The Top Honeymoon To-Dos in Islamorada

Looking forward to a relaxing honeymoon? Look no further than the Florida Keys. Laid-back Islamorada, located about halfway between Miami and Key West, is the perfect spot to unwind and unplug. Known as the sportfishing capital of the world, this is the place to go whether you want to reel in big-game fish offshore or cast a line right off the dock at your hotel. Add in its sunny and sandy shores, temperate waters and fresh seafood, and Islamorada will tick all the boxes on your honeymoon checklist. Read on for our top picks for where to stay and what to do—though doing a whole lot of nothing works, too!

For Sun

Sun-worshippers take note: For soaking up rays on the beach or a picturesque seaside sunset, Islamorada is the place to be. (They don't call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing.)

La Siesta Resort & Marina

Stay: La Siesta Resort & Marina

How cute are these brightly colored oceanfront cottages for two? It's one of the only Islamorada resorts with a private beach, and there's both a heated and freshwater pool for afternoon dips and poolside tanning (don't forget to pack your SPF!). When you want a break from sunbathing, make use of a complimentary kayak, paddleboard, bicycle or fishing equipment, or take a shuttle to the nearby sister resort Three Waters Resort & Marina for tiki drinks and dinner.

Lazy Days Restaurant

Eat: Lazy Days and Green Turtle Inn

For a true seafood feast, start with the raw bar at Lazy Days and ask the chefs to cook up your fresh catch just the way you like it. The customizable theme continues with your seating options: Choose from the outdoor patio, indoor porch or open-air beachfront tables right at the water's edge. You'll also want to check out the casual Green Turtle Inn, open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fresh Florida fish is sourced daily and the star of a variety of dishes, from the Keys benedict to Barney's fish sandwich.

Florida Keys Brewing Co.

Visit: Morada Way Arts & Cultural District and Florida Keys Brewery

When you're ready to explore, walk around the six-block cultural district in downtown Islamorada where you'll find galleries, restaurants and studio spaces helmed by local artists—perfect for picking up unique handcrafted souvenirs. For a taste of the local beer scene, pop by the neighboring Florida Keys Brewing Co. to sample a flight of seasonal microbrews in their charming back garden.

For Surf

Whether you're into diving, snorkeling or boating—or dining with your toes in the water—there's no shortage of saltwater activities to take advantage of in Islamorada.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Stay: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

With its turquoise waters, soaring palm trees and expansive fishing dock, this ocean-facing hotel and spa is perfect for active days and romantic nights. Take a dip in the saltwater lagoon, and then try some of the on-site watersports and activities—from kayaking in clear-bottomed boats to a stand-up paddleboarding excursion. Back on land, make sure to enjoy an in-room couples' massage before dining at any of the four restaurants or hitting the oceanfront tiki bar for a sunset toast.

Marker 88

Eat: Marker 88

At the iconic waterfront restaurant, an Islamorada institution since 1967, join the locals and enjoy two open-air tiki bars, 10,000 square feet of beach dining and the luxury of dipping your toes in the water between courses. Enjoy specialties like Florida Keys lobster and yellowtail snapper with your feet in the sand at a table along the shore, just a few feet from the bay.

Theater of the Sea

Visit: Theater of the Sea and History of Diving Museum

At the 17-acre marine mammal park Theater of the Sea, you can swim with dolphins, sharks, stingrays and sea lions; take an adventure and snorkel cruise or enjoy one of the many animal exhibits and performances. We recommend the bottomless boat ride (no, not that kind of bottomless!): a tour of the main lagoon aboard an open-center boat as dolphins swim alongside you. And if you're interested in undersea exploration—without strapping on a scuba tank—visit the History of Diving Museum to tour exhibits about sunken treasure, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and more.

For Seafood

There's no shortage of specialties from the sea to savor in Islamorada. What could be better than catching your own dinner together, followed by oysters and bubbly for your honeymoon meal à deux?

Pines & Palms Resort

Stay: Pines & Palms Resort

At the newly renovated Pines & Palms, guests can expect oceanfront cottages and suites equipped with a full kitchen perfect for stashing and cooking your catch, for an authentic Florida Keys experience. Take advantage of complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and bike rentals, or surprise your partner with a private sunset sail. *Swoon.* For the inside scoop on all the new bells and whistles on-property, catch Pines & Palms's feature on Sarah and Bryan Baeumler's newest HGTV show, Building Baeumler.

Chef Michael's

Eat: Chef Michael's

This restaurant has been a fixture of Islamorada's food scene for more than 20 years. The menu focuses on freshly caught fish and a variety of other seafood dishes. Order the signature hogfish or daily specials, which you can enjoy on either the screened-in patio or inside the cozy restaurant.

Robbie's of Islamorada

Visit: Robbie's of Islamorada

Get ready to spend the day exploring at this popular marina. In the morning, book a fishing expedition helmed by an experienced captain and try your hand at hooking some wahoo, blackfin tuna, amberjack or the occasional blue marlin. Then browse the local artwork and photography at the open-air market before fueling up at the eponymous restaurant, or cooling down at the waterfront Thirsty Tarpon Bar with one of their famous bloody marys. Speaking of tarpon, Robbie's is also famous for its tarpon feeding—for a few bucks, you can buy some bait and hand-feed these six-to-eight-foot fish. Have your camera ready to capture the mighty fish leaping out of the water!

Find even more amazing places to stay and activities to plan for your Islamorada honeymoon.