Best Beaches In Key West

Key West, Florida is a popular vacation spot due to its unique location and breathtaking ocean views. From relaxing on a serene beach with a cocktail to kayaking and other water sports, Key West has something for everyone. Choose the best beach for you and start your vacation in paradise!

1. Smathers Beach

The crystal-clear water and two miles of pristine sandy shores make Smathers Beach a popular spot for tourists and one of the best beaches near Key West. It is rated as the top for swimming conditions, with a gradual shoreline slope. This slope allows swimmers to wade into the mild-current water.

Smathers Beach can get crowded with families due to its excellent swimming conditions, so be sure to get there early and stake out your spot.

The beach is laden with vendors and rental shops. You can get snorkeling equipment, jet skis and water sports equipment, and beach chairs and umbrellas.

Smathers Beach has free entry for the public and offers free shower and restroom amenities. However, if you are not staying close by, there is a parking fee.

Smathers Beach is located at 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, Florida.

2. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Typically shortened to just Higgs Beach, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach is one of several beaches located within the boundaries of C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park. Within the boundaries, you can also find beautiful gardens and a restaurant.

With multiple rental shops located on the beach, this is a great place to take a day trip. Families can take to the nearby playground and those with furry friends can take advantage of the dog park.

History buffs will also appreciate Higgs Memorial Beach. Monuments dedicated to the 19th-century slave cemetery can be found on the site. Wandering around you can also find a pier where visitors often see stingrays and other marine life.

Its historical significance, great amenities, and variety of activities make Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park a good site for the young and old alike.

It is located at 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida, and has free parking.

3. South Beach

Located on the southern end of Key West, South Beach has a big draw to families. This beach has calm, shallow waters that are excellent swimming for children. Even with all the kids, it is known for its relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the smallest public beaches near Key West, Florida.

South Beach lacks the multitudes of rental shops compared to other beaches. You can find several beachside refreshment stands, giving a more local feel. Public water fountains and a small cafe also reside on South Beach.

One drawback to South Beach is the lack of public restroom amenities. No restrooms can be difficult for families, but local establishments are good about letting their customers use their facilities.

South Beach is a beautiful spot to catch a peaceful sunset from the west side of the beach on Emma Carrero Cates Pier.

South Beach is located at 1319 Duval Street, Key West, Florida.

4. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is known for its natural shoreline of ground coral instead of imported sand. It is not a beach known for sunbathers and volleyball games. It is considered one of the most authentic Key West beaches because of its untouched shore.

Nature-lovers flock to Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. It is plentiful with plant and animal life, both in the water and on land. It is a popular spot for bird-watchers.

It is among the top spots to snorkel in Key West. Schools of tiny reef-dwellers to the Goliath grouper can be seen here. Snorkelers also enjoy seeing sea creatures such as dolphins and sea turtles.

The park has shady, scenic nature trails for those who want to go for a stroll. History lovers also flock to go on ranger-guided tours of historic Fort Zachary. Civil War-era fortifications can be explored on these tours.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is located at 601 Howard Way, Key West, Florida.

5. Simonton Beach

If you are looking to get away from the crowds of tourists, head on down to Simonton Beach. Located on the Gulf side, it is notable because it is the only public beach located in downtown Key West.

Just steps from Mallory square, Simonton Beach has a good selection of amenities. On-site rentals are available for beach chairs and umbrellas. Small food vendors, public restrooms, and picnic tables can be used.

This small, pet-friendly beach is a favorite spot for locals. Along with the soft sand, the shoreline is rocky. Swimmers should wear water shoes.

A restaurant located next to the beach offers tasty food and convenient rentals. If you to ride a Jet Ski or a boat, this is the place to go. They also offer sunset cruises and charter tours for fishing, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island tours.

Simonton Beach is located at 5 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida.

6. Bahia Honda State Park

Located about 45 minutes by car from Key West, Bahia Honda State Park is the top choice for visitors who want to camp on the beach. It can also be accessed by boat.

Overnight visitors are often accompanied by day visitors who come for the soft white sand, shallow water, and natural beauty of the park. Camping facilities include electricity and fresh water, as well as a concession shop that is open during the day.

Bahia Honda State Park is a popular place for snorkeling. Nurse sharks, rays, barracuda, and other fish live in the surrounding reefs. The highly endangered Miami Blue butterfly calls the park its home.

Bahia Honda State Park is located in Big Pine Key, about 45 minutes from Key West. The address is 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, Florida.

7. Dog Beach

Less than two dozen feet from end to end, the tiny Dog Beach is loved by pet parents who live in and those visiting Key West.

It is the only public beach that allows dogs to run free. Bring your furry friend to come to play with others, play in the water, sniff the rocks, and have the time of their life. Owners do not have to worry about their four-legged kids disrupting sunbathers at this beach.

Dog Beach can be found at 1500 Vernon Avenue, Key West, Florida. If you get lost (which is easy to do while trying to find Dog Beach), stop by Louie’s Backyard. This dog-friendly restaurant is next door to the beach and its employees will be happy to guide you in the right direction.

8. Dry Tortugas National Park

For those of you trying to check off all of the National Parks, do not forget about Dry Tortugas! This national park is located 70 miles away in Fort Jefferson National Park, but with the Dry Tortugas Ferry, it is considered part of Key West.

The palm-lined beach is paradise. You can relax, swim, and play. The natural beauty of the park will leave you in awe. The biggest draw is the expansive coral reef system. Tours of the 19th-century Fort Jefferson are a great stop for history buffs.

Snorkelers will love the Dry Tortugas. The coral reef system is home to an expansive amount of sea life.

There are no stores in the park, so be sure and bring food and supplies for your day trip.

If you are more adventurous, ditch the ferry and go for a seaplane ride to reach the beach. There are limited campsites in the park, so plan and reserve your spot for the camping trip of a lifetime!

Dry Tortugas National Park is located 90 miles west of Key West and is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.

9. Rest Beach

Rest Beach is located within C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park. This small, much-loved beach is often quite crowded because of its popularity. It is unique because of its position, giving a great view of both sunrise and sunset.

Even amongst its popularity, Rest Beach is a tranquil place to admire the sunset views in contrast to Mallory Park’s sunset festivities.

Along with its tranquility, a yoga deck can be found on Rest Beach. Visitors can participate in either morning or evening guided yoga sessions.

Rest Beach is located at White St. & Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida.

10. County Beach

County Beach is for the sunbathers, not the swimmers. Located within C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park, County Beach is sandwiched between Higgs Memorial Beach Park and Rest Beach.

The sandy section is flat, with boulders placed at the water's edge to keep the sunbathers dry. So if you are wanting to go for a swim, pop over to one of the neighboring beaches.

With no swimming opportunities, most families tend to go to neighboring beaches. This leaves County Beach as a quiet, peaceful place to enjoy the sun while reading a book and relaxing.

This picturesque setting makes this beach photogenic, with West Martello Tower in the background.

County Beach is located at 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, Florida.

Conclusion

Come see the beautiful Key West beaches yourself! Plan your trip to enjoy the sun, water sports, snorkeling, and more. Enjoy the beaches of Key West with their historical significance and natural beauty.