Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” this is a prime choice for visitors who want to cast a line out into the sparkling blue. Fishing is by far one of the most popular activities in the area. The waters are teeming with bonefish, tarpon, snook, sea trout, snapper, sharks, and Spanish mackerel. Fishing charters abound to help you find the best spots for reeling in an unforgettable catch.
If you prefer other beach activities, Islamorada's clear, warm waters offer the ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you're after a tamer wildlife encounter, head to the Theater of the Sea where you can swim with dolphins, rays, sharks, and sea lions. Meet sea turtles, catch a parrot show, or explore the park's lush lagoons for a close personal look at native wildlife.
Islamorada is a charming Floridian destination where you can enjoy all the best aspects of the keys. Whether you're interested in lounging by the pool or spending long days on the water, you'll find everything you need to enjoy a relaxing vacation here.
When to Visit Islamorada, Florida
The Florida Keys offer warm, comfortable weather year-round. The average highs range from the mid-70s in winter to the upper 80s in summer. Lows dip into the mid-60s in winter and rise into the upper 70s by summer. Winters are the driest season with monthly precipitation around 2 inches. Hurricane season in the Keys lasts from June through November. This is also the wettest part of the year with daily rains in the afternoon.
If you're a fan of festivals, spring is the best time to visit the keys. Islamorada's Seafood Festival takes place in March, highlighting the fresh, delicious fare in the area. The Islamorada Island Fest follows in April. Around 100 artists gather to show their works. Live music, food, and classic cars add additional excitement to the event.
If you're looking for the lowest rates of the season, plan your visit for late autumn. September, October, and November mark the tail end of hurricane season and occur well after most children have gone back to school. If you don't mind the occasional storm, you can enjoy tasty nearby events like the Key West Brewfest in September or the Key Largo Stone Crab & Seafood Festival in November.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Islamorada, FL:
Islamorada, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Islamorada, FL. Browse these charts to evaluate the cheapest months to make a reservation in Islamorada during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Islamorada, Florida
4 Star Average Prices: $256.56
Islamorada's luxury hotels offer a picturesque paradise escape. On-site amenities abound at destinations like the Pelican Cove Resort & Marina where you'll find a saltwater lagoon, sparkling swimming pool, marina, and cabana bar and café. The sleek guest rooms are awash in soothing neutral colors, so the view outside your window takes center stage. Guest rooms feature premium cable, a coffee maker, and a minifridge.
If you want extra space during your stay, the Pines & Palms Resort is a prime pick in Islamorada. All rooms here feature full kitchens, so you can cook your catch yourself. Choose from a quaint oceanfront cottage or roomy one, two, or three-bedroom suite. The heated freshwater pool is perfect for a dip in any season, while the Tiki bar keeps icy refreshments close by. Free dockage and ramp use are available for guests with a boat.
The Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost, is your best option if you want plenty of recreation close by. Islander Watersports has all the rentals you could want for a fun day on the water. On-site dining is available at Guy's Beachside Bar & Grill where you'll find an extensive lunch and dinner menu with a special focus on fresh seafood. If you're looking for luxury accommodations, book one of the Bayside Townhomes. These feature full gourmet kitchens, private balconies, two private bedrooms, and one-and-a-half or two baths.
Affordable Hotels in Islamorada, Florida
3 Star Average Prices: $240.69
Most people don't think of the Florida Keys as a budget vacation destination, but you can find some good deals when you know where to look. The most affordable hotel in Islamorada is the Harbor Lights. This hotel offers a variety of accommodations, so you can find the right room for any party. Standard rooms feature a small refrigerator so that you can keep cool drinks close. Kitchenette rooms include an oven and stove top. Small on-site duplex cottages offer added privacy.
Property amenities at the Harbor Lights include a freshwater pool, spacious screened barbecue cabana, a boat ramp, and sandy sunbathing spots. Overlooking the ocean, this resort offers a picturesque vacation destination for a low price.
The Creekside Inn Islamorada is another budget-friendly option in the area. Rooms include a microwave and minifridge, so you can keep your favorite drinks and snacks handy. Free Wi-Fi will help you stay connected or plan the day ahead from your cozy room. Every room at the resort is within 20 feet of the water. Select rooms offer balconies or private decks over the water. On-site dining is available at Made 2 Order where you can choose anything from a decadent crabcake eggs Benedict to simple fish and grits. The lunch menu features seafood and sandwiches.
2 Star Average Prices: $156.10
Best Discounts in Islamorada, Florida
Check out the latest promotions at your favorite Islamorada hotel before booking a room. Though chain destinations are sparse here, the local accommodations often run seasonal specials or creative packages. At Pelican Cove, you can book the midweek “Hook'N'Cook” package. With this deal, you can bring in your catch and the hotel's café will serve it up with two sides and a dessert.
The Amara Cay Resort has a sweet spot for locals. Florida residents can save 20 percent on their stay here. This hotel also offers special packages designed for a girlfriends' getaway, romantic escape, or affordable midweek retreat.
The Chesapeake Beach Resort offers seasonal specials with discounted rates during the slowest days of the season. If you have a flexible calendar, it's easy to enjoy a discounted stay at this hotel. At the La Siesta Resort & Marina, you can save on midweek stays. Florida residents enjoy special rates here as well.
Best Value Options in Islamorada, Florida
For maximum value, try a midpriced hotel like the Drop Anchor Resort and Marina. Dockage and a boat ramp are available for guests' convenience. Standard rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, cable television with HBO, a minifridge, and a coffee maker. Select rooms have a full kitchen for added convenience. If you have a larger party, look for one of the spacious rooms with a sofa bed to accommodate more people.
The Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina bills itself as “Islamorada's Favorite Oceanfront Playground.” Its beachfront location is perfect for swimming and sunning. Fishing charters take off from the hotel's marina. The rooms are breezy and beachy, with hard floors and a simple ocean-inspired color palette. Amenities include a minifridge, coffee maker, and Wi-Fi. Select rooms offer marina and ocean views. On-site dining is available at the Tiki Bar and Jaws Raw Bar.
The La Siesta Resort & Marina is an all-suite resort that's ideal for an extended stay in the keys. The accommodations feature spacious living and dining areas, kitchenettes, and cozy sleeping spaces. Bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment are available for resort guests. The hotel also offers a private beach and heated pool. A resort fee of $25 is added to your stay and includes all rentals as well as a continental poolside breakfast.
Fishing in Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada is best known for its fishing and offers enticing catches in nearly every season. In winter, you'll find sailfish, king mackerel, black fin tuna, snapper, grouper, amberjack, swordfish, and African pompano. By spring, you'll begin to see mahi-mahi, cobia, and swordfish along with many of the same catches as winter. Summer brings marlin and fall dolphin into the mix.
You need a Florida fishing license to take to the waters in Islamorada, but this is easy to obtain. You can purchase your license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission or at many local sporting goods retailers.
A saltwater shoreline license is free to obtain. Other licenses come at a moderate cost. A nonresident three-day saltwater or freshwater fishing license is $17, and a seven-day license is $30. If you plan to return later in the year, you may want to invest in an annual license. An annual fishing license is $47 for a nonresident and $17 for Florida residents.
Islamorada is a stunning tropical escape that's ideal for anyone who wants to get away to a peaceful locale with soft sandy beaches, clear waters, and ample outdoor recreation. While you won't find the bustle of major Floridian cities like Miami or Orlando, you will find a laid-back destination where your worries can drift away.
FAQs about hotels in Islamorada
How much does a cheap hotel in Islamorada cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Islamorada can be as cheap as $156.10 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Islamorada cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Islamorada has been $240.69 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Islamorada cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Islamorada has been $256.56 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Islamorada, FL
Below are reviews of the city of Islamorada, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Restaurants, marinas, music and sunsets!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Restaurants and marinas, woohoo! Lorelei for sunset with music and a magician! Lazy Days!
Nicole D., from 23-Jan-2024
"Clean Facility"
Score
5.0 / 5
Courteous staff and clean facility.
Leonor M., from 06-Dec-2023
"Fishing & Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Went fishing and shopping!
John R., from 27-Nov-2023
"Lots to do plus good restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots to do plus good restaurants!
Gerald W., from 25-Oct-2023
"Lots of cute places to visit nearby."
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of cute places to visit nearby.
Kaitlyn S., from 05-Oct-2023
"The BEST Fishing!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We love to fish so Islandmorada is the Best!
Tobias B., from 25-Sep-2023
"Cute shops, cute eateries, pretty beach."
Score
4.0 / 5
Cute shops, cute eateries. Pretty beach on one side of the island.
Robyn W., from 19-Sep-2023
"When we come to The Keys we stay here!"
Score
4.0 / 5
When we come to The Keys we stay here!
Greg K., from 16-Jul-2023
"Cute shops and eateries & a pretty beach."
Score
4.0 / 5
Cute shops, cute eateries. Pretty beach on one side of island.
Robyn W., from 20-Jun-2023
"Boating Access"
Score
5.0 / 5
I like the access to boating. The water was beautiful!
Marci N., from 12-Jun-2023
"Beautiful Place!"
Score
4.0 / 5
If I ever come into money, I could live there, just beautiful and friendly people 😊✌️
Katherine L., from 30-May-2023
"Entertainment"
Score
4.0 / 5
I love Islamorada. A lot of entertainment.
Roxana S., from 03-May-2023
"Beautiful City With Lots to Do and See!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It is a beautiful city and there is a lot to do and see the area.
Susan K., from 23-Apr-2023
"Tons of Great Restaurants & Beautiful Sunsets!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The sunsets were beautiful!
Tons of great restaurants.
Plenty of things to do.
Oleg F., from 23-Mar-2023
"Snorkling, Scuba, Jetski Tours, Fishing, Etc!"
Score
4.0 / 5
For those who enjoy being on/near the water, there are an abundance of activities to do. Snorkeling/scuba, jetski tours, parasailing, fishing, etc. As a boy who grew up on the coast, I thoughly enjoyed myself.
Gary B., from 22-Mar-2023
"Lots of Shopping & Dining Options!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Laid back vibe. Lots of shops and dining options.
Cassandra W., from 14-Jan-2023
"Hotel is close to Robbie's Marina and Lorelei!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Robbie's Marina and Lorelei was close by hotel!
Queenie H., from 08-Jan-2023
"Calm & Quiet Island!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Islamorada was a calm and quiet island which made a perfect relaxing and rejuvenating vacation spot!
Alli S., from 27-Dec-2022
"We have been vacationing in Islamorada for over 35 years!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We have been vacationing in Islamorada for over 35 years. Best town in the Keys.
William W., from 24-Sep-2022
"Beautiful fishing village!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful fishing village that our whole family has been visiting every summer for more than 30 years.
William W., from 18-Sep-2022
"Islamorada is wonderful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Islamorada is wonderful!
Allison R., from 08-Sep-2022
"Scuba diving and restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Scuba diving and restaurants!
Jane B., from 16-Feb-2022
"Great"
Score
5.0 / 5
the weather!
Debbie N., from 05-Nov-2019
"Enjoyable Visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice small town and laid back with many places to see.
Joseph S., from 03-Dec-2014
"All Around Fun"
Score
5.0 / 5
We really enjoyed the city and found a lot of great restaurants there!!! The fishing was fantastic!
Eric K., from 24-Aug-2014
"Ahhhh!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Islamorada is laid back and peaceful.
Catherine P., from 01-May-2014
"Highly recommend"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great 2 night location when touring the Keys.
Jim T., from 08-Nov-2013
The average traveler rating of the city of Islamorada, FL shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 27 reviews