-
“Things to do in Islamorada” courtesy of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce
-
Founders Park One of the most complete recreational resources in The Keys
-
Indian Key State Park “Manager's Message: Due to damage caused by past storms, the dock at Indian Key has sustained considerable structural damage. Currently, public access to the island is available only by canoe or kayak. Noted doctor and horticulturist, Henry Perrine, moved with his family to Indian Key on Christmas Day of 1838. The tropical paradise he encountered was ideal for growing plants. His vision was to grow plants that would be of economic benefit to the United States, in south Florida, and on land provided by grant, from the federal government. These dreams never fully materialized and came to a tragic end on August 7, 1840 when Indians attacked the island and burned it to the ground. Even though we have no replacement dock yet (from Hurricane Wilma), you can still canoe, kayak or anchor out and wade in to explore the island streets. You will experience a cultural landscape consisting of plants that were part of the hopes and dreams of Dr. Perrine, and the ruins of a town from the 1830s.”
-
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park “The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida's Upper Keys; most of these forests have been lost to development on other islands. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker's home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest. Ranger-guided tours are given twice daily, Thursday through Monday. The park is accessible only by private boat or tour boat. Tour boat services, as well as boat and kayak rentals, are available from Robbie's Marina. For tour reservations call (305) 664-9814. Located one mile west of U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 78.5.”
-
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park “Formed of Key Largo limestone, fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone called Keystone. Today, visitors can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of the ancient coral and learn about the quarry and its operation- an important part of Florida's 20th century history. Samples of the quarry machinery have been preserved at the park. Visitors can enjoy the natural attributes of this island while strolling five short, self-guided trails. Picnic tables are available. The visitor center, open Thursday through Monday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., features educational exhibits about the history of this site. Located at Mile Marker 85.5 on Windley Key near Islamorada.”
-
Florida Keys History of Diving Museum “The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs and oral history relative to the History of Diving. We tell the international story of man’s attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this untold story.”
-
Theater Of The Sea “…is an educational and entertaining marine animal park where performances are up close and personal and marine animals live in natural saltwater lagoons. We offer several animal interaction programs enabling guests to get up close and personal with our dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. The lagoons and lush, tropical gardens at the facility are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, crocodiles, alligators, marine invertebrates, parrots, and birds-of-prey.”
-
Robbie’s Marina “This is the place where you can watch and feed wild Tarpon; it is also the hub for most of our marine activities. From here you can embark on any of our popular tours, rent a kayak or go on a jet ski tour, hire a Backcountry or Patch Reef Fishing Guide, or Rent-A-Boat and chart your own course.”
