A pillar of the Islamorada community since 1946, Cheeca Lodge & Spa is celebrating our 70 year anniversary this year. In honor of this milestone, take a journey through our rich history in this feature article from our friends at Islamorada Times.
Pre-Cheeca:
The beginning of the Cheeca Lodge as we know it today occurred back in 1946 when the first hotel and restaurant opened for business on the property. However, the history and events of our historic property dates back to the late 1800's when the first homesteaders, also known as the Conchs, settled in Islamorada. The Conchs would construct the first buildings on the beach where Cheeca stands today, a church and school. These religious people who prospered by farming limes and pineapples also built the Pioneer Cemetery that still stands today on the property and is one of Islamorada's historical landmarks. Members of these pioneers' families, the Russells, Parkers, and Pinders are buried and memorialized at the cemetery.
Come Play at Camp Cheeca
Cheeca Lodge is pleased to be one of the top Islamorada family resorts with kid-friendly features like Camp Cheeca. An environmentally-focused program designed to entertain your kids while educating them about the wildlife found in the Florida Keys, Camp Cheeca offers daily activities that are enthralling and fun. After spending the day at Camp Cheeca, your kids will return with a smile on their face and some fun facts to share over dinner. Each day Camp Cheeca offers a unique combination of arts and crafts, exploration, and outdoor activities led by knowledgeable counselors. This fun and exciting day camp is the perfect complement to any Islamorada family at our Florida resort for kids. When looking for what to do in Florida Keys with kids, consider spending time with Camp Cheeca. Camp Cheeca is run by trained and professional camp counselors.
Activities at Camp Cheeca Include:
Fishing off Cheeca Lodge’s famous pier
Arts and crafts
Pool and water activities
Scavenger hunts
Group games
Beach exploration
Outdoor play set
Environmental learning
Board games
Coconut painting
Coconut bowling
Sports court including pickleball, basketball, shuffleboard and hopscotch
Informal tennis and golf instruction
Bike riding with counselors
65" TV for gaming and movies