Best Beach In Key West (For Families & Travellers)

Looking for the best beach in Key West?

If you head just a little south of mainland Florida, you will find the best beaches in Key West, a U.S. island paradise located on the Florida Keys archipelago.

This tiny island is four miles long and one mile wide, famous for its watersports, nightlife, historical sites, and the topic of today; its luxurious beaches.

There are plenty to choose from in this tiny Key, each with its unique flavor. Check out my ten favorite beaches in Key West to visit.

1.Smathers Beach

Close your eyes and imagine you are laying on the sand of a peaceful beach, palm trees behind you, and the bluest ocean you’ve ever seen right out in front. Well, you’ve just experienced what it’s like to be sat on Smathers Beach.

Located at the southwest end of the island, this two-mile-long stretch is the perfect place to recharge and work on your summer tan.

There are also many other activities to try out with volleyball courts, jet ski rental, and other watersports. Fun fact: tropical storms hound the beach and the sand has to be replenished every year!

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2.Dry Tortugas National Park

If you are in for an extended stay and enjoy long, relaxing boat rides, then a trip to the seven Dry Tortugas islands should be a part of your plans.

The crown jewel of this eco-attraction is the historic Fort Jefferson, used as an off-shore prison during the American Civil War. There are plenty of beaches to experience with options of scuba diving, saltwater fishing, and kayaking.

You can also pack a tent if you enjoy sleeping out under the stars, and camp overnight in one of the eight available campsites. A holiday within a holiday!

3.Dog Beach

Guess what populates this aptly named beach in Key West? If you said dogs, you get a gold star!

A subtle, but clean and secluded beach for dogs to chase tennis balls in the sand and be free to explore as this is one of the only beaches in Key West where dogs are allowed on the beach. Making it a popular destination for pet owners.

Let them have a swim in the sea, and afterward enjoy a cocktail at the nearby bar. The ultimate paradise for the puppy.

4.Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Found on the southern tip of Key West, this site houses our second Civil War-era site on the list, and has other excellent activities to try out when you visit. You can take a nice bike ride into the park section, or take a leisurely stroll from the fort down to the beach.

There are plenty of lounge chairs available and umbrellas to cover yourself from the sun at a reasonable price. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, and a picnic area if you want to pack lunch for yourself and company.

Fort Zachary has a friendly vibe and is reasonably priced for such a well-maintained historical site.

5.South Beach

South Beach has such an amazing sunset it would be a crime to miss it. Make sure to take a walk along the pier and discover the infinite ocean expanse, whilst letting all negative thoughts leave you behind.

The charm in South Beach is that it’s not very big, but not many people clog up the shore either, so it’s ideal for picking a spot to make camp for the day. If uncrowded and luscious views are important to you, South Beach is an unmissable gem.

6.Higgs Beach

What are the essential elements of the perfect beach? If you said clean bathrooms, plenty of seating areas, easy access, warm waters, a not-too-crowded vibe, and a clean sandy beach, then Higgs Beach is the beach for you.

If you’re an early bird, you’ll also catch one of the best sunrises on Key West. You won’t even need a filter, it’s that idyllic.

There are lots of vendors and plenty to do at Higgs Beach, including half a dozen Pickleball courts, so don’t forget to pack the paddle before heading here!

7.Bahia Honda State Park

This wonderful state park has a couple of beaches to choose from: the Gulf side or the Atlantic side, and most of the time they are far from busy.

Known for its gin-clear waters, and the balmy sea breeze that caresses the shore year-round, the water is perfect.

Don’t forget to pack the binoculars because this park is ideal for observing wading birds and shorebirds. It’s the hub for local wildlife in the Florida Keys area.

8.Simonton Street Beach

This beach, which is located close to the downtown area is an ideal place to grab a drink, sit down, and relax as you watch the boats sail by.

Simonton is a relatively small beach but don’t let this put you off as the sand is clean and the water is clear. A cold beer or mojito is a must at the Lagerheads Beach Bar at Simonton Street Beach, with reasonable prices and plenty of restrooms to freshen up.

9.C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park

This beach is only about three hundred yards in length, so you might be thinking, is it even worth visiting?

It doesn’t have much at all in the way of atmosphere or hospitality. The reason you go to Rest Beach is the walking path and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s also within walking distance of many local hotspots such as White Pier, West Martello Tower, and the Indian Graves. Grab a coffee early in the morning and take a walk with a loved one and start the day off on the right foot.

10.Sunset Key

Just a short ferry ride away you can find Sunset Key. The Cottages you can find here are pleasant sites and the views are breathtaking.

This paradise that is hidden away from most of the mainstream beaches will amaze at how well kept a secret a place this is. You’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. A lovely place to visit at the end of your stay here and well worth the trip.

Well, there you have it, a guide on the best beach in Key West Hopefully that helped, but if you want more info, we found you a video below.

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