Key West is well known for its beautiful beaches. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to relax or want to take part in some exciting water sports, there is a beach perfect for you in this island paradise. Here is a guide to some of the best beaches in Key West.
With warm, clear waters and soft, white sand, these beaches provide the perfect backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and more. Some of the best beaches in Key West include Smathers Beach and Higg’s Beach.
Smathers Beach is a long stretch of pristine coastline that is popular with both tourists and locals alike. Its wide expanse of white sand adjacent to crystal clear waters makes it the perfect spot to catch some sun or set up your umbrella and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. Let’s read on for more beaches.
10 Best Beaches In Key West
Visitors to Key West can choose from a variety of fantastic beaches, each of which has unique qualities that make it stand out.
You can find shallow and quiet beaches for families, a sunrise and sunset beach, and even a beach for vacationing with your dog.
Others are ideal for peace and quiet and others are ideal for thrilling water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. Others are still sufficiently romantic to entice couples to stay for a while even after the sun has set.
1. Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is one of the most well-loved beaches in Key West. With its crystal clear waters and stunning ocean views, it is no wonder that this beach draws visitors from all over the world. Perhaps best of all, Smathers Beach is completely free to enjoy, with no entry fee required.
Additionally, the beach is equipped with all the necessary snorkeling equipment, so visitors can easily explore the vibrant undersea ecosystem. And if you’re looking for a bit of excitement, you’ll find no shortage of fun activities on this popular beachfront.
From Jet Skis to parasailing rigs, there is no shortage of water sports equipment for thrill-seekers to rent. Overall, Smathers Beach has earned its reputation as one of the top beaches for families and adventure-seekers alike.
2. South Beach
South Beach in Key West is a family-favorite destination, boasting a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Located just steps away from the beach, the small café offers delicious meals and refreshing drinks, making it an ideal spot to take a break from sunbathing or swimming.
In addition, visitors to South Beach will find several public water fountains scattered throughout the area. With one-of-a-kind artwork surrounding each fountain, these vibrant features are not only a great place for kids to cool off and play in the water; they also help to add a unique and artistic touch to this seaside hotspot.
Whether you’re looking for a family outing or simply want to savor some time by yourself, South Beach is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing, low-key vacation.
3. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is a popular public beach in Key West, Florida. Whether visiting for a day of swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the stunning coastal views, visitors to this park will find plenty of activities to keep them occupied.
The beach itself is expansive and well-maintained, with clear waters that offer excellent opportunities for water sports. The park also features numerous trails and boardwalks that meander through rolling sand dunes, providing visitors with the chance to explore the unique landscape firsthand.
And of course, no trip to Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park would be complete without a relaxing stroll along one of the picturesque beaches or iconic wooden piers that line it. Whatever your reason for visiting this beautiful park, you are sure to enjoy every minute spent there!
4. Simonton Beach
Situated on the westernmost tip of Key West, Simonton Beach is one of the most beautiful and well-loved beaches in the entire state. With its warm blue waters, soft white sand, and sunny skies, it makes for the perfect spot to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The beach itself has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was first used as a harbor for ships coming into port. Today, Simonton Beach remains an important part of Key West’s landscape, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to take advantage of all that this idyllic spot has to offer.
Whether you’re looking to dive in for a swim, build a sandcastle with your kids, or just soak up some sun on a lounge chair, Simonton Beach is the place to be.
5. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Key West for tourists and locals alike. Its plentiful plant and animal life, which includes a wide variety of tropical fish, make it a top snorkeling spot.
The beach is also widely recognized for having a healthy sea turtle population. It gives guests the chance to swim with these lovely animals in their natural environment.
Whether you are looking to enjoy some time in the warm ocean waters or simply want to get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is sure to delight you.
6. Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda is a beautiful state park located on the southwestern coast of Key West. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque surroundings, it has long been a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.
The park offers an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and swimming to kayaking and snorkeling. In addition, the park has numerous facilities for camping and picnicking, making it a great place to come and enjoy some time in nature with your friends or family.
Whether you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of tropical Florida, Bahia Honda State Park is sure to delight you.
7. Dry Tortugas National Park
Located just off the coast of Key West, the Dry Tortugas National Park is a palm-lined paradise frozen in time. With its pristine beaches, picturesque palm trees, and crystal blue waters, this national park offers visitors the chance to reconnect with nature and truly unwind.
Whether you are looking to simply relax on the beach or delve into some timeless adventures, the Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect place to do it. From world-class diving and snorkeling spots to fascinating historical ruins and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, this national park has everything you could possibly want.
8. Rest Beach
Rest Beach is a palm-lined paradise tucked away in the heart of Key West. With its crystal-clear blue waters and soft white sands, this beach is a favorite destination for local residents and tourists alike. Rest Beach provides you with a fun-filled day full of activities.
From swimming and sunbathing to snorkeling and boating, there are countless ways to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this idyllic location. And with its convenient location just a short walk from downtown Key West, there’s no reason not to visit Rest Beach today!
9. Dog Beach
Dog Beach in Key West is an ideal destination for canine enthusiasts. The beach is the perfect place to teach pets how to swim, get some exercise, and socialize with other dogs. It is also a great place to let your furry friend run and play in the sand, splash around in the water, and explore the beautiful coastline.
Perhaps best of all, Dog Beach offers pet-friendly amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and showers to make it easy and convenient to bring your pup along for a day of fun in the sun. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Key West, be sure to stop by Dog Beach and see what all the fuss is about!
10. County Beach
Key West’s County Beach is a very well-liked vacation spot for both locals and visitors. It provides the ideal backdrop for a variety of recreational activities with its gorgeous white sand and beautiful waters.
Whether you’re there with friends or family, County Beach has something for everyone. And with its convenient location just steps away from the bustling city center, you can be sure that your day at County Beach will be both relaxing and rejuvenating.
FAQs: Best Beaches In Key West
Q 1: Which Of Key West’s Beaches Is The Best?
A 1: The bulk of Key West’s best beaches are gathered over a narrow stretch of water just over a mile in length on the island’s southern border. Smathers Beach, Key West’s biggest beach, is an exception.
Q 2: Do The Beaches In Key West Allow Swimming?
A 2: Yes, there are multiple swimmable beaches in Key West. The island is situated in renowned for its crystal-clear blue seas the Florida Keys. Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park are some of the best swimming beaches.
Q 3: Do The Florida Keys Have Any Beaches With White Sand?
A 3: Sombrero Beach in Marathon provides everything you need, like picnic areas, volleyball nets, a pier, restrooms, and public showers, in addition to swaying palm trees, white sand, and a gorgeous ocean in all shades of blue.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on during your Key West vacation, any of these ten beaches is sure to please. From secluded spots perfect for privacy to bustling areas full of activities, there’s something for everyone when it comes to the best beaches in Key West. Have you visited any of these stunning locations?
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