Key West 2023: Top 5 Beaches to Visit

Whether you want to go surfing or soak up the sun with a cold drink in your hand, the beautiful beaches in Key West, Florida should be at the top of your list. So as you draw up your travel plans this 2023, here are the top five beaches in Key West you should visit.

1. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Are you a fan of snorkeling or a history buff—or both? Then, you’ll love Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. It lies at the point where the Atlantic Ocean perfectly meets the Gulf of Mexico. So the water on this beach is clear and beautiful, making it an incredible spot for snorkeling. Another unique feature of this beach is the fort built upon its shore. Named after President Zachary Taylor, the fort played important roles in the Civil War & Spanish-American War. If you want to take a break from all the swimming and snorkeling, you can go and tour the fort.

1. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West, so it has a lot to offer! The gradual slope of the shore makes the ocean an ideal spot for swimming. You can rent sailboats, kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis to enjoy the water even more. Want to see the entire island from the air? The beach offers parasailing to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Additionally, Smathers is a family-friendly beach. The gentle currents are ideal for kids to enjoy the shore. The beach also has volleyball courts where families and friends can have a friendly yet exciting game. The best thing is the beach itself is free and open to the public.

1. Bahia Honda State Park

Want to go camping after a day of swimming? Bahia Honda State Park is perfect for you! It has three natural beaches with clear shallow waters, pure white sand, and great spots for camping. It also offers electricity hookups and plenty of water, so you can comfortably enjoy camping on the shoreline. This state park is truly a camper’s dream. So if you want to wake up to a sunrise on the beach, grab your tent & sunscreen and hit the Bahia Honda State Park! 

1. South Beach

If you have toddlers or young kids with you, go to South Beach. With a laidback beach and gorgeous shallow waters, South Beach is an incredible destination for your growing family. It’s located at the Atlantic end of Duval Street and flanked by the Southernmost Beach Resort. The resort’s cafe serves sumptuous meals at reasonable prices and is open to non-guests. While South Beach is smaller than other Key West beaches, people still visit it for its charming shoreline lined with palm trees, laidback vibe, and family-friendly waters.

1. Sunset Key

Sunset Key is a private 27-acre beach resort that impresses guests with quaint cottages, relaxing hammocks, elegant spas, thatched tiki huts, and picturesque sunsets. With its upscale vibe, it’s an ideal romantic getaway for couples. It even offers a Sunset Romance Package, which takes couples to unwind in a beachside cabana while receiving a relaxing 80-minute massage that is followed by a romantic dinner for two.