PLEASE NOTE, THIS POST MAY INCLUDE AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING THAT IF YOU CLICK ON A LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE, I'LL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISION. THIS WILL COME AT NO COST TO YOU.

People often zoom through the Florida Keys, on their way to Key West, but the non-Key West Keys, have a lot to explore. Since we decide to save Key West for a future trip, we have plenty of time to devote a day to an Islamorada-Road Trip. 

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

Does key lime pie count as breakfast? 

The first stop on our Islamorada-Road Trip, is the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. 

Much key lime pie is consumed during our weeklong trip, but our favorite key lime pie, is the Blond Giraffe’s. There are key lime choices galore at this Islamorada-Road Trip stop. Shannon orders the tried and true original slice,

I purchase the chocolate dipped pie slice on a stick. There is something extra exciting about food on a stick. 

Being morning, I am grateful that the Blond Giraffe serves coffee. My coffee is accompanied with a key lime cookie. Great marketing on their part. The cookie is so tasty, we leave with a few packages. 

The Blond Giraffe’s outdoor seating is delightful. There is nothing like having bright, cheerful, flowers, to welcome you to a new day. 

It is our #1 as the balance of flavors are perfect. Tart, but not too tart. Sweet, but not too sweet. Creamy, but not soggy. If you are a key lime fan, visit Blond Giraffe.

Rain Barrel Village 

If you build a quirky-fun anything, I will visit (I’m looking at you Wall Drug). At the top of my Islamorada Road Trip list, visiting Betsy, the giant spiny lobster. Located in front of Rain Barrel Village, lining up for a picture with the world’s largest (not live) lobster, is a popular activity. 

Post-photo op complete, we wander around the village. It’s a charming spot.

There are stores if you need a souvenir, and some furry friends along the paths.

The food area would make for a relaxing lunch stop. 

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park 

One of the ten state parks in the Florida Keys, can be found on an Islamorada-Road Trip. Windley Key State Park is comprised of leisurely trails that highlight the flora and unique geological sights. 

To read about our full visit to Windley Key State Park, read – Florida Keys-State Parks

Islamorada Brewery and Distillery

There is something about being in the Florida Keys that makes you crave relaxation. After a few hours of walking trails at Windley Key State Park, we are ready for a sit-and-chill. Islamorada Brewery and Distillery, makes an ideal Islamorada-Road Trip stop.

The outdoor seating area, oozes a playful, Florida Keys, vibe. Along with a bar, there is a food truck, and games to play. I grab some chips and salsa from the food truck.

You can engage in a brewery and/or distillery tasting. The distillery is more our speed. Jacob does an excellent job, explaining the spirits.

They have an interesting rum that tastes more like a bourbon, and a hibiscus gin.

Jacob demonstrates how certain ingredients can be added to the gin, to create a color changing cocktail, named, Mermaid Magic. 

Robbie’s of Islamorada 

The most obligatory stop on an Islamorada-Road Trip, is Robbie’s. It’s also a famous place to take a break, if you’re driving to Key West. 

One could spend an entire day at Robbie’s. The waterfront property, offers a plethora of activities. There are boat rides, fishing, paddling, jet skis, scuba, snorkeling, and parasailing. 

Our visit starts with a bite at The Hungry Tarpon restaurant. The menu includes numerous, scrumptious, seafood, dishes.  I’ve heard Robbie’s serves the best fish tacos. As a fish taco fan, I feel compelled to imbibe. 

The hype is true. They are some of the best fish tacos I’ve tasted thus far. The dazzling, calm, blue-water view, adds a splash of dazzle to the experience. 

We vow to stop at The Hungry Tarpon again, when we embark on a future, bucket list trip, to Key West. 

Per the restaurant name, the most popular activity at Robbie’s, is feeding the giant tarpon. 

First step, purchase a bucket of fish.

Second step, carry the fish to the dock and settle into an unoccupied spot. 

Third step, consistently fight off aggressive pelicans. 

Cartoons from my childhood lead me to believe that pelicans are friendly and dopey. From the moment I step on the dock with my bucket of fish, the pelicans are at the ready. Feeding the giant tarpon is a two-man job. One person feeds the fish, while the other shoos away the pelicans. Even with all of the pelican shooing, one gets me. I can now add pelican attack injury, to my travel experiences. 

Aggressive birds aside, feeding the giant tarpon is a lark. You dangle the fish over a hole in a net (to help with pelican control). A mixture of giddy, nervous anticipation, tingles through your body. Hungry fish lazily circle. One…two…three…four…..JUMP…CHOMP!!!

In a flash, a humongous, gapping, fish mouth, shoots up towards your hand, and consumes the fish (if you don’t drop it first out of fright). It happens over and over again, and each time I startle with surprise.

It’s a great way to encounter a few jump scares.

Is Robbie’s a “touristy” site? Yes. Is it a neat time? Yes. 

Whether you are staying in Key West or in Key Largo, an Islamorada-Road Trip provides an assortment of yummy, educational, unwinding, and exciting, entertainment. 

Places to Stay in the Florida Keys

Related posts:

Florida Keys-State Parks Things to Do in Homestead-Florida Plantation on Crystal River and Sunset Cruise-Florida Rainbow Springs State Park and Swampy’s-Florida