The Florida Keys Part 1: Islamorada (Roadtrip from Miami)
- The Anonymous Hungry Hippopotamus
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The Florida Keys are a stunning, 120-mile stretch, consisting of over 800 islands, connected by the Overseas Highway and 42 bridges. These islands form a gentle arc off the southern coast of Florida.
Overseas Highway
In about four hours, it is possible to drive from Miami to Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida and the Keys, but I don't suggest it. Instead, reserve time to take in the charm of the Keys, the turquoise vista and to enjoy the road trip.
You'll find adventure and surprises await you if you carve out time to behold them.
Like I did, you may find cocktails at a tiki bar in Tinsley that tickle your tastebuds, ...
... a windswept beach in Windley that woos you to wind down in the water ...
... or a prodigious lobster in Plantation that prompts you to pause for a picture. Ok, enough alliteration. The point is, if you take the time to savor it, the journey through the Keys is as special as the destination.
My purpose for visiting the Keys was to attend the wedding of friends who are more like family. Before reaching Key Largo, where the wedding took place, I took my own advice and scheduled plenty of time to discover along the way and to stay at two of the other most popular islands including Islamorada, the subject of this post.
To reach this island that has just over 7,000 residents, I drove from Miami. The scenic drive began on busy, tree-lined roads, ...
... that soon gave way to open fields that didn't feel particularly tropical.
Soon enough, I was among groves of palm trees and then, less than two hours later, ...
... I reached Islamorada, located near the upper end of the archipelago.
By the time I arrived, the pace of life around me had tangibly slowed.
Ocean breezes gently moved amusing wind chimes, like the one pictured above, and a new rhythm caused me to unwind. It became abundantly clear that this region of the continental United States was like no other.
This was a place where the activity to participate in was relaxation.
Well, that and taking in and taking care of nature. To make sure I did my part, I participated in one of the most iconic activities in Islamorada - tarpon feeding.
In so doing, I had a uniquely interactive encounter with one of the ocean’s most impressive fish, the tarpon. Tarpon are known for performing acrobatic leaps as well as for their size, often reaching over eight feet in length and 300 pounds. As they surge upward to snatch food from your hand, their quick movements and shimmering scales create a thrilling and memorable experience. Ok, maybe a little unnerving too.
At local docks, you can purchase bait and hand-feed these large, silver fish as they glide through the shallow water below.
I hand fed one, which was enough for me because birds had caught onto this game and were swooping in to partake in the meal. I thought it best to leave while I still had all my digits.
I wandered up and down the shore, ...
... and found a comfortable lounger under a thatched roof and settled in with a great novel.
The sun set elegantly, subtly signaling that it was time to go.
I enjoyed the evening at the nearby marina where live music awaited and great cocktails were to be had.
A few days in and this subtropical gem, known as The Keys, filled with natural beauty and a deep connection to the surrounding water, had won me over. Up next are three restaurants that celebrate the scenery and the food in Islamorada.
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