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Islamorada, located between Miami and Key West, is known as the Village of Islands which is made up of 6 different keys. You will find local restaurants, fishing spots, and beaches in this family-friendly vacation community. If you crave sunshine and beautiful sunsets, Islamorada is a place to be. It got its name from Spanish explorers who called it a “purple island” upon seeing the color of the sky at sunset.
Once you fly into Miami International Airport, your adventure begins just 90 minutes away. Guests can choose from a door-to-door shuttle service or a rental car. Upon arrival to Islamorada, you will be greeted at a 12-home resort-style community named The Maison Residences. The community includes a private pool, beach, hot tub, and dock for easy access to boating and water sports.
Things to Do in Islamorada And Florida Keys
Nature lovers will feel right at home in this corner of Florida. The Indian Key Historic Park is a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts. Accessible only by kayak or boat, it’s a place to peacefully snorkel, view corrals, and learn about local ecosystems that need protection and restoration.
History of Diving Museum is another great spot to explore, especially for those who are interested in the history of diving and Florida’s role in it.
If you are up for a 2-hour drive, we recommend visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Located in Key West, FL. This museum attracts visitors from all over the world. Visit the home and the gardens, and meet the famous polydactyl (six-toed) cats who live on the property.
Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world, so if you’re able to handle the ocean waves, charter a boat to get a course in sport fishing for marlin and tarpon. It’s a great way to get in touch with the locals as fishing is what a lot of people do for a living. You can spend the day on the water and then come to the dock and have dinner at the Lorelei. It is a great bar and restaurant where the fisherman get together and discuss their catch of the day and it’s also the best spot to see that breathtaking painted Key West sunset.
Take a trip down to Key West to experience a one-of-a-kind culture and history. There you will find the Southern most point in the U.S., a ten-foot-tall colorful buoy. Drive by on a golf cart or take a memorable photo with it. As you leave the buoy, you’ll experience local shops and beaches, but the real activity to do in Key West is scuba diving.
Charter one of the many scuba boats that leave the dock every hour and see the local sea life for yourself. When you’ve finished head on over to Sloppy Joe’s or the Conch Republic Seafood Company for a bite and a cold drink. It’s a great way to spend a day in the Keys.
In the morning, when you wake up, walk out of your Maison complex to Midway Café. This local coffee shop is open for breakfast and lunch and provides a great way to start the day. It’s less than a two-minute walk from your penthouse. Enjoy breakfast on the deck overlooking the ocean and when you are done, head down to the private beach to enjoy watersports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. In the evening, drive down to Lazy Day’s or Robbie’s, two fantastic local spots for dinner and drinks. Your kids will enjoy it as well. Walk out to Robbie’s docks and feed tarpon that swim up and wait to be fed. It’s a great experience getting in touch with nature and seeing big fish up-close and personal.
If you want a world-class resort-style evening, then head to the Cheeca Lodge. This local resort boasts a Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole par-3 golf course that caters to golfers of multiple skill levels, a 5- star restaurant, spas, and great service. You can buy a day pass to the club or if you just want dinner, parking tags are provided free of charge at the gate. The restaurant is right on the beach so enjoy a cocktail and a meal while looking over the relaxing sound of the ocean. It’s a perfect way to end your trip.
Islamorada is in the middle of Route 1, so you have access to all of the Keys. The drive to the Maison Residences is scenic in itself but there’s already so much to do so it will be a tough decision to ever leave.
Child-friendly Activities and Entertainment
Islamorada has so many family-friendly parks and recreational activities for families with children. A must-see in the area is the Theater of The Sea where you can see a variety of aquatic life such as dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and much more!
Take a tour, relax at the beach, or swim with the dolphins.
Families can also enjoy time at the Founders Park community center where there are beaches and a pool for swim lessons.
Why we added a home in Islamorada to the Equity Platinum Fund portfolio
Our East Coast investors were asking for more South Florida residences. We felt that Islamorada, a family-friendly resort community located only 90 minutes away from Miami International Airport, met our investor expectations for a luxurious and relaxing location.
The projected cap rate on this residence is 11.7%, and the Maison development was profiled in the Robb Report in 2020. A big part of the allure is its solid construction and windows that can withstand Florida’s hurricane season.
