17 Things To Do in Islamorada for Fun in the Sun

The largest popular vacation destination in the Florida Keys just south of Key Largo is Islamorada. This amazing village is called “The Sport Fishing Capital of the World” because it’s home to the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world.

Fisherman or not, it’s a great place to bring the kids! You will instantly feel the charming small-town island vibes is this little strip of islands. They are a treasure trove of scenic views, water sports, and tons of other attractions.

Here are 17 things to do in Islamorada that will make you fall in love with this amazing place too.

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN ISLAMORADA

• Top Pick. Islander Resort features a great location, pools, onsite dining, and lots of recreational activities. See our write-up below. You won’t be disappointed.

• Best Budget Option. Sunset Inn has an outdoor pool and is 3.1 miles away from Windley Key. This is a great way to keep to a budget while staying at a highly rated hotel.

• Best Luxury Option. Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a 2 minute walk from the beach. It’s positioned on 27 acres of lush gardens and 1,000 feet of private waterfront, and has adult and family swimming pools. Plus 3 fabulous restaurants and a tiki bar.

ROBBIE’S OF ISLAMORADA

Your trip to Islamorada won’t feel complete until you visit Robbie’s marina to feed the tarpon. These fish are HUGE and they jump from the water to grab the bait! There are signs everywhere not to feed the birds, but those little bullie will come steal right out of your hand if you let them!

This is an icon of The Keys, so don’t miss a stop here. And keep your eyes peeled – we always see manatee when we visit here! In addition to watching the marine life, you can also enjoy parasailing, snorkeling, fishing, and other adventures sports here.

Don’t miss the open air market or the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant when you visit. Hungry Tarpon is a great stop for breakfast (before the crowds get here) and they make a super bloody mary with cucumber vodka!

ISLANDER GIRL TOURS

Tavernier is not technically Islamorada but it’s so close (and this is such a cool adventure) that we have to include Islander Girl Snorkel & Tours. They offer sunset cruises and snorkel tours – but we took them up on a sandbar swim!

The sandbar is a favorite local hangout spot – even for the locals on their days off. Our family visited for several hours, launching from Casa Mar Village.

The water was warm and about chest high here, getting down to waist deep as the tide went out. The boys had fun on a huge floating lily pad and using complimentary snorkel gear to see colorful fish, stingrays, and even a turtle!

The crew poured drinks, cut up fruit for us, and let the boys use paddleboards and floats. After about 2 hours we headed back. The excursion was about 3 hours – the perfect amount of time.

Read more: 5 Epic Florida Keys Water Adventures With Teens

THEATER OF THE SEA

Theater of the Sea is a family-owned attraction in Islamorada that has continued to welcome visitors since it opened in 1946. It is one of the oldest marine mammal facilities in the United States, providing a sanctuary for animals, while also letting visitors have a chance to see them up close.

The facility is most famous for hosting some incredible events, such as sea lion shows, dolphin shows, parrot shows, and others. Additionally, the mission of the Theater of the Sea is to raise awareness about conservation and environmental issues on public platforms.

When you’re visiting this side of Florida, do make it a point to participate in one of the exclusive interactive programs here, as well as swim with dolphins and meet sea turtles!

FLORIDA KEYS BREWING COMPANY

There’s nothing quite like a lazy day where all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy a local beer. Florida Keys Brewing Company is where to do it.

It’s the only production brewery in The Keys, and although a micro facility, this brewery delivers powerful flavors and unbeatable artsy vibes you will hardly find anywhere else.

HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM

The History of Diving Museum takes you a through a journey of undersea adventures spanning over a century.

For even more memorable experience, try visiting this museum on the third Wednesday of the month, so that you can take in one of the diving history education programs.

ALLIGATOR REEF LIGHTHOUSE

Alligator Reef Lighthouse is a unique lighthouse structure that stands guard over the USS Alligator wreck, and is a popular attraction for boaters to gather. It sits four miles away from the Islamorada shore, with the surrounding area home to more than 500 marine life species.

In addition to the diving and snorkeling activities here, you can also check out the thriving reed, barracuda and parrotfish in the waters here.

MORADA WAY ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT

Morada Way Arts and Cultural District is a six-block corridor that mimics Main Street USA. In this district, you will find everything that charms you about city life, including restaurants, shops, art galleries and more.

You can enjoy touches of city life in artsy island forms, including seafood festivals, music nights, and a lot of other vibrant events. There are also a couple of sightseeing places, including the Hurricane Monument, where visitors can experience up close the extent of the powers of Mother Nature.

WINDLEY KEY FOSSIL REEF GEOLOGICAL STATE PARK

How does the thought of a coral reef gliding majestically above the surface of the waters grab you? If it feels like an enchanting idea, then here’s your chance to experience it in real life. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers self-guided tours on trails stretching for 1.5 miles.

During these tours, you can learn all about the ecological aspects of the area, while also discovering some interesting cultural tidbits. The high season is a particularly good time to visit here, when visitors can enjoy picnics in the outdoors at the tables. There’s a Visitor Center nearby, too.

ANNE’S BEACH

A sandy beach never fails to please, and the one paying tribute to environmentalist Anne Eaton in Islamorada certainly won’t either. This sandy beach as a stretch of paradise.

Shallow and clear, Anne’s Beach is an ideal spot for picnicking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and generally just lazing under the sun. There’s not a lot of shade here, but we still enjoy it. The sunsets here are particularly mesmerizing.

Discount Tickets: Mangroves and Manatees 2 Hour Eco-Tour

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY AND DISCOVERY CENTER

Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is a museum with rich historical insights, information on native sea life, and a fascinating history of the Keys.

There’s something for visitors of all ages here, and kids and adults alike enjoy the exhibits. Spanning an area of 7,500 square feet, this facility teaches you about everything that encompasses the Keys, its people, life and history.

LONG KEY STATE PARK

Long Key State Park is a must. It’s comprised of beautiful beaches, nature trails, the Golden ORB Trail, and more. Kayaking, fishing, bird watching, flats fishing, and snorkeling are popular pastimes here.

Want to stay overnight? Camping is also available here, and it’s well-worth it.

LAZY DAYS

Lazy Days is another great restaurant on the beach on Islamorada. The oceanfront dining here is an experience all its own. You’ll find fresh seafood, hearty pastas, and steaks.

With views of the ocean, and delicious eats, it’s no wonder Lazy Days was voted best overall restaurant by locals.

DAY TRIP TO KEY LARGO

While in Islamorada, planning a day trip to Key Largo is a great thing to do! There’s a range of activities for all age groups to enjoy here. Key Largo has two state parks, a beautiful beach, breweries, and other attractions that make a trip here totally worthwhile.

Attend a party on the sandbar, visit the John Pennecamp coral reef park, dive to visit the Spiegel Grove Wreck, and more. And don’t miss taking a steamboat ride aboard the African Queen!

Read More: 15 Fun Things To Do in Key Largo Adventurers Will Love

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

• YOUR FLORIDA VACATION
• HAWKS CAY: A Truly Amazing Resort In The Florida Keys
• SIESTA KEY: 19 Things To Do In Siesta Key For Sunny Fun
• BEACHES: 17 Best Florida Beaches For Families To Relax and Unwind
• KEY LARGO: 15 Fun Things To Do In Key Largo Adventurers Will Love

MORE PLACES TO STAY IN ISLAMORADA