The Florida Keys attract travelers of all kinds due to their natural beauty, as well as a myriad of activities on and off the shore in addition, Key West is among the archipelago’s most visited islands. People who love to party stroll on Duval Street, or attend any of the island’s numerous annual events like Fantasy Fest and Hemingway Days. Ocean lovers can enjoy sailing through the stunning waters of Key West or swim in stunning nearby reefs. Although Key West beaches aren’t usually the top choice on lists of Florida’s most beautiful beaches there are good options for those visiting Key West. The eight beach options listed below are our top picks when you’re planning a trip to the most southern island of Key West in the Florida Keys.
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Smathers Beach
One of Key West’s most well-known beaches is also the largest. It is located on the south side of the island Smathers Beach is a half-mile long and is one of the four major beaches within Key West proper. Pick-up volleyball is played on the sand and there are restrooms as well as showers to wash off after a hot game or taking a swim in the shallow waters there. Don’t be astonished to see crowds of people waiting at the beach after sunset. It’s an ideal location for weddings and even weekends can bring groups to the shoreline to take photos, vows, and views worth millions of dollars.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
It is by far the most popular beach on Key West for a refreshing bath and a snorkel (thanks to its deep waters) The beach located at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park situated located on the southwest side of Key West, is regarded as to be among the top beaches in the Florida Keys. The towering Norfolk pine trees that line the sand offer plenty of shade. picnic tables invite you to pack food and enjoy the duration of your visit. Seek out vibrant reef fish including the parrotfish, sergeant majors, and many more — on the pilings made of rock that form the Jetty of the park.
This is the most ideal spot in the entire area of Key West to snorkel right from the shore. And snorkeling gear can be rented beach chairs, beach chairs, and umbrellas at the nearby kiosk. The park’s fort was built in 1845. to 1845 and was built to keep Confederate ships from entering the area throughout the Civil War. Get a hot dog and daiquiri at Cayo Hueso Cafe. It’s a snack bar close to the water, with stunning ocean views.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
The locals call the sand beach Higgs Beach. It’s only two blocks to the west of Smathers Beach and another very well-known beach and you shouldn’t be expecting to enjoy it all for yourself. You’ll find everything to enjoy a relaxing beach day, with the shallow waters that are ideal to swim in and snorkeling on seagrasses. There are also beach volleyball tennis courts, pickleball, and tennis courts, as well as an outdoor playground on the beach for kids. Cafe Salute! On the Beach for seafood dishes with Caribbean influences and tropical drinks. There are some interesting historical sites here, as well. Beach Park is the site of a Civil War-era fort; the largest African refugee burial site located in northern Africa (honoring the victims of slave ships) and The Key West AIDS Memorial.
Simonton Street Beach
The tiny Key West beach draws in-the-know tourists and locals who have discovered it on their way to the island. To locate Simonton Street Beach, head towards the end of the street bearing the same name on the Key West’s Gulf of Mexico side. Many people go on fishing or island-hopping trips from this point, dragging their boats along ramps and down into the crystal clear waters. There’s a concession stand at the beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas in case you want to relax on the beach sunbathing.
South Beach
It’s a far cry from the crowded beach located in Miami that has a similar name Key West’s South Beach is on the southern end of Duval Street and right near the Southernmost Point marker. A day at the beach here puts the beach within walking distance of bars, restaurants, shopping, and even some local historical sites Island legends claim that during the time Tennessee Williams lived in Key West, the writer would visit South Beach almost every day to swim in the sea. Take a stroll on the Emma Carrero Cates Pier. Perfect for snaps during golden hour, and to catch a beautiful island sunrise.
Rest Beach at C.B. Harvey Park
Hidden away along Atlantic Boulevard on Key West’s Atlantic Ocean side, Rest Beach located at C.B. Harvey Park is a great spot to relax. Warm, shallow water and soft sand beach are the reason. Why Harvey Park a popular spot for shell hunters and families. Since it’s great for wading and playing. It is also possible to access the Key West Aids Memorial from here. Since it’s located at the center between Rest Beach and Higgs Beach.
Dry Tortugas National Park
To experience an exciting day excursion starting out of Key West. Head about 70 miles west until you reach the distant beaches within Dry Tortugas National Park. The park’s 100 square miles are accessible by seaplane or boat and is the least visited park in Florida. Consisting of open oceans and seven tiny islands. Garden Key is home to the 19th-century Fort Jefferson. Its brick walls strikingly contrast with the stunning blue waters surrounding the island. There are stunning beaches on the island, and visitors can dive right into the water to snorkel over coral reefs. The basic campsites are offered on a first-come-first-serve base, should you decide to stay your evening on this island.
Sombrero Beach
This is a different day-trip alternative to Key West. Travel about 50 miles back towards Key Largo and Miami to discover this stunning swath beach located on Marathon Key. Locals consider this an ideal spot for a relaxing backyard. The beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Overseas Highway at Mile Marker 50. It is a man-made beach made of coral sand. It’s also a beautiful spot to lay out your beach towels and put on an umbrella to enjoy the day.
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Bahia Honda State Park
One of the most sought-after camping spots with oceanfront views in the U.S. Bahia Honda State Park is a protected area of 524 acres of land on. Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys. And it’s approximately 37 miles to the east from Key West. It also happens to boast long stretches of stunning natural beachfront that are perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming. Bahia Honda is the name of the park. Bahia Honda is derived from the Spanish meaning “deep bay,”. And it makes sense since the water here tends to be deeper. Therefore, less humid and refreshing during a hot summer day.
Get your beach gear set up in Calusa Beach, near the Bahia Honda Bridge. Or the mile-long Sandspur Beach near the park’s entry point. Both are excellent for snorkeling and swimming. Showers are provided for daytime guests. There are eighty campsites, six cabins with stilted roofs as well as RV-friendly options. Kayaks and bicycles can be rented to explore the park and boat. Excursions take snorkelers toward the reef close by Looe Key.