10 Best Beaches in Key West Florida & Nearby | Florida Keys Beach Guide
Discover the 10 best beaches in Key West Florida and nearby islands, including family-friendly spots, snorkeling beaches, and hidden coastal gems in the Florida Keys. FloridaKeysVillas.com
10 Best Beaches in Key West Florida & Nearby | Florida Keys Beach Guide
If you're wondering what are the best beaches in Key West Florida, this guide highlights the top beaches in Key West and nearby Florida Keys islands. Visitors can explore sandy shores, snorkeling spots, family-friendly beaches, and scenic coastal areas perfect for relaxing during a Florida Keys vacation.
Are you looking for the best beaches in Key West Florida and nearby islands? If so, you are definitely in the right place. Key West sits at the far western end of the Florida Keys, and because of its location, it offers a beach experience that is quite different from most beaches in Florida.
Instead of miles of pounding surf, you will discover calm turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and incredible snorkeling just steps from shore. In fact, the Florida Keys are home to America’s only living coral reef, which means the water here is filled with colorful tropical fish and marine life.
Even better, visitors who stay in Florida Keys vacation rentals often have easy access to these beautiful beaches while enjoying the comfort of luxury villas in the Florida Keys.
👉 Travelers planning a trip to the Keys should also explore Marathon Florida vacation homes and Key Colony Beach rentals because they provide a quieter and more family-friendly location while still being close to Key West attractions.
For travelers searching for places to stay in Marathon Florida, visit
➡ FloridaKeysVillas.com
There you can find pet-friendly Florida Keys rentals, waterfront homes with docks, and large group vacation homes perfect for families.
What are the best beaches in Key West Florida?
The best beaches in Key West Florida include Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, South Beach, Rest Beach, Dog Beach, Simonton Street Beach, Dry Tortugas National Park beaches, Bahia Honda State Park, and Sunset Key Beach.
These beaches offer snorkeling, calm swimming waters, family-friendly parks, and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Florida Keys.
Visitors often stay in Marathon FL rentals with pools or waterfront vacation homes with docks so they can explore multiple Keys beaches during their trip.
Where Are the Beaches in Key West Florida?
Key West is famous for its vibrant culture, colorful homes, and historic landmarks. However, many visitors are surprised to learn that it also offers several beautiful beaches.
Unlike other parts of Florida, the Keys are built from coral limestone islands. Therefore, many beaches feature imported white sand that makes them more comfortable for swimming and relaxing.
Fortunately, these beaches are easy to reach from anywhere on the island.
Because of this convenience, travelers staying in nearby areas like Marathon Florida or Key Colony Beach can easily enjoy a day trip to Key West beaches.
Even better, when you stay in Florida Keys vacation rentals instead of hotels, you often enjoy:
- Private pools and hot tubs
- Large kitchens for group meals
- Outdoor patios and tiki huts
- Boat docks for fishing trips
- Space for extended families
➡ Book direct and save at FloridaKeysVillas.com
10 Best Beaches in Key West Florida (And Close By!)
These beaches offer everything from snorkeling reefs and family parks to quiet tropical hideaways.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Key West. Located just minutes from downtown, this 87-acre state park combines history, nature, and incredible snorkeling.
Unlike many other beaches, this shoreline still features natural coral sand, which makes it especially popular with snorkelers.
Visitors can also explore:
- Civil War era cannons
- Fort Zachary Taylor historic fort
- Sand Hog Trail nature walk
- Fort View Trail
Because of its location and natural beauty, this beach is considered one of the best snorkeling beaches in Key West.
Smathers Beach Key West Florida palm trees and white sand shoreline.
Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, stretching for nearly half a mile along the Atlantic Ocean.
Therefore, it is extremely popular with visitors.
Activities include:
- Swimming
- Parasailing
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Beach volleyball
Because the water is calm and shallow, families often choose Smathers Beach for relaxing beach days.
Higgs Beach Higgs Beach Key West Clarence S Higgs Memorial Beach Park pier and sand.
Higgs Beach is smaller than Smathers Beach; however, it offers many more amenities.
Visitors will find:
- Playground areas
- Tennis courts
- Picnic areas
- Dog park
- Historic African refugee cemetery
- Pier fishing
Additionally, Higgs Beach connects to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, a scenic pathway that runs more than 100 miles through the Keys.
South Beach Key West Florida clear water and sandy shoreline
South Beach sits at the southernmost point of Key West, making it one of the most iconic beaches in the city.
Although it is smaller than other beaches, it offers:
- Gentle swimming water
- Beautiful sunset views
- Easy access from Duval Street
Because of its location, many visitors stop here while exploring downtown Key West.
C.B. Rest Beach Key West sunrise yoga deck and ocean view
Rest Beach is well known for its peaceful atmosphere and incredible sunrise views. Key West’s BEST KEPT SECRETS and least used beaches! If you’re into soaking up the sun on a beach with nothing but sand and only a few other worshipers then this is your beach!
C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park boasts convenient facilities and a little sandy beach with palm trees. The park is small but restful and uncrowded – a nice place for a walk or picnic at any time of the day.
The beach itself is about 300 yards long but offers a beautiful and relaxing ambiance as well as allows you to meet some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets on the island. In the evening, locals run yoga classes on the beach deck, which is a good opportunity to relax and energize your body and mind.
Located at the end of White Street in Key West, C. B. Harvey Rest Beach Park is easy to get to. It’s open for visitors from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Surprisingly, parking is free and ample. The park doesn’t see too many visitors so getting a parking space is usually not a problem.
Located near Higgs Beach, it offers:
- Edward B Knight Pier
- Yoga deck overlooking the Atlantic
- Picnic tables and walking paths
Because of its relaxed vibe, this beach is often popular with photographers and morning walkers.
Dog Beach Key West Florida small rocky beach dogs swimming
Dog Beach is one of the only beaches in Key West where dogs are allowed to swim.
Although it is small, pet owners love visiting this unique location.
It is located next to Louie's Backyard restaurant, which also welcomes dogs on its patio.
Therefore, it is a perfect stop for travelers staying in pet-friendly Florida Keys rentals.
Simonton Street Beach Key West Florida calm turquoise water
Simonton Street Beach is a hidden gem near Duval Street.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Calm swimming water
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Small sandy shoreline
Because it is smaller than other beaches, it is often quieter and more relaxing.
Great Beaches not near Key West but less crowed and more sand, sun and fun in Florida Keys.
Dry Tortugas National Park Florida turquoise water and Fort Jefferson
Dry Tortugas National Park sits 70 miles west of Key West and is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Florida Keys.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park offers:
- South Swim Beach
- Seaplane Beach
- Dinghy Beach
- North Swim Beach
The snorkeling here is world-class, with coral reefs and tropical fish surrounding the historic Fort Jefferson.
Bahia Honda State Park beach Seven Mile Bridge view and turquoise water
Bahia Honda State Park is widely considered one of the best beaches in Florida.
Located just north of Key West near the Seven Mile Bridge, the park features:
- Loggerhead Beach
- Calusa Beach
- Sandspur Beach
Because the water is shallow and calm, this beach is ideal for families with children.
Sunset Key Beach private island beach Key West Florida luxury resort shoreline
Sunset Key is a private island located just offshore from Key West.
Visitors staying at the resort can enjoy:
- Private white sand beach
- Luxury cottages
- Beach chairs and umbrellas
- Stunning sunset views
Where to Stay When Visiting Key West Beaches
Although Key West is famous, many travelers actually prefer staying in Marathon Florida vacation homes because the area offers:
- Less traffic
- More family-friendly beaches
- Larger vacation homes
- Better boating access
Visitors searching for group vacation homes in the Keys or waterfront rentals with docks should explore:
There you will find:
- Luxury villas in the Florida Keys
- Pet-friendly Florida Keys rentals
- Marathon FL rentals with pools
- Large homes perfect for family reunions
Even better, when you book direct and save, you avoid many of the extra platform fees.
Voice Search FAQ Section (Google, Bing & AI Assistants)
What are the best beaches in Key West Florida?
The best beaches include Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, South Beach, and Bahia Honda State Park, along with several hidden beaches nearby.
Are there sandy beaches in Key West?
Yes. While the natural shoreline is coral rock, several beaches like Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach have imported white sand for swimming and sunbathing.
What beach in Key West is best for snorkeling?
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and Dry Tortugas National Park offer some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
Where should families stay when visiting Key West beaches?
Many families choose Marathon Florida vacation homes or Key Colony Beach rentals because they offer more space, private pools, and easy access to multiple Keys beaches.
Where can I book Florida Keys vacation rentals directly?
Travelers can book direct and save by visiting
➡ FloridaKeysVillas.com
The site offers luxury villas, waterfront homes with docks, and large family vacation rentals.
