Florida Keys stands synonymous with pristine sea, sun-kissed beaches, striking sunsets and sunrises, tall palm trees, and golden sands – in short, everything that is needed to make a perfect beach vacation. The area serves as a popular holiday destination throughout the year, along with excellent opportunities for diving and fishing.
Another attraction of the place is living barrier coral reefs, which encircle the whole island chain and support the various aquatic activities on the island. You are sure to be mesmerized by the breath-taking beauty of the beaches in the Florida Keys.
Here we have enlisted some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys, which you can choose for your upcoming vacation.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Key Largo
It is needless to say that the main attraction here is coral reefs. Exploring the beauty of the coral reefs is an experience in itself.
Though the beach is quite small, it is ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, and people enjoy such activities here. If luck is on your side, you might come across a barracuda.
Extending 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, this the first underwater park in America.
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By Matt Kieffer, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Zox1pSJ9ZazVCsDDA | Phone Number: +1 305 451 6300
Harry Harris Park | Key Largo
Harry Harris Park is a great destination for a day out with the whole family under the sun. Key Largo is the largest island in Key West, and you will be surprised that the beach here is man-made.
Sand has been brought here to give it a natural appearance. In fact, the moment you enter the park, you will have a tropical feel.
The park is not too large, and the beach is safe for children. It also has picnic tables, playgrounds, and comfortable restrooms. There is a stone jetty offering additional protection from the sea as well.
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By Florida Keys–Public Libraries, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 50 E Beach Road, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States | Timing: 07:30 am to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fE6253XeDheXoa2C9 | Phone Number: +1 305 852 7161
Long Key State Park | Long Key
This is a destination where every vacationer will find something or the other that they like. If you love fishing, you can stay at fully-serviced campsites overnight.
Hikers can hike, indulge in bird-watching, and explore the whole place. Adventure activities include swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Though the water is shallow, there are sharp rocks here; it is advisable to keep children under supervision. There are some lagoons, which can be visited with kayaks. BBQs and picnic tables are the other facilities offered here.
By Yinan Chen, Public Domain, Link
Address: 67400 Overseas Highway, Layton, FL 33001, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ua6WQTqLSVVccqv18 | Phone Number: +1 305 664 4815
Anne’s Beach | Lower Matecumbe Key
Anne’s Beach is loved by people who just want to relax and laze on the sands and water sports lovers. It is named after Anne Eaton, who is a local environmentalist.
The waters here are quite shallow and hence, safe for kids. Explore the boardwalk and the nearby mangroves.
Other facilities include picnic tables, parking, and restrooms. Waters are clear, and you can spot marine life close to the shore, too. Some people also call this a nudist beach with private coves.
By Ved Ivanov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Islamorada, FL 33036, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/c2VpEN3yRA2UW1KT9
Sombrero Beach | Marathon
Sombrero Beach is among the lesser popular and known ones in the Middle Keys. Though the place is a favorite with the locals, many tourists are not as lucky in exploring the place.
The Atlantic Ocean shoreline, with its soft white sands, makes the place an ideal snorkeling destination. Swimmers also find the place very suitable.
Sombrero Beach is pet-friendly and handicapped-accessible as well. Facilities offered include a playground with swings for kids, picnic pavilions, showers, a volleyball court, and restrooms.
This beach is a nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Unless the baby turtles hatch and swim away, entry is banned in the area.
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By Franz Stellbrink, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 07:00 am to Dusk | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Zxp5aJHHz5XmTEes8 | Phone Number: +1 305 743 0033
Coco Plum Beach | Marathon
Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, Coco Plum Beach is completely natural, unlike many others in Key West. Expanding to quite a large area, you can relax on the golden sands here in the way you want.
It is pet-friendly and has a low crowd too. Restroom facilities and a covered pavilion are important features here. The shoreline, which is adjacent to the wetlands, is a nesting site for endangered turtles.
So, entry is restricted at this place sometimes.
Address: Coco Plum Dr, Marathon, FL 33050, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 07:30 am to Dusk | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZXNmB5eX6TaaVrER6
Curry Hammock State Park Beach | Marathon
This one overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has a shoreline that is 1,200 feet long. The park is almost 1,000 acres of ultimate tropical maritime wilderness.
This is an uninhabited part, and the seagrass beds and mangrove swamps are highly protected here. Lucky visitors might spot a dolphin or a manatee.
Various water sports can be enjoyed here, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Overnight camping options are available with fishing and hiking, and you can also explore the offshore islands and the beautiful coves.
By Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 to Sunset | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zsAgmSpp5RYoaNjWA | Phone Number: +1 305 289 2690
Calusa Beach | Big Pine Key
One of the best destinations for family outings, this one is located in Bahia Honda State Park. One of the best shorelines in Key West, the place is sheltered with a covered area and lots of parking space.
If there are young swimmers with you, keep a watch on them as the shore slopes off rapidly past the beach. Snorkeling is really fun here because of abundant fish and marine life.
There are also coral reefs nearby. The nature center here explains about local fauna and flora.
Address: Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FAfrdHz4TR7L961N9
Dry Tortugas National Park | Key West
Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West is an experience in itself. Located at almost 70 miles west of Key West, it extends into the Gulf of Mexico and spans 64,000 acres.
The place is accessed by boat or by seaplane. Explore Fort Jefferson, the four beaches, and the seven islands at the park. Fort Jefferson is unfinished and takes some time to explore.
The waters are full of marine life and corals – snorkeling and scuba diving are the favorite activities here. You can sunbathe and relax under the tall palm trees on white-sand beaches.
The place is remote and is a favorite with birdwatchers, environmentalists, archaeologists, etc.
Address: Florida, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Gne5ebrFh7Ejpfr28 | Phone Number: +1 305 242 7700
Loggerhead Beach | Big Pine Key
One of the primary attractions here is the submerged sandbar, which can be seen during low tide. The sandhills are a great place to laze after sunbathing.
Though the water is shallow, you can collect as many shells and sea glasses as you want. This place is also popular for excellent stargazing at night.
With almost zero pollution, the sky seems clear, and you can see the stars. The place abounds in 150 varieties of fauna, which can be seen while hiking the three trails there.
By Acroterion, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mRUe6AnrxTZM6Hh28
Cannon Beach | Key Largo
Cannon Beach is among the man-made beaches in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can see that some cannons have been placed on the shoreline.
Snorkeling is the most favorite activity for tourists here. While exploring marine life, you can see the replica of a Spanish shipwreck at a distance of 100 feet from the shoreline.
There is an undersea park here, covering Cannon Beach and Key Largo areas. You have to pay an entry fee to get inside the park.
Address: Key Largo, FL 33037, United States | Timing: Open 24/7| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HyHGe2FrKn8op2218
Rest Beach | Key West
One of the best beaches in Florida Keys, this one is a favorite with visitors who love bringing their pets along. Though the shoreline is narrow, it offers excellent views stretching to the horizon.
It is true that there are not many activities on the beach and that it is a small place too – but it is scenic. The water here is clean and warm, the sands are sparkling golden, and you can collect shells. It is quiet and peaceful when compared to other beaches in the area.
Address: White St & Atlantic Blvd, Key West FL 33040, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LacEngficZuaFyDX7
Sandspur Beach | Big Pine Key
Vacationing with small kids is highly convenient here. The gorgeous shoreline extends to almost a mile, and you can enjoy excellent swimming at the place.
Many have opined that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Florida. There are offshore reefs keeping the sea calm and shallow so that children can play and splash in it.
Rent kayaks for some family adventure together. There are public washrooms, snack bars, and many bike paths here.
Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States | Timing: Visit http://bahiahondapark.com/ for more information | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/P1psNdc1vkjRYywr5 | Phone Number: +1 305 872 3897
Smathers Beach | Key West
This is one of the most popular and leading beaches in Key West. Smathers Beach remains highly active during the spring break. The soft white sands and the turquoise blue waters make Smathers Beach a perfect wedding and vacation destination.
If you want to laze and read a book overlooking the beach, enjoy a stroll, walk along the coast or enjoy a game of beach volley, this is where you should head to. If adventure is on your mind, try activities like parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
Equipment for these sports can be hired locally. There are local bars and restaurants serving delicacies which you can enjoy after a day on Smathers Beach.
Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KsiweyzqodEyScwGA | Phone Number: +1 305 809 3700
Far Beach | Key Largo
Far Beach is the ultimate relaxation destination for you after snorkeling at Cannon Beach. Laze under the palm trees here. The family-friendly place has a picnic area, a children’s playground, and a parking area.
Book the glass bottom boat tour for viewing life underwater. For the more adventurous ones, try paddle boarding, kayak, or canoe to explore the water trails and mangroves. Scuba diving is also allowed here.
By Yinan Chen, Public Domain, Link
Address: Key Largo, FL 33037, United States | Timing: Open 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DLfFrVWx5raaKDC87
Founders Park Beach | Islamorada
It is the shallow waters of this place that attract people. The park is spread across an expansive area of 45 acres, and it is a recreation area for locals and tourists.
Different kinds of events and activities take place on the beach here. Some of its prominent features include a pool area, playground with a pirate ship theme, volleyball court, outdoor showers, etc.
Excellent snacks are available in the form of cold brews, fish tacos, and fried shrimp.
By Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 87,000 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wZ7cvWVjMppYY2Xq7 | Phone Number: +1 305 853 1685
Zachary Taylor State Park Beach | Key West
This place not only offers fun and recreation but also has historical significance. If you are tired of lazing around, try touring Fort Taylor, which was constructed in 1866 and still titans its glory.
But if you love the waters, you can enjoy various activities, including swimming, fishing, snorkeling, etc. Arrange a picnic on these stretches of golden sands.
You can hire a bike and explore the natural trail here. There are cafes selling food items and cold drinks.
By Gillfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 601, Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ex1nTc4KPhCGWzYS7 | Phone Number: +1 305 295 0037