds.
Daytrip to Key West
One of the things I liked best about Islamorada was being able to daytrip to Key West. We had previously been to Key West on a cruise and I knew that I didn’t want that area as my homebase. I prefer to visit and then be able to leave. For this reason, Islamorada is a great choice; it is away from the crowds, but easy to spend the day in Key West.
I suggest starting your morning early by driving the iconic highway to the best known of the Keys- Key West. Don’t be in a rush, the journey is part of the experience. As you drive across the infamous 7 Mile Bridge, you can see the original bridge from the early 1920’s.
Once you arrive, there are plenty of things to keep you busy for the day. Depending on your interests, you can visit the Ernest Hemingway House, the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum or Truman’s Little White House for a dose of history. If shopping and restaurants are more your thing, head to Duval Street for your fill of kitschy shops, casual restaurants and lively bars. Whatever you choose, there is plenty to do.
Things to Do
I was pleasantly surprised by the fun things to do in Islamorada. It’s a key to being one of the top 5 reasons you need to stay in Islamorada. Even though it is known as the sport fishing capital of the world, there is more to see than just bait. Although, we’ll discuss bait a little later.
History of Diving Museum
Consistently ranked as one of the top things to see in the Keys, the History of Diving Museum gives an in depth look at diving over the years. Items from over 30 countries are displayed in the museum. Before visiting, make sure to check out their website for an up-to-date list of exhibits and presentations.
Location- Mile Marker 8.4.5
Pro Tip– All locations are listed by their mile marker location. You will notice most places are located right off the highway at the designated mile marker.
Turtle Hospital
Technically, the hospital is located in Marathon, but the facility is a quick drive. This working hospital gives tours of their facility throughout the day with an abundance of information about the native sea turtles. The 70-90 minute tours give an Indepth look at the great work they are doing to rehabilitate sea turtles of all ages. Along with the medical work, the staff is very involved with education on protecting sea turtles and how we can all help to keep our waters safe and clean. My favorite part of the tour comes at the end when you have the opportunity to visit the resident turtles.
If you love sea turtles, this is a must do! Even if you don’t, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how much fun it is. It was one of the highlights of our road trip.
Location- Mile Marker 48.5
Water Sports
As mentioned earlier, Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world and another top 5 reason you need to stay in Islamorada. Because of this, you will have ample opportunity to get out on the water and not just in a fishing boat. Kayaking, paddleboarding or scenic boat rentals are all available in Islamorada. Not to mention the water is beautiful and a perfect way to spend part of a day.
Robbie’s Marina
The marina you didn’t realize you need to visit. No trip to Islamorada would be complete without a trip to Robbie’s. Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at feeding one of the giant tarpons-literally! *Hint, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Don’t feel like feeding the tarpons yourself? Not to worry, you can watch others feed these massive creatures.
Since we are talking about water sports, let’s also talk about what you can rent at Robbie’s to get you out on the water. You are in the Keys after all! Robbie’s is a one stop shop for kayak, paddleboard and boat rentals. Check out the website for current rental prices.
Location- Mile Marker 77.5
Pro Tip– If you would prefer to take a guided tour, this is an excellent option. Likewise, if you don’t feel comfortable renting a boat on your own, there are opportunities to join a tour or private charter.
Sunset cruises are one of my favorite boating activities and this one would be perfect for your evening in Islamorada.
Eat & Drink
Excellent options abound in Islamorada for eating and drinking. If you enjoy sitting outside on the water, this is the place for you. Below are the restaurants and breweries we went to, but there are many others to choose from.
Lorelai
Don’t expect fancy. Instead, expect great ocean views, great food drinks and the perfect beachy laid-back vibe. Try to go during their sunset celebration which is a fancy way of saying happy hour. There are drink specials and live music.
Location- Mile Marker 82
Morada Bay
A beachfront cafe that has beautiful sunset views. Morada Bay has perfected the elegant coastal feel without being pretentious. Add to that a great food and drink menu and you have a great choice for dinner. Go early enough to get a good seat for the sunset. *Hint, if you are looking for fine dining, try Pierre’s Dining Room at Morada Bay.
Location- Mile Marker 81.6
Square Grouper
Don’t be fooled by the entrance to this restaurant. What looks like a very casual eatery at a marina is actually a beautifully appointed restaurant and bar. Islamorada has figured out casual elegance and Square Grouper is a perfect example. The food and the service were wonderful. We opted for the baked goat cheese with honey and dates and the fish tacos. Both were excellent! In fact, I’m still thinking about taking a trip back the Keys just so I can order the goat cheese again.
Location- Mile Marker 80.4
Islamorada Brewing Company
Switching gears a little bit, Islamorada has a couple of terrific breweries. If you are a fan of craft beer, you need to make an effort to try Islamorada Brewing Company. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a lager, ale or porter, IBC has something for you. Can’t decide which to try? Get a flight!
For the non-beer drinkers, like me, IBC offers cocktail flights. I particularly liked this option because often I am left drinking water or soda at breweries.
Make sure to check their website for live music and food truck schedules.
Location- Mile Marker 82
Florida Keys Brewing Co.
Known as the Upper Keys first brewing company, the Florida Keys Brewing Co. has an excellent selection of local beer as well as guest taps. Like Islamorada Brewing, Florida Keys Brewing has flights in case you want to try multiple beers.
There is a food truck out front 7 days a week. You can check their website for a list of events and live music.
Location- Mile Marker 81.6
Places to Stay
Islander Resort
If you are looking for a splurge while staying in Islamorada, the Islander Resort is a good choice. You can stay in gorgeous ocean front view rooms with an effortlessly luxurious feel. Relax on the beach or choose from one of the many resort activities to fill your day. No matter which you choose, you will have a memorable day.
Location- Mile Marker 82.1
La Jolla
A throwback to decades gone by, La Jolla has a vintage vibe that fits perfectly in the Keys. The updated rooms are nicely appointed and spacious. You can take advantage of the bikes and kayaks they have available to use. An awesome perk for exploring Islamorada. All you have to do is decide if you want to go by land or by water.
Location- Mile Marker 82
Sunset Inn
Another option with budget in mind. The Sunset Inn has an excellent location in Islamorada. As with other hotels in the area, this one has a retro vibe, but with updated rooms. It’s the best of both worlds.
Location- Mile Marker 82.2
Conclusion
I hope these top 5 reasons you need to stay in Islamorada has shown you it has everything you need for having a perfect tropical retreat. There are activities, restaurants, bars and water activities to fill your days. Additionally, it is the ideal location for daytrips, including to Key West. All you need to do is pack your swimsuit and flip flops and enjoy!
