Visitors to Key West may choose from several excellent beaches, each with its own charm. Compared to other beaches, this has a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those not a fan of party beaches.
Dog Beach is one as it caters specifically to individuals who like to vacation with their canine companions. In contrast, Party Beach and other such spots cater to those who seek a more sedate ambiance and a more comprehensive selection of activities.
However, not all beaches are the same; some are better suited to thrilling water activities like jet skiing and parasailing, while others are more into quiet beaches. If you’re looking for the best beaches to relax, read on and begin packing!
9 Best Beaches in Key West
South Beach
South beach’s calm, shallow waves are a significant appeal for families on vacation. South of Duval Street, as the name indicates, this area of Key West is noted for its laid-back vibe and proximity to the ocean.
Despite the lack of rentals for the water activities, there are still a few lovely places to hire beach chairs and even towels along this stretch of the coast.
In South Beach, the public bathrooms are few, which might be an issue for families with small children. Nonetheless, surrounding establishments allow tourists to use their facilities, particularly if you’re a customer.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is the best of other beaches because its natural coastline of ground coral rather than imported sand has earned it a reputation as Key West’s most natural and untouched beach.
Fort Zach beach attracts ecotourists and divers because of the area’s rich biodiversity. People who want to see birds and sunbathe will love this place.
Dry Tortugas National Park
To appreciate the park’s stunning scenery, you must spend a full day exploring it. Thanks to the Dry Tortugas Ferry, visitors visiting Key West may enjoy the beach at Dry Tortugas, 70 miles away in Fort Jefferson National Park. The park’s main lure is its extensive coral reef system, but the beach is a palm-lined paradise where visitors can rest, play, and swim.
Rest Beach
Like neighboring Higgs Beach, Rest Beach is a tiny but famous Key West beach inside the same park. The beach’s prime location means visitors may enjoy breathtaking views of the morning and evening sky.
Dog Beach
Dogs of all sizes may run free on this beach, where they can splash about in the waves and search the rocks for buried treasure without their owners worrying that their canine companions would splash a sunbather with seawater or ruin a child’s sandcastle. This is great for everyone who has a dog during their trip.
Bahia Honda State Park
Day-trippers and campers alike travel here for its pristine beaches, powdery white sand, and calm, shallow waters. An on-site convenience store is available for business throughout the day, and campers have access to both running water and electricity.
Several different kinds of fish populate the reefs here, including nurse sharks, rays, barracuda, and others, making it a great site to go snorkeling. Tourists may also find the land-dwelling species of the Miami Blue butterfly, formerly considered to be extinct, may be seen in the park as well.
Higgs Beach
Inside here, you may find Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park, one of the numerous beaches with cheap café and some beautiful landscaping and gardens to unwind.
A wide range of equipment is available for hire, from simple beach chairs and volleyball nets to more expensive snorkeling gear and jet skis, for those who wish to make a day of it.
Smathers Beach
Considered as one of the biggest beaches, this is also clean and popular. This place is excellent for swimming, sunbathing on the unspoiled sandy shoreline, and extreme water-related activities for beginners and professionals.
Among the best beaches in Key West for families, this one is popular for its shallow water and gentle currents, making it ideal for swimming and paddling. However, due to this, it might become a little busy at peak periods of the day; thus, it is recommended that you arrive early to get to a good place and avoid crowds.
Simonton Beach
It’s recommended that swimmers carry water shoes even though the beach is made of soft sand since the coastline may be somewhat rocky. Simonton Beach isn’t huge, but it offers plenty of convenient features, including a boat launch and rental facilities for beach essentials like loungers and umbrellas.
This little, pet-friendly beach is popular with the locals, so getting there as early as possible is important to claim your spot. Apart from the usual fare of picnic tables and bathrooms, this beach also has a small food vendor. So you must pack some food before going here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of Key West has the best beaches?
You may find the most beautiful beaches along the southern shore of Key West. However, you may also consider the biggest beach, which is Smathers Beach.
Which beach is better Key West or Miami?
Compared to Miami Beach, the pace of Key West is substantially quieter. It’s more about relaxation through quietness than partying. Key West is a much better option if you prefer a quiet beach.
What is the clearest beach in Key West?
Natural beaches with clear waters are rare in the Keys, but Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the few. Yet, unlike other beaches that have imported silky white sand from the Caribbean, Fort Zach is naturally blessed with white sands and clear waters.
Does Key West have any nice beaches?
Many of Key West’s beaches are excellent and suitable for swimming. In addition, the island may be found in the Florida Keys, which are famous for their crystal clear seas.
Where is the bluest water in Key West?
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers one of the clearest and bluest waters for deep-sea divers and snorkelers.
