Getting ready for a vacation to the Florida Keys? Spending time soaking up the sun on the best beaches in Islamorada, Florida, is a must. One of the most visited destinations in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is known for its sandy beaches, warm shallow waters, and marine life.
Spread out over six small islands, Islamorada doesn’t cover much ground, but still offers tons of opportunities for a memorable family or solo vacation. The village teems with major family attractions, including the Theater of the Sea, with its famed dolphin encounters; and the History of Diving Museum. You can bring your furry friend along as well; Islamorada is both dog-friendly and family-friendly.
Can’t wait to plan your Islamorada beach vacation? Find your sunny oasis at one of these favorite Islamorada beaches.
Looking for more vacation ideas? Check out all our other beach guides and our Florida Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, when to visit & what to do!
Top-rated Islamorada beaches
Anne’s Beach
Named after Anne Eaton, Anne’s Beach has a small shallow swimming area perfect for families and young children. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can relax under plenty of shade or read a book on the soft white sand. With its parking lots and central location, it’s one of Islamorada’s most accessible beaches.
Anne’s Beach doesn’t have much to do except suntan and take short swims. The pavilions with picnic tables make it a key spot for family events, though, if you happen to be celebrating a birthday or anniversary while in the Florida Keys.
Anne’s Beach also has access to a gorgeous 1,300-foot boardwalk winding through mangroves. The soft sand is easy to jog and walk on if you feel like exercising while in Islamorada.
Founders Park
With its pristine view of Florida Bay, Founders Park is Islamorada’s most popular oceanfront park. Spreading across 45 acres north of the Overseas Highway, it’s far more than just a beach. Founders Park is loaded with amenities, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Islamorada.
Tired of swimming in the saltwater? Founders Park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with four springboards. Perfect for swimming laps or just relaxing, the pool is big enough for the whole family.
If you’re traveling with young kids, Founders Park also has a splash pad to keep them safe and cooled off from the hot Florida sun. Away from the aquatic center, you’ll find a perfectly preserved beach with shallow water and a playground.
Relax under the shade of the tiki huts or play a volleyball game for a family gathering at the sand volleyball court. After a full day of activity, cool off under the outdoor showers. End the day with a meal at the picnic benches under the pavilions or use the grilling facilities to whip up some hamburgers.
Holiday Isle Beach
Need to add a little energy to your Islamorada vacation? Slide over to Holiday Isle Beach. With bars every 100 feet, music, and snacks on the beach, Holiday Isle is a fantastic spot to spend an adults-only or solo trip to the Florida Keys.
Holiday Isle Beach is located next to Theater of the Sea on a busy road. Once you get through the traffic jams, there’s convenient parking to experience the lively beach. If you’re seeking a quiet spot to read a book, you’ll need to look elsewhere: Holiday Isle is better known as a party hotspot for getaways with friends.
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For beach activities and water sports, you’ll find a dive shop, boat rentals, and scenic charters at the entrance to the white-sand beach. The nearby pier is also a great fishing spot.
Islamorada Library Beach
For a quiet day alone or with the family, head to Islamorada Library Beach. Although it has limited beach access, Library Beach Park is a wonderful place to explore small channels and inlets full of gorgeous mangroves. The channel teems with marine life, including lobsters and fish. (You might even see an alligator or two; be careful!)
Library Beach offers plenty of shade that’s perfect for visitors who aren’t interested in soaking up too much sun. Take the kids swimming in the small watering hole or let them play in the playground. The mangroves are also perfect on windy days to block out strong breezes.
Looking to spend the day suntanning? Library Beach Park isn’t the best spot as beach access is limited. With its canal, it’s a great kayak and canoe launch spot, though.
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The shallow water is also great for swimming with small kids. Make sure to bring water shoes, though; some of the seaweed and rocks make it hard to walk on the shores closest to the water.
Long Key State Park
Once a luxury vacation spot for the rich, Long Key State Park now sits among the most beautiful Florida Keys state parks. Kayaking and canoeing are the most popular activities at this lovely public park. Its canals offer a secluded spot to paddle along and spot wildlife. The mangroves and calm water are perfect for seeing marine life.
The two main hiking trails at Long Key State Park don’t have much elevation. Many people choose to bring their four-legged friends along to traverse through the flat terrain and get an up-close look at nature and the local animals.
Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the park ranger station, or you can bring your own if you have them.
Sea Oats Beach
Although it’s one of the most popular beach vacation spots in the USA, the Florida Keys doesn’t have many white-sand beaches. Sea Oats Beach is one exception. Located on Lower Matecumbe Key, the popular Islamorada beach offers plenty of soft sand and shoreline to explore.
To access Sea Oats Beach, park your car at the parking lot across the street on the Overseas Highway. If you have a fishing license and your own poles and bait, you can fish offshore here. The local beach patrol is strict about checking licenses; be sure to have your documents in order.
You’ll also find several vacation rentals in the area to enjoy a stay on the waters of Florida Bay.
Harry Harris Beach and Park
One of the busier beaches around Islamorada, Harry Harris Beach and Park offers more than many other beaches nearby. With its popularity, make sure to get there early in the morning to get a parking spot and a place to put all your beach gear.
Harry Harris Beach is located in Tavernier on the island of Key Largo. Being closer to Key Largo, you’ll enjoy more options for nightlife, dining, and watersports.
Around the top-rated Florida Keys beach itself, you’ll find plenty to do. Spend the day snorkeling or take a boat rental out onto the emerald-hued water. For kids, the playground at Harry Harris Park is large, with nearby basketball courts and baseball fields.
