This village of homey islands includes Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key. Two offshore islands, accessible only by boat, have special pasts: historic Indian Key, a site where early settlers were attacked by raiding Indians, and Lignumvitae Key, an ancient, patch of land where tropical hardwood trees, including the lignumvitae, have taken root.
A perfect playground for adults, the Islamorada area also features eco-tours, water sports equipment rentals, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes and beautiful romantic vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.
Restaurants range from very upscale continental, fresh-from-the-dock seafood to casual to downright funky.
Considered to be the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is heralded for its angling diversity and features the Keys’ largest fleet of offshore charter and shallow-water “backcountry” boats with tournament-grade captains.
South of Islamorada, walk through undeveloped tropical forests at Long Key State Park. Further down the road on Grassy Key, the Dolphin Research Center affords a rare opportunity for one-on-one contact with these intelligent mammals.