Discovering Paradise: A Complete Islamorada Travel Guide for Your Next Vacation

Islamorada is the ultimate destination for those seeking to explore the Florida Keys. Centrally positioned within the chain of islands, it offers effortless access to neighboring attractions via enjoyable day trips. Compared to its bustling counterparts Key Largo and Key West, Islamorada offers a more serene and relaxed ambiance, where you can unwind and escape the crowds.

Where to stay

The Florida Keys are renowned for their high rates, but fear not! We have scoured the region and unearthed some of the best value accommodations in the lower to mid range.

 La Siesta Resort & Villas   

At the La Siesta, a range of lodging options at varying price points are available, from charming beachfront villas bursting with vibrant colors, to other alternatives. You can indulge in the beauty of the tropical landscaping, take a refreshing dip in the large pool, and relish in the overall experience of their stay.

As part of your stay, complimentary access to kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles is provided.

   

Address: 80241 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Website:   https://www.lasiestaresort.com

Amara Cay Resort 

Experience modern luxury at the Amara Cay Resort, boasting a stunning white sand beach lined with cozy lounging areas and the most beautiful palm trees providing ample shade. The beach is situated above sea level with steps leading down to the crystal-clear waters below. Admire the magnificent ocean views from the resort's large pool overlooking the beach. The accommodations feature a modern design and offer spacious living areas.

Address: 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://www.amaracayresort.com

Pines and Palms Resort   

The Pines and Palms has both Ocean view and ocean front Cottages that are just the cutest with their colors and landscaping. They have a nice pool overlooking the ocean and a small white sand beach. It is a quiet and relaxing place.

Address:   80401 Old Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://pinesandpalms.com

Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina  

The Postcard Inn boasts a breathtaking tropical landscape, adorned with vibrant flora and fauna, and an expansive white sand beach. With an abundance of lounging areas, multiple pools, water activities, restaurants, a tiki bar, and a marina, you are treated to an abundance of amenities and entertainment options.

Address: 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

https://www.holidayisle.com

Where to Eat

Islamorada Fish Company     

The ambiance and the delectable fresh seafood are what we adore about this place.

Address: 81532 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Bayside Gourmet

 Renowned for their authentic preparations of both classic and contemporary cuisine, this establishment has gained widespread popularity.

Address: 82758 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

 

Mangrove Mike's Café   

This is an excellent spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Address: 82200 Overseas Hwy MM, 82 sunset inn, Islamorada, FL 33036

 

Meat Eatery And Taproom   

You must try their burger and fries cooked in duck fat – they're a real treat!

Address: 88005 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Island Grill    

The food, atmosphere, and service at this popular seafood grill are a must try

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

 

Wahoo's Bar and Grill 

Known for their Tuna Nachos and the Grouper Sandwiches

Address: 85501 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

What to do

Robbie's of Islamorada     

A visit to Robbie's to feed the tarpon is a must-do experience! But that's not all – the site also features a restaurant, shopping booths, snorkeling excursions, and fishing tours.

Address: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Anne's Beach

What I love most about this beach is that one can walk out for what seems like forever, and the water only reaches knee-deep. Although the white, muddy sand can become slick and sticky at times, the beach is still an incredibly beautiful destination.

Address: There are 2 parking lots approximately 1/4 mile apart on US-1 at MM 73

Resort Activities

While many resorts provide paddle boards, kayaks, and other water activities, The Pines and Palms offers a range of off-site excursions, and The Postcard Inn features other activities to cater to all interests.

Additionally, day trips to other Keys are highly recommended, with two popular destinations being Bahia Honda and Key West.

Bahia Honda State Park

Situated approximately 40 miles from Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most stunning destinations to explore in the Keys. Its white sand beaches are exceptional, even for this area.

Key West

No visit to the Keys is complete without a trip to Key West! While you're there, make sure to check out Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor. Although it's around 80 miles from Islamorada, the journey is well worth it.

Happy Travels!

       Sherri

  

 

Bahia Honda State Park Post-Hurricane Irma (2019): A Look at the Aftermath

This was our first trip to the Florida Keys since hurricane Irma. Driving though, it looks like the middle keys were hit the hardest. The Key Largo (upper) and the Key West (lower) ends do not appear to have had much damage and look the same as on our previous trips.

 Islamorida (the Middle area) has done an amazing job on restoring and rebuilding, but the palm trees and tropical foliage are gone.

 Bahia Honda has always had the most beautiful beach areas in the Florida Keys and we were going there to do a photoshoot. We were sad to see that most of the park was closed and that the Hurricane had hit it hard. All the beautiful palm trees were gone. Regardless.... It was still beautiful and we had fun with the photoshoot anyway.

* Post from previous trips if you want to see more before the hurricane.
https://www.livelifebehappytravel.com/2017/01/bahia-honda-state-park-florida-keys.html

Happy Travels!

Top Things to Do in Key West: A Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities

Key west, Florida is unlike any other place in the United States. It has an unique fun vibe all it's own. And honestly, one of my favorite things about the place, is the people. Everyone is so laid back, friendly, and having fun.

We just got home from another Florida road trip and was only able to spend a day there this time. But that's okay, it was an unforgettable day filled with adventure and sunshine!

I wanted to share some of our favorite spots from our trips. I still have several places on my list to cross off, but maybe I'll get to them next time!

Duval Street

Duval Street is the main street in Key West that everything is centered around. It is lined with small shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a fun place to visit during the day, but gets a little wild at night.

Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower

Located at Higgs Beach in Key West, West Martello Tower is a historic tower built in 1862 during the Civil War.  It has been turned into a tropical paradise by the Key West Garden Club.

  Address:

1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Hours: 

9:30am - 5pm daily

Admission:

Free

Mallory Square

Located on the waterfront in Key West, Mallory Square is lined with upscale restaurants and shops. It is popular for its nightly festivals to watch the sunset. About two hours before sunset, the crowd begins gathering to watch street performers and browse through local made crafts.

If you can only do one thing in Key West, attend a sunset celebration! It's unfrogettable!

Watch a live webcam - https://www.mallorysquare.com/key-west-webcam/

Address:

400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

Hours:

Hours vary from business to business

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest and prettiest public beach in Key West. It has about a half mile strip of white sand and tons of palm trees. It is absolutely beautiful! Parking is along the road and runs the length of the beach.


Address:

2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Hours:

7am – 11pm

Admission:

Free

Higgs Beach

Small beach with volleyball courts, play ground, and pier. It was once the site of an 1800s African slave cemetery. Nice family beach with palm trees, white sand, and clear water.

Address:

1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Hours:

7am – 11pm

Admission:

Free

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory is a great place to take a break from the sun. Walk among 50+ species of  butterflies from around the world in a climate controlled environment. 

Flamingo Encounter - meet Rhett and Scarlett, two adorable flamingo. Spots are limited and fill up fast, so reserve early! Cost is an additional $37.63 per person. 

Address:

1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040

Hours:

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Admission:

 General Admission -              $12.00

  Children 4-12 years -             $8.50

  3 years and under -                Free

  Seniors 65+ and Military -   $9.00

Southernmost Point

The Southernmost Point in the continental United States is marked by a concrete buoy in Key West. It is in the open and can visited at any time. Be prepared to wait in a long line(in direct sunlight) for your chance at a photo.

Watch a live webcam - http://southernmostpointwebcam.com/

Address:

Whitehead St & South Street, Key West, FL 33040

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor, located in Key West, was built to guard the harbor. The fort was used in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Spanish American War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Snorkeling along the rock at the beach area is a popular activity. Palms and pine type trees provide tons of shade. It is a nice place to spend the day.

Watch a live webcam -  https://fla-keys.com/webcams/fort-zachary-taylor-beach/

Address:

601 Howard England Way, Key West FL 33040

Hours:

8:00 a.m. until sundown, daily. Fort closes at 5 p.m.

Admission Fees:

$6.50 per vehicle





*Key West is about 160 mile drive (3 1/2 hours) from the Miami International Airport.

Have fun exploring Key West!!!