What Mile Marker is Islamorada? Sportfishing World Capital!

Islamorada: The Sport Fishing Capital of the World

If there’s one thing Islamorada is known for above everything else, it’s fishing. The village sits directly between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, which puts it right on the migration routes of dozens of major game fish species.

That unique geography is why Islamorada has earned the title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World — and it’s not just a marketing slogan. The village is home to arguably the highest concentration of professional offshore charter captains anywhere on earth.

We aren’t as famous as Ted Williams, but we have enjoyed the fishing out of Islamorada many times. In fact, my wife says she has outfished me there!

Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams called Islamorada home for decades after his retirement, and became as legendary for his fishing as he was for his batting average. The fishing culture here runs that deep.

You’ll find three main types of fishing in Islamorada:

• Offshore deep-sea fishing: Target sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo out in the open Atlantic. Charter boats depart from several marinas along the 18-mile stretch.
• Flats fishing: The shallow backcountry waters are where bonefish, permit, and tarpon live. This is where saltwater fly fishing was born, and Islamorada is still considered the best place in the world to do it.
• Reef fishing: The coral reefs a few miles offshore hold snapper, grouper, barracuda, and hogfish. Alligator Reef, just off Lower Matecumbe Key, is one of the most popular spots.

The main launching points for fishing charters are Bud N’ Mary’s Marina at MM 79.8 and Robbie’s Marina at MM 77 — both legendary names in Florida Keys fishing. For a deeper dive into fishing the Keys, check out our Islamorada Sport Fishing guide.

Key Attractions Between Mile Marker 90 and Mile Marker 72

Here’s a rundown of the top stops as you drive through Islamorada, organized by mile marker from north to south:

MM 90 — Welcome to Islamorada

Mile Marker 90 is where Islamorada officially begins as you drive south. The four-lane highway narrows here, and the pace of the road slows down to match the island vibe. You’re now on Plantation Key, the northernmost island of the village.

MM 88 — Marker 88 Restaurant and Tiki Bar

Marker 88 is one of the most recognized names in Islamorada dining. This bayside restaurant has been a Keys institution for decades, known for its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and tiki bar atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and look up two hours later. Well worth a stop.

MM 87 — Founders Park

Founders Park is Islamorada’s community gathering spot, sitting right on the bay. It has a beach, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, a boat ramp, and a small marina. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Plantation Hammock Preserve is also at this mile marker, with trails on both the bayside and oceanside.

MM 86.8 — Betsy the Lobster and Rain Barrel Village

You’ll know this one when you see it — a giant lobster sculpture named Betsy standing out front of Rain Barrel Village, a cluster of local artisan shops and galleries. It’s one of the most photographed roadside stops in the Keys and a great place to pick up locally made art, jewelry, and gifts.

MM 85.3 — Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

This is a surprisingly fascinating stop. Windley Key Fossil Reef is built on an ancient coral reef that was quarried by Henry Flagler’s crews during the construction of the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. Today you can walk trails through the old quarry walls and see cross-sections of ancient coral up close. It also happens to be one of the highest points of elevation in the entire Florida Keys, which admittedly isn’t saying a lot, but it’s still a unique geological experience.

MM 84.2 — Theater of the Sea

Theater of the Sea is one of the oldest marine mammal parks in the world, and it’s been right here in Islamorada since 1946. Families can watch dolphin and sea lion shows, swim with dolphins, interact with stingrays, and take guided snorkel trips through the natural lagoon. It’s a big hit with kids and one of the most visited stops in the Upper Keys. Our family has enjoyed this excellent family adventure for many years.

MM 83 — History of Diving Museum

If you’ve ever been curious about the history of underwater exploration, this museum is a genuine hidden gem. Opened in 2005, it covers the full arc of diving history from ancient diving bells to modern scuba technology, with exhibits on the USS Spiegel Grove artificial reef and a program called Diving With a Purpose. It’s engaging for adults and older kids and takes about an hour to explore properly.

MM 82.2 — Mangrove Mike’s Café

Mangrove Mike’s is the kind of breakfast spot locals actually eat at. Casual, no-frills, and consistently good. If you’re driving through in the morning and need a real meal before a day on the water, this is your stop. It’s on the bayside and serves breakfast and lunch.

MM 82 — Lorelei Tiki Bar and Restaurant

The Lorelei is one of the best sunset spots in Islamorada. This bayside tiki bar and restaurant fills up fast in the evenings as people gather to watch the sun drop into Florida Bay. Live music, cold drinks, and fresh seafood make it a staple stop. Get there early if you want a seat with a view.

MM 81.6 — Morada Bay Beach Bar and Florida Keys Brewing Co.

Morada Bay is a beach bar and restaurant with actual sand underfoot and tiki torches at night — one of the few spots in Islamorada that genuinely feels like a beach bar. It hosts a popular full moon party on the beach each month. Just down the road on the Old Highway side is Florida Keys Brewing Co., the local craft brewery, which is worth a stop for a cold one if you’re a beer fan.

MM 81.5 — Cheeca Lodge

Cheeca Lodge is the flagship resort of Islamorada and one of the most storied properties in the entire Florida Keys. It sits oceanside on Upper Matecumbe Key and has hosted U.S. Presidents and celebrities for decades. The resort has a private beach, pools, a fishing pier, a spa, and multiple restaurants. If you’re looking for an upscale base camp for exploring Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge is the gold standard.

MM 79.8 — Bud N’ Mary’s Marina and Lazy Days Restaurant

Bud N’ Mary’s Marina is one of the most famous fishing marinas in the Florida Keys. Established in 1944, it’s been sending anglers out to the flats, backcountry, and offshore waters ever since. If you want to book a guided fishing charter in Islamorada, this is one of the first places to call. Right next door, Lazy Days Restaurant serves up solid waterfront seafood with great ocean views.

MM 78.5 — Indian Key Historic State Park

Indian Key is an offshore island accessible only by boat or kayak, but it’s one of the most historically significant spots in the Keys. It was once the county seat of Dade County and a thriving wrecking village in the 1830s before being destroyed in a Seminole raid in 1840. Today it’s a state park with ruins you can explore and great snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Kayak rentals and water taxi service operate from the area near MM 78.5.

MM 77 — Robbie’s Marina

Robbie’s Marina is one of those places everyone should stop at least once. It’s famous for tarpon feeding — you buy a bucket of baitfish and hand-feed the giant tarpon that congregate under the docks. It sounds simple, but the experience of getting face to face with a 100-pound tarpon is genuinely memorable. Robbie’s also has boat and kayak rentals, a bait shop, eclectic waterfront shops, and easy access to Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site across the water.

MM 73.4 — Anne’s Beach

Anne’s Beach is one of the most beloved free public beaches in Islamorada. It sits on the oceanside of Lower Matecumbe Key with a long, shallow tidal flat that’s perfect for wading — especially with young kids. A wooden boardwalk winds through the mangroves, and the setting is genuinely beautiful. No resort, no entry fee, just a classic Keys beach. It gets busy on weekends, so go early.

MM 72 — Southern End of Islamorada

Mile Marker 72 marks the southern boundary of Islamorada. From here you’re heading into the bridges and backcountry that lead toward Duck Key and Marathon. If you’re continuing south, the next major stop is Duck Key at MM 61 — home to Hawks Cay Resort, our favorite family resort in the Keys.