You can also spend a night at the campgrounds, or just spend time enjoying a leisurely picnic. Bahia Honda State Park Beaches, Big Pine Key Calusa Beach, Bahia Honda State Park The sandy shores of Bahia Honda State Park are, far and away, the best beaches in the Florida Keys and one of the top beaches in Florida. The name Bahia Honda comes from the Spanish for deep bay, and that makes sense, since the waters here tend to be deeper, and therefore a bit cooler and more refreshing on a hot summers day. At only four miles long and one mile wide, Key West, the island city in the Florida Keys, is home to some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the county. Revelers come here to bar hop along Duval Street, or attend one of the island's many annual festivals, like Fantasy Fest and Hemingway Days. Beaches in Key West Additionally, its situated near the Southernmost Cafe, which offers dinner, lunch, and breakfast at reasonable rates. Nice little beach to spend a few hours. Super crowded. The water is most beautiful, clear and calm when wind and wave action is minimal. You've come to the nation's southernmost paradise to party at The water quality should be average and equal to other beaches in Key West. Showers are available for day-use visitors, and there are 80 campsites, six stilted cabins, and options for RVs. Beaches In Key West The Best Beaches In Key West, Florida Sand is OK, but its often crowded. Pick-up volleyball games take place down on the sand, and there are restrooms and showers for rinsing off after a heated match or a dip in the shallow water here. Real Estate & Homes For Sale There is a state park entrance fee of approximately $6 per vehicle. The beach itself is small, but on KW this is expected. Web5611 W 32nd Ave, Kennewick, WA 99338. If youre really looking for an off-the-beaten-path option for Key West beaches, then youll want to book the ferry or seaplane and visit Dry Tortugas National Park. The beach is also sandwiched between buildings, which doesnt give the water a very fresh or clean feel. Except for parking, Smathers Beach is free to visit because its a free public beach. Today, it holds the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the country. These are also some of the only remaining mangroves in Key West. The best beaches are located on the north and west sides of the island. Searching for a more serene and less crowded alternative to Smathers Beach? Be on the lookout for parking signs and be sure not to break the rules, or youll get a ticket or towed. Higgs Beach has a moderate amount of free on-site parking, although RV parking is not allowed. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Theres a fee to enter. Theres no shortage of fantastic amenities at this resort too. Theres also a yoga deck on the beach and regular classes for weary travelers and locals who want to exercise, meditate, and stretch. This is a fun place to explore and get off the beaten path. Smathers Beach. Excellent. After the sun sets, strolling along the moonlit beach can be a romantic way to end a great day in the southernmost city in the United States. All rights Reserved. 5. There are some serious historical sights here, too. Rest Beach is only approximately 300 yards long but what it lacks in size and grandeur, it makes up for it during sunrises and sunsets. In fact, it can only accommodate a maximum of 30 visitors. It's just a few blocks west of Smathers Beach and another very popular destination, so don't expect to have it to yourself. And dont be surprised if you see crowds gathered at the beach around sunset this is a popular spot for weddings, and weekends often lure these parties down to the waters edge for photos, vows, and million-dollar views. And while Key West beaches aren't usually top contenders on lists of Florida's best beaches, there are some solid options for visitors in Key West. The water is partially protected by a series of offshore rock barriers which protect against waves and beach erosion. Its imported and the resort has even hosted international sand sculpting contests in the past. The beach at Casa Marina Resort is one of the nicest beaches in Key West. One of the best beaches in Key West, though a bit rocky. Dog Beach. Beaches in Key West Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA. Located inside the Key West. Dog Beach is the only beach on the island that allows dogs to roam free, so head here if your four-legged friend is in need of exercise. After the sun sets, strolling along the moonlit beach can be a romantic way to end a great day in the southernmost city in the United States. The laid-back atmosphere surrounding the beach area lets you spread your towel, lay down, and simply watch the world go by. There is a short trail through mangrove forest, leading to a nice, quiet, undeveloped beach. There is another at approximately 1616 Atlantic Blvd. The biggest downside to Simonton Beach is that its tiny and crowded. Spending your day at the beach here is one of the best things to do in Key West. Many people ask this youre not allowed to sleep in your vehicle in Key West, and beach camping is not allowed. Smathers Beach. Managed by Waldorf Astoria, this luxurious mansion-style waterfront resort entices guests with its private 1,000-foot beach and unparalleled hospitality. No beach water entry because it has rocks and seawall instead, with stairs to the water. Its also interesting to see cruise ships sail into the Key West cruise terminal. 964 Beaches By barryolly. The beach goes on for miles and is great for an afternoon stroll. , the beach is always the place to hang out. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Simonton Beach is a very small beach, and is very popular, so it is usually crowded. Great for the pups! Seagrass and sargassum do accumulate at times, which is normal and should be expected. The biggest downside is that seagrass and sargassum can accumulate at times, but that is true for all beaches in the Keys. For over 20 years, Barefoot Billys at the resort has been offering world-class watersport activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. The terrain is also a bit rocky, though that is probably why dogs love it so much. Ideal for snorkelers and newbie swimmers, these beaches offer easy entry and gradual slopes. A cool, unusual beach to visit, off the beaten path. The water can be extremely clear when the water is calm. Of course, if you find yourself sleeping in, be sure to head over to Mallory Square, the waterfront gathering area known for its nightly sunset celebrations. It needs some charm. This is the only beach in Key West that allows dogs to go unleashed and play in the sand and surf. There are two natural trails around the area the Sand Hog Trail and the Fort View Trail. It was formerly known as the Berg Nature Preserve. The water clarity varies a lot. Beautiful beach, but very small. In August we found a quiet beach with shade from pine trees, an assortment of little fish swimming around the rocks, good people watching, and concessions (including beer). The whole place is easy to miss, but there is a sign. The Ocean Breeze Massage right on the beach is one of their most popular facilities. 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. Excellent. This can be very smelly at times and may cause unpleasant beach conditions. Be on the lookout for debris in the water while swimming. Instead it has a seawall with stair access. But, be warned, there really is not going to be any super interesting coral or anything to see. It may be small, but boy is it beautiful! These public beaches and parks are listed geographically, from northeast to southwest. The Best Beaches In Key West So, pack your swimsuit, lotion, sunnies, and head to our handpicked best favorites. Though the Keys don't boast the wide, expansive stretches of beach that other parts of the state are famous for, there is an abundance of small, sandy beaches shaded by palms. Plus, it has stunning, spotless, shallow, and calm waters, making it one of the best beaches on Key West for families. A yoga deck is located on the beach as well and classes are available pretty often. The Casa Marina Beach is located inside the Casa Marina Hotel complex. County Beach is not a great place for swimming, but it is a good place for accessing the waterfront. The Key West Nature Preserve is located east of Higgs Beach and west of Smathers Beach. Be aware, bring water & snacks if you have small kids. Scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are the most popular activities in the Keys beaches. At the end of Duval Street, youll run right into South Beach. The Pier House Hotel beach is located on the north side of Key West, right next door to Simonton Street Beach. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a551afe6051aeef1434d0b2242a3120e" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. There is a nice amount of shade thanks to lush green palm trees. Good place to lay in the sand away from crowds. It is dedicated to local environmentalist Anne Eaton and features a shallow swimming area, covered picnic tables, a boardwalk and restrooms. The biggest downside to South Beach is that its tiny, crowded, and doesnt have amenities. The state park is home to two small stretches of sand that offer visitors the ability to lay in the sun or enjoy a day of snorkeling and exploring the water. Read more about the beaches on Sunset Key. Best Beaches in Key West, Florida While the beach is small, there are picnic tables for enjoying a meal with friends and a sunny strip of sand to dip your toes into. Theyre not great, but theyre worth visiting if you have realistic expectations. 2794 Sawgrass Loop, Richland, WA 99354. Its one of the most beautiful, photogenic beaches in Key West, especially when the water is calm, blue and beautiful. You may notice that most of the beaches are lined up on the southern coastline, facing the Atlantic Ocean, although some are on the north side of the island. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Map of Lahaina highlighting the footprint of the fire, as well as a timeline of key events. Though the Keys don't boast the wide, expansive stretches of beach that other parts of the state are famous for, there is an abundance of small, sandy beaches shaded by palms. If youre looking for more, be sure to check out our extensive guide to Key West to ensure you dont miss out on any of the fun during your visit. Resting on a tranquil white sand stretch that faces the Atlantic, this impressive resort guarantees a lavish and idyllic oceanfront getaway. Smathers Beach is a popular place for beach weddings in Key West. Make time to stroll out onto the Emma Carrero Cates Pier, a sweet spot for photos at golden hour and for catching a dreamy island sunrise, too. One restroom building is at the west end of the beach, and the others at the midpoint of the beach, in front of Margaritaville. Nice beach with not as much foot traffic as the rest. Located inside a private resort. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy the clear and warm waters year round. But trust me, its nowhere as busy, fast-paced, and hectic as the famed South Beach. Try another? A small, roped off swimming area is present to protect against boat traffic. You can easily spend the entire day in this state park relishing the grandeur of its exquisite sugar-white beach. The water at Simonton Beach is usually calm and protected. 4. Sloppy Joes, once frequently visited by Ernest Hemingway, is a favorite hangout place in Key West. The water quality is good. One of the only downsides is that the state park closes relatively early, and some people may think the bike ride or walk might be too long, depending on where youre going. Nice imported sand and Right next door to Higgs Beach. Free, but parking can get expensive. There is a larger section of sand further back away from the waterfront, beneath palm trees. The Pier House beach is private and is only accessible via the Pier House Hotel for use by guests. The fee is $2.50 for pedestrians. 1,465 Beaches By carlyjj12. The Pier House beach is small, so it can feel crowded when many guests are present. There are short nature walks through some of the only remaining natural mangroves in Key West, and protected wetlands. Key West: Beaches Like all beaches in Key West, Smathers Beach may be unusable at times due to the bad smell from sargassum, when it accumulates. Higgs Beach gives the best shore snorkeling access to the Key West Marine Park via the beach and Reynolds Street Pier, which extends far out into the water. Its not an easy beach to walk to, although there are some condos and hotels nearby. Parking at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is excellent. The soft sand at the beach is ideal for taking a morning walk or looking for shells.
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