If you’re searching for a list of fun stuff to do in Islamorada, then look no further! We have curated this list of best things to do in Islamorada for anyone who is spending time there, or just doing a little pre-vacation research!
Islamorada is a town comprised of six islands in between Miami and Keywest almost at the exact half point! Islamorada is easily reached on the Key West Highway, so no boats are required if you’re trying to get from Island to Island! That being said there are all kinds of boat rentals and tours available!
While Islamorada is known as the sportfishing capital of the world, that’s not the only super fun thing to do there! Islamorada has amazing restaurants, super fun day trips, and absolutely gorgeous national parks! There is no shortage of fun things to do in Islamorada so make sure to check out this list to see the best of what the town can offer.
10 Best Things to Do in Islamorada FL Keys You Shouldn’t Miss!
Feed Tarpon at Robbie’s
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Islamorada, check out Robbie’s! This establishment is a flimsy looking shack right on the water, but don’t let that scare you away: There is a beautiful story and an exciting attraction to experience. Make sure to put this on your list when doing a Florida Keys Road Trip!
Robbie’s was born out of a interaction in 1976 between a man and a fish: Robbie found an injured tarpon wriggling around in the shallows, and out of the kindness of his heart he found a tank for the fish to recover in so the birds wouldn’t get him!
Once the fish was healed, Robbie let him go but he decided to stick around by the dock so he could be close to the human friend who saved him. As time passed, more and more tarpon started appearing, and now even though both the original fish and human have passed to the other side, the tarpons still come, perhaps because of the sacred bond between man and fish? Or maybe they just want snacks!
Either way, feeding these fish is truly an exhilarating experience because they literally grab the food out of your hand! If you’re worried about teeth though, don’t be! Tarpon don’t have teeth, but they do have a gritty-feeling tongue just like a cat would!
If a sandpaper tongue and physical contact aren’t your preferred style of interaction with fish, not to worry, you can just drop the fish food in the water and the tarpon will enjoy it just the same.
There is something very satisfying about feeding a large ‘ocean kitty’, which makes it one of the best attractions in Islamorada!
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Islamorada, check out our post on Best Airbnb’s in the Florida Keys for some truly amazing spots for your trip!
Make sure to check out some of the Best Islamorada Restaurants for your trip!
Anne’s Beach
If you’re looking for a gorgeous slice of nature that is sure to rejuvenate your mind and body, check out Anne’s beach, one of the best places to go in Islamorada!
The beach is the southernmost beach in the Islamorada group of islands, and is a perfect stop to enjoy the Florida wildlife and scenery especially if you’re going all the way to Key West. This is truly one of the Best Beaches In The Florida Keys and you must check it out!
At Anne’s Beach there are shade gondolas, public bathrooms, and free parking – all very nice facilities that have been recently updated with help from sales tax in the area. The beach also has a brand new boardwalk which is very nice!
It’s worth noting however, that the exact kind of beach experience you’ll have is very largely dependent on the tides. The water is very shallow for hundreds of yards when the tide is low, so it is one of the more perfect things to do in Islamorada with kids!
When the tide is high, there is not very much ‘beach’ to speak of in terms of the traditional sense of what a beach would be like, but nevertheless it’s a great place to go for a splash after being cooped up in the car on the highway!
There are all sorts of see creatures that you can get up close and personal with so make sure you have a camera handy
Check out our post on the Best Beaches in Key West for even more of the best beach offerings in the Florida Keys!
History of Diving Museum
If you’re a fan of diving, scuba, or just like things that are different and interesting you absolutely can’t miss the History of Diving Museum, its one of the best places to go in Islamorada!
This unique museum is the passion project of two medical professionals: Dr. Joe and Sally Bauer!
The Bauers shared a deep love for the sea together, and were able to pursue hobbies in several fields related to marine biology, which also enabled them to amass a collection of memorabilia related to diving.
The Bauer’s passions revolve around telling the story of humankind’s entry into the ocean, a story they feel is still relatively unknown and shrouded in mystery.
The History of Diving museum has one of the largest collections in the world of diving equipment, and has the most robust base of knowledge regarding diving on the planet!
The museum opened full time in 2006 and is one of the most interesting things to do in Islamorada with kids!
If you’re a lover of museums then check out our post on the Best Museums in Florida!
Moradaway
If you love the artsy fun vibe of Key West, but don’t want to drive all the way to the end of the highway to get there, then this is one of the perfect things to do in Islamorada!
Moradaway is a the arts and cultural district of Islamorada, born out of a need for beautiful space that the public can enjoy freely.
The arts district of Islamorada has great restaurants, lots of art both to see and purchase, and funky studio apartments that house both artists and art studios!
A beautiful side effect of the flourishing arts district is the seamless integration of art into public spaces such as parks, bike paths, and business that are not located in the immediate area of the arts district.
Check out Moradaway for a truly unique and colorful experience to see why it’s one of the best places to go in Islamorada!
For even more artsy beach town vibes, check out our post on the Best Beach Towns in Florida!
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
If you have a little geologist in your life, then this is the spot for you and also one of the best things to do in Islamorada!
The State park was once a quarry for a decorative stone called Keystone, which is no longer in operation today. The state park is also the location of a railroad that was very important in the past to the development of Florida at the turn of the 19th century into the 20th.
A key feature of the state park is the old quandry equipment that is preserved for visits to see, and makes it one of the more unique things to do in Islamorada!
The park features gorgeous walkways along where the mine was, as well as five self-guided tours that you can experience at your own pace!
The crown jewel of the state park is the fossilized reef that you can see while on the half-mile long trail – but that’s not all! There are tons of unique flora and fauna in the park that are worth the trip alone.
The park does have a $2.50 entrance fee, however parking is free, and if you have someone who needs handicap accessible facilities in your group this is perfect as the park provides tactical power wheelchairs for free with cost of entry!
The quarry is a peak into the past of Florida’s industrial history, and is one of the best things to do in Islamorada with kids!
Indian Key State Park
If you’re a fan of kayaking and boating, but want a gorgeous state park experience, then this one of the best things to do in Islamorada for you!
The State park is accessible only by boat or kayak, and sits on what was once a very lucrative shipwreck salvage business, and is now a gorgeous space for the public to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty!
It’s worth noting that this is very much a seasonal attraction, seeing as around September the park becomes inaccessible due to higher water levels from increased rainfall.
If you don’t have your very own kayak, not to worry at all as there are multiple local rental establishments near the launch site that would be more than happy to receive your patronage.
This is truly one of the best things to do in Islamorada, for more details check out the park’s website!
For more of Florida’s State Park gorgeousness, check out our post on the Best State Parks in Florida!
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
For a truly magical diving experience you absolutely cannot miss the Alligator Reef Lighthouse!
The waters are a gorgeous blue unlike any other, and make for a scuba experience you won’t soon forget!
Ok, admittedly the lighthouse itself is not really much to see in and of itself (however you can go to the top and take pictures), it’s really more about where the lighthouse is located: scuba heaven.
The depth of the water around the lighthouse is maybe two people high at most, and is also a congregating area for gorgeous sealife such as nurse sharks, and bright blue parrot fish!
Alligator Reef Lighthouse is without a doubt the best place to go snorkeling if you want to swim among the fishes and have your mermaid princess moment, making it truly one of the best things to do in Islamorada
It’s worth noting that this is another location that you would need to rent or use some sort of water vehicle to get to, however the the experience is well worth the effort!
For even more gorgeous Florida water take a look at our article on the Best Places for Clear Water in Florida!
Twisted Shrimp
If you’re looking for the ultimate restaurant in Islamorada, then this is for you: The Twisted Shrimp is by far the best and most highly rated beachy seafood restaurant in the area, making it one of the best things to do in Islamorada!
Those familiar with the quintessential American beach vacation experience know that there is always a type of restaurant by the ocean to look out for: the building might be unassuming, but inside is the best fried seafood ever!
The Twisted shrimp has all the classic fares of beach food that you could hope for: fried seafood
Often when traveling, food choices can be a concern for those with food allergies.
This concern about allergies is what makes the Twisted Shrimp stand out: they have a menu that is by nature gluten free by using rice flour on all their seafood!
The rice flour makes the seafood extra crispy when fried, we promise you won’t even be able to tell a difference because it is THAT good!
Head over to our article on the Best Restaurants in Key West to take a peek at some of the iconic offerings!
Bayside Gourmet
If classic seaside Americana isn’t quite your style and you’re looking for something with a more italian-american vibe, then this is the restaurant for you!
The high ratings, generous portions, and family feel of the restaurant make this one of the best places to go in Islamorada for a bite!
Bayside Gourmet is a family-owned restaurant that’s become a staple icon of Islamorada’s food scene! The flavors center around Italian and Greek cooking, and their menu says that if you can’t find something you like they’ll make you something on the spot!
The highlights of Bayside’s menu include fun offerings such as an optional cauliflower crust, saltimboca pizza, smoked fish dip, and deli sandwiches!
The cozy beachside ambience and bold flavors of the fresh ingredients make Bayside one of the best culinary attractions in Islamorada so take a look and taste for yourself!
When it comes to amazing restaurants, Florida is bursting with options! Check out our post on the Best Restaurants in Florida!
City Hall Cafe and Wine Bar
For those looking for the best local watering hole, look no further!
There is something so satisfying about going out for a glass of wine after you’ve landed in a new city for vacation and this bar is one of the best places to go in Islamorada for that exact thing!
City Hall Cafe is one of the best attractions in Islamorada when it comes to food, but that’s not all: they have a world class collection of wines that you can even have DELIVERED!
This is what makes City Hall revolutionary for those of us who maybe love the wine part but not so much the going out part!
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