10 Best Beaches In The Florida Keys

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The Florida Keys got their name from the Spanish Cayo, meaning small island.

That’s exactly what makes up the Florida Keys.

It is an archipelago, or collection of islands (800 to be exact), off the coast of southern Florida.

The islands total 180 miles of tropical paradise, right in the United States.

The islands are connected by 42 bridges, with the largest being the Seven Mile Bridge that connects to mainland Florida.

Because of its peace and tranquility, The Keys has been home to many artists and writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

But it’s also a great vacation if you want a laidback respite from the usual tourist beach vacation.

The Keys offer endless coral displays which are great for scuba divers, snorkelers, or glass bottom boat enthusiasts.

The only living barrier reef in the continental United States is in the Florida Keys.

The islands are a haven for sports, fishing, and boaters as well.

There are tons of restaurants, bars, museums, and historic sites to visit during your time in the palm-tree-filled Keys.

If you have a hankering for some city excursions, Miami is just over the bridge.

If you’re looking for beaches in The Keys, there are some beautiful spots.

However, you won’t find any with big crashing waves.

That’s because the barrier reef does its job of preventing them.

So if you are looking to surf, boogie board, or jump around in some heavy-hitting waves, the Florida Keys is not the place.

Additionally, the lack of waves prevents the natural production of sand.

So most of the beaches are man-made with sand being imported from other areas.

That being said, there are several beaches along the keys that are fabulous for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Read on for a list of the 10 best beaches in The Florida Keys.

10 Best Beaches In The Florida Keys

10. Sunset Park Beach – Key Colony, Florida

Sunset Park Beach is a cute little beach with calm waves and a rocky beach.

It’s a great place to stick a chair in the water and read a book.

But it’s a truly unique allure that comes for adults and families when the beach turns into a giant sing-a-long, with live music.

Visitors are invited to bring a bottle of wine or a carafe of coffee and enjoy the sunset with music on the pier.

9. John Pennekamp State Park – Key Largo, Florida

Open all year, from 8 am until sunset, the waters off the beach are home to over 600 species of fish and 70 species of coral.

Beachgoers are welcome to scuba and snorkel (while following park rules).

There are picnic tables and grills available for cooking.

A mobi-mat is on-site, so the beach is totally wheelchair accessible.

So take a lunch and enjoy the relaxing nature that this state park beach has to offer.

8. CB Harvey Rest Beach – Key West, Florida

This beach is great because it’s off the beaten path and usually not crowded.

There’s a nice walking path where you can encounter some free-roaming chickens.

The beach is small at only 300 yards, but the views are amazing.

Parking is free and there are paths for bikes and wheelchairs.

The beach is dog-friendly and it’s a great spot for beachcombers to find shells and sea glass.

7. Higgs Beach – Key West, Florida

This county-owned beach park has 16 acres of oceanfront fun.

Not to mention the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier that offers a ton of activities.

The white sand, tropical vegetation, and turquoise water will delight the senses as you relax and catch some rays.

You can feel free to snorkel, swim, or visit the beach cafe.

The beach also has a volleyball and tennis court, a playground, and a shack to rent chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks.

Restrooms and showers are also available.

6. Sombrero Beach – Marathon, Florida

Called the “best kept secret” of the Florida Keys, Sombrero Beach is a tropical paradise right in the middle of the city of Marathon.

This beach and the surrounding area have all you need for a marvelous day with your family.

Sombrero has restrooms, grills, mangroves, and a playground for the kids.

The sand is soft and the water is clear.

There’s also a rocky peninsula where you can see a ton of native fish.

Play a game of volleyball on one of the courts, picnic in the covered pavilion, or eat under one of the beautiful palm trees.

5. Simonton Street Beach – Key West, Florida

This sandy beach is uncrowded and great for watching the kids play in the gentle waves.

There are great sunsets and a great place for pictures.

You can also feel free to bring your 4-legged friend.

There’s a beach bar that serves frosty drinks and good food.

It’s a great spot to boat watch.

Chair and umbrella rentals are available.

4. South Beach – Key West, Florida

Not THAT South Beach, but it is surrounded by a high-end resort and a fishing pier.

You don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy the 200-foot beach.

You’re welcome to rent a chair and enjoy the clear blue water that’s said to be just the right temperature to cool off.

It’s said that legendary writer, Tennesse Williams came to South Beach every day for a dip in the water.

There is a cafe and live entertainment daily.

It’s a great place for couples or friends to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise, and then stroll over to infamous Duvall Street to enjoy some shopping and lunch.

3. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park And Beach – Key West, Florida

Soft, rippling waves make for a fun family day at the beach located inside this 54-acre state park.

While on the beach, you can swim, snorkel, fish off the jetty, rent a raft and float around the serene blue water, or lay in one of the many hammocks.

Adjacent to the beach, you’ll find a wooded nature trail with loads of wildlife.

Feel free to bring your own food to cook on one of the many complimentary grills, or dine at the delicious Cayo Hueso Cafe.

Fort Zachary also has chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment for rent in the gift shop.

Last but not least, if you need a break from the sun and fun, take a tour of the historic fort that played a key role in Florida’s formation.

2. Smathers Beach – Key West, Florida

With its half-mile stretch of soft, white sand, Smathers is the largest public beach in Key West.

It’s also extremely popular during spring break.

The sand is fabulous and rumored to be imported from the Bahamas.

The plethora of palm trees makes for plenty of shade from the hot, Florida sun.

There are rocky areas that are great for hunting hermit crabs.

The water is shallow, so it’s great for kids to play in.

Amenities include restrooms, volleyball nets, jet ski, paddle boat, chairs, and umbrella rentals, as well as outdoor showers.

There are usually food trucks nearby, but you’re welcome to take a picnic.

Admission is free, but there is a fee for parking.

1. Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, Florida

Bahia Honda is one of the few natural beach areas in the Keys.

This collection of 3 beaches is the best in the entire archipelago.

Once named the best beach in all of America by Dr. Beach (a professor that publishes a yearly top 10 beach list), this 2.5-mile stretch has been called the Caribbean of the United States.

The crystal clear is shallow and great for kids to play in.

The scenery is gorgeous, with the beach lined with swaying palms, and a marina with beautiful boats.

For an admission fee of $8.50, you’ll have access to snorkeling, concession stands, picnic areas, a nature center, and souvenir shops.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sand while visiting the Keys, Bahia Honda is the place to go. 

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• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
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• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
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