5 of the Best Beaches in Key West
Key West is a small island with a big attitude. Though only four miles long and one mile wide (plus some change), it packs enough sun, sea, and sand to keep people coming back year after year. Home to dazzling white coastlines and crystal blue waters, holidaymakers can make the most of the year-round sunshine sailing, snorkeling, and sunbathing to their heart's content. If basking in the South Florida rays is your thing, we have good news for you. We've done the hard work, so you don't have to - here are the five best beaches in Key West!
Smathers Beach
Key West's longest beach at just around two miles, Smather's beach frames the island's southern shore. Packed with food trucks, public facilities, and watersport rentals, Smathers is the spot to keep everyone in the family entertained from sunrise to sunset. Tropical storms wreak havoc every year, and rumors run rampant that the lost coastline is replenished every year with sand from the Bahamas.
Higgs Beach
Do you want to avoid the crowds while listening to live music? Does whiling the day away looking at the marine life sound dreamy? Then Higgs beach is the one for you. Located off the Atlantic Boulevard, this local's favorite has a lot to offer. The pier provides the perfect opportunity to spot sea critters or dreamily watch the sunset. Tennis, paddleball, and volleyball courts keep the athletes entertained, while history buffs can stroll around the nearby Fort West Martello and African Cemetery memorial.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, or "Fort Zach," as Key Westers call it, offers an idyllic all-day experience perfect for nature lovers. Combining coral and sand, visitors can immerse themselves in the Key West lifestyle, spending the day swimming along the park's three natural coves or snorkeling off-shore spotting tropical sea life. Giant pine trees border this beautiful beach, providing respite from the sun for the paler-skinned among us, as well as picnic areas to enjoy a sand-free lunch.
South Beach
Its name is a dead give-away to its location. Visitors can find this family-friendly stretch of paradise just a stone's throw away from Mallory Square. If you or your family are swimming fanatics, you are in the right place. South Beach is well-known for its gentle tide and shallow waves, making it ideal for young children who want to spend all day in the water. Forget having to bring lunch; several beachside cafes offer sumptuous daytime menus at budget-friendly prices.
Dog Beach
Last but not least, we have Dog Beach. Key West offers everything a man and his best friend needs. Dog lovers who want to bring their furry friend along can enjoy a relaxing cocktail while their four-legged companion has the time of their lives. Shallow water up to three feet out and a dog-friendly atmosphere among the locals means the only problem you'll have is tearing your pups away from all the fun when it's time to go home!
There you have it, five of the best beaches Key West has to offer. If you want even more insider info on Florida's most famous Key, check out our blog or download our FREE three-day travel plan. Come on down and find out exactly why they say that Key West is best!