Here’s what I can tell you about the Florida Keys, now that I have visited four times—the beauty of The Keys is a very casual, relaxed, Jimmy Buffett-style vibe. It’s not fancy. It is sand and sun and chilling out.

Fly direct from Texas to Miami, rent a car, and head to Islamorada, just 1.5 hours down the famous Highway 1, dotted with sleepy fishing villages. Islamorada means purple island and was made “Netflix famous” with their Bloodline series, which was filmed there. 

Sea la vie.

I loved the joie de vivre at The Islander in Islamorada: a very retro-chic, cottage-style guest room with an ocean view and a short walk to the coconut tree-lined sandy beach. I found the bedding to be uber comfortable, the bathroom ideal, and we enjoyed playing cards on the private outdoor patio. 

There are two restaurants and a food truck on property at The Islander resort. Enjoy breakfast with a view at Drift, an open air restaurant on the beach. The avocado toast, which I had seen mentioned online, was a great way to start the day!

Enjoy lunch at the poolside Tides Beachside Bar. We split a delicious Greek salad and fried fish sandwich which paired perfectly with a local craft beer.

Dinner is back at Drift, and hopefully the mosquitoes will stay at bay so you can enjoy a view and some cool air drifting through. Of course, you likely want to stick with seafood here, and the fried shrimp plate is delicious. 

They also have a food truck called Coccolaba that’s on the beach, with the most adorable seating area lit up with lights at night.

Seaside Sports at The Islander provides everything you might need for a sporty day on the beach. Check out cruiser bikes and head into town; just know they don’t have locks for you to lock up the bikes if you want to make a stop. They have heaps of offerings including: basketball, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, bicycles, ping-pong, corn hole, bocce ball, volleyball, miniature golf course, and a fishing pier.

I enjoyed reading by the mostly adults-only pool, right next to Tides, and sprawling on a lounger on the beach, reading my novel.

Other features offered by The Islander include a 4 p.m. seabreeze social at Tides bar, accompanied by a steel drum DJ on the weekends, poolside movie night, complimentary morning yoga and free pier fishing in the mornings.

The Florida Keys is known for its fishing, whether it’s bone fishing, fishing out in the ocean or backcountry bay fishing. Bamboo Charters offers both half day and full day fishing excursions. Hop on a boat with your private captain and head out into the serene, nearly private bay water of the Everglades National Park. Catching trout less than a foot-long will get released back into the bay, but keep your eyes out for other marine life, like large turtles, and dolphin surfing alongside the boat!

Restaurant recommendations from Captain Joe:

–Shrimp Shack – the best shrimp & grits

-Green Turtle Inn – a hearty Southern brunch on weekends

-Chef Michael’s– fancy, beer & wine only

-Square Grouper- good bar & menu, sunset lounge, tapas

-Watch the sunset at Channel 2 bridge

If you’re a history buff, the Discovery Center is to the left of the resort and has a museum, aquarium, and various documentary-style movies that play throughout the day. It is separate from the resort so there is a fee, but you get a discount if you’re staying at The Islander.

Pull up your Islamorada playlist on Spotify (I was surprised at how many there are!) and head down south to put your toes in the water and your rear on a sandy chaise lounge in the Keys! 

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Cover Photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.