If you are into people watching then this is one for you. If you love to snorkel it may be worthwhile to pay to access the beach but we would suggest visiting Bahia Honda State Park instead for the best snorkeling. One distinctive and interesting part of Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is that was once upon a time an active fort which is pretty cool. If you are a history buff, rangers at the park actually offer tours of the fort and the history.
It is an absolutely stunning beach but it is a very expensive day trip. There are so many other things to do in Key West besides beaches. Key West is a cool town in its own right. We think it is the best town in the Keys if you love dining, chilling and just walking around a city. The architecture in Key West is very impressive. The neighbourhood where the Harry S. Truman Little White House is located is amazing. No cars are permitted in the area but you can take a bike through and look at the beautiful architecture between the hours of dawn to dusk.
Key West also has a lot of cool free activities to do. Our favourite free things to do in Key West include:. It is no secret that it is expensive to travel and stay in Key West.
We would recommend including some free and beaches activities into your travel itinerary to keep your costs down. Here are the Key West hotels and vacation rentals we would recommend staying in depending on your budget:. It is more worthwhile to pay for a hotel. Key West is a place you come for a bit of luxury, not to camp.
If you would like to camp, we would recommend staying at Bahia Honda State Park 1 hour away and making day trips to Key West. This was the best campground we experienced in the Florida Keys.
If you want to take your furry friend on vacation, you will be happy to find a lot of pet friendly hotels in Key West. We went to buy it a few times and there was a sign on the door saying sold out. We have covered quite a lot on the Florida Keys and other areas of Florida which may be helpful for you to plan your vacation:.
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Due to its stature as a state national park, a ranger accompanies you for the tour as they explain the history and background of the area. A vast expanse of sugary white sand, shallow waters, and brilliant campsites where you can pitch your tent and camp for the night, the sites are water and electricity equipped.
The State Park has an abundance of marine life. Snorkelers at the beach can easily spot rays, small reef fish, barracuda and even the small nurse shark. The only known existence of Miami Blue butterfly which was once known to have become extinct was established in the park in Spending your day at the beach here is one of the best things to do in Key West. The Dry Tortugas Ferry takes you to the beach and is a great day trip that includes breakfast and lunch, snorkeling gear and equipment, and a guided tour of the surrounding fort.
The Florida Keys reef system is the third largest of its kind in the world. Source: waldorfastoria3. A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Casa Marina is a huge mansion-style resort known for its 1, feet of private beach and superb hospitality. The coastline is adorned with swaying coconut palms and several hammocks to spend the afternoon reading a book. Listed in National Register for Historic Places, residents of the hotel get to enjoy lavish services such as beach concierge setting up your beach chair, umbrella, and towel, serving you with refreshingly delicious cocktails, and cool cucumber slices to soothe your eyes.
The in-house spa, Spa al Mare, offers rejuvenating spa and massage treatments to residents as well as non-residents. Some of the services include aromatherapy and deep-tissue massage. The Ocean Breeze Massage right on the beach is one of their most popular facilities. Another marvelous hotel property operated by Waldorf Astoria, The Reach flaunts one of the largest private natural beaches in the area. The chic boutique hotel features a striking pier with a pavilion that extends over the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are an early-riser and a guest at this quaint boutique property, you will be treated with gorgeous sunrises almost every morning. Professional and warm staff at the hotel pamper you with their pleasing hospitality.
Tell the concierge that you wish to spend time at the beach and the staff will arrange for your lounge chairs on the coastline, wet towels to keep you cool, thirst-quenching and energizing drinks, and even popsicles.
We may earn a commission from affiliate links. Tourists visiting Key West have the luxury of several great beaches to choose from, each with its own set of characteristics that sets it apart.
There are beaches for those who like a lively atmosphere and a variety of diversions, beaches for families where the water is shallow and calm, and even a beach for the best sunrise and sunset in the Keys. Some are perfect for active water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, while others are best for relaxation and serenity.
Most of the top beaches in Key West are located on its southern shore , with the majority clustered along a stretch of water only a little over a mile in length. Thanks to the extensive network of coral reefs, the entire area is known as a snorkeler's paradise ; however, those who are willing to stray from the downtown area will find even more ocean life at the area's more remote beaches within the boundaries of state and national parks.
Plan your sun-sand-and-sea vacation with our list of the best beaches in Key West. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Crystal-clear water at Smathers Beach. Smathers Beach is Key West's most popular beach, earning its place with excellent swimming conditions , two miles of sandy shores, and plenty of things to do. The gradual slope of the shoreline allows swimmers to wade in to the water for a good distance, and this combined with mild currents makes it a top beach for families in Key West, despite the crowds.
The services and amenities available to beachgoers are plentiful, from the basics like showers and restrooms to volleyball courts and vendors. There are also several rental shops along the beach where you can find beach chairs, shade umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, Jet Skis, and other water sports equipment. As an added bonus, there is no entry fee to Smathers Beach, and if you don't mind the short walk from the boulevard, the parking is free as well. South Beach in Key West.
South Beach is another family favorite in Key West thanks to calm, shallow waters that are excellent for swimming. As the name suggests, it is located on the southern end of Key West, and is known for its relaxed atmosphere.
Although there are not throngs of rental shops, there are several beachside refreshment stands and some options for lounge chairs and even towels. The only drawback, especially for families with younger kids, is the lack of public restrooms, however nearby establishments are good about letting visitors use their facilities. Wooden pier at Higgs Beach. Higgs Beach is one of several beaches located within the bounds of the C. Harvey Rest Beach Park, a small but lovely public space that is also home to a restaurant and gardens.
There are a good variety of options at the various rental shops here, from basic beach chairs and volleyball nets to snorkeling equipment and water sports rentals. Families will appreciate the nearby playground, and those with four-legged kids will like the dog park. There is also free parking, as well as public bathrooms and showers. A unique feature of Higgs Beach is its historical significance, and here you will find monuments dedicated to the 19 th -century slave cemetery located on the site.
There is also a pier at Higgs Beach where visitors often see stingrays. Simonton Beach is the perfect place for visitors looking to get away from crowds of tourists, even though it is the only public beach in downtown Key West, just steps from Mallory Square.
A favorite spot for locals, this pet-friendly beach is quite small, so it's best to arrive as early as possible to secure a spot on the sand. Despite the soft sand beach, the shoreline can be a bit rocky, so swimmers will want to bring water shoes.
Despite its small size, the beach has a good selection of amenities, including a boat ramp and on-site equipment rentals for chairs and umbrellas. It also offers some picnic tables and restrooms, and there is a small food vendor on the beach as well. The restaurant situated right next to the beach offers a full range of water sports rentals, including Jet Skis and boats, and also runs sunset cruises, as well as charter tours for snorkeling, fishing, dolphin watching, and island tours.
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