Key West FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Key West, Florida.
1. Smathers Beach
LONGEST BEACH ON ISLAND
Smathers Beach boasts a half-mile stretch of soft, white sand, making it one of the most popular destinations in Key West. The man-made beach is great for children because they can wade a considerable distance from the shoreline without the risk of a sudden drop off or strong undertow. Visitors can enjoy various activities including snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, and volleyball, with equipment rentals available on site.
2. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
HISTORIC FORT WITH BEACH
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offers a crushed coral beach with a variety of water and onshore activities, including daily ranger-led tours of the Civil War-era bastion. Visitors can stroll or bike along the scenic nature trails where they can view Key West's indigenous flora and fauna. The clear, clean waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding among tropical fish.
3. South Beach
INTIMATE SOUTHERN SHORE EXPERIENCE
South Beach is located at the southern end of Duval Street, offering a small, intimate beach experience. This cozy waterfront spot provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is perfect for a quick dip or relaxing sunbathing session. Visitors appreciate the nearby restaurants and the convenient location close to other Key West attractions.
4. Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH PARK
Higgs Beach offers a family-friendly environment with white sand shores and calm waters ideal for swimming and relaxation. The beach park features amenities including tennis courts, a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. History enthusiasts will appreciate the African Cemetery memorial and the West Martello Tower, a Civil War-era fort that now houses a garden maintained by the Key West Garden Club.
5. Simonton Street Beach
SMALL DOWNTOWN BEACH SPOT
Simonton Street Beach is a small, tucked-away beach in downtown Key West that offers a quick escape from the bustling city streets. This pocket-sized beach provides limited swimming opportunities but is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying spectacular sunset views. Its convenient downtown location makes it an excellent spot for a brief waterfront respite during a day of exploring the island.
6. Rest Beach
SUNRISE VIEWING PARADISE
Rest Beach, adjacent to Higgs Beach, is known as one of the best spots in Key West to watch the sunrise. The small beach features yoga classes on the pier in the mornings, offering a peaceful start to the day with stunning ocean views. Visitors appreciate the relatively quiet atmosphere compared to some of the island's more popular beaches.
7. Dog Beach
CANINE-FRIENDLY SHORE SPOT
Dog Beach is a small but beloved spot where four-legged friends can enjoy the water off-leash in Key West. While tiny in size, this beach provides a dedicated space for dogs to splash, swim, and socialize in the ocean. Pet owners appreciate having a designated area where their canine companions can experience the joy of Key West's beautiful waters.
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
REMOTE ISLAND PARADISE
Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West, features pristine blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson surrounded by magnificent beaches. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Florida Keys with crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. Visitors can enjoy camping, bird watching, swimming, and exploring the massive 19th-century fort while experiencing the untouched natural beauty of this isolated island group.
9. Bahia Honda State Park
AWARD-WINNING BEACH PARADISE
Bahia Honda State Park, located about 36 miles east of Key West, is home to award-winning beaches with shallow, clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The park features both Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico beaches, offering visitors varied experiences and spectacular views of the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including numerous bird species and diverse marine life in the park's pristine natural setting.
10. Sombrero Beach
LOCAL FAVORITE FAMILY BEACH
Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a picturesque, crescent-shaped public beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters about 50 miles northeast of Key West. This well-maintained beach park features amenities including picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and restroom facilities, making it ideal for family outings. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the typically calm waters, snorkeling around the offshore reef, or simply relaxing under the swaying palm trees at this local favorite that offers a more laid-back alternative to Key West beaches.