Islamorada

Situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park and the deep blue waters of the Florida Strait is Islamorada, made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

Perhaps the world's highest density of professional offshore charter boats with tournament-grade captains can be found in Islamorada, a village of islands where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered.

Highly skilled recreational fishingguides ply their trade here, in the style of legendary fishing figures Ted Williams, Jimmy Albright and Cecil Keith.

Islamorada may be the only place on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish offshore and pursue bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water in the backcountry, all in the same day.

Islamorada is, however, much more than sport fishing capital of the world.

Travelers on group tours through the Florida Keys — multi-generation families, reunions, seniors, foreign or special interest groups — can find unique experiences, soft adventure and quality.

Activity, fun and relaxation for the whole family includes hand-feeding hungry tarpon at the docks of Robbie's Marina, or catching a dolphin, sea lion and parrot show at Theater of the Sea marine mammal park.

Divers flock to the region to explore the extraordinary reef line and brimming patch reefs, and are equally fascinated by theHistory of Diving Museum.

Music lovers enjoy warm, tropical evenings and daylong music festivals on the lawn of the outdoor, waterfront ICE Amphitheater located insideIslamorada Founders Park, a 40-acre expanse that features an Olympic-sized pool, shallow water beach, water sports rentals, ball fields, fishing jetty, exercise opportunities, skate park and a dog park.

Coral Shores Performing Arts Center routinely delights audiences with first-class theater productions.

Hikers can meander along lush, tropical nature trails at Long Key State Park, and inside Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park view an old quarry dug by the late Henry Flagler's railroad workers. Indian Key Historic State Park and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park offer a glimpse into Florida's history dating back to the early 1800's.

Islamorada's cuisine, headlined by fresh-from-the-dock seafood as well as landlubber favorites and ethnic dishes, tempts diners at tiki-covered bars, dockside fish houses, gourmet beachfront cafes and secluded island bistros.

Shoppers browse the area's burgeoning boutiques and art lovers revel in the monthly Third Thursday Art Walk hosted by theMorada Way Arts & Cultural District.

Islamorada's excellent beachfront lodging and luxurious hospitality yield a sought after, laid-back tropical wedding destination.