Discover Islamorada

Islamorada delights visitors with an unusual combination of tropical nature, maritime history, and diverse opportunities for active days on vacation. Those planning a trip with children can bring together different interests here: short walks through dense hammock landscapes, water sports, sporting activities, historic sites, and encounters with animals are all available as very different experiences.

Tropical Landscapes and Unique Nature Experiences

Islamorada is home to some of the most extensive seagrass beds in the world. The area also includes part of the only coral reef tract in the continental United States. These landscapes shape the character of the destination and make Islamorada interesting for visitors who want to discover nature not only at the beach, but also as a habitat.

The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve offers one specific way to do so. There, a flat, 0.4-mile loop trail leads through a dense tropical rockland hammock. The preserve also contains a historic cabin typical of the Florida Keys, reportedly built before the 1935 hurricane. The tropical hardwood hammocks in Islamorada include approximately 100 species found only in this type of habitat in the Florida Keys. This makes it possible to combine a walk with a look at the area's unique plant life.

Trails, Water, and Activities for Different Interests

The 18-mile bike path extends along the entire length of the Village. Those who want to experience Islamorada on two wheels can take this route into account when planning. At the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, the floating kayak launch is also fully ADA-accessible. This information is particularly relevant when a travel group has different requirements for choosing activities.

Founders Park has facilities for water sports, golf, soccer, baseball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, swimming, and basketball. As a result, Islamorada offers not only nature observation but also a wide range of sports. At Anne’s Beach, 300 feet of boardwalk and six pavilions are available. Those who prefer to spend a day of their vacation being active, enjoying the water, or spending time outdoors will find several different options here.

Theater of the Sea is another possible destination for an excursion. It offers dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, as well as animal encounter programs involving close contact with the animals. Families can combine a visit here with other experiences in nature and the landscape without planning every day according to the same pattern.

Discover the History of the Florida Keys

Islamorada also has a historical side. In 1836, Indian Key was the first county seat of Dade County. The island was also the site of a lucrative business salvaging cargo from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. This history gives the destination an additional dimension and appeals to travelers who want to spend their time not exclusively on activities, but also on regional discoveries.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Islamorada, you can first consider which experiences should be the focus of your trip. Nature enthusiasts can look for proximity to the Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve and its unique habitats. For active days, options include the long bike path, the facilities at Founders Park, or the kayak launch. Those who prefer culture and history can include Indian Key and the history of the Florida Keys in their plans.

For further orientation in the overview, Marathon, Key Largo, Sugarloaf Key, Duck Key, Cudjoe Key, Little Torch Key, Big Pine Key, and Key West are also available as options.

For the higher-level travel overview: Monroe.