I get a lot of questions from visitors-to-be panicking when they check the weather before their visit. They often say that their weather app says it will rain the entire time they’re visiting and they wonder if they should cancel their trip.
Islamorada is tropical, so you’re going to have rain showers almost daily during rain season (approximately June through October, which is also hurricane season) but it typically won’t rain all day. Personally, if my weather app doesn’t give me a 60% chance or higher, I don’t even think about it unless there is a tropical storm brewing.
On the contrary, we have had days where it rains all day and the weather app said there was a 0% chance of rain for a week leading up to it. So, in other words, don’t worry about the weather too much unless there’s a larger system coming in.
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Here are some ideas for you to do so that you can still have an amazing time on your vacation if it happens to rain:
Grab a Drink
Grabbing a drink has to be one of the best ways to wait out the rain. Luckily, there is no shortage of places to grab a drink in Islamorada while you wait out the rain. Here are some ideas on places to go:
- Florida Keys Brewing Company – doesn’t have as large of an indoor area but does have one, they also have a nice beer garden when/if the rain stops
- Islamorada Brewery and Distillery – a nice, large indoor area and you’ll love their beer garden if the rain stops
- Hog Heaven Bar and Grill – a BBQ spot with a bar and plenty of space indoors
- Islamorada Wine Co – a great spot for wine lovers
The below photo is from Lazy Days on a sunny day, but they have indoor seating, too!
Check Out Rain Barrel Village
Rain Barrel Village is one of the best things to do in Islamorada regardless of the weather. It is a charming and eclectic arts and crafts village featuring a collection of unique shops, galleries, and studios where you can find handmade crafts, local art, jewelry, and souvenirs. We love that it features local artists.
You’ll know you are there when you see the large lobster sculpture out front. It’s a great place to explore local artistry and pick up one-of-a-kind items in a laid-back, outdoor setting.
Enjoy a Coffee
If it rains in the morning, one of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee and enjoy it on my covered balcony if I have one at my Islamorada hotel. My favorite spot to grab a coffee in Islamorada is from Cafe Moka.
Check Out Some Art Galleries
Did you know that there is a small arts district in Islamorada? The Morada Way Arts and Cultural District is home to some galleries and studios. You’ll find a little bit of everything from photography to sculptures. A lot of the art is inspired by the Florida Keys. Sometimes, the artists are working as you visit as well, which is always cool.
Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center is a small museum located on the Islander Resort property. The museum showcases the island’s history as well as the history of the entire Florida Keys. There are exhibits on early Native American history, the Spanish explorers, pirates, and the development of the railroad.
The center also highlights the natural history of the Keys, with displays on local marine life and ecosystems.
Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs make it a great place to learn tons of interesting facts about the Florida Keys.
History of Diving Museum
The History of Diving Museum is a fun place to learn about the history of undersea exploration. The museum features an extensive collection of diving artifacts, including antique diving helmets, early scuba gear, and deep-sea exploration equipment.
Exhibits cover the evolution of diving technology, from ancient breath-holding techniques to modern-day innovations. The museum also highlights the role of divers in salvaging shipwrecks and their contributions to marine science. It’s an educational and fascinating destination for anyone interested in maritime history.
Pro tip: If you happen to be a Bank of American card holder, you can get free admission on the first full weekend of every month. This is part of their Museums on Us program and all you have to do is show them your card. It’s really easy!
Try a New Restaurant
A rainy day is a good time to try some local cuisine. There are tons of great restaurants in Islamorada so you could even make it fun and do a little restaurant-hopping trip.
A restaurant-hopping trip can be fun way to beat the rain while trying multiple popular dishes from several restaurants. You could get an appetizer at one place, the main meal at the next, dessert at another, etc.
These restaurants in Islamorada have open-air seating if you want to feel like you’re still sitting outside while it rains:
- Wahoo’s Seafood Bar and Grill Restaurant
- Island Grill (also has live music nightly)
- Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub (occasionally has live music)
My personal favorite Islamorada restaurants:
- Bad Boy Burrito for sushi burritos and chips and salsa (they only have outdoor seating, so you’ll want to take it to go. You could enjoy it on your balcony if you have one at your resort)
- Twisted Shrimp for some of the best shrimp you’ll ever have
- MEAT Eatery and Taproom for one of the best burgers you’ll ever have – they also have house-made condiments. They were featured on Diners, Drive Ins, an Dives
- Chef Michaels for a more upscale dining experience
- Ziggie and Mad Dogs is one of the best restaurants for steak (also an upscale dining experience)
Don’t forget to try a slice of key lime pie!
Have a Spa Day
For ultimate relaxation, book a service at the Spa at Cheeca Lodge. You don’t have to be staying there to book a service. They have 6 treatment rooms, a fitness center, an adults-only lap pool, and more. There are also poolside cabanas with butler service if it quits raining. This is a great way to spend a rainy day!
Take Day Trip to Key West or Marathon
Weather in the Florida Keys is pretty crazy, so it’s totally possible that the surrounding areas aren’t getting any rain at all, even if it’s raining in Islamorada all day long. You’ll definitely want to check the weather first, but if you do and it’s clear, I highly recommend a day trip to Marathon or Key West. You could also head north to Key Largo.
If it is raining across the other islands too, here are some indoor activities you can do if you are willing to drive:
- Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon (an active hospital for sea turtles)
- Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon
- List of activities to do in Key West when it rains
Islamorada is one of the best places to visit in Florida. And while everyone wants sunny days and turquoise waters on vacation, a rainy day in Islamorada is better than not being in Islamorada at all. Well, it is to me anyways!
Islamorada is always the most perfect place to be, no matter the weather (unless it’s a hurricane). Hopefully this article helped you have a great time in Islamorada regardless of the weather.
