If you’re ready for a romantic getaway, Islamorada is the perfect destination. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls and picnics along the beach, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, or pampering yourselves with spa treatments and fancy restaurants, this Florida Keys village has everything you could want. Follow this guide to plan the perfect trip for you and your significant other.

When to Visit

The first step is deciding when to visit. The peak season in Islamorada runs from December through May, when near-perfect temperatures draw more visitors. Many people visit the Florida Keys during these months to escape cold weather elsewhere. If you visit during the shoulder months of March, April, September, October, or November, you can expect the weather to still be comfortably warm and not too rainy. Summer brings high humidity, hot temperatures, and frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.

The best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and priorities. You may find more to do during holidays and peak months, but you’ll have to book well in advance and contend with higher prices and larger crowds. A spur-of-the-moment trip may be possible during the shoulder months, though. The shoulder seasons strikes a nice compromise when it comes to cost, crowds, and comfort.

Where to Stay

Next, you need to decide where to stay. Browse Islamorada hotels on Hotel Planner to find great deals on hotels and resorts in the area. Among the most highly-rated options are Casa Morada, a four-star resort hotel; Ocean House, a four-star oceanfront hotel; and Pine & Palms Resort, which offers both suites and oceanfront cottages. Cheeca Lodge and Spa boasts four restaurants, an oceanfront tiki bar, a nine-hole golf course, and tennis courts plus two pools, a lagoon, and a private beach. You can also book a villa at Bayside Townhomes, which has condos that feature full kitchens and furnished balconies.

Where to Eat

If you book a villa or suite with a full kitchen, you can save money and spend quality time together cooking your own meals. However, you’d be missing out if you didn’t sample a few of the area’s best restaurants, too. Morada Bay, Chef Michael’s, and Pierre’s are all mid to high priced restaurants that come highly recommended and serve a variety of dishes. Try Kaiyo Grill & Sushi or Nikai Sushi if you’re in the mood for Japanese or Oltremare Ristorante when you’re craving Italian.

What to Do

Of course, the main appeal of Islamorada lies in the many things to do. Anne’s Beach is one of the most romantic places in the area, with secluded picnic spots and water that is too shallow for swimming but perfect for wading or strolling. Key Largo Adventures offers a variety of water activities, such as paddleboarding and snorkeling, while Theater of the Sea provides several unique opportunities to interact with marine wildlife, including live dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows. You can book a massage at Little Palm Spa or schedule a tasting the Florida Keys Brewing Company. Swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, kayaking, biking, tours — the possibilities are endless!

For your next romantic getaway, spend some time in Islamorada. There’s so much to see and do with the one you love that you’ll be counting the days ’til you can come back for more!

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Image via Flickr by Baker Pics and Whatnot