When you dream of a vacation in Key West, you might conjure up images of long, sandy beaches and umbrella drinks. But, as you may have learned if you took a road trip to find the best Florida Keys beaches, these islands have more trees, mangroves, and rocks than pretty white sand. The beaches are sometimes hidden and out of the way. We don’t believe in flashing them all over Page One, like the rest of Florida.
But seek them out, and you shall be rewarded. Keys’ beaches range from tiny little sand patches with epic views to expansive sandy playas that rival Fort Lauderdale’s. Ok, maybe that’s overselling it a bit — but some are pretty big. And Fort Liquordale’s got nothing on Key West, just to be clear. Discover the unique beach experiences and hidden spots that Key West has to offer.
Finding the Best Beaches in Key West, Florida
There certainly are Key West, Florida, beaches worth finding. For my money, I think the absolute best Key West beaches are found off the island — they’re the fantastic sandbars you can only get to by boat.
But if you’ve got a free day and a rental car, there are plenty of more accessible beaches in Key West, Florida, worth checking out. Here’s a list of five of the best ones to see.
No trip to Key West is complete without visiting its unique beaches, whether you explore hidden sandbars or relax on the popular shores.
Be sure to leave as much sand as possible on the rental car rugs—I hear they really enjoy cleaning them.
Smathers Beach — Most Popular Beaches in Key West, Florida
Smathers is the largest public beach in Key West and one of its most popular. It’s approximately a half mile long and attracts about 150,000 visitors every year. Located on the island’s south side along South Roosevelt Boulevard, Smathers Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean. State Road A1A begins at mile marker zero near Smathers Beach, making it easy to find. There is ample parking available, and the palm-lined shore features a broad expanse of sand and calm, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Sunset Watersports operates concession stands near the restroom facilities and showers, providing convenient access to a range of facilities. You can rent equipment such as kayaks, jet skis, windsurfing gear, and beach volleyball equipment, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas. Popular activities at Smathers Beach include kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and beach volleyball. The beach is especially lively during spring break, attracting college students for sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities.
Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors swim at their own risk. Always be aware of the risk when entering the water.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting this spot during the week. It’s a spectacular spot to watch summer sunsets.
Rest Beach — Key West, Florida Peaceful Beach
Rest Beach is a small patch of shoreline on the south coast just east of the White Street Pier. It’s a popular place for sunrise yoga sessions or meeting up with the Key West chickens.
There’s not much here, which is part of the reason for visiting Rest Beach. The beach features picnic areas with tables and benches, providing visitors with a comfortable spot to enjoy outdoor meals. Walking west past the pier, you’ll find several memorials and things to explore. Walk a little farther, and you’ll wind up on Higgs Beach.
Higgs Beach — Key West, Florida Beach That's Active and Popular
Higgs Beach offers a range of amenities and activities next to the White Street Pier on the south shore facing the Atlantic. It’s another popular one, so it’s important to stake out your spot early on holidays and weekends.
On the south end of the beach is the Reynolds Street Pier. In the center, there is a concessionaire with chairs and kayak rentals. There’s also a cafe, Salute! On The Beach, which serves lunch and dinner. Higgs Beach is family-friendly, featuring parking, a children’s playground with equipment perfect for little ones, tennis and pickleball courts, and even a dog park (but dogs aren’t allowed on the beach — if you want to let your doggo run in the sand, check out Dog Beach at the end of Vernon Avenue).
Simonton Beach — Key West, Florida Hidden Beach Bar
Simonton Beach is located on the island’s north side between the cruise terminal and the marinas. The actual beach area is minimal, but the neighboring Lagerheads Beach Bar has a bigger patch of sand. So, it’s convenient if you want to combine your bar hopping with your beach-going!
The bar has beach lounges set up and an open-air tiki bar right on the sand. In addition to refreshing adult beverages, they have tacos and other island-flavor bar bites. It feels like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach State Park — Prettiest Key West, Florida Beach
Fort Zac’s beach is a bit of an insider’s secret. It’s hidden inside a state park and tucked way back on a quiet corner of the island. In other words, you’re unlikely to stumble upon it unless you’re looking for it.
But when you do find it, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views and prettiest beach scenes in the Keys. The site is named for the Civil War-era fort behind the beach, which once guarded Key West Harbor. The fort’s rich history includes its important role during the Civil War, and visitors can explore its historic grounds and learn about its significance through guided tours and interpretive panels.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park hosts visitors for a wide range of outdoor experiences. The park offers a variety of activities, including excellent snorkeling, fishing from the rocky jetties, and the chance to bird watch along scenic nature trails. With picnic tables and a cafe, plus lots of tropical foliage and palm trees for shade, it’s easy to see why spending a full day here is highly recommended to enjoy everything the park has to offer.
Because it’s in a state park, there is an entrance fee. At the time of writing, it’s $6 per car or $2.50 per bike or pedestrian.
Grab Your Sunnies and Suits; We're Hitting the Beaches of Key West, Florida
When you’ve scoped out all the best beaches to drive to, give me a call, and we’ll do a little Key West sandbar hopping. Strolling the beaches in the backcountry by private boat will blow your mind!
