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Your Next Weekend Escape: Islamorada

Looking for a quick getaway that unites your love of the Florida Keys with beachy cocktails, seaside excursions and tropical eats? Just under two hours from Miami, the four islands of Islamorada are known for having an upscale, small-town vibe with museums, seafood restaurants, boating and lots of sunshine. Here, the best things to do in Islamorada for a dreamy weekend escape.

6 Underrated Beaches Near Miami


things to do in islamorada hadley house
Courtesy of Hadley House

1. Stay Right On The Sand

For the best of both the beach and boating, book a villa at Hadley House, which is located near the center of Islamorada. This recently remodeled boutique resort (from $150) is set up near some of the Key’s most popular restaurants and attractions, with cocktails, water sports and other activities like breweries and museums all less than a five-minute drive away. With a location practically sitting on the sand, guests of the hotel can take advantage of complimentary on-site kayaking and paddle boarding or (for an added charge) a private jet-skiing tour of the surrounding keys. The Cheeca Lodge & Spa is another popular resort, offering tropical-inspired rooms, a nine-hole golf course and a full-service spa on a secluded beach with a fishing pier (from $200).

things to do in islamorada robbies marina
Courtesy of Robbie’s of Islamorada

2. Explore The Beaches And Beyond

We promised beaches, so here you go: Founders Park in Islamorada features 45 acres of clear coastline, with shallow turquoise waters, plenty of sand and palm trees to lounge under for an afternoon. Then, check out the History of Diving Museum, which features one of the largest collections of diving artifacts in the world. Speaking of which, the Theater of the Sea is the world’s second oldest marine mammal facility, where you can swim with dolphins, California sea lions and stingrays. Swing by Islamorada’s growing arts district too, which includes numerous galleries such as Pasta Pantaleo’s and Michelle Lowe’s. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch the Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk, which features live music, food and local art. But above all, book a sunset sail at Robbie’s Marina, home to its world-famous tarpon feeding, shopping and food. You’ll cruise along the open ocean for nearly two hours, catching one of the most picturesque sunsets in Florida. (Oh, and the boat is always stocked with free Champagne.)

things to do in islamorada lorelei restaurant
Courtesy of Lorelei Restaurant

3. Dine On Sea-to-table Eats

Unsurprisingly, seafood reigns supreme in Islamorada. Some of the freshest catches can be found at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, where the setting is next-level (you’ll literally eat dinner on the sand facing the water) and the food is out of this world. Get there 30 minutes before sunset, order a margarita and pair it with smoked fish dip and a blackened snapper sandwich. Other noteworthy island restaurants include Midway Café and Coffee Bar for breakfast and brunch, Green Turtle Inn and Chef Michael’s for something slightly more upscale, and the Hungry Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, which is home to the best blackened hogfish sandwich ever.

things to do in islamorada florida keys brewing co
Courtesy of Florida Keys Brewing Co.

4. Drink Locally-brewed Beer

Get this: Islamorada is home to not one but two funky breweries worthy of a visit. Florida Keys Brewing Co. (try the best-selling Iguana Bait) and Islamorada Beer Company both brew local beers with Keys-inspired ingredients, from key limes to starfruit and honey. You’ll also want to stop by Hog Heaven, a waterfront sports bar known for live music, stiff margaritas and sweet sangria. If your schedule allows, spend a few hours at Florida Keys Brewing Co.’s outdoor beer garden, which also features live music a few nights a week.



clarissa buch

Miami Editor

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Focused on food, lifestyle, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, and Departures, among other print and digital titles.