Lazy Days Restaurant in Islamorada — online webcam

Islamorada — a paradise for fishing and sea adventures

Islamorada, known as the "World Sport Fishing Capital," is a unique village in the Florida Keys, located about 80 miles south of Miami. Officially an incorporated village since January 1, 1998, Islamorada occupies five islands in the upper part of the Florida Keys archipelago: Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, and Plantation Key. With a population of about 6,450 people, this community preserves the atmosphere of old Florida, where the rhythm of life is determined by the tides and maritime traditions.

The village stretches along the Overseas Highway from Mile Markers 72 to 91, offering tourists and locals unparalleled access to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It is here, at the boundary of two bodies of water, that the Lazy Days restaurant is located, which has become one of the region's landmarks.

Lazy Days Restaurant: oceanfront at Mile Marker 79.8

Lazy Days Restaurant is located at 79867 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, at Mile Marker 79.8. This place has long been iconic for visitors to Florida, offering fresh seafood and steaks with views of the endless water surface. The restaurant's summer terrace is located right at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, creating the feeling that you are dining on the deck of a yacht.

The webcam is installed on the roof of the building and faces southwest, first capturing the restaurant terrace and then opening up a view of the bay waters. The camera's pan-tilt mechanism slowly rotates, showing different angles: from the docks and coastal area to the horizon, where the silhouette of a historic lighthouse is visible.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse: a historic landmark in view

In clear weather, the metal skeletal structure of the Alligator Reef lighthouse can be seen in the background of the camera. Built in 1873, this lighthouse is one of six iron sister lighthouses located along the Florida reef line. It is located approximately 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east of Indian Key, off the coast of the Matecumbe Keys.

The lighthouse was named after the U.S. Navy brig "Alligator," which ran aground and sank on the reef in 1822. Automated in 1963, Alligator Reef Light continues to serve as a navigational aid for vessels, and its silhouette has become one of the symbols of the upper Florida Keys. In 2023, the lighthouse was transferred to the nonprofit Florida Keys History Foundation for restoration and preservation for future generations.

Geography of the viewing area: from Tea Table Key to Matecumbe

The Lazy Days camera covers a section of water that, from a geographical perspective, is a transitional zone between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. To the left of the lighthouse, a small navigation buoy is visible in the frame, marking a safe passage for vessels.

Tea Table Key, one of Islamorada's five islands, is located in close proximity to the restaurant. The Tea Table Key channel runs between the island and the mainland, connecting the bay waters with the ocean side. It is through this channel that yachts and fishing boats pass, heading to the Atlantic reefs or Florida Bay.

The pan-tilt camera periodically shows the shoreline as well: palm trees, docks, and parked cars of restaurant guests. In the morning hours, you can watch yachts preparing to head out to the ocean, and in the evening — fishing boats returning with their catch.

What's visible on the camera

The Lazy Days webcam in Islamorada broadcasts a live stream with a view of the Gulf of Mexico waters. In the center of the frame in the background, the metal skeletal structure of the Alligator Reef lighthouse with a lantern room on top is visible, standing on the water. To the left of the lighthouse, a small navigation buoy is noticeable.

The water surface is calm, with light ripples, reflecting the overcast sky covered with clouds. The camera is aimed at the open water surface with a navigation lighthouse serving as a reference point for vessels. In the foreground, as the camera pans, the restaurant's summer terrace appears right at the shore of the bay.

The online camera operates 24/7, allowing you to observe changes in lighting on the water, vessel movement, and weather conditions in real time. This is a great opportunity to experience the Florida atmosphere before your trip or simply enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico without leaving home.