Islamorada is one of many gems in the Florida Keys. Located directly between Miami and Key West, this small town is beloved for its fishing and boating scene, bay beaches and ocean views. It’s the perfect getaway for travelers looking for a quaint, adventure-filled escape. Rich Entertainment Group (REG) is proud to bring locals and tourists together at three of our renowned dining establishments.
Take a Fishing Charter
A trip to Islamorada just simply isn’t complete without a day on the water fishing. After all, it is considered the sport fishing capital of the world. Professionals and amateurs alike can find guided fishing charters across the area with access to some of the most diverse fly and small tackle fishing waters anywhere in the country. Islamorada’s charters provide guests with all the gear they need to make the big catch. Even if fishing isn’t your thing, there’s no better view of the island and its stunning scenery than by boat.
Relax On (or Explore) Nearby Beaches
The Florida Keys are known for beaches, and Islamorada’s certainly don’t disappoint.
Founders Park is located on the northeastern side of the village. A local beach hotspot in the area, Founders Park is known for its pristine shallow swimming area on Florida Bay with tiki huts, shady palms, pavilions and other amenities.
Library Beach Park sits in the heart of the village along a mangrove channel. It’s great for families looking to lay back, relax and soak up some sun.
Heading south is Anne’s Beach, with its sandy shores, blue waves and boardwalk. This hotspot is free to the public and popular among visitors looking for wildlife or trying to catch a wave windsurfing.
Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters around Islamorada are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Make sure you stop at one or all of these three snorkeling hotspots while visiting.
Founders Park Beach
The rocky portions of the beach and mangroves at this beautiful park are filled with schools of colorful fish, jellyfish, nurse sharks and sting rays.
What Harbor Sandbar
This shallow sandbar is great for snorkeling or wading through the water. Snorkelers should stick to the north side of the sandbar. However, this is a popular spot, so anticipate other boaters and people in the water.
Alligator Reef
Named after the USS Alligator Navy schooner that sunk nearby in 1822, Alligator Reef is a landmark in Islamorada. You can even spot remains of the ballast stones at the base of the 135-foot-tall Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Plus, snorkelers can also see reef animals, coral, sponges and other marine life.
Visit Robbie’s
Robbie’s of Islamorada is considered one of the top attractions in all the Florida Keys. As the epicenter of adventure, Robbie’s offers guests a ton of exciting activities, including glass bottom boat tours, fishing charters, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. However, one of the main attractions is a tarpon feeding. Guests can pay to feed huge tarpons, which are known for their massive size and leaping abilities.
Grab a Bite to Eat
All that adventuring is sure to work up a big appetite. Luckily, the Islamorada restaurant scene is sure to please any palette.
The Green Turtle Inn has been a local landmark since 1947. Combining laid-back living with gourmet fare, the restaurant serves up everyone’s favorite breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts alongside one-of-a-kind meals. Even celebrity chef Guy Fieri had to stop by with the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives gang to try the Green Turtle Inn’s namesake dish, the Turtle Chowder.
Located right next to the Green Turtle, The Nest BBQ & Sports Bar cooks up some of the best barbeque in the Keys. Here, guests enjoy comfort in their food and accommodations, as the bar features refurbished seating and a Carolina-inspired menu. Sit back, relax and enjoy a featured tap from a local brewery, watch the latest sports game, or catch trivia or a comedy show.
Another of Islamorada’s most popular eateries is the Green Turtle Inn’s sister restaurant, Kaiyo Grill & Sushi, in the historic Viola Moody Howe house. As the area’s first Asian fusion and sushi restaurant, Kaiyo Grill took Islamorada by storm with its range of hot and cold dishes. Aside from fresh seafood, global flavors and superb service, the restaurant features a wrap-around porch, accompanying garden and unmatched views of the mangroves in Florida Bay—especially at sunset.
Dive Into Local History
Many Islamorada attractions revolve around the area’s rich history, dating back to the early 1500s. The Keys History & Discovery Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing Islamorada’s and the Florida Keys’ stories in its two-story facility. Exhibits at the Center include those of Native Americans, pirates, Spanish explorers and much more.
The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is just down the Overseas Highway, with artifacts, relics, gear and equipment all related to the art and history of diving. Further down the coast is one of the world’s oldest marine mammal facilities. Theater of the Sea connects visitors with rescued and rehabilitated dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and other regional creatures. General admission includes animal shows and tours, while visitors can purchase additional animal interactions.