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Picture this: cruising down the famous Overseas Highway, windows down, sun shining, and the salty ocean breeze filling the car. Welcome to the Florida Keys, where it's summer all year round!
If your idea of paradise includes beachside picnics, crystal-clear waters, and endless water activities, then the Keys are calling your name. With miles and miles of beaches to choose from, you can adventure at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West, the southernmost point of the U.S., where you can soak up the sun and explore the park's rich history. Or dive into the depths of the Atlantic at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and discover the mysteries of sunken ships and vibrant coral reefs. The Florida Keys have something for everyone to enjoy in this tropical paradise.
Planning your next Florida Keys vacation? So pack your swimsuits, sunblock, and shades, and get ready for the ultimate beach getaway. We'll reveal our top picks for best beaches in the Florida Keys as well as our favorite Florida Keys hotels for the ultimate tropical getaway! The 10 best beaches in the Keys are waiting for you! (For more information about South Florida check out our guides for best bars, beaches, weekend getaways, and hotels).
What is the nicest beach in the Florida Keys?
The nicest beach in the Florida Keys is a matter of personal preference, but many people consider Bahia Honda State Park to be the top contender. Known for its pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, Bahia Honda offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Which beach in the Florida Keys has the clearest water?
The beach in the Florida Keys renowned for having the clearest water is Sombrero Beach in Marathon. This beautiful beach is famous for its turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling conditions, making it a favorite spot for both relaxation and underwater exploration.
What key has the best beach?
The best beach in the Florida Keys is often considered to be Bahia Honda State Park. It boasts three stunning beaches: Calusa Beach, Loggerhead Beach, and Sandspur Beach, each offering pristine natural beauty, clear waters, and abundant marine life. Sandspur Beach, in particular, has been recognized for its crystal-clear turquoise water and white coral sand, making it a standout destination.
Are Florida Keys beaches swimmable?
Yes, Florida Keys beaches are swimmable. The waters are typically calm, clear, and warm, making them ideal for swimming. Popular beaches for swimming include Smathers Beach in Key West, Sombrero Beach in Marathon, and the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park. These beaches offer safe swimming conditions and are perfect for families and individuals looking to enjoy the ocean.
Best Beaches in the Florida Keys 2024
- Smathers Beach, Key West
- Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
- Sombrero Beach, Marathon
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West
- Higgs Beach, Key West
- Anne's Beach, Islamorada
- Curry Hammock State Park
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
- Long Key State Park, Long Key
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
1. Smathers Beach, Key West
Discover the vibrant energy of Smathers Beach, one of the best beaches in Key West. This two-mile-long beach on the southern shore offers a lively atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With its soft sand, calm waters, and ample amenities, Smathers Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Rent a kayak, Jet Ski, or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax under the swaying palm trees. Tour and rental companies on the beach ensure you have everything you need for water sports, while nearby food vendors and food trucks make it easy to grab a snack. With restrooms and ample parking, Smathers Beach provides everything you need for a perfect day at the beach.
2. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination for beach lovers seeking pristine natural beauty. The park features three stunning beaches: Calusa Beach, Loggerhead Beach, and Sandspur Beach. Calusa Beach, located on the northwest side, offers calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Loggerhead Beach, on the south side, is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding with its deeper waters. Sandspur Beach, the longest stretch of sand in the park, provides a tranquil escape with its clear waters, abundant marine life, and scenic views of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Recognized for its crystal-clear turquoise water and white coral beach lined with coconut palms, Sandspur Beach was named the 1992 National Winner by beach expert Dr. Beach. Bahia Honda is truly a one of the best beaches in the Keys.
3. Sombrero Beach, Marathon
Sombrero Beach in Marathon is a picturesque and family-friendly spot known for its clear blue waters and soft white sands. This lesser-known best beach in the keys is located in the Middle Keys and offers plenty of amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, and shaded pavilions. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming, while the nearby coral reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. Sombrero Beach is also wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly, with leashed pups welcome. The beach is a popular spot for turtle nesting, so visitors may see these incredible creatures during nesting season.
4. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Located near the southern most tip of Key West, this beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking, with shaded picnic areas and a nearby café. Visitors can explore the historic fort, built in the mid-1800s, and enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Known as Fort Zach Beach, this rocky shoreline is a favorite among locals and visitors for its clear waters and excellent swimming conditions. As one of the best beaches in Key West, history enthusiasts will appreciate the monthly Civil War-era reenactments, while outdoor lovers can enjoy paddleboarding, fishing, bird-watching, and hiking along nature trails. The park, open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown, charges an admission fee of $6 per vehicle and is one of the best places for sunset in Key West.
5. Higgs Beach, Key West
Higgs Beach is a charming and less crowded alternative to the more popular beaches in Key West. Located just east of Smathers Beach, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful sand and clear waters. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, a playground, and a dog park, making it perfect for families and pet owners. Visitors can enjoy a walk along the Edward B. Knight Pier, explore the underwater marine park, or visit the nearby West Martello Tower and Gardens. Higgs Beach also features a cafe, Salute! On The Beach, and offers rentals for beach accessories like chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards from Tropical Watersports. With options for swimming, snorkeling, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball, Higgs Beach stands out as a best beach in the keys to explore for a tranquil escape!
6. Anne's Beach, Islamorada
Anne's Beach in Islamorada is renowned for its shallow, warm waters and stunning natural beauty, making it a favorite spot for wading, swimming, and sunbathing. Named after local environmentalist Anne Eaton, the beach features a scenic boardwalk winding through a mangrove forest, providing access to picnic tables and covered pavilions. Known for its consistent winds, Anne's Beach is also popular for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Located at the southern tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, this peaceful spot earns recognition as one of the best beaches in the keys offers a serene escape, perfect for a relaxing day by the clear, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, available year-round. For those planning a Florida Keys vacation, Anne's Beach is a must-visit destination that promises tranquility and natural beauty.
7. Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon
Curry Hammock State Park is a stunning contender on our list of best beaches in the keys, located in the Middle Keys, offering a pristine natural environment and a variety of outdoor activities. The park features a 1,200-foot-long beach perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Rentals are available on-site, and the clear waters and seagrass beds provide excellent opportunities to observe marine life. Visitors can hike nature trails, picnic under shady pavilions, or camp overnight at waterfront campsites. The park’s expansive 1,110-acre wilderness is the largest undeveloped land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key, offering a peaceful and scenic escape. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot manatees, dolphins, and kiteboarders in these turquoise waters.
8. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is famed for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a premier destination for snorkeling and diving. The park offers a variety of activities, including swimming, picnicking, and kayaking through mangrove trails. Visitors can explore the underwater world on guided snorkeling and diving tours or from a glass-bottom boat. The park's upland areas feature mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks, while the Visitor Center houses a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. With accessible facilities and a convenient location from the mainland, this park provides a perfect blend of land and sea adventures, making it an essential stop on any Florida Keys vacation.
9. Long Key State Park, Long Key
Long Key State Park offers a serene and natural beach experience, with a focus on outdoor recreation and wildlife observation. The park's beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. Explore the park's hiking trails, which wind through mangroves and coastal hammocks, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features picnic areas and campsites, making it a great spot for a day trip or an overnight stay. Long Key State Park provides a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature.
10. Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West
Dry Tortugas National Park, a cluster of seven islands located 70 miles southwest of Key West and accessible only by boat or seaplane, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century U.S. military fort, and is renowned for its top-notch scuba and snorkeling sites, vibrant marine and bird life, and legends of pirates and sunken gold. Visitors can explore crystal-clear waters at shipwrecks, take kiteboarding lessons, or hire guides for bird-watching and fishing. This national park's remote beaches, with sun-bleached white sand against turquoise waters, serve as launching pads for marine exploration, and camping is available for those wishing to extend their stay. Located in Hemingway country, the park also features the prison where Samuel Mudd was held, adding to its historical intrigue.
Our Pick of Best Hotels in the Keys
One of the best aspects of a Florida Keys vacation is staying at one of their luxurious beachfront resorts. These selected resorts offer acres of private oceanfront beaches, expansive pools overlooking the white sands, and access to thrilling water sports or relaxing spas. The best hotels in the Keys provide an unparalleled experience for a tropical getaway.
- Islamorada: Cheeca Lodge & Spa (★★★★★) - Discover barefoot luxury at your doorsteps, this 27 acre ocean front resort offers private beach access, water sport rentals, and three on site restaurants.
- Key Largo: Playa Largo Resort & Spa (★★★★) - Escape to this 14 acre beach front resort in Key Largo, relax at private beach side cabanas and ocean spa at this tropical escape.
- Marathon: Isla Bella Resort & Spa (★★★★★) - Enjoy stunning ocean views from every room with your private outdoor terrace. Steps away from Sombrero beach enjoy the clearest waters in the Florida keys under palm shaded beach bars on 24 acres of ocean front property.
- Key West: Casa Marina Key West (★★★★★) - The most desirable location in Key West, this timeless hotel captures the authentic character of old Key West. Disconnect with mainland, and connect with family and friends.
- Key Largo: Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo: (★★★★) - Beachside getaway near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, with a wide range of water sport activities like diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and more.
Explore the Best Beaches in the Florida Keys with Hotelgift
Now that you’ve discovered the best beaches in the Florida Keys, it’s time to plan your perfect beach vacation. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sandy shores, explore vibrant marine life, or enjoy thrilling water sports, a Florida Keys vacation offer something for everyone.
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