People expect the Florida Keys to be one long endless stretch of sandy beach. But, instead the keys have incredible coral reefs, and those reefs, so wonderful for snorkelers and scuba divers, prevent the erosion and sand along the shoreline.
That being said, the keys boast plenty of very satisfying man-made beaches. Most overlook gorgeous turquoise waters and have plenty of sand to sink-your-toes-in. What they lack in waves, they make-up for in charm, solitude, silence and character.
To fully enjoy keys beaches, we recommend a good pair of water shoes, and a mask-snorkel-fin combo.
We also recommend visiting at unexpected times of day, like sunrise and sunset. Witness the dawn of a new day or a spectacular multi-colored dusk and sunset keys-style.
Here’s our comprehensive list of Florida Keys Beaches.
John Pennekamp State Park
Mile Marker 102.5
John Pennekamp is a state park with lots of parking and tourist-friendly amenities. It’s a bustling public space with lots of palm trees, a convenient snack bar, picnic tables, well-appointed restrooms and showers. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, jet skis, paddle boards and boats. There is also a large gift shop, nature trail with boardwalk and a museum. This is a great family beach.
Harry Harris Park
Mile Marker 92.5
Harry Harris is an out-of-the-way located in a residential neighborhood. The beach offers lots of amenities including a playground, bike path, pavilions, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, grills, picnic tables, and cordoned-off tidal pool for the small children to explore. It’s open from sunrise to sunset daily. This is another great family beach.
Anne’s Beach
Mile Marker 72.3
Anne’s Beach is one of the quiet, often unoccupied, contemplative beaches we love. There’s a meandering boardwalk that leads you from the parking lot, through the mangroves to the seashore. This is the place to get-away from it all. There are covered picnic tables making it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or romantic sunset cocktails.
Library Beach
Mile Marker 81.5
This beach is located behind the Islamorada Public Library. It is owned by the village of Islamorada. This tiny secluded beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Grab a great summer read and prepare to relax. Note that Dogs and Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Library Beach.
Holiday Isle/Postcard Inn Beach
Mile Marker 80.2
Holiday Isle beach is located within the rather large Holiday Isle (Postcard Inn) complex, which includes numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, and the infamous charter boat row. The beach is open to the public. This is often a crowded beach popular with Spring Breakers. The beach is anchored on either end by Tiki Bars. At it’s center lies the world-famous Kokomo’s Pool Bar. The beach overlooks the off-shore Islamorada Sand Bar – where hundreds of boats anchor on weekends. This is a lively, sometimes loud, people watching beach that’s more appropriate for adults.
Founders Park Beach
Mile Marker 87
Founder’s Park is a very large municipal complex and marina with a pretty spectacular beach. It’s well-maintained with plenty of parking, a large Olympic sized pool, jogging trails, restrooms, kids playground, and rental kiosks for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. This is a great family-friendly beach that is less crowded than most of the state park beaches. Note you must pay admission to the park to access the beach.
Long Key State Park Beach
Mile Marker 67.5
Long Key State Park is a remote, but well-appointed beach adjacent to a campground. It’s secluded and serene. We highly recommend this as a place to spend a night under the stars.
Sombrero Beach
Mile Marker 50
This large beach is well-maintained and has more sand than other keys beaches. The facilities have been recently re-furbished. You’ll find large, clean restrooms, picnic pavilions, grills and ample parking.
Bahia Honda
Mile Marker 37
This is the most photographed beach in the keys, and arguably the most beautiful. It’s one of the keys only natural beaches. It’s known for it’s extraordinary shallow turquoise waters that extend forever out to sea. There’s ample parking, nature trails, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a large adjacent campground. It’s a busy state park – but well worth a visit. Pack your camera, you’ll want to take cherished photos here.
Smather’s Beach
Key West at the end of South Roosevelt Blvd.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy Smather’s because there is so much to do. This sandy beach is a half mile long. There is ample parking, restrooms, concession stands, chair rentals, bike paths, picnic tables, volleyball nets and water sports rentals ( jet skis, parasailing, stand-up paddle-boards and windsurfing.)
Rest Beach
Key West at the end of White Street.
Rest Beach is covered with soft sand and natural vegetation. It is home to the White street pier. The pier offers great fishing (check licenses and regulations) and is wheelchair accessible. There is a yoga deck and nightly yoga classes are offered. There are also plenty of picnic tables. There are no restroom facilities on site but you can find some a short distance from the beach.
Dog Beach
Key West next to Louie’s Backyard at the intersection of Vernon and Wadell streets.
Dog Beach is the perfect place for your canine friends to play. The shoreline is rocky with very little sand – but your dog will still love it.
South Beach
Key West at the end of Duval Street.
Beautiful shallow waters and great sand! There are no facilities or restrooms. This beach is a popular local hangout.
Higgs Beach
Key West at the end of Reynolds Street.
Here’s another of the beautiful Key West beaches! Higgs Beach is a true favorite among the Key West locals. It offers a nice sandy beach, covered picnic tables, a playground, a full service restaurant, chair rentals, raft rentals, and various water sports.
