Islamorada in the Upper Florida Keys is known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World."  It is one of the most popular areas of the world to try your hand at reeling in the most sought after game fish.  Try a nearby charter and catch Tarpon, Marlin, Swordfish, Bonefish, Snapper or Yellowtail -- just to name a few.  Or perhaps you would prefer calmer waters with a Flats or Backcountry sportfishing excursion.

Nearby Key Largo, just 10 miles away, is known as the "Dive Capital of the United States" and one can easily see why -- with its abundant sea life amidst the reefs.  Snorkeling is also a favorite of this area as well.

And don't forget the wonderful attractions of the area -- for example:  Theater of the Sea where you can enjoy delightful dolphin and sea lion and parrot shows!  And there is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, with glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, scuba, boat rentals and swimming!  And one of our favorites, the very quaint Florida Keys Wild Bird Center.

Everglades National Park at Homestead, Florida, is just a short 1 hour drive north.  We recommend the informative pontoon trip at Flamingo and alligator and bird watching from the boardwalk on the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm.

What a great day trip -- The Miami Metro Zoo!  We loved it!  Open 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. 

And you will be surprised to find out how much more there is to the wonderful Upper Florida Keys.  Dine on fresh seafood at bayside or oceanfront casual or fine dining restaurants, kayak in beautiful crystal clear waters, visit many scenic beaches and public parks and enjoy many different water sports. 

Area Beaches and . . .

Harry Harris Park at MM 92.5 has a very nice boat ramp, man made beach, children's play area, fishing, swimming, picnic, grills, basketball court and softball field.  Anne's Beach located oceanside at MM 72.5 and has a sandy public beach with shallow swimming area, oceanfront nature boardwalk, covered picnic tables and bathroom facilities and no entrance fee.  Founders Park, owned by Islamorada, is located bayside at MM 86.5 and is the most complete park and recreation facility in the Florida Keys.  The bay waters here are shallow and calm, great for little children.  There is no charge for our guests to the main entrance of the park to utilize its sandy beach and adjacent playground, small watercraft rental, concession stand, restrooms, beach showers.  For a small daily fee, one can enjoy all its other attractions:  a skate park, and olympic swim and dive pool.  The old and famous Holiday Isle Resort at MM 84 oceanside makes its pools and sandy beach available to the public free of charge.  Feel free to meander through its outdoor shops as well and have a snack at its beach cafe.  Holiday Isle also has public full service marina which offers transient dockage and boat rental and experienced charter boat captains.  Holiday Isle is also the site of the famous multi-level Ticks beach bar called Rum Runners.

A Couple Favorite Restaurants . . .