Best Beaches In Key West

On the island paradise of Key West, you’ll find a diverse selection of beaches that offer sun and fun and a myriad of activities. Whether you’re a sun worshiper looking for a quiet sandy stretch, a beach volleyball enthusiast or something in between, you’ll find the perfect beach. Here’s a list of the best beaches in Key West:

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

One of the city’s most popular and loved public beaches, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park encompasses 87 acres and is home to a Civil War fort. Pack a picnic or bring food to barbecue; there are picnic tables and grills right onsite. You can sun bathe, swim, snorkel or string a hammock between two pine trees and take a nice long nap. The beach is beautiful, deeper than most beaches around Key West. There are restrooms, chair rentals and a snack bar. Enter on Southard Sreet past the Green Parrot through the Truman Annex. Bring a few dollars; there’s a small entrance fee. Fort Zach (as it is locally known) is a great spot to see and take photos of Key West’s fabulous sunset. Fort Zach is less crowded than Mallory Square and the view of the sun fading into the Gulf is not blocked by Sunset Key. Many of the sunset cruises sail just off Fort Zach for the best sunset viewing.
Smathers

Smathers

If you’re looking for action, Smathers is the beach for you. It’s a long stretch of manmade beach that many people flock to to play volleyball, go jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and more. You can rent any of these right on the beach, as well as chairs, if you need them. There are picnic tables, restrooms, a concession stand and lots of parking. Smathers is located off South Roosevelt Boulevard.
Higgs

Higgs

A wide stretch of sand, a full-service restaurant and a long wooden pier make Higgs Beach a fun, relaxing spot for people of all ages. Located off Reynolds Street, Higgs has chairs, water sports and raft rentals, covered picnic tables and a playground for the kids.
South Beach

South Beach

Just at the end of Duval Street, South Beach is a local favorite and the perfect place to enjoy the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A long concrete pier is a great place for fishing or just hanging out looking for dolphins and sea turtles. No restrooms.
Rest Beach

Rest Beach

Key West’s only beach with natural vegetation and home of the famous White Street Pier, Rest Beach is a small, pleasant spot to enjoy the beautiful Key West weather. Nightly yoga classes on the pier, a nice view and generally a quiet spot to just kick-back, Rest Beach is definitely one to check out.
Simonton Beach

Simonton Beach

Just a few minutes from Duval Street, this small beach is a great place to sit and watch boats coming in and out of the harbor. Small boats can be launched from this location. There’s a small dock for fishing and there are restrooms and changing rooms.

A beach bar offers delicious food, drinks and watersport rentals including fishing gear, snorkeling equipment and boats.
Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas

An unspoiled oasis just 70 miles west of Key West, The Dry Tortugas is a tiny cluster of beautiful islands worth visiting. A powdery white sand beach, warm shallow waters, wildlife and a Civil War fortress beckon visitors to come and discover what makes this place so special. The beach is among the greatest in the area, remote and beautiful, and offering easy access to snorkelers of any level.
Bahia Honda Beach

Bahia Honda Beach

Spanning more than 500 acres, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the area among visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to snorkel above vibrant reefs or walk along a quiet stretch of sand, you’ll find this award-winning beach is the perfect place. You’ll also find kayak rentals, daily snorkeling tours, a snack bar and gift shop right on-site.
Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach

Overlooking the shimmering Atlantic, Sombrero Beach in Marathon offers endless possibilities for recreation and relaxation. Here, you’ll find a shady park complete with picnic tables, volleyball courts, restrooms and showers. From April to October, Sombrero is home to loggerhead turtles who use the sandy shores as a nesting site; and it’s not unusual for visitors to see nests marked off by park officials. Though it’s illegal to disturb the nests, visitors can still find plenty of room to spread out and enjoy all the beauty of this natural oasis.