7 of the Best Beaches in the Florida Keys
Despite being a tropical archipelago popular with warm-weather vacationers, the Florida Keys do not have as many beaches as one might think. Striking scenery, world-class watersport opportunities, and abundant marine life are actually all in greater supply on the string of islands that extends 125 miles from the coast off Miami toward Cuba.
Still, if you know where to look, there are plenty of incredible stretches of sand to explore. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Florida Keys or an experienced traveler looking for the perfect surf-and-sand destination, here are what travel experts say are seven of the Florida Keys’ best beaches.
Sombrero Beach
Locals love this beach. It’s free, boasts soft white sand and beautiful Atlantic waters, and is even open to dogs (provided they’re leashed).
Located in Marathon in the Middle Keys, Sombrero Beach has also become popular among informed travelers. Bring your snorkeling gear to avail yourself of the clear blue waters, or enjoy a game of volleyball using the available nets.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take a lunch break at a pavilion or picnic tables. Make sure to bring your own food, however, as facilities here are limited. If traveling to Sombrero Beach from April through October, make sure also to watch out for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles that nest here.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Featuring the first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo is a haven for snorkelers. Across 70 nautical square miles, snorkelers can get an up-close view of all manner of colorful marine life. There are also oddities to explore in the form of an underwater statue of Jesus Christ and a replica of an early 18th-century Spanish shipwreck.
Cannon Beach, named for the historic cannons on the shore here, is one of three swimming beaches located at the park. After exploring Cannon Beach, head over to Far Beach, where you can spend the afternoon lazily relaxing on white sand.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
For a fun beach day complemented by some history, venture through Key West’s narrow backstreets to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The southernmost park in the continental United States, it’s home to a pre-Civil War fort that hosts historical reenactments on the third weekend of each month.
As for the beach itself, its warm, clear waters make it great for swimming—though the strong currents and lack of lifeguards means you should take caution. The ample sun exposure, meanwhile, will make sunbathers happy.
You can also fish, hike, make lunch on the beach’s grills, or grab some local fare at a nearby restaurant. Make sure to bring shoes, though, as the shore is rocky.
Smathers Beach
The biggest public beach in Key West is popular for a reason. Across its expansive shoreline, travelers will find any number of things to do, from relaxing on the picturesque sand to heading out on the water on a Jet Ski. Forget to bring your own gear? No matter, as you can rent everything you need here.
Join in on a game of volleyball, a popular activity here. When you need a break, nearby food trucks are ready to offer nourishment. Finish the day off by watching the sun set at Mallory Square, located about a mile away, or simply enjoy the picturesque bliss here instead.
Bahia Honda State Park
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, a reef located off the shore of this 500-acre park, attracts travelers with opportunities for unforgettable snorkeling. Sign up for one of the daily tours to ensure you’re seeing everything the reef has to offer.
Back on the shore, the park’s three beaches also impress. Of the three, it’s the smallest, Calusa Beach, that’s often considered the best. With calm Gulf waters, plenty of parking, and amenities like a snack bar and picnic areas, it’s a great choice for families. The Florida Keys Overseas Railroad trestle bridge can also be seen from the shore.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Interestingly named since it’s not really dry at all, this 100-square-mile national park comprises seven small islands and is 99 percent underwater. To get here, you’ll need to take a 2.5-hour ride on the Yankee Freedom III ferry, or pony up for a seaplane.
The effort is worth it, however, as the remoteness of Dry Tortugas will make you feel as if you’re on a deserted island. Across four beaches, travelers will find striking sun-bleached sand and turquoise water filled with aquatic life.
Spend the morning relaxing, then take a tour of Fort Jefferson, a massive military post that served as a Civil War prison. If one day on Dry Tortugas isn’t enough, you can camp for up to three nights here, though you’ll need to bring all your own equipment and even your own water.
Higgs Beach
A long wooden pier extends from the shore of this public beach, located at Clarence Higgs Beach Park in Key West. Take a walk on it, and enjoy the experience of being surrounded by the beautiful aquamarine Atlantic waters.
Back on shore, travelers will find a stretch of sand perfect for luxuriating under the hot Florida sun. There are volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts for those who prefer to be active, as well as ample opportunities for water sports. Parents can let their kids burn off some energy on a playground, while pet parents can let their furry children do the same at a dog park.