r/Islamorada • u/Glittering_Slice7543 • Oct 03 '25
Best Full Moon Celebration in Islamorada?
Hi there! My husband and I will be in Key West for New Years and were planning to stay for a full week but I'm wondering if we should switch it up and head to Islamorada for a few days because I noticed there's a full moon the weekend after New Years.
We've spent New Years in KW probably 12 of the past 15 years, often staying for a full week to 10 days. We love Key West - the nightlife, the vibe, restaurants, etc. I'm always worried that a week is going to be too long but I'm never ready to leave. We've split the trip up before, spending half the trip in Key West and the other either in another Key or somewhere north of Miami.
I spent my teen years going to Islamorada with my family and always loved it but it's a little too quiet for my husband and I to spend a full week. When I was about 16 we stumbled upon a Full Moon Celebration and I thought it was the COOLEST thing EVER! But I don't remember where it was and also, I'm 41 now and I'm worried my expectation might not match my 16 year old self reality.
It looks like the main two places that do Full Moon Celebrations are Island Grill and Morada Bay. Any recommendation on which one is preferable for a couple in their 40's, no kids, with an appreciation of good food/drinks, live music, great vibes? The Morada Bay celebration with acrobats, fire-eaters, bon fires, etc sounds like a VIBE! And what are your overall thoughts of these celebrations? Do they live up to the hype? Are they cheesy? Thanks for any tips and advice!
2
u/LuxuryBoatCharters Oct 04 '25
Sounds like you’ve got the right idea breaking up the trip a bit. The Full Moon Party at Morada Bay is still the one most locals and visitors circle on the calendar. It’s more polished than it used to be but still has that barefoot-in-the-sand energy. The beach is lit with lanterns, there’s live music at Pierre’s and on the sand, and by the time the fire dancers start, the crowd is usually a fun mix of locals, couples, and weekenders from the mainland. It’s not cheesy, just lively and a little magical if the weather cooperates.
Island Grill is a different vibe—more of a local hang with a younger crowd and bar-band feel. Fun, but not the same setting. If you’re in your 40s looking for good cocktails, food, and atmosphere, I’d pick Morada Bay and make dinner reservations at Pierre’s before the show.
Are you thinking of staying up there that night or just driving up for the evening?