Your Guide to Key West Public Beaches

No visit to Key West is complete without spending time splashing and suntanning at our beautiful Key West public beaches! Stay with Rent Key West Vacations in our oceanfront condos and access our white sand beaches just steps from your rental property. Soak up the Florida sunshine as you swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and paddle at our fantastic beaches. From the tranquil shores of Smathers Beach to historic Higgs Beach, there is a beach for everyone in our tropical paradise! 

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest of the Key West public beaches, welcoming over 150,000 people annually! This beach is a half-mile long and is located on the south end of the island, offering access to several amenities such as:

  • Beach volleyball nets and volleyball courts
  • Restrooms
  • Shower Facilities
  • Access to tours and water activities with Sunset Watersports

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach offers almost 17 acres of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is the best option for travelers who want easy access to a wealth of amenities and attractions. Higgs Beach offers direct access to the Key West Marine Park, one of the best snorkeling areas on the island! Make sure to take advantage of the beach amenities such as:

  • Children’s playgrounds
  • Picnic tables
  • Restroom facilities
  • Tennis and volleyball courts
  • Concession stands
  • Tiki huts
  • Wooden grandstand
  • Wooden pier

Simonton Street Beach

Simonton Street Beach is the perfect option if you are looking for a small beach on the Gulf side of the island! The only amenities on the beach are restrooms and a boat ramp for recreational boats. Make sure to bring beach gear with you!

Dog Beach

If you are traveling to Key West with your four-legged friends, we recommend visiting Dog Beach. Stay in our pet-friendly vacation rentals in Key West and access the only dog-friendly beach nearby!

South Beach

If you are staying on Duval Street, we recommend visiting South Beach, on the southern end of Duval Street. This small beach is an excellent place to watch the sunrise or sunset!

Bonus: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Although not a public beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is considered one of the best Key West beaches! Find everything you need for a day at the beach with Chickee Hut Beach Rentals, offering umbrellas, lounge chairs, and snorkeling gear. Then, enjoy beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, scuba diving, and suntanning.

Book Key West Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Spend time in Florida’s southernmost city with Rent Key West Vacations, and spend your getaway exploring our beautiful Key West public beaches. Browse our collection of over 30 Key West vacation rentals near the beach and enjoy access to our beaches just steps from your rental home! Enhance your stay with our concierge services and let our team make your vacation even more enjoyable. 

Book your Key West beach vacation today, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!