If you’re looking for the best Key West beaches, you’re in the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the beaches in Key West.
We visited Key West after a long trip around the Caribbean and after spending time at Miami Beach, so we had plenty to compare it to. It’s safe to say that Key West beaches are quite different from both. They’re generally smaller than the beaches in Miami, but they’re also much nicer, with soft sand and crystal-clear water. If I had to choose between Miami Beach and Key West, Key West would definitely win.
That said, Key West beaches are still not as nice as some of the truly stunning beaches we’ve seen in places like Aruba, Antigua, and Roatán. Keep reading to learn more about the beaches in Key West and what you can expect from them.
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QUICK GUIDE: KEY WEST BEACHES AT A GLANCE
- Best for sunsets: Fort Zachary Taylor
- Best for swimming: Smathers Beach
- Best for snorkelling: Fort Zachary Taylor
- Best for local atmosphere: Higgs Beach
- Best for sunbathing: Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor
FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR BEACH (BEST OVERALL)
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is often considered the best all-around beach in Key West, and I completely agree. It’s located inside Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, at the western end of the island. The state park itself is incredibly beautiful, which only adds to the appeal of the beach. You can reach it easily by car, bike, or even on foot, and since it’s inside a state park, it’s much quieter than most other Key West beaches.
This beach is special because of its historic setting, with the Civil War–era fort just a few steps away. It’s also known as the best snorkelling spot in Key West, thanks to its clear water and marine life close to shore. I’d recommend bringing water shoes because there are rocky areas, especially near the snorkelling spots.
The beach has great amenities, including restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and chair and snorkel rentals. There’s also a small café where you can grab food during the day. Try to visit in the late afternoon, when the light is perfect, as this is one of the best sunset spots in Key West. I have a detailed guide about the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, where you can find even more information on this stunning beach!
SMATHERS BEACH (MOST POPULAR)
Smathers Beach is the longest and most popular beach in Key West, located along the island’s southern shore. It’s the go-to spot for both tourists and locals who want a classic beach day with a lively atmosphere. It’s a beautiful beach and definitely one you should visit, especially if you enjoy being around other people.
Smathers Beach is especially great for anyone who loves water sports. It’s well known for its water sports scene, where you can rent jet skis, try parasailing, or simply relax on beach chairs and umbrellas set right along the shore. There’s almost always something happening here, which makes it much more social and energetic than the quieter beaches on the island. The beach also has amenities like restrooms, showers, and volleyball nets.
If you prefer quieter beaches with fewer people, this one might not be for you. Smathers Beach can get very crowded, especially during peak travel seasons like Christmas and Spring Break.
HIGGS BEACH (LOCAL AND RELAXED)
Higgs Beach is a quieter, more local alternative to the busy Smathers Beach. It’s less touristy, which is why residents tend to prefer it, and it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a more relaxed beach experience. The water is usually calm, and the entrance is relatively shallow, so it’s a great option for kids. For us, this was a really enjoyable beach.
Higgs Beach is also great for walking, picnics, and watching the sunset. There’s a paved path along the shoreline, and the White Street Pier is very close by, so even if you’re not planning to swim, it’s a lovely area for a walk. The beach also offers several amenities, including a restaurant, picnic huts, barbecue areas, volleyball and tennis courts, and restrooms.
Overall, this beach is perfect for anyone looking for a calm and peaceful experience. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds and see a more local side of the island, Higgs Beach is an excellent choice.
SOUTH BEACH (SOUTHERNMOST POINT)
South Beach is small, but it’s one of the most iconic beaches in Key West. It’s located just steps from Duval Street, and the famous Southernmost Point Buoy is currently situated nearby. Hidden between hotels and historic buildings, it’s very easy to stop by while exploring the island’s main strip of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Because of its small size and the crowds that gather there, South Beach isn’t really the best for a full beach day. However, it’s a great spot for a quick swim or a photo stop. There’s limited space and very few amenities, so it’s better for a short visit rather than a relaxing day by the sea. We didn’t swim here since the water wasn’t very appealing at the time, but the views are great and it’s definitely worth stopping by.
DOG BEACH (PET-FRIENDLY)
Dog Beach is one of Key West’s smallest and most unique beaches. It’s located near South Beach, and as the name suggests, it’s a dog-friendly spot. Since many beaches don’t allow pets on the sand or in the water, this is a great option if you’re traveling with a dog. The beach is more rocky than sandy, but it’s relaxing and perfect for short walks with your pet.
Right next to Dog Beach is Louie’s Backyard, one of the best places in Key West to enjoy a sunset with a drink or dinner. I’d definitely recommend stopping by for a drink.
REST BEACH (GREAT FOR VIEWS)
Rest Beach is a small, quiet beach located right next to Higgs Beach, so you can easily visit both in one stop. Since it’s not very popular or visually impressive, it’s often overlooked by tourists. Because of that, it has a calm, local feel and is very different from the more popular Key West beaches.
The beach is very narrow and mostly rocky, so it’s not the best for swimming or spending a long time sunbathing. However, it’s a nice place to sit, relax, and enjoy the ocean views. It’s especially peaceful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the area feels quiet. We didn’t spend much time here, but it’s a lovely spot for relaxing and enjoying the views.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KEY WEST BEACHES
You can visit Key West and its beaches all year round, but some months and seasons are better than others. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
Winter (December–February) is a great time to visit. The weather is mild and dry, with temperatures between the mid-60s and mid-70s°F (18–24°C). This is peak tourist season, so beaches can be crowded, but the weather is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island.
Spring (March–May) is warm and sunny, with fewer crowds than winter. That said, Spring Break still brings a lot of visitors. Water clarity is excellent, so spring is one of the best times for snorkelling and beach photos.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29–33°C). Beaches are very busy during this time, but it’s also perfect for water sports. Afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms are common, though they usually pass quickly. Hurricane season is active, so it’s important to check the weather before visiting.
Fall (September–November) feels similar to summer, with warm temperatures and hurricane season still ongoing. Early fall often has warm water and fewer crowds once summer ends. We usually visit in November, and the conditions are often perfect: warm weather, little to no rain, and no crowds. I’d definitely recommend visiting during this time.
FAQ: BEST KEY WEST BEACHES
Are Key West beaches free?
Many beaches in Key West are completely free, such as Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach. However, the best one, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, is located inside a state park, so there’s a small entrance fee, but it’s definitely worth it.
Can you snorkel at Key West beaches?
Yes! Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the best snorkelling spots in Key West thanks to its rocky shoreline and clear water. However, if you’re looking for truly impressive snorkelling, Key Largo is the best choice.
Are the Key West beaches crowded?
It depends on the beach and the time of year. Smathers Beach is usually busy, especially during peak season, while Higgs Beach, Rest Beach, and Dog Beach are quieter and more relaxed throughout the year. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is also less crowded since there’s a small entrance fee.
Can you swim safely at Key West beaches?
Yes, the water is generally calm and clear, which makes it great for swimming. However, some beaches have rocky areas, so water shoes are recommended at places like Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and Dog Beach.
Are the beaches family-friendly?
Absolutely! Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach are all great options for families. They have calm water, picnic areas, and good nearby amenities. Smaller beaches like South Beach and Dog Beach are better for short stops rather than full beach days.
CONCLUSION: BEST KEY WEST BEACHES
Key West has some truly great beaches. They’re much nicer than the ones near Miami and among the best in the Florida Keys. I’d highly recommend visiting and enjoying a beach-focused stay in Key West because we truly love it. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a must-visit!
