List Of The Best Beaches In Florida Keys

Flying above the Florida Keys shows the stunning blue waters and vast coral reefs and sand below.

The Keys are a popular vacation spot. With harsh winters in many parts of the US, Florida and the Keys are great year-round vacation spots.

The Keys have nearly 1,700 islands, most of which are deserted. Only 43 comprise the nearly 200-kilometer chain that culminates in Key West in the south.

The journey from Miami to Key West is breathtaking, but flying is a waste of 45 minutes. The Gulf of Mexico is on your right and the Atlantic on your left as you drive south, passing beautiful beaches. Coral reefs prevent erosion and sand buildup, some shorelines need frequent sand replenishment.

Let’s pick the 15 Best Florida Keys Beaches from so many.

1. Zachary Taylor State Park Beach, Key West

This park opened in 1973 and provides both history and pleasure. If you want to go away from the beach, take a tour to Fort Taylor, which was erected in 1866 and is still intriguing today.

However, with excellent snorkeling and swimming, as well as opportunities to picnic or fish, you may want to stay put.

There is a nature route, and you can rent bikes to explore the entire park. Cayo Hueso Café sells snacks and cold beverages, as well as beach supplies and souvenirs.

2. Higgs Beach, Key West

Higgs Beach is quite near to Smathers yet provides a more quiet experience. The palm trees that frame the white beach and blue waves add to the beauty of the tropical landscape.

The best swimming and snorkeling spots are along the pier; you might even see stingrays. Higgs has free parking, which gives it an advantage over Smathers.

There is a refreshing breeze in general, and if you want to get away from the beaches, there are beautiful gardens behind with unique flora and wildlife. You will also discover a playground and a place to stroll your dog.

3. Smathers Beach, Key West

Smathers Beach is the best beach in Key West, with plenty of activities.

Many eateries nearby serve lunch and dinner after a day on the beach or in the surf. It’s around three kilometers long and no broader than about 30 meters.

You may rent water sports equipment locally to do kayaking, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.

There are also options to go sailing. Some individuals jog down the beach on a daily basis, although it can be extremely hot for others who are not accustomed to the weather.

4. Simonton Street, Key West

This beach is right in the heart of the busiest part of Key West around Mallory Square, yet more often than not, visitors find it by accident.

Hurricane Irma blew most of its sand away so it has had to be replaced by the truckload. Locals know all about the beach and residents at the Hyatt Key West are blessed with spectacular sea views.

It is fairly small but often busy, with nearby parking available. A popular beach bar serves everything from breakfast to seafood.

You must try the craft beer while you are there.

5. Rest Beach, Key West

C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park is a narrow beach where people often bring their dogs. There are views to the south and boundless sea views that stretch to the horizon.

Rest Beach, as its truncated name suggests, is not particularly large and offers few activities, yet the shore makes an excellent snapshot.

Wading in the clear, warm water along the shoreline in search of shells is enjoyable. One of the charms of this beach is that it is likely to be quieter than others in Key West.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West

Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for its abundant marine life and 19th-century Fort Jefferson. The park is fairly secluded, located 100 kilometers west of Key West. There are seven small islands that may be reached by either seaplane or boat.

The crystal blue sea and spectacular coral reefs are only part of the story; birdwatchers are also in their element. Because of its position, it is rarely crowded, and the individuals you encounter are likely to share similar interests in the environment and its preservation.

7. Loggerhead Beach, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

Loggerhead Beach, located in the heart of the State Park, has a submerged sandbar that only appears at low tide. Sunbathers frequently choose the tops of the exposed sand hills to set up their loungers and rest. The shallow blue water is rich in sea glass and shells, making it fascinating to collect them.

There are approximately 150 different varieties of vegetation, and with three hiking paths, there are numerous possibilities to see them. During peak season, this location may get quite crowded, with the parking lot fast filling up.

8. Curry Hammock State Park, Big Pine Key

This State Park is found between Big Pine Key and Key Largo. It is an uninhabited part of the Florida Keys.

The protection given to the mangrove swamps and seagrass beds is essential to the maintenance of the Keys.

The beach is 350 meters long and calmer waters attract people interested in water sports – including kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

There are offshore islands with lovely coves to explore. Hiking and fishing are good enough to justify a popular campsite.

9. Calusa Beach, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

Bahia Honda State Park’s beaches are fully natural, making them possibly the best in the Florida Keys.

Hurricane Irma had an impact here, so Calusa, a rather small stretch of sand, is the best option now open.

It is popular among swimmers and snorkelers. There are a few concessions on the beach, including a gift shop, refreshments, and picnic shelters.

There is also a nature center and a small marina. A favorite shot is one that depicts the beach with the ancient and new bridges.

10. Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Vaca Key

Sombrero is another Marathon Beach facing the Atlantic. It provides good accessibility for disabled people and facilities include showers, pavilions, and restrooms.

There is also a playground with swings for children, as well as a volleyball court. Sombrero Beach is also an important nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

As a result, people are banned from entering the area near the nests until the baby turtles have hatched and swum away. But there’s still plenty of space, the turtle area takes up less than 10% of the total beach.

11. Coco Plum Beach, Marathon, Vaca Key

Coco Plum Beach in Marathon is located on the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is natural, unlike some others in the Keys that are manmade.

The shoreline, next to an area of wetlands, is a nesting site for endangered turtles, which may reduce access at certain times of the year.

Facilities include a covered pavilion and restroom facilities. The beach is quite big so you have no need to worry about crowds and your dog is more than welcome. Coco Plum Beach opens early in the morning and closes at dusk.

12. Long Key State Park, Long Key

Long Key State Park is an excellent fishing destination, with stay available in one of the fully serviced campsites.

There are several activities accessible, such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.

The bird population is diverse, and hikers will enjoy exploring the park. There are decent facilities near the sea, such as picnic tables and BBQs.

The water is shallow and suitable for children, although they must take care not to step on sharp pebbles.

There are a few lagoons, and kayaks can be hired to view them up close. Hurricane Irma, which occurred last year, sadly did considerable damage.

13. Anne’s Beach, Lower Matecumbe Key

This gorgeous beach in Islamorada is ideal for a vacation, whether you wish to rest or engage in more energetic activities.

It is named after the local environmentalist, Anne Eaton. The water is relatively shallow, and amenities include parking, restrooms, and picnic tables.

There are nearby mangrove trees and a boardwalk. The water is clear and shallow, and visitors have been known to step on marine life when exploring the shallows.

Hurricane Irma caused significant damage in 2017 that necessitated some repairs, but the beach is now back to its pristine state and a great spot to spend the day.

14. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo

The major attraction of this State Park is written in the name – coral reefs. The beach is quite small and snorkelers often set out from here to explore the underwater world.

There is a Spanish shipwreck not far from the beach which has become a magnet for marine life.

The old cannons and anchor have long since become encrusted. If you are lucky, you may even come across barracuda.

The beach rarely gets too busy, though its size means that there is nowhere to be entirely alone.

15. Harry Harris Park, Key Largo

Harry Harris Park on Key Largo is a wonderful spot for families to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Key Largo is the largest of the keys.

The beach is man-made, with sand transported to the park as needed – often every few years.

These imported sands give the park a tropical flavor, and despite the beach’s small size, the water is quite safe for youngsters; the stone jetty provides great protection.

The park has great facilities, including a playground, picnic tables, and clean restrooms.