Summary
Key West, an island city in the Florida Keys, is recognized as the southernmost city in the United States. Known for its array of naturally beautiful and man-made beaches, Key West encompasses a four-mile length and a one-mile width. The most prominent street in the city is Duval Street.
Due to its location near Havana, many locations in Key West attract more international visitors than locals. Sloppy Joe’s, once favored by Ernest Hemingway, remains a popular gathering spot in Key West. Let us delve into some of the top beaches in Key West:
1. Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach, recognized as the largest public beach in Key West, offers a two-mile-long shoreline easily accessible from Key West International Airport.
Unlike other local beaches that consist of ground coral or pebbles bordered by mangroves, Smathers Beach features a sandy shoreline paired with a more intimate atmosphere.
Access to the beach is complimentary; however, parking fees apply to the beach parking lot. Free parking is available a short distance from the beach for those willing to walk.
Numerous vendors along the coastline provide food, beverages, beach chairs, and rafts.
Smathers Beach is particularly suitable for families with children, as the currents remain mild, and the expansive shore provides ample space to wade into the water.
Popular activities at the beach include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
Public amenities encompass restrooms, lounge chairs, and various rental shops for water sports equipment.
2. Dog Beach
Not your typical Key West beach, this small yet scenic area is ideal for visitors with canine companions eager to enjoy a special day at the beach.
The only beach in Key West where dogs can roam freely and play without a leash, Dog Beach measures approximately 20 feet in width and features a rocky terrain with wet stones and seaweed.
To access this beach, head towards Louie’s Backyard, as there are no explicit signs indicating the location.
Louie’s Backyard, the adjacent restaurant, is a wonderful conclusion to your beach outing with your dog, as they welcome furry friends at dining time.
3. Higgs Beach
Situated close to Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach offers a tranquil alternative to the area’s most frequented beach. The pristine tropical landscape features palm-fringed shorelines, smooth stretches of sand, and stunning waters.
A significant advantage of Higgs Beach over Smathers is the availability of free parking.
Should the sun become too intense, consider visiting the nearby West Martello Tower, a beautiful garden showcasing a vast array of flora and fauna.
A playground and a dog park are also located across from the beach.
While swimming and snorkeling activities can be enjoyed, they are primarily available farther out near the pier, where stingrays are often seen.
Tropical Watersports Key West, located on-site, offers excellent daily deals, starting from USD $30 for two lounge chairs and an umbrella for the entire day.
Addiitionally, common facilities include beach chairs, kayak rentals, paddle-boards, snorkeling gear, and volleyball nets.
Guests can utilize outdoor showers and public restrooms available at the beach.
4. South Beach
Compared to Smathers and Higgs, South Beach has a smaller coastline at the southernmost tip of Key West. This area attracts more foreign visitors than local residents, owing to its proximity to Cuba.
Characterized by shallow waters, South Beach is favored by families with children. Additionally, the beach primarily serves as a relaxing venue. With its crystalline waters, it is also suitable for swimming.
The laid-back ambiance encourages guests to spread out their towels and simply enjoy the scenery.
Two water fountains, a beach café, and temporary stalls selling frozen beverages, smoothies, and even cool towels are available for visitors. Renting a sunbed may also include complimentary refreshments.
No restrooms or additional public facilities exist in this area, but nearby bars allow access to their facilities.
5. Rest Beach
Also referred to as C.B Harveys, Rest Beach may not present itself as the most exquisite beach among Key West’s offerings, yet do not be misled by its unassuming appearance compared to other popular locations like Smathers and Higgs Beach.
Despite its modest length of approximately 300 yards, Rest Beach provides extraordinary sunrise and sunset experiences. It is well-regarded for offering breathtaking sunrises, as it is positioned for optimal views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a picturesque spot to relish sunrises on the shore.
If sunrise eludes you or waking early seems daunting, join fellow spectators at Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration, witnessing what could be considered one of the most exceptional sunsets of your life.
A yoga deck is available on the beach for those interested in participating in evening yoga sessions led by local instructors.
6. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Regarded by locals as the quintessential beach in Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the few natural beaches in the Florida Keys, featuring a shoreline predominantly made of ground coral.
This beach routinely attracts returning visitors, particularly for its snorkeling opportunities.
In addition to snorkeling, the waters are excellent for diving, with various marine life including turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath grouper, and tarpon often observed.
Commonly referred to as Fort Zach, this area was once a genuine fort encircled by water, and daily tours are available starting at noon.
As a state national park, a ranger accompanies each tour to impart the history and context of the site.
Two natural trails, the Sand Hog Trail and the Fort View Trail, provide further exploration opportunities in the vicinity.
7. Bahia Honda State Park
Designated as one of the ‘top beaches in the United States’ by the Travel Channel, Bahia Honda is approximately 30 miles from Key West and provides some of the most captivating beach views globally.
Featuring an extensive stretch of sugary white sand, shallow waters, and splendid campsites equipped with water and electricity, it is an ideal location for overnight camping.
A boat ramp is also available for launching boats, subject to a fee.
Situated in the lower Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park retains its nearly uninhabited state.
The park teems with marine diversity; snorkelers at the beach can readily observe rays, small reef fish, barracuda, and even the elusive nurse shark. Notably, the only known population of the Miami Blue butterfly, previously presumed extinct, was rediscovered in the park in 1999.
8. Dry Tortugas Beach
Located roughly 90 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas Beach can be found within the Fort Jefferson National Park, making a visit to this beach one of the premier activities to experience in Key West.
The Dry Tortugas Ferry transports guests to the beach and provides a remarkable day trip experience, including breakfast and lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a guided tour of the adjacent fort.
Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or stroll along this picturesque palm-lined beach.
Only 1% of the national park consists of dry land, while the Florida Keys reef system stands as the third largest of its kind globally.
9. Casa Marina Resort
A distinguished Waldorf Astoria Resort, Casa Marina is a spacious mansion-style establishment celebrated for its 1,100 feet of private beach and impeccable service. The coastline is dotted with swaying coconut palms and multiple hammocks, ideal for leisurely afternoons spent reading.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, guests at the hotel benefit from luxurious services, including a beach concierge who prepares your beach chairs, umbrella, and towels while serving refreshing cocktails and cooling cucumber slices to soothe your eyes.
The on-site spa, Spa al Mare, offers revitalizing spa and massage treatments available for both guests and non-guests. Popular services include aromatherapy and deep-tissue massage, with the Ocean Breeze Massage on the beach being one of their most requested treatments.
The beachfront at Casa Marina is renowned for providing some of the finest sunrise views in the region.
10. The Reach Resort
Another exceptional hotel property operated by Waldorf Astoria, The Reach boasts one of the most expansive private natural beaches in the region. This stylish boutique hotel features a striking pier with a pavilion that extends over the Atlantic Ocean.
Guests who are early risers will be treated to stunning sunrises nearly every morning at this charming boutique property.
The hotel’s professional and accommodating staff go above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay. Simply inform the concierge of your desire to spend time at the beach, and they will arrange lounge chairs, cool towels, invigorating drinks, and even popsicles for your enjoyment.
For over two decades, Barefoot Billy’s located at the resort has provided world-class watersport activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.
11. Sunset Key
Positioned just 500 yards from Key West Harbor, Sunset Key is a 27-acre beach resort characterized by its distinctive crystal white sand, swaying hammocks, and thatched tiki huts.
Exclusively reserved for guests of the resort, Sunset Key features charming cottages that line the shore. The idyllic tropical atmosphere and Gulf views create a blissful environment perfect for a romantic lunch or exquisite sunset dinner.
For visitors not staying at the property, Chef Todd Holender at Latitude Café offers delightful Caribbean dishes from a seasonal menu. The in-house spa, which provides a comprehensive range of exotic tropical treatments and massages, is also available to non-residents.
The resort’s Sunset Romance Package is especially popular among couples seeking a romantic getaway.
