Today, known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," Islamorada is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys' largest fleet of offshore charter boats and shallow-water "backcountry" boats. However, there's more to do in the Islamorada area than fishing.
Scuba divers and snorkelers can enjoy the intentionally scuttled 287-foot Eagle, along with Davis, Conch, Alligator and Pickles reefs, Crocker Wall, and the aquarium and fish bowl, two shallow patch reefs with abundant coral and tropical fish.
"One by land and two by sea" describes how visitors can visit three state parks in Islamorada. On land, travelers can step inside an above ground coral reef at the Windley Key Fossil Reef State Geological Site. Traveling by boat, visitors can explore Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site, home to a virgin hardwood hammock untouched by modern development; and Indian Key State Historic Site, a once-bustling town that was the seat of the Dade County government from 1836 to 1866, which was burned to the ground during the Second Seminole War in 1840.
Another state park, the Long Key State Recreation Area, offers camping, canoeing, nature trails, a small beach and picnic grounds.
The Islamorada area also features eco-tours, watersports rentals, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes, beautiful vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, opportunities to swim with dolphins and stingrays and a more unusual recreational activity: feeding tarpon off the docks at Robbie's Marina, mile marker (MM) 77.5 bayside.
Area beaches outside of the Long Key State Recreation Area include a family facility with picnic tables behind the Islamorada Public Library and Anne's Beach, where stretches of sand are linked by a nature trail.
Islamorada is a 1.5-hour drive from Miami International Airport and a 45-minute drive from Marathon Airport in the Middle Keys. For more information, write the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 915, Islamorada, FL, 33036; call 1-800-FAB-KEYS or (305) 664-4503; or, stop by the Islamorada Visitor Center at MM 82.2 bayside.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE ISLAMORADA
Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park, MM 85, bayside. An exposed coral reef, this park once served as a quarry for construction of Henry Flagler's Key West extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. Later, it was used to harvest decorative building stones. An environmental center documents park and regional history, and nature trails wind through mangrove hammocks. For more information, call 305-664-2540 or visit online at www.floridastateparks.org/windleykey.Theater of the Sea, MM 84.5, oceanside. Visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins, stringrays and sea lions and enjoy wild animal exhibits. Shows include parrots, dolphins and sea lions. For attraction hours and show times, call 305-664-2431 or visit online at www.theaterofthesea.com.
Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, MM 83, bayside. Considered one of the world's largest collections of historic dive equipment traces 3,000 years of diving. A "Parade of Nations" features historic dive helmets from some 25 nations and a special gallery features artifacts and recovery tools used by pioneering treasure hunter, Art McKee. For more information call 305-664-9737 or visit online at www.divingmuseum.com.
TIB Amphitheater at Founders Park, MM 87, bayside. Six rows of concrete seats that accommodate approximately 300 people and open festival seating on the grass that can accommodate up to 4,000 makes this outdoor performing arts amphitheater popular for concerts, Shakespeare, dance and other live performances.
Pioneer Cemetery, MM 82, oceanside. Situated on the beach at Cheeca Lodge, this cemetery provides a final resting place for Islamorada area pioneers. The statue of an angel located here was one of few structures left standing after the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
Hurricane Monument, MM 81.6, oceanside. A large stone features an impression of palm trees swaying with the wind, and beneath the tiled mosaic that forms the base of the monument are the ashes of many who lost their lives in the 1935 hurricane.
Islamorada Library Beach, MM 81.5, bayside. This small beach offer picnic facilities and is located behind the Helen Wadley Branch library.
Indian Key Historic State Park, MM 78.5, oceanside. Accessible only by kayak or canoe, this island once housed the largest population between St. Augustine and Key West. In 1840, during the Second Seminole War, Indian warriors paddled to the island, killed most of the residents and burned the island structures to the ground. There is no admission fee. For more information, call 305-664-2540 or visit online at www.floridastateparks.org/indiankey.
