Best Beaches in the Florida Keys
Sandy shores, snorkeling reefs, sunset views, and family-friendly waterfront across all five regions
The Florida Keys are famous for crystal-clear water, but they are not a traditional beach destination. Most shoreline is rocky coral or mangrove. The best sand beaches — Bahia Honda, Sombrero Beach, Smathers Beach — stand out precisely because they are the exceptions. The Keys' real strength is what is underwater: the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US, world-class snorkeling, and warm, calm water year-round.
Best Sandy Beaches
Sombrero Beach
MarathonThe best public sand beach in the Keys — wide, free, with picnic pavilions, volleyball, and calm shallow water. Ideal for families.
Best Overall Sand Beach
Smathers Beach
Key WestKey West's longest public beach — a half-mile of sand along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Jet ski and parasail rentals available.
Longest Beach in Key West
Higgs Beach
Key WestA popular local beach between the Casa Marina district and the White Street Pier. Playground, picnic tables, and dog park nearby.
Best Local Beach
Bahia Honda State Park
Lower Keys (MM 37)Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US. Two beach areas — Sandspur and Calusa — with clear water and natural sand. Campsites available.
Best Natural Beach
Anne's Beach
Islamorada (MM 73)A shallow, calm wading beach on Lower Matecumbe Key. Boardwalk trail through mangroves. More wading than swimming, but beautiful.
Best Calm Wading Beach
Best Snorkeling Beaches
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key LargoThe first undersea park in the US. Glass-bottom boats, snorkel tours to the reef, and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue.
Best Reef Snorkeling
Bahia Honda State Park
Lower KeysShore-entry snorkeling from Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach. Clear water, sea grass, and tropical fish without a boat.
Best Shore Snorkeling
Looe Key Reef
Lower Keys (boat access from Ramrod Key)One of the best reef systems in the Keys — pristine coral, nurse sharks, rays, and abundant fish life. Boat access only.
Best Reef System
Fort Zachary Taylor
Key WestKey West's best natural beach for snorkeling. Rocky entry but excellent marine life along the jetty. State park admission required.
Best Snorkeling in Key West
Best Sunset Beaches & Spots
Mallory Square
Key WestNot technically a beach, but the most famous sunset spot in the Keys. Street performers, food vendors, and a nightly sunset celebration.
Most Famous Sunset
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
Key WestThe best beach sunset in Key West. Faces southwest for direct sunset views over the water with no obstructions.
Best Beach Sunset
Bahia Honda State Park
Lower KeysSunset views from Sandspur Beach with the old Bahia Honda Bridge as a backdrop. Stunning and uncrowded.
Most Photographic Sunset
Islamorada Waterfront
IslamoradaSunset dining along the bay side. Restaurants like Morada Bay and Lorelei serve dinner with direct Gulf sunset views.
Best Sunset Dining
Best Family Beaches
Sombrero Beach
MarathonShallow calm water, wide sand, playground equipment, restrooms, and free parking. The easiest family beach day in the Keys.
Best for Young Kids
Higgs Beach
Key WestPlayground, splash pad, picnic pavilions, and a dog park. Calm water and shade trees. Walking distance from Casa Marina district.
Best City Beach for Families
Bahia Honda State Park
Lower KeysNatural sand, clear water, nature trails, and ranger programs. Pack snacks — the park concession is limited.
Best Nature Beach for Families
Founders Park
IslamoradaCommunity park with a small beach, Olympic pool, skate park, tennis courts, and marina. Daily admission or free for hotel guests at some properties.
Best All-Around Family Park
Beaches Near Resorts
Isla Bella Beach Resort
MarathonPrivate 24-acre island with its own sand beach, five pools, and marina. One of the few Keys resorts with a real beach.
Best Resort Beach
Pier House Resort & Spa
Key WestThe only resort with a private sand beach on the harbor side of Old Town Key West.
Only Private Beach in Old Town
Hawks Cay Resort
MarathonSaltwater lagoon, private beach area, and marina. Family-oriented with kids' camp and dolphin encounters.
Best Family Resort Beach
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
IslamoradaPrivate oceanfront beach with pier, tiki bar, and golf course. The largest beachfront in Islamorada.
Best Islamorada Beach
Casa Marina Key West
Key WestLargest private beach in Key West at 1,100 feet of sand. Two pools and a pier for sunset views.
Largest Beach in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Florida Keys have good beaches?
The Florida Keys have excellent beaches, but they are different from mainland Florida. Most Keys beaches are smaller with coarser sand and calmer water. The best sand beaches are at Bahia Honda State Park, Sombrero Beach in Marathon, and Smathers Beach in Key West. The Keys' real strength is crystal-clear water for snorkeling and diving.
What is the best beach in the Florida Keys?
Bahia Honda State Park is consistently ranked the best natural beach. For families, Sombrero Beach in Marathon. For snorkeling, Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West. For resort guests, Isla Bella and Casa Marina have the best private beaches.
Are Florida Keys beaches sandy?
Some are — Bahia Honda, Sombrero Beach, and Smathers Beach have natural or imported sand. Many Keys shorelines are rocky coral or mangrove, which is why the islands are better known for diving and snorkeling than sunbathing.
Which Key has the clearest water?
The Lower Keys and Islamorada tend to have the clearest water because they are less developed and have less boat traffic. Bahia Honda State Park and Looe Key are particularly clear.
Are there free beaches in the Florida Keys?
Yes. Sombrero Beach (Marathon), Smathers Beach (Key West), Higgs Beach (Key West), Anne's Beach (Islamorada), and Rest Beach (Key West) are all free public beaches. Bahia Honda State Park and Fort Zachary Taylor charge a small state park admission fee.
Can you swim at the beaches in the Florida Keys?
Yes. Most Keys beaches have calm, shallow water that is excellent for swimming. Water temperatures range from about 70°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Rip currents are rare in the Keys because the reef breaks open-ocean waves offshore.