Going to the beaches near Key West can be the highlight of your trip to Florida. The breathtaking sunsets and sunrises only surpass the clear blue waters and white sands at this island paradise. If you want to explore the beaches, then you should always start your trip to Mallory Square for some entertainment. It is located in a prime spot right on the water, and even though there are many crowds, it is a great spot to take pictures.
It is a good idea to visit the other beaches in the area – Dog Beach, Rest Beach, Casa Marina, etc. Beaches in Key West, Florida, offer some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and relaxing scenery around. Whether you are here to vacation or live on a year-round basis, you will be able to find several things to do at the beaches in Key West.
Dog Beach
If you need to find a place to take your dog while vacationing (and who isn’t?), one of the best places to go is Dog Beach. This Dog Beach, which spans nine blocks and 1,000 feet, offers nice a place for dogs to swim and play in the water, as well as an area where their human companions can enjoy the sun (or rain).
The Dog beach in Key West is unlike any other. Dog Beach is off the beaten path, on the southernmost island of Key West, and feels like you’re on vacation already. There are no thoughts of work on Dog Beach, and all you’ll be thinking about is snorkeling and how to get back faster so you can come for a swim or two at Dog Beach.
By Sagaciousphil, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1500 Vernon Ave, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VLPSvoEiZfRE8QpQ8
Smathers Beach
Built on the rim of an ancient coral reef, Smathers Beach is one of the best places in Key West for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Smathers Beach is Key West’s hidden gem. Smathers Beach is also one of the best beaches in Key West Florida and a great wedding destination.
You can see Smathers Beach’s famous lifeguard tofwer standing out above its sea grape trees and palm trees from the parking lot. Smathers Beach overlooks a wide swath of ocean where dolphins and boats often can be seen playing. The water temperature at Smathers Beach is excellent for swimming and snorkeling all year round. Go snorkeling by day and dance the night away at sunset!
By Marc Averette, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/opsdmpe46b5357jM8 | Phone number: +13058093700
South Beach
South Beach is an island on the Atlantic Ocean side of Key West. It is less developed than other parts of the island, and many people choose to spend time relaxing or fishing here. If looking for the soft sand and turquoise ocean waters of the Florida Keys, then look no further than South Beach.
Located on Cudjoe Key, this beach has everything you’re looking for; perfect water, beautiful white sand, activities for everyone, and a laid-back atmosphere that is welcoming to both visitors and locals alike. When you visit South Beach in Key West, you will see all sorts of people. This area is known for its lively nightlife, with bars, late-night parties, and blues music. It has become more upscale since the 1990s when the number of travelers began to increase.
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By Pedro Szekely, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 236 21st St, Key West, FL 33139, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/usG4q2UwMqnbum39A
Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the island of Key West Florida, a part of the Florida Keys on the Gulf of Mexico. Higgs Beach is one of Key West’s best-kept secrets because Higgs Beach is never crowded and has kept its original natural state. Higgs Beach offers 33 acres of sand and tidal water pools where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Sandy, white-sand beaches, and the scent of warm tropical air in the pier welcome residents and visitors to Higgs Beach in Key West. Higgs Beach is a unique public beach in Key West, Florida. Made up of over 300 reclaimed, broken down, old wood boats, it has a nautical feel and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
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By Foto Fitti, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EfxD2FFgCULqjwmV9 | Phone number: +13052954385
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
The beaches in Key West are as different as the neighborhoods. If you want a quiet, natural shoreline, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on what is referred to as the “back island.” Many people don’t know this, but there is a beach on Key West that you can find solitude and get away from the noise of Duval Street for a moment.
Fort Zachary Taylor is an oasis of old Florida near the center of Key West beaches. This historic fort was a strategic outpost protecting Key West from attacks by sea. The fort is located right next to the southernmost point in the continental United States, far removed from the crowds and chaos of downtown Key West.
By Gillfoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TX9zXf8YJB7iSeVm8 | Phone number: +13052926713
Rest Beach
If you think the best shorelines are the most populated, think again. Most of the shorelines in Key West are secluded, astounding, and rugged. This cove has the best sunrise, yet it’s so nearby that anybody staying adjacent to Key West will discover it. Rest Beach is a small beach located on South Beach. This quiet beach is situated in front of the Casa Marina.
The hotel also has Flamingo restaurant that’s outfitted with tables and umbrellas that overlook the ocean and a nice pool area if people stay at the hotel. Though this beach is typically quiet, it’s still worth checking out for beautiful sunrise and convenient location within walking distance to Duval Street.
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: White St & Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RiGbF8BdJP1qZjiu6
Dry Tortugas National Park
If you are going to Key West, you have to put a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park on your list of things to do. It is a bit out of the way if you stay in Key West or the Stock Island area, but well worth the trip. The park property is accessible only by boat, and before entering the park, visitors must stop at Fort Jefferson first.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a beautiful destination for people who love the outdoors. Dry Tortugas National Park sits in the middle of the Florida Keys and is filled with the undeveloped natural land and military ruins. The Dry Tortugas National Park is made of more than 50 small islands and offers plenty of shorelines to explore.
By RuggyBearLA, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RWXokBxCB51AMB147 | Phone number: +13052427700
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is the best beach in Key West, featuring a mile-long white-sand Key West Florida beach, plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and boating in the water, and a historic lighthouse. In addition to these incredible shorelines of Bahia Honda State Park, there are also designated areas reserved for wildlife viewing.
There is something so magical about Florida’s longest navigable beach. With the sound of the waves and splashing water, and the soft grains of sand, this Key West beach may be the most tranquil place on earth. If a large cross-section were cut from a Bahia Honda State Park dune, it would reveal the bones of hundreds of thousands of past visitors. The very air in this place has a whiff of nostalgia as if wrapping you in a time traveling cocoon.
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By KimonBerlin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1zReBJLAWYjrXYcA9 | Phone number: +13058722353
The Reach Resort
The Reach Resort, nestled on San Carlos Bay in Key West, is the definition of luxury living. With a breathtaking view of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, The Reach Resort marries coastal chic with modern architecture and amenities that few other properties in Key West can rival.
At the Reach Resort, you can relax in sheer relaxation while enjoying the amazing sunrise and vibes Key West has to offer. We’re located on Duval Street, known as one of the most lively and fun places in town. The Reach has everything for young couples, families, friends, solo travelers, and business guests looking to get away from it all. You will find a discreet charm in our luxury Key West resort, as well as friendly staff who love to socialize and help you make your escape from it all truly memorable.
Address: 1435 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VoMiyWkdLwtDDwj79 | Phone number: +13052965000
Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Located on the island of Key West, the Casa Marina is nestled in the heart of Old Town, the most famous district in Key West. This resort features two pool decks overlooking the marina ocean water, complete with a private hot tub and a gazebo, perfect for sunbathing or sipping a cocktail. It also has a great sun deck for leisurely walks and plenty of chaise lounge chairs to relax. The resort offers views of the Key West Harbor entrance channel, gorgeous sunsets over Mallory Square and Duval Street.
Address: 1500 Reynolds St, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://g.page/casamarinakw?share | Phone number: +13052963535
Simonton Beach
Smack dab in the middle of Key West, and you’ll find Simonton Beach. This Key West Florida beach is located on Plantation Key, and unlike most Key West public beaches, you probably won’t have any issues finding a spot to lay down your beach towel and get some sun. The beach is accessible by residential roads as well, which makes it even more awesome.
Simonton Beach first opened in the 1960s. This beach offers an alternative to the island’s busier beaches. It can still see a fair share of tourists but does not get nearly as “crowded” as some other destinations on the island, particularly on the weekends.
The shorelineitself is a beautiful stretch of sand with soft white sand and clean water. Visitors will find plenty of beach chairs available and several shaded picnic areas that give them somewhere to enjoy their food and drinks in comfort.
Address: Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UiEJn2nGbBHxFMTB6
Sunset Key
If you’re looking for a quiet beach, away from all the hustle and bustle of Duval, then Sunset Key is for you. The beach is wide open, with no umbrellas or hotels/condos at the beach. Although this means there’s no place to rent chairs, and there are very few people on the beach, it also means it tends to be a bit windier and less protected.
But honestly, that is what makes Sunset Key beach one of the best beaches to see sunsets in Florida. The west end of this beach has a path that leads to the Sunset Pier. It is the perfect place for watching the sunset over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can now enjoy bicycle tours in Key West from Florida Keys Bike Tours. The group tours along Scenic Highway One and stops at Sunset Beach.
By Mark Winograd, Link
Address: 245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://g.page/sunsetkeycottages?share
Monroe County Parks & Beaches
Unless you are an island lover, you might not be familiar with the term ‘Paradise Found.’ Monroe County Parks & Beaches in Key West is truly said to be paradise found. This small city, a large island, conveys a sense of calm and respect for a higher power. It is a display of palatial creativity while allowing humanity to embrace that creativity within the island boundaries.
By Yinan Chen, Public Domain, Link
Address: 3583 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BDLkk6UuFrtxV29m6 | Phone number: +1 305-295-4385
If you have any plans to visit Key West, Florida, we strongly recommend you check out the beaches and resorts there. There are many things to do at the waters in Key West, but only a few are worth it. So this article has tried to point out the best beaches in Key West and the things to do there. From walking the fort to trying out the best snorkeling spots to browsing sea-inspired art and watching sunrises, check out our list of the best attractions to see at the beaches in Key West, Florida.