Islamorada combines a distinctive natural landscape with opportunities for outdoor activities and historical connections to the Florida Keys. Seagrass meadows, part of the only coral reef tract in the continental United States, trails, and sports facilities give this destination several distinct points of interest. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether nature, active pursuits, or history should play the biggest role.
Nature and Trails in Islamorada
Islamorada is home to some of the world’s most extensive seagrass meadows. The area also includes part of the only coral reef tract in the continental United States. Tropical hardwood hammocks add another type of habitat to this landscape. They are home to approximately 100 species found only in this habitat type in the Florida Keys.
At Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, a flat, 0.4-mile loop trail winds through a dense tropical rockland hammock. Separately, the preserve has a floating kayak launch that is fully ADA accessible. The loop trail and launch are two distinct amenities: the first is a walking route, while the second describes the launch’s accessibility.
Cyclists also have a clearly defined route: Islamorada’s 18-mile bike path runs the entire length of the Village. In both scale and mode of travel, it is quite different from the short loop trail in the preserve.
Sports and Recreation
Founders Park has facilities for water sports, golf, soccer, baseball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, swimming, and basketball. Its range of activities extends beyond a focus on the water. At Anne’s Beach, there are 300 feet of boardwalk and six pavilions—two specific features of the site that offer a different way to get around than the bike path or sports facilities.
Theater of the Sea offers dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows, as well as animal encounter programs involving close contact with the animals. If these programs are an important part of your plans, check the specific show and program dates in advance.
History of the Florida Keys
Indian Key connects two historical themes: in 1836, the island was the first county seat of Dade County; it was also the site of a lucrative business salvaging cargo from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. These two aspects reveal different sides of the area’s history—county administration and the salvage trade.
Another historical connection can be found at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve. A historic Keys-style cottage stands there and was reportedly built before the 1935 hurricane. This date is explicitly based on reported accounts.
When choosing Islamorada as your destination, you can weigh these themes against one another: landscape and habitats, trails and outdoor activities, recreation, or the history of the Keys.
Discover more destinations: Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key, Little Torch Key, Stock Island, Key West, Summerland Key, Tavernier, Marathon
For the full trip overview: Monroe.
