Islamorada FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Islamorada, Florida.
1. Theater of the Sea
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
Theater of the Sea ranks as one of the top attractions in Islamorada, providing a wonderful home for marine animals while offering interactive experiences for visitors. Guests can enjoy dolphin shows and even swim with dolphins in a natural salt water lagoon. The facility is dedicated to inspiring awareness and sensitivity towards animals, the environment, and conservation issues.
2. History of Diving Museum
UNDERWATER EXPLORATION HERITAGE
The History of Diving Museum offers interactive exhibits and artifacts that showcase the rich history of underwater exploration. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours through the museum's extensive collection, while children can participate in engaging scavenger hunts designed to make learning fun. The museum caters to both diving enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, making it an educational experience for all ages.
3. Florida Keys Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Florida Keys Brewing Company stands as the Keys' only production brewery open to the public, located in the heart of the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. Visitors can sample a variety of locally crafted beers in a vibrant, artistic atmosphere that captures the essence of the Florida Keys. The brewery has become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and tourists seeking to taste authentic Keys flavors in liquid form.
4. Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
SPIRITS AND BREWS
Islamorada Brewery & Distillery offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers and spirits in a relaxed Keys atmosphere. Located at Mile Marker 82, this establishment combines the art of brewing and distilling to create unique flavors that capture the essence of the Florida Keys. Visitors can tour the facility, sample various offerings, and enjoy the laid-back ambiance that epitomizes the Islamorada lifestyle.
5. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
ANCIENT CORAL FORMATIONS
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park invites visitors to walk along quarry walls where they can see fossils and cross-sections of ancient coral known as Keystone. The park features five self-guided paths allowing exploration of native Florida vegetation and wildlife in their natural habitat. This unique geological site provides insight into the formation of the Florida Keys and the historical quarrying operations that supplied material for the overseas railroad.
6. Robbie's Marina
FEED THE GIANT TARPON
Robbie's Marina offers the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding massive tarpon that gather around the docks waiting for treats from visitors. Beyond the famous tarpon feeding, the marina serves as a hub for various water activities including fishing charters, boat rentals, and eco-tours around the Keys. Visitors can also browse local art vendors and enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, making it a complete Florida Keys experience.
7. Anne's Beach
SCENIC SHALLOW SHORELINE
Anne's Beach is a picturesque public shoreline offering shallow, warm waters perfect for wading and relaxing in a natural Keys setting. A wooden boardwalk winds through mangroves, providing scenic views and access to several small sandy areas equipped with picnic tables. The beach's shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families with young children or anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Keys without deep water swimming.
8. Founders Park
RECREATION AND MARINA HUB
Founders Park serves as Islamorada's premier recreational facility with a marina that acts as the starting point for many water adventures. The expansive park features sports facilities, swimming areas, and event spaces that host community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the park's amenities and its position as a central hub for both land and water activities in the Keys.
9. Sandbar Excursions
SHALLOW WATER SOCIAL HUB
Sandbar Excursions take visitors to the famous Islamorada sandbar, a natural shallow area where boats gather and people enjoy wading in crystal-clear waters. This popular social spot allows visitors to relax in knee-deep water while enjoying refreshments and soaking up the Florida sun. Tours operated by companies like Wild Dolphin Tours based at Amara Cay Resort provide transportation and guidance to this unique Keys experience.
10. The Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours
MARINE MAMMAL ENCOUNTERS
The Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours offers an adventure of a lifetime with interactive dolphin experiences in a natural salt water lagoon. These memorable encounters are available for participants of all ages and swimming abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this magical marine interaction. Trained professionals guide visitors through educational and respectful interactions with these intelligent marine mammals in their Islamorada facility.
11. 1935 Hurricane Memorial
HISTORIC TRIBUTE MONUMENT
The 1935 Hurricane Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the hundreds of victims of the devastating Labor Day Hurricane that struck the Florida Keys. The monument features a stone crypt containing the remains of many unknown victims and sits alongside a sculpture depicting the storm's destruction. Visitors can learn about this pivotal event in Florida Keys history through informative displays that recount the Category 5 hurricane's impact on the region.
12. Indian Key Historic State Park
OFFSHORE ISLAND HISTORY
Indian Key Historic State Park preserves the remains of a once-thriving community on a small island accessible only by boat. Visitors can explore the ruins of this 19th-century settlement that was once the county seat and a center for salvaging shipwrecks before its destruction in 1840. The island now offers hiking trails, informative signage about its fascinating history, and excellent opportunities for snorkeling in the surrounding clear waters.
13. Rain Barrel Artisan Village
LOCAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
Rain Barrel Artisan Village features a collection of shops and galleries showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople in a charming outdoor setting. Visitors are greeted by a giant lobster sculpture named Betsy, which has become an iconic photo opportunity and landmark in Islamorada. The village offers everything from handmade jewelry and paintings to tropical-themed souvenirs, providing a unique shopping experience that captures the creative spirit of the Florida Keys.
14. Morada Way Arts & Cultural District
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District serves as the creative heart of Islamorada, hosting galleries, studios, and cultural events that celebrate the artistic spirit of the Florida Keys. Visitors can explore multiple art spaces, watch artists at work, and participate in the popular Third Thursday Art Walks featuring live music, food, and community engagement. This vibrant district reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Islamorada's residents and their passion for art and cultural expression.
15. The Eagle Shipwreck
RENOWNED DIVING SITE
The Eagle shipwreck stands as one of Islamorada's most lauded dive sites, offering underwater explorers a chance to swim through a deliberately sunk vessel now teeming with marine life. Divers can navigate through the ship's corridors and rooms while encountering colorful fish, corals, and other sea creatures that have made this artificial reef their home. The site's popularity stems from its accessibility to various skill levels and the fascinating way nature has reclaimed the vessel since its sinking.