It can therefore feel a little crowded at peak times of day, so try to get there early to stake your spot and beat the crowds. The gradual slope of the shoreline allows swimmers to wade into the water for a good distance, and this combined with mild currents makes it a top beach for families in Key West. It earns its place at the top of our list of Key West beaches for its excellent swimming conditions, two miles of pristine sandy shores, and its substantial list of fun things to do. Smathers Beach is not only Key West's most popular beach, it's one of the biggest, too. Smathers Beach Crystal-clear water at Smathers Beach

Plan your sun-sand-and-sea vacation in Florida's most Caribbean-like setting with our list of the best beaches in Key West.ġ. These include Bahia Honda State Park and Fort Jefferson National Park, an idyllic island that's home to the incredible Dry Tortugas Beach. However, those who are willing to stray from the downtown area will find even more ocean life at the area's more remote beaches within the boundaries of state and national parks. Thanks to the extensive network of coral reefs, the entire area is known as a snorkeler's paradise. It stretches along a portion of South Roosevelt Boulevard, just two miles east of bustling Duval Street. Key West's largest beach, Smathers Beach, is an exception. Most of the top beaches in Key West are located on its southern shore, with the majority clustered along a stretch of water only a little over a mile in length. Still others are romantic enough for couples to want to linger awhile even after the sun has set. Some are perfect for active water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, while others are best for relaxation and serenity.

There are beaches for those who like a lively atmosphere and a variety of diversions, beaches for families where the water is shallow and calm, a beach for the best sunrise and sunset in the Keys, and even a beach for those traveling with their four-legged friends: the aptly named Dog Beach. Tourists visiting Key West have the luxury of several great beaches to choose from, each with its own set of characteristics that sets it apart.

Higgs beach