10 Beach Destinations in Florida Keys

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The Florida Keys are one of the most beautiful places one could ever visit. This chain of stunning tropical islands spans 120 miles south of Miami, Florida.

If you are looking for a place to have fun and explore beaches, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your list. The Florida Keys beaches are a testament to how wonderful nature is. Their beauty is so enchanting that you will never want to leave the Florida Keys. This is not even an exaggeration but pure truth!

In this blog, we will talk about the 10 beach destinations in the Florida Keys and learn why people from all over the USA and even the world travel far to see these beaches.

Introduction to Florida Keys Beaches

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The stunning archipelago of Florida Keys is where island after islands promise a remarkable stay!

Upon your arrival in the Florida Keys, you will be greeted by inviting blue water. The air in this place is warm, carrying the inviting scent of salt water and sand.

The waves that crash the shore of Florida Keys beaches are music to the ears and bring peace with a mixture of excitement to the heart and mind of anyone who visits.

Key West

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Smathers Beach is a vibrant beach in Key West with clear waters, sandy beaches, and a stretch of stunning shoreline.

It is a well-maintained beach in the Keys. It offers visitors various entertainment opportunities, including watersports, beach activities, and amenities. The sunset view is worth waiting for!

The vibe in Smathers Beach is exceptional, especially for people seeking a memorable beach experience. The crowd here comprises people who like to do jetski, parasail, kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel.

Other fun beach activities include sunbathing, beach volleyball, and sandcastle building. Although the beach is flocked by outdoorsy visitors, families can still have fun by swimming and enjoying the overall atmosphere and vibe.

The public amenities include accessible restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and snack bars.
Smathers Beach’s laid-back yet full-of-life atmosphere makes it stand out among other beaches in Key West. Its exciting activities elevate the experience of both locals and tourists. The perfect balance between relaxation and stimulation adds to the beach’s allure!

Take note that Smathers Beach is free to visit!

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Looking for a beach with powdery white sands? Higgs Beach is one of the top choices for a white sand beach experience!

This stunning beach is accessible to the public; beach chairs and umbrellas are for rent, so bringing money is a must, especially if you plan on trying beach activities. Higgs Beach is a family destination for its sand and water.

People go here because the landscape is beautiful. It truly captures the ideal beach trip, and it is very Instagram-worthy!

The palm trees that line the shores add to the allure of the beach. You can see the leaves getting swept by the winds, and it has a lovely beach view.

More importantly, when the sunset hits, the sky is filled with yellow, orange, and red colors. The beach becomes a magical place that almost looks like a dream.

People with varying interests come to Higgs Beach for a good time, and it never disappoints!

a nice white sand beach in florida keys beaches

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Next on our list is the Sandspur Beach in Bahia Honda State Park.

Sandspur Beach is a popular spot for people who just want to chill and relax along the mile-long sandy shore or swim peacefully in crystal-clear water.

Amenities on the beach include restrooms, parking, wifi, outdoor showers, watersport rentals, snack kiosks, and camping facilities.

People’s activities include swimming, water sports, sunbathing, fishing, biking, and camping. The area is great for campers, as all necessary amenities are present.

The fine sands, plus the shallowness of the water, are ideal for moments when you just want to feel nature and slow down in life. The beach becomes romantic during sundown because of the perfect golden hour. You can either watch the sunset on the shore or at the bridge.

Sandspur Beach is among the most serene beaches in the Florida Keys, and people love it because of that. There are fewer tourists here than on other beaches, but that does not mean it is behind in fun activities.

The resort’s facilities, amenities, activities, and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for a memorable Florida Keys trip.

If you plan to visit Sandspur Beach, kindly prepare for an admission fee of $5.

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Calusa Beach is Bahia Honda State Park’s second beach in its collection of pristine beaches. Similarly to the Sandspur beach, Calusa Beach is also a stunning place where the sand is perfect for its velvety softness and clear water.

The beach’s amenities include outdoor showers, public restrooms, picnic pavilions, barbecue grills, sunbeds, and nearby parking. Snacks are also available in the area. All are accessible for visitors’ convenience.

Gear rentals for kayaks, snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and umbrellas are available for hire. One of the top reasons Calusa Beach is a frequently visited beach in Bahia Honda State Park and the entire Florida Keys is the fantastic snorkeling experience.

People regularly rate the snorkeling tours in Calusa Beach as 5/5. The shallow (4–6 feet) water is ideal for first-timers. They can explore various vibrant tropical fish, small coral heads, soft corals, and more. The abundance of marine life in Calusa Beach is marvelous.

Calusa Beach is just a mile from Sandspur Beach, so we recommend visiting both of them while you are around the area. Experience the wonder of Bahia Honda State Park on these beaches and have the best time of your life!

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If there is a place in the Florida Keys where peace lives, that is Anne’s Beach in Islamorada. It is one of the most enticing beaches in the area and is accessible to all, including dogs.

Anne’s Beach was named after Anne Eaton, an environmentalist during the 1900s. She spent her life in a wheelchair because of polio. In the 1960s, she moved to the Keys after buying a home in the area.

Her love for the Keys was evident. Despite her physical limitations, she fought and campaigned against the overdevelopment of the Keys and aided in preserving the beach.

The beach is situated on the Atlantic Ocean side of Lower Matecumbe Key. It is a lovely small beach among the long and vibrant beaches in the Keys. Anne’s Beach is a place for people looking for a serene place where tourists are less.

This beach’s shallow, calm waters and mangrove trails make it enticing. Visitors can explore its pristine beauty on the 1,300-foot boardwalk.

People don’t usually go here to swim because of the shallowness of the water. But there are other ways people can enjoy their stay. Some do windsurfing, building sandcastles, exploring the mangroves, having small and cute picnics, dipping in the water, and playing.

The minimalist activities you can do here make it enjoyable and relaxing. It is never dull for people who love serene places and nature lovers.

Parking and restrooms are available for the convenience of the visitors.

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Library Beach Park is a small beach located on a mangrove channel. It may be small, but it is lovely and perfect for people of all ages.

The beach is another hidden gem in the Florida Keys. It is a humble park with lush surroundings and shallow water. It is the ideal park for people who want to avoid the crowds on the more extensive beaches of the Keys.

Two play areas are dedicated to children, a cute hut for shade and relaxation, and barbecue grills for picnics. Restrooms and showers are also available for the public to use.

The seclusion of the beach is its charm. Unlike the more immense beaches, the isolation of the small beach park is its best attribute because of its intimate atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. It can be considered a secret little paradise.

For those looking for a beach where it feels like you rented the whole area for your exclusive use. It is a quiet retreat that brings genuine solitude to its visitors.

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Sombrero Beach is one of Marathon’s most cherished beaches. It is widely known for its white sand and picturesque shore. The beach is a crowd’s favorite because of its free access and lovely water.

A day on the beach includes playing sports on the courts, kids playing at the playgrounds, picnicking with families and friends, swimming in the beautiful waters, fishing for bonefish or snapper, snorkeling to discover the underwater world, and wildlife watching.

In addition to these activities, guests can participate in beach events, including the Sombrero Beach Run, Sandcastle Competitions, and Marathon Seafood Festival.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the bliss that Sombrero Beach offers; there are only limited times in a year when you can relax on a beach, especially if you live outside the Florida Keys.

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Coco Plum Beach is a perfect destination for people seeking a quiet beach getaway. The tranquility on this beach is very relaxing. The waves will wash away any worries. This beach’s amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.

The water at Coco Plum Beach is impressive, and the beach is open for dogs, too! Bring your fur baby to enjoy the refreshing water and play along the sandy shoreline.

The shallowness and calmness of the waters are perfect for families with young children. They can enjoy a dip without worrying about their safety, and the sands are ideal for building castles.

Coco Plum Beach is one of the friendliest beaches in the Florida Keys. Its openness to the public and the animals makes it an excellent place for a relaxing beach retreat.

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9. Bahia Honda Beach

It is a truly gorgeous beach in Big Pine Key and one of the most visited Florida Keys Beaches.

Perhaps gorgeous would be an understatement for this beauty. This beach has a unique characteristic that drives people in. With its picturesque landscape, this beach has captured the hearts of thousands or millions of visitors since its popularity.

People who have already visited this beach and the locals of Big Pine Key call Bahia Honda Beach a paradise on earth. The waters are so alluring that no one would want to miss the opportunity to dive and explore what stunning things the water of this beach is hiding.

The beach offers access to a gift shop and snack bar, which visitors can check out.

The favorite activities of visitors and locals on the beach include snorkeling, swimming, shelling, camping, geocaching, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, visiting the old Bahia Honda Beach Bridge, and going on tours.

It is a beautiful beach that is great for people who seek relaxation and excitement and for those who love outdoor activities.

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Harry Harris Beach in Key Largo is a family-friendly destination offering numerous amenities. It boasts 11 covered pavilions providing ample shade, 12 barbecues perfect for beachside cookouts, and 34 picnic tables ideal for sharing meals and snacks.

Children can enjoy a dedicated playground, while sports enthusiasts can utilize a basketball court and 2 baseball fields. The beach also features restrooms with showers, boat ramps, a fishing jetty, and an accessible bike path for added convenience and enjoyment.

Water-related activities to enjoy at Harry Harris Beach include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Thanks to the beach’s calm waters, these activities are safe for children and adults with little swimming experience.

Non-residents must pay $5.00 per person on holidays and weekends, while residents are admitted free of charge.

Harry Harris Beach is a beautiful place where everyone can have fun under the sun. With its family-friendly environment, residents and visitors have loved this place since it was developed.

Key Largo, Florida’s Keys beaches, are well-cherished and appreciated in Florida. They have captured the hearts of many and will continue to do so because of their charming waters, safe surroundings, fantastic amenities, and unique atmosphere.

beach destinations in florida keys beaches

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Wrap Up

There should be no debate about which Florida Keys beach is the most beautiful because all of them are equally stunning. The alluring waters of Key West, Bahia Honda State Park, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key Largo never disappoint.

The amenities on these locations’ beaches are superb and world-class, providing a fantastic experience to guests.

What else are you waiting for? The beaches in the Florida Keys are already calling for your name! Plan your trip now! Message our team via tracy@thebeautifulkeys.com or contact us at 305-912-2177 to learn more about the beaches, hotels, and amenities in the Florida Keys. We’ll share the most recent news and options with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

The best beaches to go for families in the Florida Keys include:

  1. Smathers Beach in Key West
  2. Bahia Honda Beach and Park in Big Pine Key
  3. Sombrero Beach in Marathon Keys
  4. Harry Harris Beach in Key Largo

These beaches offer a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere and safe surroundings for families with small to adolescent children. The waters are clear and clean, and the sandy beaches are ideal for playing and building sand castles.

The water activities suit visitors with varying swimming levels, and rentals like kayaks, jet skis, and boats are available.

In addition, these beaches have parks and shaded pavilions, which provide entertainment and comfort for both children and adults.

Some beaches, including Sandspur Beach in Bahia Honda State Park and Harry Harris Beach in Key Largo, require an admission fee. For your convenience, prepare for at least a $5 admission fee. Prepare to pay for gear rentals and food as well.

As guests, it is important to always respect the environment at any of the Florida Keys beaches. You can show your respect by:

  1. Ensure that you throw your trash in the right places.
  2. Use sunscreens that are safe for reefs
  3. Avoid disturbing the wildlife in the area.
  4. Keep out of unauthorized areas.
  5. Follow the rules and policies of the beach’s or park’s management.