The 7 Best Beaches In Key West To Have The Perfect Beach Day

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Key West is a beautiful tropical island located at the very tip of the Florida Keys. Because of its location, the weather is warm and sunny and the water is crystal clear and warm.

And while there are many things to do when visiting Key West, most people look forward to one thing… a beach day!

Whether you are traveling with toddlers who want to play in the sand or splash in the ocean or teenagers who want a day to sunbathe, finding the right beach is crucial!

When we booked our trip to Key West, we heard many people say “Key West really isn’t known for its beaches”. But that did not deter us! 

Key West is small and the island is mostly made up of buildings tightly packed together and its shores are rocky or lined with hotels. But dont worry! There are still some pretty great beaches. 

And I’ve done all the hard work for you! We visited each and every beach in Key West and narrowed it down for you. These 6 beaches are our favorite Beaches In Key West and our picks if you’re looking for a fun beach day!

Introduction to Key West Beaches

Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant island culture. With its unique blend of Caribbean and American influences, Key West offers a beach experience like no other.

From the soft white sand of Smathers Beach to the secluded shores of Rest Beach, Key West’s beaches cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, snorkel in the Atlantic Ocean, or simply relax in a tropical paradise, Key West’s beaches have something for everyone.

1 – Fort Zachary Taylor Park

Our family named Fort Zachary Taylor Park our number one favorite beach for several reasons! In terms of accessibility and parking, this beach outranks every beach in Key West. It is easy to get to, and parking is plentiful. We arrived around 1 pm on a Sunday and were still able to easily find a parking spot!

But that’s only one reason we loved this beach so much. The Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Park has everything your family needs to spend the entire day at the beach.

There are acres of land right at the shore that offer picnic tables, grills, and plenty of shade. Thats right! There are plenty of trees in the grassy area to give everyone enough shade. Something you won’t find at any other Key West beach.

The sand is soft and the water is clear and warm, making this a great place for swimming and snorkeling. There are barely any waves so it’s even a great place for young kids to splash in the water.

There is plenty of space. You can grab a picnic table, or bring your own chairs and towels to spread out on. If you dont have any of that, that’s ok! Fort Zachary Taylor Park offers both lounge chair and umbrella rentals too.

And even better… they have an amazing concession stand. You can get your kids lunch or a snack like an ice cream bar. They even have some fun adult beverages like margaritas and pina coladas.

If we had to recommend one beach to enjoy your entire day at… it would be Fort Zachary Park. You can even take a beach break and wander around the old fort. 

While it does cost money to get in… it’s worth it! And it won’t break the bank. The cost was only $6 per car with 2 people, and an extra $1 per person after that. So our family of 4 cost $8 to get in.

2 – Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is listed as our second favorite beach in Key West because of its absolute beauty as a white sand beach. It probably has one of the longest shorelines (don’t quote me on that) and the most powdery, white, softest sand of all the beaches.

You can also rent lounge chairs and umbrellas here to lay in the sun. But one big drawback is that there are no trees and therefore not an area of shade. So make sure you bring something with you or get there early enough to rent a beach umbrella!

Smathers Beach also has plenty of things to keep you and your family busy. There are tons of watersports, including kayaking, jet skis, paddleboarding, and more. And even though there isn’t a concession stand or restaurant, there are usually food trucks that line the road if you need a snack.

Smathers Beach is easy to get to and free to the public. But parking is kind of a pain here. There is really only street parking available and that fills up pretty quickly. If you are staying in Key West, I recommend taking an Uber there as parking will be completely filled by mid-morning.

If you’re looking for a good place to watch the sunrise, Smathers Beach is it. You won’t have to pay a fee like Fort Zachary and the beach is pretty empty in the morning hours. Making it great for photos and parking.

And there are bathrooms here too! And fun fact: Smathers Beach begins at mile marker zero, the beginning of A1A.

3 – Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Also known as Higgs Beach, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park comes in as our third favorite beach in Key West. Just because it ranks third doesn’t mean it’s not a great beach!

Higgs Beach is actually a really great place to go if you are more active and looking for a wide variety of activities. At this beach, you’ll find all the water sports that Smathers Beach has to offer. But Higgs Beach also has sand volleyball courts and a playground for younger kids. Additionally, there are nature trails nearby, offering beautiful pathways for exploration and appreciation of the local flora and fauna.

Higgs Beach also has beautiful, white, powdery sand and warm water. So swimming and snorkeling here are abundant. You’ll also find public bathrooms and a small parking lot. However, it is a SMALL parking lot and fills up quickly. So parking here is not ideal.

There also are no trees here at Higgs Beach, but you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas just like the other beaches. The reason I rank this one-third is because it tends to be more crowded.

This beach is also located more centrally in Key West and is surrounded by buildings and parking lots, which doesn’t make for the best scenery. You won’t find tons of palm trees or vegetation here.

And while there is no concession stand, they do have a nice Italian restaurant right on the beach. But probably not the best option for a family of younger kids that might just want snacks and not a full meal.

But if you do have young kids and just want to keep them entertained, the playground is a nice touch and I would highly recommend Higgs Beach for younger families.

4 – South Beach

South Beach, aka Ponce de Leon, is my least favorite beach for families. But I wanted to give it an honorable mention because it can be a great place for adults who are looking to relax and lounge out.

It’s not easy to find. It’s a small beach located at the very south tip of Duvall Street, in front of the Southernmost Beach Cafe. And while it’s not very big, it makes up for in service.

You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for $20, but this also comes with an attendant who will serve you drinks right to your lounge chair.

The water is super warm but a bit rocky here. So it’s probably not the best location for families looking to swim and play in the sand. But if you’re an adult looking for some sunbathing and drinks… then South Beach is definitely the place for you!

5 – Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas is home to one of the best beaches in Key West but I ranked it low on my list of favorites for a few reasons.

First of all, it is a beautiful beach area. And the water is crystal clear. With it being located at the fort, you can see tons of fish, coral, and other objects while snorkeling. You dont just get fish here, you can also see some of the fort underneath the water.

The reason I rank it so low is because it’s super difficult to get to. It requires a 2-hour ferry ride that has to be booked well in advance. It only goes to the park once a day and it’s an all-day trip so you really need to commit to this one.

And worse of all… it’s $200 PER PERSON to visit. Yikes! But despite all that, it’s one of the most unique National Parks in the United States and definitely worth the visit if you love seeing our nation’s National Parks.

You can read more about visiting Dry Tortugas National Park by going here.

6 – Bahia Honda State Park

I hate having to rank this one in 5th place because, to be honest, this was probably my favorite beach. The ONLY reason it’s at the bottom of the list is because it technically is not in Key West. It’s actually located on another Key, about 45 minutes away from Key West.

Calusa Beach, a picturesque location within Bahia Honda State Park, offers stunning views and diverse recreational activities such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and camping.

BUT! This beach is the chef’s kiss. And if you are looking to spend an entire day lounging in the sun, playing in the sand, and swimming… then I promise you the 45-minute drive is worth it.

I could write an entire article on Bahia Honda State Park. First of all, there are several beach areas. Not just one. So there are plenty of places to pick from. There is also ample parking. I mean there are several parking lots that were only half full mid-day when we visited.

The biggest beach on the north side of the state park is the biggest and has wide areas of gorgeous sand and turquoise waters. There are bathroom facilities there also.

The beaches toward the south end are a little smaller but have more amenities. You can rent lounge chairs there and they even have water sports as well.

And if you really feel like… they have several camping spots right on the water. These book up fast, so you have to make a reservation. But I saw some of these spots, and let me tell you, they are gorgeous! I will definitely be returning one day to camp at this state park with my Camper Van.

7 – Rest Beach

Rest Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean side of Key West, is a tranquil oasis perfect for those seeking a relaxing beach experience. This picturesque beach features a beautifully designed, roped-off boardwalk that provides a short and scenic meander through the sand and beach vegetation. With its calm and shallow waters,

Rest Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and shell-hunting. The beach is also equipped with picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making it an excellent spot for families and couples alike. As an added bonus, Rest Beach is adjacent to the Key West AIDS Memorial, a poignant tribute to those affected by the disease.

Tips for Visiting Key West Beaches

To make the most of your beach experience in Key West, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:

• Always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun’s strong rays.
• Be mindful of the coral reefs and marine life, and avoid touching or standing on the coral to prevent damage.
• Respect the local environment and wildlife, and dispose of trash and recyclables properly.
• Take advantage of the picnic tables and barbecue grills available at many beaches to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
• Don’t forget to try some of the local seafood and cuisine at the beachside restaurants and cafes.
• If you plan to engage in water sports or activities, be sure to rent equipment from reputable vendors and follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion: Key West Beaches

Key West’s beaches are a true gem of the Florida Keys, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling Smathers Beach to the secluded Rest Beach, each beach has its own distinct character and charm.

By following these tips and respecting the local environment, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable beach experience in Key West. Whether you’re a beach bum, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Key West’s beaches have something for everyone. So come and experience the beauty and magic of Key West’s beaches for yourself!

Top 7 Favorite Beaches In Key West

Visiting Key West will keep you busy! But make sure you make time to have a relaxing day at the beach. And just because Key West isn’t known for its beaches, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great ones!

This list of my Favorite Beaches In Key West is all you need to have the perfect beach day in the Florida Keys.

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