Originally Published June 21, 2015; Updated Version Published July 28, 2021

There’s a nasty little rumor going around about my beloved island of Key West, Florida….

“Key West beaches are not good.”

Yes, indeed, I have read this time and time again on numerous local travel Facebook groups and across different sites on the web.

I’ll be entirely honest. I used to believe the same. However, as I’ve come to be nothing short of a KW regular (tourist), I have come to cherish those sandy shores more than any other I’ve been on. I hope you see the beauty of the Key West beaches and get excited to explore them yourself!

The Keys are hundreds of islands dotting the southern tip of Florida. Most of the islands are nothing but a mass of wild mangrove trees that are completely uninhabitable. The most popular islands to tourists are Key Largo (Montego, baby why don’t we go), Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. Key West is at the very end of this arpeggio of islands and in my mind, it’s always worth saving the best for last.

Most, if not all, of the Keys beaches are man made. The islands are protected by the worlds third largest barrier reef, inhibiting the creation of natural beaches from the surf of the waves bringing in sand.

But, have no fear, you would never know these public beaches were anything but natural when you see them.

There are, however, some vast differences in the beaches found in Paradise. Read on to find out which one calls to you.

Smathers Beach

Smathers can be found on the southeastern side of the island and is the most widely known and talked about beach. It’s the largest public beach on the island and depending on the time of year you’re visiting, may be the most beautiful. Stretched out across one-half mile, Smathers Beach offers visitors plenty of room to sunbathe, an area to rent beach chairs ($20 for the day) and endless views of crystal blue ocean water.

During the dead of summer (July and August mostly) dried sea grass found along the shores at Smathers can put off the most offensive, potent smell. A bit of a mix between rotten flesh and death. During these times, you won’t find many people brave enough to suntan, let along jog by for a morning run. Any other time of the year, however, Smathers can offer gentle waves to play in and soft sand to nap on. This is the largest public beach on the island.

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Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

I may or may not have been washed up on shore by the forceful waves out at Fort Zach once (or thrice, but who’s counting). Even so, it remains near and dear to my heart as my Top Key West Beach. Important things to note about Fort Zach is that this beach is rocky as a hike up Mount Fuji. Prepare yourself by bringing your best water shoes and you’ll have no problem. This beach gets pretty full most days by tourists and locals alike. You should plan to arrive by early afternoon, at the latest, to get a premium spot.

A small shack offers cold beer and snacks, plus houses a sizable restroom/locker room for both men and women. You will also find shaded picnic areas and some of the best views off Key West. I have seen dolphins playing off the coast, watched pelicans diving for their dinner and witnessed the pristine sailing of some of the most glorious boats on the island. The blue water found here feels like an unreal picture of something you would see in a film and takes my breath away every time I visit. Also, if you like history and enjoy touring forts, you should check out the fort in the morning before hitting the surf.

Higgs Beach

Higgs Beach is just down the road from Smathers. Salute on the Beach is a popular restaurant here, which is the perfect place to grab lunch. Salute is also the sister restaurant to Blue Heaven, one of the most famous Key West restaurants. They serve the famous Blue Heaven Key Lime Pie with mile high meringue. I would recommend having the pie at breakfast (stop the guilt, you are on vacation for Pete’s sake), as it’s not nearly as fresh and perfect come noontime.

If you aren’t one to sit and relax while at the beach, Higgs is perfect for you. There are several volleyball courts, pickleball, tennis courts, and a playground for the kids. The beach is somewhat small and gets full fairly early in the afternoon. Additionally, there’s a pier to walk out on for better glimpses of Key West’s shores.

If you’re in the mood to do a little sightseeing while visiting Higgs Beach, be sure and visit the West Martello Tower. Here, the Key West Garden Club has turned the old fort into a tropical oasis, that’s free to visitors.

Southernmost Beach

Southernmost Beach is aptly named for it’s location on the island, the southernmost point. This small beach sits in between two resorts. The pier found here is one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise and you’ll find lots of other tourists discover this as well.

Southernmost Beach Café is a restaurant located on the beach serving a scrumptious breakfast and lunch menu. I do see sea grass accumulation here most of the time. While it is beautiful, I have never been called to lay out a towel and spend the afternoon. However, you won’t regret the colorful sky first thing in the morning.

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Simonton Street Beach

This small beach at the northernmost end of Simonton Street is exactly that. Small. We visited Simonton Street Beach during our last trip and really weren’t impressed with it. Squeezed in between resorts, it’s lacking that vast, open feeling that I love.

There are lots of plastic chairs for public use and a little shack for refreshments. If your hotel or vacation rental is close, this area would be good for a morning stroll but to otherwise, I would recommend sticking to the bigger beaches.

Dog Beach

Dog Beach is located on the southern side of the island, just next to Louie’s Backyard (a fabulous restaurant to eat dinner). Here, you will find canines with their human friends, tossing balls and splashing in the water. If you’re bringing Fido on your trip with you, this is the place to get some energy out.

Rest Beach

Rest Beach is another very small stretch of sand close to the West Martello Tower, the African Graves and the White Street Pier. I rarely see many more than one or two people here, if any, and while it’s not a bad beach to spend a few minutes of rest and relaxation (see what I did there?), it’s not one of the more popular beaches to spend the day on.

More Beaches on the Island

I see people frequently ask, “Which resort has their own private beach?”. Again, worth mentioning, most resorts in Key West will not have their own private beach. There is a short list that I’ll include below. Full disclosure, this may not be a full, comprehensive list, as I’ve not been to each resort on the island.

• Pier House Private Beach
  • This one I actually have been to and it is a nice, private beach for the guests at the resort only.
• Southernmost Resort Beach
• Casa Marina Beach
• The Reach Resort Beach
• If you’re military, I’m told one of the best beaches on the island is located on the NAS Key West Truman Annex military base.
• Marriott
  • This resort is in the New Town area of the island. If you plan to hit Duval St a lot and get in the thick of sightseeing, you need to stay in the Old Town area. All the hotels will indicate if they’re in Old Town.
• Hyatt Regency
  • Located in New Town.
• Ibis Bay Beach Resort
  • Located in New Town.

There you have it. That’s all you need to know about Key West Beaches. I hope this has been helpful for you in planning your trip. If you have any additional information to add about what you like about Key West Beaches, be sure and post this in the comments below.

Happy Key West-ing! ~Pan~