| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Simonton Street Beach

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:00:40 +0000

Tiny Beach at end of Simonton Street Has Lately Come to Life

With a nice view of Christmas Tree island across Key West harbor, this small beach makes the most of its small size

For decades a mostly forgotten little beach, today it is enjoying a revival thanks to a beach concession moving in and improving the area and amenities.

Here, you’ll find a soft, sandy spot to sit by the water, and direct access into the often-clear water of Key West harbor.

Beach chairs and umbrella are provided by the concession. But feel free to bring a towel to spread out.

Parking is tight – so come by bike if you can.

Location: 0 Simonton Street

Cost: FREE

Higg’s Beach

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:53:23 +0000

County-owned Beach located in Key West, with a popular restaurant overlooking the ocean

Sandy beach with pavilion available for private events, like birthday parties. Restaurant and historic fort in the distance.

This small, usually quiet beach, located between the Casa Marina Resort and White Street Pier, has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. Continually improving, today you’ll find upgraded playground equipment for the kids, a delicious restaurant and bar which often has live musicians (especially at happy hour), volleyball courts, and a pier to walk out and view marine life.

Fort West Martello, one of Key West’s three civil-war era brick structures, is open to visitors and is home to a botanical group – with lush and varied vegetation. Make sure to visit the African Cemetery memorial, which pays respect to the hundreds of captured slaves that were rescued from ships in 1860.

Tennis courts are available across the street, along with pickleball and paddleball.

Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Bathrooms and showers are also available – and these are scheduled for a major upgrade in the future.

Location: 1000 Atlantic Blvd

Cost: FREE

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:34:28 +0000

Located in Key West, this is a Florida State Park & favorite known to locals as Fort Zach.

View of the beach at Ft. Zachary Taylor State Par, with a mixture of sand and coral rubble, and warm calm seas

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has a beach that is a mixture of sand and coral rock. Swimming along the three coves of the water is quite popular and enjoyable. Snorkelers can explore the rock-pile barriers just offshore to observe small tropical fish.

The local Key West residents prefer this beach, mainly due to the quality of the water – thanks to tidal flow bringing in fresh sea water. And the pine trees on land provide a nice shady area to enjoy the many picnic tables available there.

Bathrooms, lockers, changing rooms, food and beverages are all available.

To get there:

Travel down Southard Street into Truman Annex. Continue to end and follow signs to the Park Entrance. There is a small entrance fee – well worth the price of admission. The beach is over 1/2 mile more away from the guard shack. Bicycles are the preferred way to get to Ft. Zach, but if you enjoy a long walk it is enjoyable.

Taxis will drop off and pick up people at the concession stand, and there is parking available for your vehicle.

Entrance Fees:

Vehicles:

- with 1 person: $4.50
- with 2-8 people: $7.00 plus $0.50 per person

Bikes and walkers:

$2.50 per person

Hours of operation:

Park opens daily at 8am and closes promptly at sunset. Self-guided tours of the fort end at 5pm.

Concession stand cafe: 10am – 6pm

Smathers Beach

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:17:52 +0000

Located on Key West’s southern shore, this long and tranquil beach is almost 1 mile long

Is this the Key West beach you were looking for? For many the answer is YES!

Key West largest beach runs along the southern shore of the island for almost 2 miles. Beach activity ranges from tanning, volleyball, and watersport/beachsport rentals.

The sand is brought in from the Bahamas (island rumor) and deposited there for your pleasure. Tropical storms have a habit of sweeping the sand away, and nearly every other year the city of Key West has to replenish the beach.

You can leave your surfboard home – the minuscule swell is not even a ripple. Snorkelers have a swim zone to enjoy just offshore – small stuff…mostly.

Vending trucks offer snacks, beverages, chairs, and rafts. Public restrooms and showers available.

Getting There: South Roosevelt Blvd., from the Key West airport to Bertha Street.

Fees: FREE

Dry Tortugas Beach

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:04:12 +0000

Fort Jefferson State Park Beaches – Local Favorite

A view of one of the Dry Tortugas perfect beaches.

Nearly 90 miles from Key West is the fascinating and beautiful Fort Jefferson National Park. In our opinion, a visit here is the best thing to do in Key West.

To get to these far-away islands, take the Dry Tortugas seaplane. These daily flights are unforgettable, with stunning views of the emerald green backcountry islands, azur oceans, and more birds and wildlife than you can imagine.

This is a beach that will rank up with the best you have ever seen. Crystal clear water, great snorkeling, powdery sand, and a true sense of remote adventure.

If you are interested in camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park, click here for more information.

Bahia Honda State Park

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:52:37 +0000

State Park and Local-Favorite Beach, 40-Minute Drive from Key West

A remote part of Bahia Honda offers some of the Florida Keys’ best beaches.

A thirty-mile drive from Key West will bring you to one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere.

Recently, the Travel Channel listed Bahia Honda as one of the top ten nicest beaches in the United States.

And it’s no wonder. Miles of sugary sand, shallow and clear nearshore water, and very enjoyable campsites available for rent.

To Get There: Take US 1 to mile marker 34. Enter State Park on the right (coming from Key West). Cars only please – scooters don’t have a chance on the highway.

Entrance Fees:

$4 per vehicle with one occupant + $0.50 per person Monroe County surcharge
$8 per vehicle + $0.50 per person Monroe County surcharge
Boat ramp fee: $10 per boat
Camping fee: $36 per night per campsite. Campsites have water and electricity.

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Simonton Street Beach

Beaches Menu

Tiny Beach at end of Simonton Street Has Lately Come to Life

Higg’s Beach

Beaches Menu

County-owned Beach located in Key West, with a popular restaurant overlooking the ocean

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Beaches Menu

Located in Key West, this is a Florida State Park & favorite known to locals as Fort Zach.

Smathers Beach

Beaches Menu

Located on Key West’s southern shore, this long and tranquil beach is almost 1 mile long

Dry Tortugas Beach

Beaches Menu

Fort Jefferson State Park Beaches – Local Favorite

Bahia Honda State Park

Beaches Menu

State Park and Local-Favorite Beach, 40-Minute Drive from Key West