Every fall, my family packs up the car and heads south to the Florida Keys for one last taste of summer. (Although if you live in South Florida, you know summer doesn’t actually end until sometime around November.) There’s something about driving down the Overseas Highway that instantly changes my mood. As soon as I see those impossibly blue waters surrounding Key Largo, my shoulders relax, I breathe a little deeper, and suddenly I’m craving a coconut margarita. If you’re looking for an easy family getaway from Boca Raton, Three Waters Resort Islamorada has quickly become one of my favorite places to stay.
Our Room at Three Waters Resort Islamorada
One of my favorite things about Three Waters Resort is how close everything feels. We stayed in a Two Queen Ocean View Balcony Room overlooking Mermaid Beach, just steps from Kokomo Pool, the marina, and what quickly became the kids’ favorite stop: Lucky Twist Ice Cream.
Naturally, while they ordered ice cream, I headed straight for Kokomo, home to the only swim-up bar in the Florida Keys, to officially kick off vacation with that coconut margarita I’d been dreaming about since Key Largo. The entire resort feels incredibly walkable, which meant we rarely had to think about where we were going. Whether we wanted the beach, pool, restaurants, or marina, everything was just a short stroll away.
Formerly known as Postcard Inn, the newly reimagined Three Waters Resort & Marina is part of the Islamorada Resort Collection and sits where the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico meet, giving the resort its name. Better yet, it’s less than a three-hour drive from Boca Raton, making it perfect for a long weekend with the kids.
Nine Dining Options Without Leaving the Resort
One of the biggest surprises at Three Waters Resort Islamorada was just how many dining options were available. Over our three-day stay, we managed to eat at seven different restaurants…and honestly could have kept going.
My family favorites included:
Kindler Wood-Fired Fare
Perfect for date night or a nicer family dinner, Kindler specializes in wood-fired steaks, seafood, and coastal cuisine.
Little Limón
This rooftop restaurant quickly became one of my favorites. The sunset views alone are worth visiting, but the ceviche, oysters, and Latin-Asian flavors make it even better.
Mercado Morada
We ate breakfast here both mornings. Great coffee, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and an easy grab-and-go option before heading out for the day.
Tiki Bar
Fun fact: the Rum Runner cocktail was invented here. Need I say more? With live music overlooking the marina every evening, it perfectly captures the laid-back Florida Keys vibe.
Islamorada Pizza Company
Traveling with kids? Don’t skip this one. The pizzas are enormous, and surprisingly, one of my favorite things here was actually the Caesar salad.
Take the Complimentary Rum Runner (and I’m not talking about the drink)
One of the coolest perks at Three Waters Resort is the complimentary Rum Runner water taxi. Guests can travel between all three properties within the Islamorada Resort Collection:
- Three Waters Resort & Marina
- Amara Cay Resort
- La Siesta Resort & Villas
Even if you aren’t heading to dinner, the boat ride itself is worth taking. It became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Our Favorite Activity: Fish Like a Local
While paddleboards, kayaking, snorkeling, and pool days are always fun, we wanted to try something uniquely Florida Keys.
So we booked the Fish Like a Local experience.
Located right off the marina, local fishing guide Patrick from Abel’s Tackle Box taught the girls how to bait hooks, cast, and safely release their catches. “If you chum, they will come,” he laughed. He wasn’t kidding.
Within minutes, my daughter caught an enormous grouper on her very first cast, followed by snapper and even a needlefish. The girls absolutely loved it…right up until it was time to actually touch the fish. This experience books quickly, so I’d definitely reserve it before your trip if it’s on your family’s bucket list.
Note: Fish Like a Local participants must be at least 8 years old to fish and children ages 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
As parents, we loved how easy everything felt. The resort is compact enough that we never needed to move the car once we arrived.
Our daughter and her bestie (both 12 years old during our visit) loved exploring the property independently, stopping at Angler’s Arcade, grabbing Starbucks near the lobby, and wandering between the beach and pool. It gave them just enough independence while still feeling completely safe.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Florida Keys resort that’s close enough for a long weekend but feels worlds away from everyday life, Three Waters Resort Islamorada deserves a spot on your list.
Between the beautiful ocean views, incredible dining, fishing experiences, complimentary Rum Runner water taxi, and laid-back Keys atmosphere, it’s exactly the kind of place that reminds you to slow down and enjoy time together.
84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
855/868-5172 | WEBSITE
FAQ’s
How far is Three Waters Resort Islamorada from Boca Raton?
About 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
Is Three Waters Resort good for families?
Yes! With multiple pools, beach access, kid-friendly dining, fishing excursions, water sports, and walkable grounds, it’s an excellent option for families.
Is Three Waters Resort pet friendly?
Yes! The resort welcomes dogs.
What is the Rum Runner at Three Waters Resort?
The complimentary Rum Runner is a water taxi that transports guests between Three Waters Resort, Amara Cay Resort, and La Siesta Resort & Villas.
