Welcome to Islamorada Florida Vacation Rentals

Islamorada Vacation Rental Homes

Islamorada Attractions and Activities

History

Islamorada as a location name began in 1907 when William Krome platted a Upper Matecumbe Key subdivision titled "Townsite of Islamorada." Subsequent events perpetuated the name such as the naming of the railroad depot and establishment of the Islamorada Post Office in 1908. The use of the name slowly spread through usage even though in unincorporated Monroe County.

Islamorada incorporated on December 31, 1997 as "Islamorada, Village of Islands" is basically four separate and livable islands. Also included are two islands that are part of the Florida State Park system, Indian Key and Lignum Vitae Key and one private island, Tea Table Key. There are also small off-shore islands. Each island has its own unique history. So rather than repeat each island's history or loose some while condensing, each island has a link below. If you are not familiar with the locations, a basic location map is provided.

Why Vacation in Islamorada?

The perfect family destination, Islamorada and Islamorada vacation rentals entice visitors with its aqua blue waters, innumerable recreational activities and excellent lodging facilities. Be it diving, snorkeling, parasailing, wind surfing, kayaking, or boat racing, the four islands of Islamorada surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay offer something to do in, under and above the water any time of the day. If you are a sports freak, you can look forward to wide range of fishing tournaments, races and other sporting challenges every month of the year.

Islamorada Vacation Rental Information

Situated between Key Largo and Marathon, vacation rentals in the tropical get-away of Islamorada include a wide choice of luxury condos, private cottages, beachfront homes, cabins, oceanfront villas and studios. Offering spectacular views of the towering coconut palms, and the white-sand beaches, and the overwhelming Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Bay, these Islamorada vacation rentals are the ultimate in design, style, and comfort. Ranging from 1 bedroom for a cozy twosome to 6 bedrooms to accommodate large groups, these Islamorada lodges offer every imaginable convenience and amenities including heated swimming pool, spa, beach, and lighted tennis courts, protected dockage, cable TV, stereo, CD player, fish cleaning station, and hammock in the shaded breezeway. On site and nearby activities include biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, golf, shopping, swimming, snorkeling and diving, water skiing, and boating.

Best Times to Visit Islamorada

The laid back attitude has made the Keys a great escape from the stress and busy lifestyles of the mainland any time of the year. The tropical weather and the beautiful waters that surround the islands of Islamorada are perfect for enjoying summer activities such as boating, fishing, snorkeling and diving. The peak season is between December to September and it is advisable that you book your Islamorada vacation rental well in advance. The crowds during this period are the maximum and this is the best time to enjoy the glorious scenery and indulge in activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving at some of the planet's most important reef systems.

Attractions

Islamorada: The Ecotourist's Playground

If you think Montana is Big Sky Country, you should check out Islamorada. It is a gateway to one of the most varied watery wildernesses in America. Climb onto an ecotour boat here and you are in a stunning marine environment of coral formations, tropical fish and dolphin pods. Now head northwest into the fabled backcountry, and in just minutes you are in a world of manatees, crocodiles and roseate spoonbills. Some tour operators will take you all the way to Flamingo, a national park outpost situated where the Everglades spill into Florida Bay in Everglades National Park.

If human-powered craft are more your style, you're in luck too. Vast sea-grass beds and shallow tidal flats are easily accessible from marinas, resorts, and parks along U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent or you can hire a tour guide.

Tiny Lignumvitae Key is a fascinating stop for paddlers or boaters who want to stroll through a tropical forest thriving atop the remains of an ancient coral reef. Today, the island is home to Lignumvitae State Park and Botanical Site.

Lignum vitae is Latin for wood of life, and the lignum vitae tree was once used in ship building. The island bearing its name lies just a mile from U.S. 1 on the bay side, and is reachable only by boat, kayak or canoe. This raised patch of land, called a hammock, tops out at just 18-feet above sea level yet it is the highest point in the Keys. That might be why early 2Oth century settlers called it home. Today, you can still visit the Matheson House, built in 1919.

Events & Festivals

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