11 Best Key West Beaches to Visit in 2024
RESEARCHING THE BEST KEY WEST BEACHES?
We can help! We’ve spent months traveling in Florida and we loved spending time in the Keys, especially on the beautiful beaches. Known for their tropical-like atmosphere and beautiful blue water, we really enjoyed the Key West Beaches.
Remember that while there are beautiful beaches in the Keys, if you want large and soft sandy beaches, you may want to rethink your trip to the Keys. A key is an island with a coral base, so a lot of the beaches are made from small pieces of coral and may be a little rockier and not as soft compared to the beaches in Clearwater or Marco Island.
However, if you are wanting amazing blue water and a beautiful view, the Florida Keys beaches will not disappoint. Here are our favorite Key West beaches.
Best Key West Beaches
1. Fort Zachary State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Key West. The park offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities in the shallow waters.
Visitors can sunbathe on the sandy shores, go for a swim in the clear waters, or take a stroll along the scenic nature trails. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time here, it would be a good idea to bring some water shoes because part of the shore is bits of the coral which can be hard on bare feet.
If you are wanting to do some snorkeling or diving, this is one of the best places in the Keys to visit.
Fort Zachary State Park also features a decommissioned military fort, which provides an interesting history lesson for visitors. In addition to its many amenities, Fort Zachary State Park is also conveniently located near many of Key West’s best restaurants and shops.
As a result, it is no wonder that the park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida. The entrance fee is $6.
2. Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Key West. It stretches for over two miles along the island’s southern shore, and its gentle waves make it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. This is one of the longest beaches in Key West.
The beach is also well-known for its white sand, which is made up of coral and shells. Visitors can find plenty of seashells on the beach, and the sand is cool and soft to the touch. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Smathers Beach is also a good place for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and fishing.
This man-made beach is open to the public 24 hours a day, and there are lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. There are also some food trucks here selling food and drinks.
3. Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Key West. Nestled against the Atlantic Ocean at the end of Reynolds Street, the beach offers stunning views, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. Above all, Higgs Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Key West.
Visitors can find plenty of activities to keep them busy, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also volleyball courts here.
There are also some unique activities to do here. The West Martello Fort is located just off the beach and now belongs to the Key West Garden Club.
This beach is also home to the only underwater marina park accessible from the shore. It is the ending of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, making it easy to grab a bite or a drink without having to leave the beach. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind or an activity-packed vacation spot, Higgs Beach is a great beach to visit.
4. South Beach
Key West is well known for its sparkling waters and is a beautiful beach. It is the southernmost end of the island. While there are many public beaches to choose from, one of the most popular is South Beach.
Located just minutes from Duval Street, South Beach offers a wide range of activities for visitors.
From swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone at South Beach. In addition, the beach is also a great place to relax and take in the stunning Key West sunset.
So whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Key West, be sure to add South Beach to your list.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities at this beach but there are some nearby bars and restaurants.
5. Simonton Street Beach
Simonton Street Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the warm waters and sunny skies of Key West. The beach is located on the southernmost tip of the island, and it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can find a variety of activities to enjoy at Simonton Street Beach, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking. There is also a playground area for children, as well as a picnic pavilion.
Simonton Street Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Key West. There are restrooms and a boat ramp here.
6. Dog Beach
Public beaches in Key West are not usually known for being dog friendly. However, there is one exception: Dog Beach. This beach is located at Waddell and Vernon and is open to leashed four-legged friends and their owners.
The beach is a great place to let your dog play and burn off some energy, and there are plenty of doggy-bag dispensers available for cleanup.
This is a pretty small beach. It is about 25 feet wide.
7. Bahia Honda State Park
A visit to Bahia Honda State Park is like stepping back in time. The park, which is located on a small island off the coast of Florida, is home to miles of pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters. This is one of the best beaches in Florida with clear water.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and picnicking at the picnic tables. If you have your own boat or kayak, you can launch it at the boat ramp. We visited Bahia Honda during low tide and also found lots of really cool animals like a lobster and sea slug.
There are also several camping sites available. Bahia Honda is a perfect place to relax under the palm trees and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
Keep in mind that Bahia Honda State Park is about 50 minutes away from downtown Key West.
▶ Read More: A Complete Guide to Visiting Bahia Honda State Park
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a truly special place. Located nearly 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, the park consists of a cluster of small islands, coral reefs, and clear blue waters. Visitors can explore the remains of Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the beach.
Dry Tortugas is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including sea turtles, bald eagles, and pelicans. In addition to its natural beauty, Dry Tortugas National Park has a rich history. Fort Jefferson was built in the early 19th century to protect shipping lanes from pirates and privateers.
Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination, and its massive brick walls offer a glimpse into America’s past. Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from it all.
With its rich history, exciting adventure opportunities, and tranquil surroundings, there’s something for everyone at Dry Tortugas National Park.
9. Rest Beach
There’s no shortage of incredible beaches in Key West, but if you’re looking for a truly special spot to relax and soak up the Florida sun, you can’t go wrong with Rest Beach. Rest Beach is at the end of White Street and is also referred to as C.B. Harvey Park.
This beautiful stretch of sand is located just minutes from downtown Key West, making it the perfect getaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Rest Beach is also one of the best beaches near Key West for swimming, boating, and fishing, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Best of all, the beach is open 24 hours a day so that you can enjoy its beauty any time of day or night. This beach is a great place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape the heat or simply want to enjoy some time in nature, Rest Beach is the perfect spot. Also, be sure to check out Edward B. Knight Pier at the end of the beach.
10. County Beach
County Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with clear blue waters and makes a great place to spend the day. The best part about it is that it’s not crowded like some of the other beaches in Key West. You can find a spot to yourself and just relax in your beach chairs.
11. Sunset Key (Private)
Sunset Key is a small island off the coast of Key West, Florida. The island is home to a luxury resort, and its white sand beaches and tranquil turquoise waters are popular destinations for snorkeling and swimming.
Visitors can also enjoy views of the sunset from the island’s beach. Sunset Key is accessible by ferry from Key West, and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
The island has two restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center. There are also several shops selling souvenirs and beachwear.
The island is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, and its secluded setting makes it ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
12. The Reach Resort (Private)
If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation destination that’s still relatively affordable, the Reach Resort in Key West is a great option. This AAA Four Diamond resort sits on a secluded stretch of beach, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to the only private natural sand beach in Key West.
The resort features a number of upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and swimming pools. Guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with private balconies overlooking the water.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, from kayaking to snorkeling and exploring nearby attractions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation spot, the Reach Resort is sure to please.
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13. Casa Marina Resort (Private)
The Casa Marina Resort in Key West is a beautiful, historic property that offers an array of amenities and activities for guests. Built-in the early 1900s, the resort sits on a secluded beach, offering stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
There is also a full-service spa on-site, as well as several restaurants and bars. The Casa Marina is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With its convenient location in Key West, guests can easily explore all that this fascinating island has to offer.
▶ Check Rates & Book: Casa Marina Resort
Does Key West have any good beaches?
Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida, and it is well-known for its beautiful beaches. There are several beaches to choose from, and each one offers something different. For example, Smathers Beach is the largest beach on the island, and it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing and paddleboarding.
Higgs Beach is adjacent to a park, and it features a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as a historic fort that visitors can explore.
No matter what your interests are, you can find a beach in Key West that suits you. And if you’re looking for a sandier beach than wheat the Keys offer, consider a visit to Marco Island.
Does Key West have swimmable beaches?
Yes, Key West has several swimmable beaches. The island is located in the Florida Keys, which is known for its clear blue waters. Some of the best beaches for swimming include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
These beaches have calm waters and plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding. There are also several restaurants and bars a short walk away, so you can grab a bite to eat or a drink in between swims.
What is the most beautiful beach in Key West?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, some of the most popular beaches in Key West include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
These beaches are all located on the island’s southern shore, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Personally, our favorite beach in Key West is Smathers Beach.
Things to Bring to the Key West Beaches
1. Sunscreen: Key West is known for its sunny weather, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Nothing is worse than a sunburn on vacation. If you’re going to be snorkeling, make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen.
2. Beach Towels: With such beautiful water and beaches, you’ll have a hard time staying dry. Beach towels are a must when enjoying the beautiful beaches and water.
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3. Swimsuit: This one is obvious, but make sure to pack a swimsuit if you’re planning on spending any time in the water.
4. Snorkeling Gear: Key West is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world. If you don’t own your own gear, there are plenty of places to rent it, but it is always more convenient to have your own snorkeling set.
5. Water Shoes: Some of the beaches and water in the Florida Keys can be sharp because of all the coral. Good water shoes will help protect your feet.
Where to Stay in Key West
There are lots of great places to stay, some even on the beach, in Key West. Hotel accommodations range from luxurious resorts and spas to budget hotels perfect for a good night’s sleep.
If you want to save money on accommodations or spend more time outdoors, you can bring your RV and stay at many of the great nearby RV parks and campgrounds. If that’s the case, we recommend checking out The Dyrt, the #1 camping app. The Dyrt Pro has so many great resources to make planning your trip so easy:
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We have arranged with The Dyrt to give the CS Ginger viewers a FREE 30-day Trial using the code “csginger.” Normally, the trial is 7 days!
30-Day Free TrialOcean Key Resort and Spa (Luxury)
Situated on a secluded beach, the Ocean Key Resort and Spa offers stunning ocean views and a variety of amenities for guests close to Duval Street. The resort features a full-service spa, as well as several restaurants and bars.
Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There are two onsite restaurants, as well as yoga classes in the gym. There is also an outdoor pool with beautiful ocean views.
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⭐ Ocean Key Resort and Spa Reviews (4.6 out of 5 Stars)
This is my second stay at this property, but will not be my last. Excellent hotel in all respects. – Lindsay (Expedia Review)
Location of the property is the best on the Key. Staff was attentive and helpful. Convenient to shopping and dining. – Michael (Expedia Review)
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Getting to the Ocean Key Resort and Spa
📍 Ocean Key Resort Address: Zero Duval St., Key West, FL, 33040 | Google Maps | Book Ocean Key Resort Now
Pier House Resort and Spa (Luxury)
The Pier House Resort and Spa is another fabulous luxury hotel right in downtown Key West. It has a private beach as well as a beach bar and poolside bar. There is beachfront dining as well as an onsite spa with hot stone massages, facials, and other spa treatments.
The hotel offers a large variety of room styles sleeping up to four guests.
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⭐ Pier House Resort and Spa Reviews (4.4 out of 5 Stars)
The resort was spotless, clean, and well maintained. Private beach in key west was the best part. Walking distance to everything, beautiful sunsets and staff was fantastic. Highly recommend – Steve (Expedia Review)
The location is ideal….walk right out on Duval St. close to lots of great restaurants and activities. The staff was so nice and very helpful. Also has a beach and area to swim in the ocean as well as a pool. Highly recommend the Pier House! – Cindy (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Pier House Resort and Spa
Getting to the Pier House Resort and Spa
📍 Pier House Resort and Spa Address: 1 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040 | Google Maps | Book Pier House Resort and Spa Now
Ambrosia Key West (Mid-Range)
Ambrosia Key West is a great place to stay if you want to save a little money but still have a really nice place to stay. This highly recommended hotel has lots of great amenities like multiple outdoor pools and an outdoor garden and terrace.
It is a one-minute walk from Duval Street and many great restaurants like the Thirsty Mermaid, Date & Thyme, and Matthessen’s. It has a very convenient location and is great for walking around Key West.
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⭐ Ambrosia Key West Reviews (4.6 out of 5 Stars)
The property had many different types of rooms and two pools. It was a great experience and we would look to book again! – Jasmin (Expedia Review)
It was amazing for my birthday weekend. Lovely staff and very quiet – Donna (Expedia Review)
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Getting to Ambrosia Key West
📍 Ambrosia Key West Address: 622 Fleming St, Key West, FL, 33040 | Google Maps | Book Ambrosia Key West Now
Oceans Edge Key West Resort (Budget)
The Oceans Edge Key West Resort is a great place to stay in Key West if you’re on a budget. It comes highly recommended from public reviews, and it is pet friendly. It has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and gym.
A large variety of room layouts are available, including a suite that sleeps up to ten guests. This is a great option for families or groups wanting to share the cost of lodging.
There is also a marina on-site so that you can enjoy kayaking and boating tours. There are free bike rentals and yoga classes at the gym. If you want to explore Key West on a scooter, you can take advantage of the on-site scooter rental.
▶ Check Rates & Book: Oceans Edge Key West Resort
⭐ Oceans Edge Key West Resort Reviews (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
First class all the way. Staff was helpful and friendly, restaurant was very good. Highly recommended. – David (Expedia Review)
This is an amazing place to stay while vacationing in Key West. The room was immaculate. The pool sparkling clean and we enjoyed it very much. Thanks for a wonderful weekend get away. We will definitely return and recommend to our friends. – Janet (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Oceans Edge Key West Resort
Getting to the Oceans Edge Key West Resort
📍 Oceans Edge Key West Resort Address: 5950 Peninsular Avenue, Key West, FL, 33040 | Google Maps | Book Oceans Edge Key West Resort Now
Conclusion: Key West Beaches
We hope you have found this guide to the beaches in Key West helpful. The area is so beautiful, and the beaches are a great place to enjoy the beautiful water and great weather.
As you are coming down to Key West, be sure to stop in at Biscayne National Park and go on an Everglades boat tour. This southern half of Florida has such unique landscapes and would be a great part of your trip to the Keys.
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