My Happy Place: Islamorada
The Florida Keys is my happy place. I’ve been going since high school and now living in South Florida the fact that we can see the US-1 sea foam median in less than 1.5 hours is a dream.
I was debating whether to include all of the Florida Keys in this post or break it out by Key. Each key has it’s own personality so to start with the one that matches mine the most - ISLAMORADA!
Situated as a ‘halfway’ marker to Key West, this Key shouldn’t be overlooked if you are making the drive all the way down. It gives you that it’s 5-o clock somewhere - getting toasty in the sun feeling - to enjoying live music at the tiki bar. It has the true paradise vacation vibes mixed with a taste of the local culture.
Below is a compilation of my favorite places in Islamorada from my own experiences - whether it was for a romantic weekend, a couples weekend, weddings, a quick stop on the way to the Keys, etc.
FYI - I’m keeping it simple so it’s easy to copy/paste as you build out your itinerary. Cheers to getting away in paradise!
Robbie’s Marina *great place to go kayaking, paddle boarding, and feed tarpon
Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar *best sunset and live music
Pierre’s at Morada Bay *if you’re a Bloodline fan, it’s a must + very romantic date night
Chef Michael’s *delicious food options and great for date nights
Cheeca Lodge *premier fishing resort with a classy tiki bar
Amara Cay *beautiful trendy rooms and resort area with a poolside tiki bar
Sandbar by Wahoo’s *the namesake of the beer Sandbar Sunday - find yourself a boat and go out!
Square Grouper *good food and ambiance
Islamorada Fish Company *great for a casual lunch
Bass Pro Shops *grab yourself a PFG or sun hat
Hog Heaven dive bar on water *great for sports
Postcard Inn Holiday Isle *great outdoor tiki bar and live music
Marker 88 *great spot for lunch or dinner on your way down if driving
Islamorada Beer Company *a local spot with craft beers, liquor and the best merchandise
Florida Keys Brewery *hidden gem with fun outdoor area
The Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory *great key lime pie and cute outside area
Cafe Moka *great coffee and pastries
Bob’s Bunz *get there early, cinnamon buns sell out
Midway Coffee & Bar *great for a quick breakfast or coffee run