Why Islamorada Is My Favorite Part of the Florida Keys
If someone asked me to name my single favorite place in the Florida Keys, I would say Islamorada without hesitation!!
Known for being the Sports Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is a collection of six islands that somehow manage to pack world-class fishing, swim-with-dolphin experiences, incredible restaurants, breathtaking sandbars, and a laid-back island energy all into one place. So if you are traveling through the Florida Keys, do not skip it!!
Where to Stay in Islamorada, Florida
Casa Morada - Best Boutique Hotel in Islamorada
Casa Morada is the kind of hotel that makes you forget you have a life to go back to. This adults-focused boutique resort in Islamorada is genuinely one of the best places to stay in the entire Florida Keys. They offer:Â
- Complimentary breakfast daily
- Yoga on the bay deck
- Kayaks and paddleboards included
- Pool and poolside cocktail bar
- Complimentary bikes to explore the island
- Gorgeous bay-front views
You could genuinely spend your entire Islamorada stay without leaving this property and still have an incredible trip. But with bikes and easy access to everything Islamorada offers, there’s every reason to explore.
Where to Camp Near Islamorada
Curry Hammock State Park - Marathon, FL
Located just past Islamorada in nearby Marathon, Curry Hammock State Park is a beautiful, peaceful camping option with direct water access and excellent paddleboarding. The park is a hidden gem compared to the more famous campgrounds, and it’s quieter, more serene, and with stunning natural scenery.
Bahia Honda State Park - The Best Campground in the Florida Keys
About an hour south of Islamorada (so a bit of a drive), Bahia Honda State Park is, without question, the best campground of the entire road trip, and one of the most beautiful camping spots I’ve ever been to. The beaches look like they belong in the Caribbean. The water is impossibly clear.
And the facilities are excellent: full electric, water, sewer hookups, showers, and a dump station.
On your way, stop at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and cross the legendary Seven Mile Bridge. Even if camping isn’t your thing, visit Bahia Honda just for the beach and the snorkeling. You will not be disappointed.
For quick pins and directions to all of these recommendations, grab my free Google Map of Florida!
Best Things to Do in Islamorada, Florida
Sports Fishing with Captain Taylor
Islamorada has earned its title as the Sports Fishing Capital of the World, and going out with Captain Taylor from Sun Up Sports Fishing is the way to experience it. Captain Taylor offers private charters, fully customized to what you want out of the day.
We went out for 4–5 hours and caught bonefish, redfish, and ladyfish before Captain Taylor took us after tarpon. We hooked one. Spent 45 minutes locked in battle. The tarpon ultimately snapped the line [Tarpon: 1, Us: 0].Â
It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. This is a bucket-list activity, full stop!!
Swim with Dolphins at Dolphins Life
This experience will live rent-free in my head forever. Dolphins Life is not a theme park, it’s a dolphin rescue center, hospital, and rehabilitation facility that happens to offer one of the most meaningful wildlife encounters you’ll ever have. Every dolphin here either cannot be released due to injury or was born in captivity and would not survive in the wild.
If you book a swim with the dolphins experience, the trainers are with you the entire time. The dolphins are healthy, engaged, and clearly thriving. And being in the water with them… feeling them swim past you, watching them interact with each other and with us, is something I genuinely cannot put into words. Your visit and excursion fees directly fund their ongoing care and medical treatment.
Feed Tarpon at Robbie's Marina - The Most Fun $6 You'll Ever Spend
Robbie’s Marina is one of those places that sounds a little unbelievable until you’re actually there, hands bleeding, laughing hysterically, completely hooked. Every time I’m in the Keys, I stop here at least twice.
Here’s the deal: for $6 you get a bucket of about 6 small fish. You walk out on the dock above a school of massive tarpon, some over 100 lbs, and you feed them. Simple right? Maybe… You can drop the fish in from a safe distance (still incredible) or you can go full commitment, lie down on the dock, hang your hand into the water, and let the tarpon jump up to get it from your fingers.
Will you get scratched? Yes. Possibly bloody… also yes. Is it absolutely worth it? Without question. It has become a personal challenge, who in the group can hold their hand in the longest. The birds have their own opinions about the fish supply, which adds to the chaos and fun.Â
While you’re at Robbie’s, have dinner at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant with fresh seafood, great atmosphere, and a front-row seat to all the dock action.
Theater of the Sea
Established in 1946, Theater of the Sea is one of the oldest marine parks in the world. What sets it apart from larger, more commercial parks is the intimate natural saltwater lagoon setting – you’re sitting just inches from the water during dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, with completely unobstructed views.
Islamorada Sandbar
The Islamorada Sandbar is a beautiful shallow sandbar rising out of stunning turquoise water that you can boat or paddleboard out to. Check the tides and wind conditions before you go; a strong wind makes the paddle out extremely challenging. It’s probably best for adults and experienced paddlers, when we did it, we were getting pulled back from the current so hard. The view once you get there is absolutely worth the effort, and on a normal good day, you can’t beat these vibes!!Â
Snorkeling in Islamorada
You can snorkel almost anywhere in Islamorada, the water is that good. Some of my top spot recommendations include:
- Alligator Reef – one of the best reefs in the Upper Keys, accessible by boat
- The water around Casa Morada (because that’s where we stayed), but it’s genuinely excellent snorkeling right off the property
- Mangroves throughout Islamorada which access via Robbie’s or near Lorelei Restaurant
Best Restaurants in Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada’s restaurant scene is one of the best in the Keys, think fresh seafood, waterfront views, and a casual island vibe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Here are some of our favorite food recommendations:Â
- Islamorada Fish Company – fresh seafood right on the water
- Papa Joe’s – a Keys classic with great local flavor, and it’s a great place to just drink and hang out.
- Islamorada Brewery & Distillery – local craft beer and cocktails worth the stop
- Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar – waterfront dining and live music
- Square Grouper Islamorada – beloved local spot with great food
- Lazy Days Restaurant – relaxed atmosphere, excellent seafood
- Hungry Tarpon at Robbie’s – fun, casual, right on the docks
Key lime pie detour: We grabbed a slice from Publix in Islamorada on a whim. Genuinely impressive. Don’t count out the grocery store.
In short, I can almost guarantee that a stop in Islamorada will be worth your time and leave you wanting to come back for more. While these are some of my favorite spots, don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path and discover places of your own – that’s part of the magic of the Keys.
If you’d like all of my recommendations in one place, be sure to grab my free Florida Google Map, where I’ve pinned all of my favorite stops throughout the Florida Keys.
And if this guide helped you plan your trip, I’d love to connect on Instagram!
– Faith (@prettyliltraveler)