10 Best Beaches in Florida Keys

Calusa Beach is found on the gulf side of the Bahia Honda State Park, which is found between Big Pine Key and Marathon. With its sheltered nature, the beach exudes serenity with its gently lapping waves and calm, glistening waters. Because of this, Calusa Beach is ideal for families with young children. Not to mention, it also has covered picnic area and lots of parking. For those looking for a bit more excitement, the beach leads to an excellent coral reef with an abundance of sea life… so best pack your snorkel.

At Smathers Beach, there’s little chance you’ll find yourself bored. As the Key West’s biggest public beach, it’s brimming with life as it offers water activities such as wind and kite-surfing, kayaking and jet-skiing. If you’d rather just stick to the beach, there are also volleyball nets and sun loungers to participate in some people watching.  

Found right next to Roosevelt Boulevard, you’ll find a lively crowd of bikers, skaters and runners taking advantage of that famous Florida sunshine. If you’re feeling drained from all the activity, get your fill at one of the many food trucks lining the boulevard.

Considering a 2-hour catamaran journey is needed to reach Dry Tortugas National Park – seclusion and quiet is almost guaranteed. Setting off from the Key West, this national park impresses with its small, hidden beaches and vibrant displays of sea life.  

On any of these 7 islands, you’ll be confronted with stunning reefs, shoals and sandy spots ideal for a sun-bathing session. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles are frequent visitors to this area, so keep an eye out. The 19th-century Fort Jefferson only adds to the spectacle of the national park. Scuba divers will be glad to hear there are also shipwreck sites full of life just off the islands. Make sure to book a tour guide well in advance.

In the heart of Marathon, Sombrero Beach draws in tourists for its fantastic array of activities and its charming beauty. Its fine sand is dotted with picture-perfect palm trees and its water exists in striking shades of blue.  

The water at Sombrero Beach is a bit deeper than at most beaches in Florida Keys, so it’s best for confident swimmers. Fit with barbecue stations, picnic areas, volleyball nets, a pier and public showers - you could spend hours on end at this beach. For a spot of snorkelling, swim just off from the shore but beware of the rocks.

As the southernmost beach of the U.S. and a hop, skip and a jump away from Barbados and Cuba - you’re basically on a Caribbean holiday. Spend a full day here basking in the sunshine under swaying palm trees, floating around in the warm, tropical waters and indulging in cheap drinks from its beach club.  

If you’re looking for something a bit more cultural, stop at the historical Fort Zachary Taylor to learn about the history of the Keys. Be sure to bring some water shoes as it can get a bit rocky around the shore and some cash to pay for the $7 entry fee.

Anyone indecisive about whether they want a relaxing day or energy-filled day should head to Higgs Beach. When Smathers Beach gets a bit too crowded, Higgs Beach should be your go-to spot. Equipped with volleyball and tennis courts, plenty of room for swimming and snorkelling and even a bike path running along the beach – you’ll be spoilt for choice.  

It doesn’t stop there, with even kayaks and paddle boards at your disposal. For a meal with a gorgeous view, head to Salute! On The Beach, which serves some delicious mussels and a mean Key Lime Pie. Higgs Beach is a dog-friendly park with even small and large dog areas for your canine friends.

For those early risers, C.B. Harvey Rest Beach is the place to start your day. This spectacular sunrise spot should be reason enough to grudgingly get out of bed. If this isn’t your cup of tea, the beach at sunset is just as lovely. Yoga classes are held every evening on a deck overlooking the beach – a serene way to end the day with the beach swarming in golden light.  

In between these glorious times of day, perfect the art of doing nothing by reading a book in the sun, partake in some snorkelling or head up the White Street Pier (which separates it from Higgs Beach) to watch fisherman do what they do best.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is more known for its spectacular sea life than its beaches, but it delivers well on both fronts. Found on Key Largo, this state park is home to the extraordinary 2-tonne statue of Jesus, which sits on the ocean’s floor.  

Visitors can take glass-bottom-boat rides to experience the vibrant colours of the ocean, as well as marvel at the unusual sight of the statue. With its thriving sea life, it’s no wonder it's a hotspot for scuba divers and snorkelers. If you’d rather have a less passive day out, explore the park by cruising around its waters, stopping at all the hidden beaches for your own private getaway.

Found in the municipality of Key Colony Beach, Sunset Park Beach is a snug stretch of sand dotted with wooden picnic tables and benches. Hunker down with an icy cocktail as the day winds down and the sun sets before you.  

This mesmerising atmosphere is elevated even more when locals sing a song made for the island - you may even be handed a song sheet to join in. Although it’s not typically known as a swimming beach, visitors often spend the afternoon here playing and sitting on the sand or its pier.

Anne’s Beach is a quaint beach found on Islamorada surrounded by enchanting mangrove trees, a wooden boardwalk… and frequent nudist sunbathers. If you’ve got no qualms about the ‘lounging without clothing’ part, this beach is the ultimate paradise.  

The beach does have many private coves, so avoiding nudity may be in the cards, if you’re really that fussed. Grab a picnic and soak in the sun from a picnic table or on the sand. Due to the shallowness of the water, you can easily walk at least a quarter of a mile into the sea.