Islamorada, Florida
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Islamorada Vacation Information

A beach vacation to Islamorada is quite the catch…especially considering that this Florida Key vacation destination is recognized as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”

Believed to have the planet’s largest fishing fleet per square mile, visitors come from around the world to partake in fishing tournaments, book the world-famous charter boats and drop a line in the water to see what they can reel in. Don’t want to catch the fish? Perhaps you’ll enjoy feeding them around the docks. Then, visitors can “catch” other sea life like dolphins and sea lions performing shows later at the Theatre of the Sea Marine Mammal Park. Discovered by Spanish explorers more than 3,000 years ago, Islamorada was named as such because of the purple hue seen across the islands’ horizon at sunset. Islamorada translated into Spanish means “purple isles.”

Tranquil by nature and tropical in climate, this Florida Key vacation destination is actually spread out over six Key islands and is surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Florida Bay on the other. On the north border of the bay lies the stunning Everglades National Park, where kayaking and boat rides will reveal coastal birds, wildlife and a natural beauty that will captivate and inspire the adventurous.

Everyday life and vacation activities are certainly centered on the water in Islamorada, which is sometimes referred to as “Village of the Islands.” Most of life here is in, on or around water — from diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, boating, wind-surfing – and, of course, fishing. The diving is exceptionally spectacular, especially around the reefs, where you’ll always catch colorful tropical fish and eclectic marine life.

When not in the water, you can still enjoy it by sunbathing or sipping tropical drinks while watching the sunset over the water. The spectacular sunsets are, after all, how this location earned its name. Even working on your tan is more enjoyable at Islamorada, because its tropical climate and unique location surrounded by water means that there is always tropical breezes to keep things cool — even in the summer. Because of its tropical climate, the water is enjoyable year-round and swimming alongside the marine life is not all that uncommon at all.

But Islamorada is not to only be enjoyed by sea…there is much beauty by land as well. Families can stroll through the Morada Way Art and Cultural District and admire the fine art at the quaint shops and galleries; or pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of music on the lawn at the ICE Amphitheater.

So whether you are here for the fantastic fishing, to bathe in golden sunshine or to glimpse the gorgeous sites of the shimmering waters or brilliantly colored orchids, everyone can agree on one thing: Islamorada is a fine catch.

Shadow Bar
Shadow Bar

Plan Your Trip to Islamorada

Islamorada Florida Restaurants

Restaurants

Seafood fresh from local waters is the centerpiece of dining in Islamorada. While headlined by fresh-from-the-dock seafood, visitors have plenty of culinary options and can choose from casual lunches at tiki-covered bars and bistros to romantic dinners at dockside fish houses, and gourmet beachfront cafes.
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Islamorada Florida Golf

Golf

While there are no public golf courses in Islamorada, visitors and patrons of the Cheeca Lodge Resort can play the private, nine-hole par-three golf course. Opened in 1981, this unique course was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and features blue grass for its greens. To enjoy public courses with breathtaking views from the greens and lush fairways, visitors are encouraged to try the golf courses in Marathon (about 45 minutes away) or in Key West (about 90 minutes away).
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Islamorada Florida Fishing

Fishing

Islamorada is an angler’s delight just waiting to fill up the ice chest with sportfish such as sailfish, bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, redfish and more. From charter boats to fishing in the flats and right from the beaches, there is no place on Earth that compares to this location. Come hungry and catch dinner with any of the below services!
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Islamorada Florida Shopping

Shopping

The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District offers colorful displays of blossoming artists, while the numerous boutiques offer stunning souvenirs and hand-crafted gifts that would look good in any home.
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Things to do in Islamorada Florida

Other Things To Do

Who says that Islamorada is all about fishing? There is plenty else to do by land or sea. Take in a music festival on the lawn at the ICE Amphitheater, take a few laps in the Olympic-sized pool at Founders Park or take in a production at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center. Discover natural beauty with a hike through Long key State Park or a tour of the Everglades National Park. Immerse yourself in history at the amazing Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park and the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park.
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Islamorada Photo Gallery


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