Islamorada’s beaches make for a great retreat, but the area is also known for its water sports. Whether you’re an angler looking to go tarpon fishing, an adventurer hoping to go dolphin spotting, or a boater who wants to cruise the backwaters before heading back to the Islamorada Marina’s protected dockage, there’s a getaway with your name on it. Known as the Village of Islands, Islamorada comprises five islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, and Indian Key. Approximately halfway between Miami and Key West in the Florida Keys, it’s about 10 miles south of Tavernier, 16 miles south of Key Largo, and 81 miles north of Key West.

Summertime in the Keys and the living is easy — but scorching hot. High temperatures are in the upper 80s to 90s Fahrenheit, while lows hover around the mid-70s. Along with the warm weather comes humidity, which can often feel oppressive, so opt for lightweight, comfortable clothing. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so keep an eye on the forecast, since there is only one road in and out of the Keys, and you’ll want to plan ahead if conditions get extreme. Spring and fall may be the more comfortable times of year to visit, when it’s between the upper 60s and 80s. But winters are also lovely in the mid-60s to upper 70s — and with less rain.

Founders Park

This 45-acre park is the most popular of the village’s parks, especially because of its shallow beach on the bay side. In addition to tiki huts, picnic tables, volleyball courts, and a playground, there’s also an Olympic-size pool, walking trails, a driving range, and courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Walk along the eight-foot-high walls of the former quarry, formed of Key Largo limestone (fossilized coral). The land was once owned by the Florida East Railroad, a company that helped build the Overseas Railroad in the early 20th century, connecting the mainland to Key West — but it was eventually damaged by hurricanes and shut down.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse

The namesake for the 136-foot-tall lighthouse, built in 1873, is not the reptile, but rather the USS Alligator, whose remains are deep underwater. Nowadays, the area is known for its reef with 500 sea life species, including barracudas and spiny lobsters.