Exploring Islamorada and the Florida Keys!
Day 1: Ft. Lauderdale to Islamorada
Our adventure began with a flight into Ft. Lauderdale, where we rented a car for the scenic drive down to the keys. A pitstop at Shipwreck Bar and Grill in Key Largo treated us to delicious nachos that left a lasting impression. Arriving at our rented house in Islamorada, we were already captivated by the charm of the Florida Keys!!
Day 2: Venturing to Key West
We discovered The Great Lakes coffee shop on the way to Key West! This cafe was in a beautiful area overlooking the Stock Island Marina! After we grabbed some coffee we finished our drive to Key West. After arriving in Key West we had a great day of shopping and savoring local cuisine! We walked to the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. which was really cool to see!! We took some photos in front of the anchored concentrate buoy! You can’t go to Key West without stopping by Kermit’s Key Lime Shop for some key lime pie and key lime pie frozen bars!! These were delicious!! That night we headed back to the house and ordered pizza from Enrico's!
Day 3: Snorkeling and Jet Ski Adventure at Robbies
We booked a snorkeling jet ski tour through Robbies! We got to see alligators, manatees, and a vibrant underwater world of fish. Our guide added a touch of fun to the experience, making it an unforgettable aquatic adventure!!
Day 4: Alligator Reef Boat Day: Renting a boat for the day
We set out to Alligator Reef, where the crystal-clear waters mesmerized us. Gliding through the waves, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we soaked in the true essence of the Florida Keys. It was the perfect boat day!! We rented the boat through A1A Watersports and Boat Rentals!! They were super nice and helpful!!
After a great day on the water we got ready for dinner and headed to Pierre’s Restaurant to watch the sunset!! This spot was absolutely beautiful overlooking the water! Highly recommend checking this spot out! After sunset we went to Islamorada Fish Company for dinner! This is a nice outdoor spot and food was good!
Day 5: Biking, Beach, and Tarpons at Robbies
The final day commenced with a picturesque bike ride, followed by beach relaxation (went to Founders Park Beach) and some last-minute exploring. We stopped by Island Home Garden center which was a beautiful nursery. They had a farmers market going on as well as a super cute bistro called: Gardenia’s Bistro. As the day wound down, we headed to Robbies to feed the tarpons!! This is a must if you are in the Keys!!! It was super fun!!
Recommendations from y'all: I turned to you guys for suggestions throughout my trip and the responses poured in, offering a diverse array of dining options:
Key West:
Louie's Backyard
Blue Heaven
Two Friends Patio
Glazed
Cafe Marquesa
Bad Boy Burrito
Islamorada:
Square Grouper (Personal Favorite)
Robbies
Loreleis
Puerto Vallarta
Key Roots (smoothies and acai bowls)
Lazy Days
Islamorada Fish Company
Midway Cafe
Cafe Moka
Gardenias Bistro
Krust
Key Largo:
Mrs. Mac's Kitchen
Lazy Lobster
Burdines Waterfront Marina
Ocean Reef Club
Snappers
Harriet’s
Tower of Pizza
Tips for staying healthy while traveling:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling can indeed be a challenge, but for this trip to Islamorada and the Florida Keys, I made it a top priority. The accountability of my January challenge played a crucial role in keeping my healthy habits intact. Every morning, my boyfriend Brock and I kick-started our day with a 2-mile run, followed by a set of 30 pushups, 30 squats, 30 lunges, and 30 jumping jacks. To ensure we had nutritious options, we stocked up on a variety of groceries, especially loads of fresh fruit for convenient and healthy snacks. There was a Publix 10 minutes away from the house we rented! Opting to abstain from alcohol during the trip, I curated a selection of refreshing beverages like Spindrifts, Poppi, and Ollipop, providing a delightful alternative for fun and flavorful drinks. With the picturesque surroundings of Islamorada and the Florida Keys as our backdrop, we embraced each day with lots of walking, ensuring that I effortlessly met my daily step goals and maintained a healthy balance throughout the journey.
The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys!!!
