Best Beaches in the Florida Keys: Your Guide to Ocean Bliss

Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, the Florida Keys offer an abundance of turquoise waters, white sands, and outdoor delights. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. However, it most certainly is.

The Florida Keys – stretching from Key Largo south to Key West (and well beyond) – is loaded with beach options for everyone, whether you’re into eco-adventures or delicious tropical cuisine. Therefore, grab your shades and swimsuit; it’s time to find the perfect beach for your adventure in the Florida Keys.

Bahia Honda State Park

Best beach for bird watching

A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. On a given day, dozens of species of wood warblers, great white herons, sandpipers, and more are visible from its confines situated between Big Pine Key and Marathon. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge.

Although no longer in commission, part of the bridge remains accessible to the public, offering panoramic views of the winged critters within the park. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park features snorkeling tours, camping, and kayak rentals for diverse perspectives of the natural beauty.

Curry Hammock State Park

Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding

If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isn’t striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park encompasses 1,000 lush acres primed for outdoor adventures.

In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail, and four pavilions for picnicking, this park is perfect for a day of paddling. There are two beloved kayak paths here, with the most popular being a 1.5-mile loop around Little Crawl Key that takes you through a mangrove tunnel, deep water lagoon, and sandbars.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Best beach for a totally isolated retreat

Located in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park comprises seven islands, making it perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire U.S. National Park System. Getting there requires a two-plus hour ferry ride, private boat charter, or seaplane ride, all of which should be planned well in advance. Once you arrive, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress, and secluded beaches await.

Higgs Beach

Best beach for animal lovers

If your furry friend is along for your adventure or if you want to watch puppies play, Higgs Beach features one of the best dog parks in the Keys. Adjacent to the beach is the Key West Wildlife Center, where local birds, sea turtles, and other creatures are rehabilitated. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week. Beyond the animals, Higgs Beach also provides six picnic tiki huts and a historic military lookout with beautiful gardens.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Best beach for history buffs

If you’re a history lover visiting Key West on the third weekend of the month, you’re in luck. Fort Zachary Taylor Park hosts a Civil War reenactment, as the fort remained in Union hands throughout the conflict.

There are countless historical attractions within the park year-round, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, featuring shallow and often serene waters—though some water shoes may help due to rocky areas.

John Pennekamp State Park

Best beach for a marine life encounter

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Pennekamp State Park encompasses nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reefs and marine life, regularly showcasing great barracudas, parrotfish, and more. For an unforgettable experience, the park offers numerous boat tours throughout the day, including a glass-bottom boat option that operates three times daily. Back on land, you can explore the park’s visitor center, which features a 30,000-gallon aquarium.

Smathers Beach

Best white sand beach

When you envision a South Florida beach, it’s typically flat with white sand stretching along the coast. Smathers Beach exemplifies this concept perfectly. Tucked on Key West’s southern coast, it offers ample space for lounging or adventure.

Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks, and watersport companies offering activities such as parasailing, jet ski rentals, and kayaking. A must-do activity includes walking out to a sandbar just beyond the shore, where the waters are usually shallow and calm.

Sombrero Beach

Best beach for a family-friendly adventure

There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach in Marathon. The beach features shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to relax. From April through October, the beach serves as a Loggerhead Turtle nesting hotspot, providing a memorable sight for visitors of all ages.