Located less than two hours south of Miami, Islamorada is an ideal destination for families who want a Florida Keys vacation without the extended drive to Key West. Famous for its fishing and diving, Islamorada offers families plenty to do in and around the water, a host of great kid-friendly restaurants, and some charming places to stay, as you’ll see in our roundup of the best Florida Keys hotels and resorts for families.
We have made the trip more than once, and each time we’ve returned wondering, how did we miss that attraction? It’s probably because it was so difficult pulling ourselves away from the beach or the pool!
Here, then, are our top things to do with kids in Islamorada, where the water is always blue and the skies are rarely gray. For more fun in the Keys, check out our list of the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids, part of our Florida Family Vacation Guide.
The name “Islamorada” comes from the Spanish, meaning “purple island.” It lies between mile markers 90 and 72 on US Route 1, the north-south access road that runs through the Florida Keys. Mile Marker 0 is in downtown Key West, meaning Islamorada is about two hours north of Key West. Located between Key Largo and Marathon, Florida, Islamorada consists of five inhabited islands and is home to about 6,000 full-time residents.
If you do visit, please remember hats, rash guards, and powerful sunblock for little ones. The Islamorada sun is quite strong, and who wants to leave this oceanside paradise for a trip to urgent care?
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Islamorada’s beaches are absolutely stunning.
Few places in the Keys can match Islamorada’s beaches. Head to Anne’s Beach for family time and hermit crab chasing, or visit Library Beach Park for a picnic. The water is calm and protected, and the soft sand is ideal for little toes.
Accessible only by boat, this sparsely populated, 11-acre state park is a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. It is an easy 45-minute kayak trip in shallow water from US 1 mile markers 77 and 79 on the mainland. Sorry, no pets.
Accessible by boat or kayak only, Lignumvitae Key—named for the lignumvitae trees that grow there—is a paddler’s paradise.Take in Florida’s natural world as you meander slowly through the island’s mangrove creeks. Lignumvitae Key is home to ospreys, herons, and all sorts of small fish; paddle slowly and see what you can observe.
Once a favored destination for Florida’s well-to-do, these days Long Key is a haven for bird watchers, swimmers, and kayakers. Bring your own kayak or rent one from the park’s ranger station.
A former quarry, the rocks on Windley Key were formed from fossilized coral. Guests can walk along the eight-foot-tall quarry walls to see cross-sections of the coral and learn about the quarry and its history. Stroll the five self-guided trails, then enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many available tables.
This expansive and well-landscaped park features a small beach, an Olympic-size pool, a splash pad, fitness trails, lighted pickleball courts, a playground, and other recreational facilities, including a dog park. It is family-focused; alcohol is prohibited.
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Enjoy a variety of water sports, like paddleboarding, in Islamorada.
From paddleboarding and kayaking to wakeboarding and Jet Skiing, Islamorada is a paradise for those who love the spray of sea water under a cloudless sky. Local charters are plentiful and cater to all ability levels. Most include lessons for beginners and kids.
Locals lovingly refer to Islamorada as “a laid-back drinking town with a fishing problem.” Indeed, fishing charters abound in and around the harbor area, and many offer two- or three-hour excursions that are ideal for kids and include gear, bait, and lessons. Options include Fishy Business Islamorada, Florida Keys Fun Fishing, and Forever Young Charters. Your hotel might have recommendations as well.
Sitting so close to a coral reef, it figures that Islamorada offers some of the best snorkeling anywhere in South Florida. A simple internet search will produce dozens of family-friendly charters, but spur-of-the-moment thinkers can just stroll by a nearby marina or ask at their hotel. Some charters even allow young kids to participate for FREE.
Enjoy the waters of Florida Bay or even the Atlantic Ocean in an excursion all your own. Half- or full-day boat rentals are available throughout Islamorada. Some even come with a captain, so you can leave the responsibility to him or her and just enjoy the outdoors. Choose from power boats, sailboats, or—for a calm ride—pontoon boats.
This small, metal-framed lighthouse is located about four miles off the eastern coast of Islamorada and is visible from US 1 most days. Once you get there—access is by boat or Jet Ski only—enjoy tranquil and near-transparent water that is part of a preserved marine sanctuary and is home to more than 600 species of fish.
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Swim with dolphins at Theater of the Sea.
At this popular attraction, kids can swim with dolphins, rays, and sea lions. Also enjoy dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, a bottomless boat ride, a lagoon beach, and fish and reptile tours featuring sharks, sea turtles, and more.
From the north to the south, Islamorada is bicycle-friendly, even for kids. Some back roads offer small bike-only trails; then, of course, there is the bicycle lane along US 1. Wherever you prefer, remember to ride with traffic. Rent a bike at Backcountry Cowboy or inquire at your hotel.
This popular hiking and biking destination features more than 90 miles of scenic trails along a 106-mile corridor stretching from Key Largo to Key West. Pick up the trail in Islamorada along US 1 and enjoy sightseeing, jogging, paddling, fishing piers, water access points, and more. Just remember the sunscreen.
At this Islamorada institution located on a marina, large tarpon will eat right out of your hands. The resident pelicans and herons also enjoy getting in on the action. Robbie’s is adjacent to the Hungry Tarpon restaurant and an outdoor souvenir market. You can also charter or rent a boat from the marina.
What is better than watching a great band at sunset or under the stars? Islamorada’s amphitheater delivers top local acts and more all year round. Its charitable programs also bring music programs to area students.
One of the only museums of its kind anywhere, here families can glimpse a collection of vintage diving equipment and learn the story of undersea explorations in the diving capital of the United States.
Visitors to this museum can view the incredible history of the Upper Keys, including displays on the unique ecology of the region. The museum’s second floor features a state-of-the-art theater showing documentaries on topics such as the history-making 1935 Labor Day hurricane.
Islamorada boasts two of the Keys’ finest breweries—and both are kid- and pet-friendly! Florida Keys Brewing Company is the Upper Keys’ oldest brewery, located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. Its signature beer is a light and crispy honey-infused Kolsch called Iguana Bait. A mile to the north, Islamorada Beer Company brews a selection of lagers and India Pale Ales, and is the only brewery plus distillery in the Keys. Both destinations offer music or other entertainment most days.
Visitors will want to take a selfie alongside this shopping area’s giant lobster, Betsy. Following that iconic moment, stroll past the collection of shops and art studios and find the perfect souvenir from your Islamorada vacation.
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Enjoy a meal with a view at Marker 88. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
This restaurant—located, of course, at mile marker 88—serves fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, local beer, and homemade Key Lime pie. Families can enjoy live music every day while dining on one of the few natural beaches in the Florida Keys.
Located on the water at mile marker 82, Lorelei’s offers live music, tables on the beach, a kids menu, and reasonable prices.
At Lazy Days, located at mile marker 80, families can enjoy a great seafood menu and assorted kids’ favorites on the beach. There is also room for kids to dance near the music stage.
No matter how often I urge my kids to sample the Key Lime pie—even frozen on a stick—they always prefer ice cream. Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream, located at mile marker 82, offers ice cream delicacies, candy, and pies. Mr. C’s, at mile marker 86, has homemade ice cream, gelato, sorbet, pies, and other baked treats. And Blond Giraffe (mile marker 92) and Trading Post (mile marker 82) are famous for their Key Lime dessert concoctions.
This new resort at mile marker 84 offers three pools, three beaches, fishing, water sports, and nine restaurants, including the popular Islamorada Pizza Company.
Cheeca Lodge, at mile marker 82, has been entertaining visitors for generations. It features two oceanfront family pools, a third adults-only pool, fishing, water sports, golf, tennis, pickleball, and a world-class spa.
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Photo courtesy of La Siesta Resort and Villas
This resort at mile marker 80 is more affordable, but still offers traditional resort-style amenities, including a zero-entry pool ideal for little ones and complimentary kayak and paddleboard rentals.
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