Another perk: parking is free. There's also a dog park at Higgs Beach, making it very popular with pet owners. The park also comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day at the beach, including the amenities below: While it may take about an hour to travel to this awe-inspiring aquatic area, depending on your location, its definitely worth the trip! However, what they lack in size, they make up for in crystal-clear waters, scenic beauty, and hours upon hours of fun in the sun! Some of the services include aromatherapy and deep-tissue massage. There are daily tours of the fort that begin at 12:00 noon. Aside from snorkeling, the water is also pretty amazing for divers. The most famous street in the city if Duval Street. The coral reefs at the park are located between beds of seagrass and the shore, which is rare for coral reefs, but provides amazing clarity and helps the reefs grow. Even further, there are plenty of public beaches in Key West to choose from, so finding your very own slice of beachside bliss is a cinch. Staying close to shore will still yield some incredible snorkeling, as well as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, just to name a few! There is so much to do at Bahia Honda State Park including bicycling, birding, camping, and hiking, but the true treasures start where the land meets the sea! While Key West may have more bars than beaches, here are the island's best beach spots for a day spent in the sun and surf. Guests love Fort Zachary Taylor for snorkeling and scuba to see turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath groupers, and tarpons. Be sure to bike around and to stroll down to each one. The Southernmost Point Landmark in Key West, FL (History, Myths, and More). Please be aware that there is a fee to enter the park, but this fee does include the cost of parking. Stretching about 200 feet, South Beach is perfect for families with little ones. A trip to a public beach in Key West is the perfect way to soak up the sun, and take in gorgeous views, like the one pictured above. (A .50 Monroe County surcharge will be added per person, as well). Across the street, however, is the Charles Sonny McKoy Indigenous Park, where visitors can find restrooms and additional picnic areas. Key West scuba diving tours come in all shapes and sizes, accommodating both beginners and experienced divers, exploring everything from reefs to shipwrecks. Vehicles with 2-8 passengers will be charged $6.00 per vehicle. Address: 1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is home to not only Fort Taylor, but also one of the top public beaches in Key West! This pier is open 24/7, and is dog-friendly, as well. The in-house Spa which offers a full range of exotic tropical treatments and massages and fully-equipped treatment spaces are also open to non-guests. Its not all in the senses, but they sure can help. There is also a playground and a Dog Park across the beach. Aside from the fort and the beaches, this is also a great place for birding, as this state park is a part of The Great Florida Birding Trail! The first is Sandspur Beach, which is a gorgeous, aquamarine beach located at the entrance of the park. There are no public restrooms, but there is a cafe and a bar to patronize. The seas are calm and you can walk pretty far out into the water. Metered parking is available for $4.00 per hour on S. Roosevelt Boulevard, from 6:00am until midnight Monday through Saturday, and from noon until midnight on Sunday. Snorkeling is a fantastic way to experience the Florida Keys in a unique and unforgettable way, as it allows you to see this gorgeous island from a whole new perspective. Anyone under the age of 16 does not have to pay an entrance fee. Its position next to the massive and magnificent White Street Pier is another reason to visit this scenic and serene beach. Popular Key West snorkeling tour types include the following: And thats just to name a few! While there is a fee to enter the park, it does include the cost of parking. When it comes to choosing a public beach in Key West, you truly cant go wrong with Smathers Beach! So, no matter where you are in Key West, youre not far from an unforgettable parasailing excursion! Not your usual Key West Beach, coming to this tiny yet beautiful area only makes sense if you have a four-legged best friend who wants to enjoy an exclusive beach day. Professional and warm staff at the hotel pamper you with their pleasing hospitality. It's lined with palms, has nice sand and the beautiful water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Key West, FL, is a tropical island paradise, known for its wonderful watersports, coral reefs, historic landmarks, and awe-inspiring sunsets. AskConcierge Cindy to give you the details for the ferry or an exciting seaplane adventure because that's the only way you can get to this marvel. In addition to the fort tours, there are two nature trails for hiking and biking: the Sand Hog Trail and the Fort View Trail. Available at an affordable rate, these rentals will help enhance your beach experience with fun, adventure, and comfort! Yes, it's a tiny beach, but it's the only beach where your dog can splash around unleashed. Whether you decide to spend the day in the ravishing and remote Dry Tortugas, or check out South Beach where Tennessee Williams spent his days, be prepared for some beachside bliss! It is recommended to bring water shoes along for optimal enjoyment. Some of the commonly enjoyed activities at the beach are swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Amazing sights you may see when snorkeling this beautiful area include the following: And you dont have to travel to Looe Key to enjoy the incredible beaches of Bahia Honda, either. Due to its proximity to Havana, some of the places in Key West sees more foreign tourists than local. There are a couple of water fountains around the area, a beach caf, and a few makeshift stalls which can sell you frozen drinks, smoothies, and even wet towels. This particular beach is located at the end of White Street, on the east side of the Edward B. Knight Pier. While many head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park to visit one of the best public beaches in Key West, they stay for natural and historical relevance. Higgs Beach snorkeling is a favorite activity for both visitors and locals. Not only that, the parks Tropical Hammock Trail is a great place for hiking, walking, and running, and checking out the native flora and fauna. The Beach sees a lot of returning guests who mainly visit the area for the snorkeling opportunities it offers. Forth Zachary Taylor is a Florida State Park and a National Historic Landmark near the southern tip of Key West. Established as one of the top beaches in the United States by the Travel Channel, Bahia Honda is around 30-miles from Key West and offers some of the most mesmerizing beach views around the world. The Ocean Breeze Massage right on the beach is one of their most popular facilities. There arent any restrooms or other public facilities here but the nearby bar lets you access their facility. Rest Beach is open 7 days a week, from 7:00am until 11:00pm. Beach chair rentals are available onsite, and are affordable at only $5.00. {Read Reviews & Book Key West Parasailing Online}. Its also perfect for exploring Key West on a budget. The two-mile-long shoreline can be easily reachable from Key West International Airport. Due to its stature as a state national park, a ranger accompanies you for the tour as they explain the history and background of the area. If the heat gets to your skin even with the cool ocean breeze, cross the street to visit West Martello Tower, a lovely garden brimming with a variety of flora and fauna. Tell the concierge that you wish to spend time at the beach and the staff will arrange for your lounge chairs on the coastline, wet towels to keep you cool, thirst-quenching and energizing drinks, and even popsicles. There are various stalls around the coastline that sell food items, drinks, chairs, and even rafts. This gorgeous park boasts over 125 species of tropical plants native to the Florida Keys, and is known for hosting many species of migratory birds and butterflies. For over 20 years, Barefoot Billys at the resort has been offering world-class watersport activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Overnight parking is prohibited. Public Beaches in Key West - Everything You Need to Know, Top 9 Key West Kid Friendly Activities [Free, Cheap & Luxury], This website uses cookies. It's a great place for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing and beach volleyball. Key West spans a mere 8 square miles, but rest assured, what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality! Its said that Williams went for a swim at South Beach almost every day while living on this island paradise! Across Atlantic Boulevard, guests can enjoy pickle ball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and more! They're all along the southernmost reaches of the United States and they're always on the edge of something spectacular. But wait theres more! Smathers Beach is free to the public, and is open daily from 7:00am until 11:00pm. This beach is open daily from 7:00am until 11:00pm. The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. With crystal-clear, turquoise waters, tons of tropical fish, and calm, shallow waters, this public beach in Key West is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and those looking for some good old-fashioned fun in the sun. The park entry fees are as follows: Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, Pictured above are the glorious beaches of Bahia Honda State Park. Reach heights of up to 300 feet when parasailing over Smathers Beach, and beyond! Higgs Beach is also right across the street from the beautiful gardens of West Martello Tower. 16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022. Address: 1500 Vernon Avenue, Key West, FL 33040, Pictured above are the calm, gorgeous waters of South Beach in Key West. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in stunningly scenic views and incredible things to do! Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Guests also love the convenience of Higgs Beach, since parking here is free. There is another Dog Beach and Dog Park at Higgs Beach but ask for Louies Backyard to get to this one since there is no signage to point at the beach. Hire a sunbed and get the refreshments for free instead. Lets explore some of the best beaches in Key West: Smathers Beach, the largest of its kind in Key West, is the best public beach in the area. However, if you are wanting to take snorkeling to the next level, the best way to do so is on an amazing Key West snorkeling tour! Key West island is four-mile- long and one-mile-wide. If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know, Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors, Bonita Springs Is a Nature Lover's Playground in Southwest Florida, What to Know Before You Go Scallop Harvesting in Florida, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Home Travel Guides United States Florida (FL) 11 Best Beaches in Key West. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Also known as the Edward B. Knight Pier, as well as the, the unfinished road to Cuba, White Street Pier stretches far out into the Atlantic Ocean, and is the perfect place to walk, go bicycling, take photos, and go fishing! Comparatively a smaller coastline to Smathers and Higgs, South Beach is at the southernmost end of Key West. Check out these fun facts about Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, and discover just a few ways this spectacular place combines nature and history in the finest way: Dry Tortugas National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and Fort Jefferson is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Who knows, maybe his morning swims at South Beach gave him the inspiration he needed to write as beautifully and creatively as he did. South Beach is a small public beach in Key West, and is located at the southern end of Duval Street. This thrilling, yet tranquil, experience is the perfect way to enjoy the beach, and the island as a whole, in a completely new way. With its crystal-clear water, South Beach is also quite good for swimming. Inside the park, you'll find a remarkable old fort named after President Zachary Taylor that was used during the Civil War to protect the Key West Harbor. Higgs Beach is open 7 days a week, from 6:00am until 11:00pm, and is located on the west side of the Edward B. Knight Pier, next to West Martello Tower. Not only that, the cost of parasailing is affordable and can be squeezed into most vacation budgets. Bahia Honda is a snorkelers' paradise, where you'll spot rays., small reef fish, barracuda, and small nurse sharks. Approximately 90 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas Beach is located within the Fort Jefferson National Park. The only known existence of Miami Blue butterfly which was once known to have become extinct was established in the park in 1999. While the party crowd is still sleeping off last night's shenanigans, this is your chance to find solace in the sunrise. This National Historic Monument also houses the largest collection of Civil War armament in the world, including cannons, ammunition, guns, and more. Dog Beach is one of the smaller public beaches in Key West, spanning a mere 20 feet. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is open daily from 8:00am until sundown, with the fort closing daily at 5:00pm. Address: 1000 Atlantic Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, Your pup will love this public beach in Key West, FL. The chic boutique hotel features a striking pier with a pavilion that extends over the Atlantic Ocean. Popular types of coral found at the park include: Even further, coral reefs, like the ones found at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, attract a wide variety of wildlife, from small, tropical fish, to massive barracuda! Or, call one ofour happy and talented Vacation Planners. Also known as C.B Harveys, Rest Beach may not feel like the most exquisite beach on Key West but dont be fooled by the usual appearance of the beach as compared to the other popular joints like Smathers and Higgs Beach. A small beach with a pier, you'll find monuments that document the site of an 1800s African slave cemetery. On Garden Key, explore historic Fort Jefferson, one of the nation's largest 19th century forts. And just as an FYI, you'll want to bring everything with you that you think you'll need for the day, including snorkel gear, sunscreen, food, and water. Image from Wikimedia. Please be aware there are no nearby restaurants, vendors, or restrooms at this specific beach. For non-residents of the property, Chef Todd Holender at Latitude Caf serves some of the best Caribbean delicacies out of a seasonal menu. It is believed that he completed the final draft of Street Car Named Desire while living in Key West in 1947. Even further, their beachfront yoga deck is the perfect place to strike your best Cobra Pose, find your zen, and take in the gorgeous golden sunrise. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and those with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass are $2.50 each. As you can guess, South Beach is the southernmost of our Key West beaches. The 100-square mile park is located almost 70 miles west off the shores of Key West. {Read Reviews & Book Key West Scuba Diving Online}, Image of Fort Zachary Taylor from Wikimedia. Reserved exclusively for guests at the resort, Sunset Key comprises charming cottages that are dotted along the shoreline. Be sure to look out for these amazing sights: And if thats not tempting enough, there are convenient departure locations throughout the island, including Smathers Beach. This is a small beach with big views! Self-guided and guided tours of Fort Zachary Taylor are available, and will make you feel as if youve been transported back to the 1800s! The laid-back atmosphere surrounding the beach area lets you spread your towel, lay down, and simply watch the world go by. It's on the south side of our island, and it takes you right by the Atlantic Ocean along State Road A1A, starting at mile zero. A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Casa Marina is a huge mansion-style resort known for its 1,100 feet of private beach and superb hospitality. Not only that, its one of the best places to catch a sunset, which is a must when in Key West. Commonly referred to as, Key Wests favorite beach, the beaches at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park are a sight to be seen! Image from Wikimedia. Image by Jeff Kern via Flickr. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and those with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass are $2.50 per person. The most popular stretch of sand in Key West is Smathers Beach. Some of the top snorkeling spots in the Dry Tortugas are listed below: While swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, and paddling are the top things to do when visiting the beautiful beaches of the Dry Tortugas, a trip to this area is incomplete without visiting Fort Jefferson. Its also one of the best places to catch a famous Key West sunset! One of many wonderful Key West things to do, a trip to the beach should definitely be on the agenda. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage itemsfirst, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasonsto add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Its important to note that there are no showers or restrooms at this public beach in Key West, but nearby businesses allow travelers to use their facilities, if needed. Prices vary depending on the mode of transportation you select. Address: White Street and Atlantic Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, Couple paddleboarding at Higgs Beach in Key West. With that being said, Key West is not particularly known for its beaches, since they are not as expansive as those in your typical tropical vacation destination. As you can see, there is so much to do at this amazing park, that you could definitely spend the whole day exploring. There are plenty of activities, food venders, and watersport rentals here and parking is free along the boulevard. C.B. This is the perfect way to start another day in paradise! Take a stroll out on the White Street Fishing Pier, stake a claim to one of the covered waterfront picnic areas, do a few yoga stretches and don't be surprised if you hear or even see a roosterthey tend to like this beach too. From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. Clarence Higgs Beach Park, also known as Higgs Beach, is a popular public beach in Key West, known for its tropical landscape consisting of gorgeous waters, plenty of palm trees, and almost 17 acres of beachfront! Image from Wikimedia. Water fountains are scattered throughout the area, and with many bars and restaurants nearby, finding a place for snacks or drinks is easy! Another marvelous hotel property operated by Waldorf Astoria, The Reach flaunts one of the largest private natural beaches in the area. Located at 500 yards from Key West Harbor, Sunset Key is a 27-acre beach resort marked by its distinctive crystal white beach sand, swaying hammocks, and thatched tiki huts. The water is shallow, the sand is soft, and the area is relatively small when compared to Smathers Beach or Higgs Beach. The beachfront at Casa Marina is known to offer some of the best sunrise views in the region. Rest Beach offers the most amazing sunrise in the island and due to its view off of the Atlantic Ocean, it is the only beach where you can enjoy a refreshing sunrise laying on the beach. Metered parking is available along the beach, but since it is in such a bustling area, it is recommended to walk, take a taxi, or ride a bike there, if possible. Harvey Memorial Rest Beach, also known as Rest Beach or C.B. Outside showers and public restrooms are available at the beach. Either way, a trip to South Beach is sure to leave you feeling inspired, relaxed, and refreshed! Mystery and magnificent beauty lies just beneath the surface when snorkeling at Higgs Beach. Any Key West insider will tell you this place is a must when searching for the best beaches! Southern Living is a registered trademark of. Scuba diving at Fort Zachary Taylor Park is one of the best ways to explore the underwater utopia surrounding the fort. (Please note there is an additional .50 Monroe County surcharge that will be added, per person). With so much underwater allure in the Keys, its no wonder that snorkeling is one of the top things to do. Due to the shallowness of the waters, South Beach is quite popular among families with kids. South Beach is located at the end of Duval Street, in between the Southernmost House and The Southernmost Hotel. Our island is the site for America's only living coral reef, and it just happens to be the third-largest coral reef in the world. And ferry rides through Yankee Freedom start at $175 per person. This public beach in Key West is perfect for those visiting this island oasis with their pet. Keep reading to discover the best public beaches in Key West, and everything you need to know including parking, directions, and more! {Read Reviews & Book Key West Snorkeling Tours Online}. If you love sunrises, you'll see some spectacular ones from Rest Beach. A free parking space is available a few meters ahead of the beach if you dont mind walking. The park entry fees are as follows: Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, Image of the breathtaking beaches of Dry Tortugas National Park from Wikimedia. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. Harvey, is one of the smaller beaches on the list, stretching about 300 yards in length. According to a recent Traveler Story, checking out the beach while soaring among the clouds is an exhilarating experience. One of the most popular beaches on the island, it is estimated that almost 150,000 people visit Smathers Beach, each and every year. Outdoor showers and public restrooms are available, as well. This historic landmark was named after the third president of the U.S., and was originally built to protect Floridas coastline in the 1800s. Stingrays are frequently spotted. Interesting Fact: This beach is named after the late Cornelius Bradford Harvey, a beloved Key West mayor and city commissioner. We recommend it for our pet guests since our friends at Louie's Backyard welcome your dogs to dine with you! Outdoor showers, picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities are available onsite, as well. Listed in National Register for Historic Places, residents of the hotel get to enjoy lavish services such as beach concierge setting up your beach chair, umbrella, and towel, serving you with refreshingly delicious cocktails, and cool cucumber slices to soothe your eyes. Pack your snorkel gear and a picnic lunch (there are plenty of barbecue grills). Book your next vacation with Historic Key West Vacation Rentals and get the best rate by booking directly on our website or over the phone. Park admission is $6 per vehicle, plus $.50 per person. The fort has the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the country and is now a National Historic Landmark. Rest Beach is free to the public, with ample free parking available nearby. There is so much to see and do at Higgs Beach, you could definitely spend the whole day there! With plenty of picnic tables, this is a great place to pack a lunch or dinner and enjoy a scenic seaside meal. Here are our most favorite places to greet the seas. For the true adventurers, there are campsites, so you can stay overnightthe stargazing is superb. While the cost of entry is typically included with the purchase of a ferry ticket or excursion, some tours do not include this. Now, we all know that Key West is famous for spectacular sunsets, but did you know that their sunrises are practically just as breathtaking? Windjammer shipwreck southwest of Loggerhead Key, Little Africa on the north side of Loggerhead Key, Pulaski Shoals Area which can be found on the east side of the park, Moat Wall of Fort Jefferson (daytime and nighttime options available). How Much Does it Cost to Parasail in Key West, FL? This public beach in Key West is open from 8:00am until the Southernmost Beach Caf closes! Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. One of the only natural beaches in the Florida Keys, the shoreline is mostly made up of ground coral. Check with our Concierge Cindyfor assistance in reserving beach chairs, kayaks, paddle-boards, and any additional beach gear you'd like. This is the only beach in Key West that allows dogs to play without a leash, and Louies Backyard, the adjoining restaurant, offers a pet-friendly dining experience for when you and your pup work up an appetite making a splash! The only beach in Key West that allows your buddy to go unleashed and splash around happily, Dog Beach is only 20 feet across and has a lot of wet rocks and seaweed laying around which makes the terrain rocky and slippery. Every great adventure begins with a beautiful island home, cottage, or condo vacation rental from our collection, which you can conveniently reserve right on our website. For more information about this amazing area, check out TripShocks Florida Keys Beaches and Islands Guide!