Islamorada

Located in the beautiful Florida Keys midway between Key West and Miami, Islamorada is the "sport fishing capital of the world" - a destination renowned among fishermen, sailors and yachtsmen who agree that Islamorada boasts a larger fishing fleet per square mile than any other place on earth. Pronounced "eye-lah-mor-ah-dah", this idyllic spot is a little slice of paradise where warm waters, white sand beaches, swaying palms and beautiful sunsets come together to remind visitors to drop into low gear every once in while. As appealing as it is to those angling for prized game fish, divers and snorkelers also gravitate to sunny Islamorada, drawn to its shallow coral reefs and intriguing shipwrecks. Likewise, anyone who loves water sports, including parasailing, kayaking, boat racing and windsurfing, is happily at home here.

"Pronounced "eye-lah-mor-ah-dah," this idyllic spot
is a little slice of paradise"

Fishing tournaments crowd the Islamorada calendar year-round, but that's not all there is to do here. Islamorada is home to a thriving arts and cultural community. Art galleries dot the Overseas Highway and the Morada Way Arts & Culture District hosts Third Thursday Walkabouts that bring together islanders and visitors for monthly celebrations of Islamorada's artistic side.

Islamorada is actually a collection of four separate islands, two that are part of the Florida State Park system and one private island, as well as smaller islands. It's thought to be the oldest inhabited place in the Florida Keys. According to local legend, 16th century Spanish explorers called the area "islas moradas" (purple isles).