Part of the Florida Keys archipelago – and sitting at the southernmost point of the USA – the island of Key West is the perfect place for a relaxing beach break. Expect year-round sunshine, dazzling blue Atlantic Ocean, and white-sand beaches lined with palm trees to help you immediately kick back and relax.

Whether you want to try a new watersport, catch a beautiful sunset, or discover incredible marine life as you snorkel on a coral reef, Key West has a great range of beaches on offer. The colourful island also has numerous shops, restaurants, and important historical sights, so you can combine your beach time with some incredible sightseeing in this one-of-a-kind destination.

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    Smathers Beach

    Key West’s largest free public beach

    Smathers Beach
    • Budget

    Located on the southern side of the island, Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West with plenty of powdery white sand and a calm, blue ocean that’s ideal for swimming. From paddle-boarding to snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep you busy here and you can easily fill a day with activities or relaxing under a palm tree.

    Smathers Beach is free and open to everyone – plus, it’s easy to access so can often get busy – particularly popular with spring breakers from March to April. You can rent kayaks, jet skis, catamarans, and more – as well as lounge chairs and umbrellas – and there are also public bathrooms and showers available.

    Location: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm


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    Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach

    A historical landmark and beautiful beach in one

    Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
    • History

    Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach is thought to be one of the best beaches in Key West with its beautiful white-sand beach and turquoise ocean. The crystal-clear water is ideal for snorkelling to discover an incredible array of tropical marine life.

    You’re also allowed to fish on the west side of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach so you catch your own dinner of grouper, snapper, or tarpon. Plus, you can combine a beach day with a visit to a national historic landmark. Immerse yourself in American history at Fort Zachary Taylor, which houses the biggest collection of civil war weapons and equipment in the world.

    Location: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to sundown


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    South Beach

    Small family-friendly beach in Key West’s old town

    South Beach
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    • Families
    • Unusual

    A hidden gem in Key West, South Beach is one of the island’s smallest beaches, located at the southern end of Duval Street. It’s popular with families thanks to the shallow, still water where kids can safely swim and splash about. There aren’t any public bathrooms but you should be able to find cafes and restaurants nearby if you need facilities.

    South Beach is the perfect place to stop for a quick dip if you’re visiting Key West’s historic old town. Duval Street is central to this district and is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars that date back to the 1930s. The beach is open daily and is free to visit – with paid parking available.

    Open: 24/7


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    Simonton Beach

    Shake off the crowds at this laid-back city centre beach

    Simonton Beach
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    • Unusual

    A short walk from Mallory Square and Duval Street, Simonton Beach is a great beach to relax on if you’re exploring or staying in city centre Key West. This little, lesser-known beach is a great spot to lose the crowds but still has facilities for a hassle-free beach day, including bathrooms, food options, and beach chairs and umbrellas to rent.

    Simonton Beach is small but has plenty of charm – with the soft, powdery sand and turquoise blue water you’d expect to see in Key West. Be sure to visit Lagerheads Beach Bar for a drink or delicious Cuban sandwich with ocean views. You can also rent out the ‘Rum Runner’ boat from here and take a sunset tour.

    Location: Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm


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    Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

    The best snorkelling and important historical landmarks in Key West

    Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park
    • Families
    • History

    From the incredible snorkelling to the significant historical sights, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is well worth a visit on your Key West holiday. The beach itself is quite small but offers incredible snorkelling with access to one of the few shore-accessible underwater marine parks in the USA.

    A family-friendly option, Higgs Beach has calm water for swimming and 2 children’s playgrounds – along with picnic tables, chair and umbrella rentals, bathrooms, and showers. There’s even a dog park if you’ve brought your canine friend along. Be sure to combine your beach trip with exploring the historical sights here – such as the African Refugee Memorial, Civil War-era fort, and the Key West AIDS Memorial.

    Location: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm

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    Rest Beach

    Chill-out on a natural, unspoiled Key West beach

    Rest Beach
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    Located close to Higgs Beach, Rest Beach is a small, lesser-known spot on Key West’s Atlantic Boulevard and a great place to try to lose the crowds. Also known as the C.B. Harvey Memorial Rest Beach – named after a former Key West mayor – this unspoiled beach boasts calm waters, powdery-soft sand, and natural vegetation.

    Don’t expect lots of watersports, beach bars, or facilities here – although there are bathrooms within walking distance – but yoga classes are often taking place on the beach deck. Bring your own food to have at a shady picnic table and relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Also, be sure to check out the White Street Pier, which is a great spot to watch the sun rise.

    Location: White St & Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from dawn to 11 pm

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    Dog Beach

    Let your dog roam free at this pet-friendly beach and restaurant

    Dog Beach
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    If you’re travelling with your canine companion, be sure to visit Dog Beach in Key West. Dogs can run free on the sand and this is the only place on the island where they can also splash about in the ocean. Keep an eye on your pets here however as it’s a rocky beach and can be slippery.

    Dog Beach is located at the end of Vernon Avenue, not far from Higgs Beach, which also has dog-friendly zones – so this is a great area to visit with your pup. The popular Key West pet-friendly restaurant, Louie’s Backyard, is also close by – serving up Caribbean-American fare with ocean views – the perfect place for you and your furry friend to sit back and relax.

    Location: 1500 Vernon Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm

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    County Beach

    An uncrowded, scenic spot for sun worshippers

    County Beach
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    • Unusual

    If you prefer to sunbathe than swim on a beach day, head to County Beach, which is sandwiched between Higgs Beach and Rest Beach in Key West. This pretty beach is a sunbather’s paradise but you can only access the water from stairs over the sea wall, and not from the beach, as there are large boulders keeping the tide out.

    County beach has a wide expanse of sand to enjoy and is usually quieter and less crowded than its neighbors so it’s a great beach for sunbathers. It’s a scenic spot for relaxing with good access to significant historical landmarks such as the African Refugee cemetery, West Martello Tower, and Key West Garden Club.

    Location: County Beach, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm

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    Straw Hat Beach

    Relax and unwind on this secluded Key West beach

    Straw Hat Beach
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    • Unusual

    If you’re looking for somewhere secluded and off the beaten track, Straw Hat Beach in Key West could be your best bet. The beach has a relaxed, Caribbean-style vibe and is peaceful with its white-sand beach and crystal-clear water. It’s located close to the Southernmost Point of Mainland USA – be sure to grab a photo opportunity at the buoy monument that marks 90 miles from Cuba.

    Straw Hat Beach is a quiet, unspoiled spot, where you can relax and unwind – but you won’t find lots of facilities here. However, there is a children’s playground and volleyball court close by – as well as the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park so you can explore many of the attractions there on your visit.

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 8 pm

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    Dry Tortugas National Park

    Discover protected coral reefs teaming with tropical marine life

    Dry Tortugas National Park
    • Adventure
    • History

    Located 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, the spectacular Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of 7 islands and is home to gorgeous beaches and coral reefs. It’s a 2-hour ferry trip from Key West to reach the National Park but it’s well worth planning a day trip to see the palm-lined, white-sand beaches and historical sights such as the 19th-century Fort Jefferson and Windjammer Wreck.

    Home to incredible protected coral reefs, the Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect place for snorkelling to see an array of fish and marine life – as well as sea turtles and sea birds. You can access numerous beaches for sunbathing, picnics, and splashing about in this aquatic paradise.

    Location: Dry Tortugas National Park Florida, USA

    Open: 24/7