The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Islamorada, Florida Now

Islamorada, Florida may be halfway to Margaritaville from Miami, but it’s a destination all on its own. Islamorada, which translates to Purple Island, is home to relaxing views, tons of great food, and years of history.

1. THE WATERFRONT

Islamorada, Florida

One of the perks of being on a small island is getting to enjoy water views no matter where you are. Postcard Inn, a well known hotel and the site of the Famous Tiki Bar, lives up to its name with picture perfect postcard views.

2. THE COCKTAILS

Islamorada, Florida

Islamorada is home to the first ever Rum Runner, a cocktail made created in 1972, when the hotel’s owner challenged his manager, “Tiki John,” to create a drink using only the overstock liquor in the storeroom. Concocting a mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, Blackberry Brandy, banana liqueur, lime juice and grenadine, the original Rum Runner was born and is still served to guests today using the same recipe.

3. THE FOOD

Islamorada, Florida

You’ll find everything from great Italian to steakhouses to the freshest of fresh seafood. Many restaurants even have a “Catch and Cook” option where you can bring whatever you’ve caught during your adventures in fishing and they will clean and cook it for you.

4. THE ADVENTURE

Islamorada, Florida

Chartered yachts and fishing day trips are just the beginning when it comes to things to do in Islamorada. You’ll find hourly parasailing trips, reef diving, and paddling boarding on almost every corner. Whether you’re a novice or a pro on the open ocean, there’s something for everyone in Islamorada.

5. THE HISTORY

Islamorada, Florida

From pirates to devastating hurricanes, everywhere you turn on Islamorada you’ll find history and a happy local to tell you the stories they’ve heard passed down each generation. They say Ernest Hemingway spent some time writing in Islamorada when he was living in Key West. Earlier than that Spanish sea charts of the 1500s show that the freshwater wells located nearby were important to explorers and later seafarers who passed by. There is also archeological evidence that several different Indian communities were located in Islamorada and that they were frequently visited by the explorers who came ashore for fresh water.