Islamorada is a scenic village of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
Anne’s Beach is a great spot to enjoy sun-splashed waterfront downtime. (Photo by JoNell Modys, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Known for its eco-tours, watersports including stand-up paddleboarding and kiteboarding, tennis and pickleball, cycling and historic hikes, Islamorada is also called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World because of its stunning angling diversity. In fact, it’s where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered.
In addition, beautiful Islamorada is acclaimed for its artistic culture, sophisticated galleries, fine dining and boutiques that carry unique gifts and clothing. Overall, it offers an unparalleled blend of satisfying activities and opportunities for downtime.
Escape to Serenity: Lying at the southern end of Lower Matecumbe Key, the tiny Anne’s Beach park, with clear shallow water, is just off the Florida Keys Overseas Highway at mile marker 73.5 oceanside. Stretching from Calusa Cove Marina on its northern end to Channel 2 at its southern tip, it features 10 elevated shade structures, six pavilions, a restroom, outdoor shower, free parking and an accessible 1,300-foot-long boardwalk. Anne’s Beach is a great spot for sun-splashed waterfront relaxation — and Netflix fans might recognize it from the original series “Bloodline.”
Escape on the Water: Captain Samantha “Sam” Zeher operates KeyZ Charters, an eco-tour charter specializing in wildlife tours. Her 21-foot tri-hull deck boat is capable of carrying six passengers and cruising in Keys waters as shallow as two feet. Her uniquely appealing trips include sightseeing excursions with birdwatching, snorkeling, sandbar tours and sunset viewing — a perfect recipe for unwinding and unplugging from everyday stress. Captain Sam also offers island trips to explore Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key and Alligator Lighthouse … each with a history dating back to the 1800s.
At Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, home to thick quarry walls of ancient coral, visitors are seemingly transported back in time to a simpler era. (Photo by JoNell Modys, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Escape into Renewal: The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District provides an artistic, inspirational escape through a walkable community of Keys artists and makers between mile markers 81 and 82. Its monthly Third Thursday Art Walk showcases fine arts, paintings, interior décor, music, culinary delights and craft brews to quench thirsts — all in the creative heart of Islamorada. Wandering the district is an enjoyable way to stimulate the senses and awaken personal creativity.
Escape into Nature: A hike through the 320-acre Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, a Florida-designated geological site at mile marker 84.9, is like taking a step back in time to see and touch eight-foot-high quarry walls of ancient coral, mysterious hardwood hammock and mangrove fringe trees — and to view migrant birds stopping to rest or feed along their flight path. During construction of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early 1900s, Henry Flagler utilized limestone rock from this quarry to raise the roadbeds and for fill. Today, the spot is an ideal setting for meditative exploration.
Escape to a Hidden Haven: Accessible by kayak, the remote 11-acre Indian Key Historic State Park is located off mile marker 78.5 in Islamorada and was once home to the Keys’ second-largest community. Indian Key was developed by wrecker John Jacob Housman as the site of a lucrative business salvaging cargo from shipwrecks in the 1800s. The small island boasted 40 houses, a general store, bar, post office, warehouse and the Tropical Hotel. Modern-day visitors can kayak to the island, hike and explore history, picnic, sunbathe, swim and snorkel, and ponder the past in this fascinating park.
Want to know more about elements to enjoy during a relaxing escape to Islamorada? Just click here … and start planning your getaway.
