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For those who’re searching for a slice of paradise in your trip, the Florida Keys seashores are ready for you. The most effective seashores within the Florida Keys are straight out of a postcard, with smooth white sand, palm bushes and turquoise water.
I completely love visiting the Florida Keys, and there are such a lot of cool issues to do right here — however for those who’re simply right here to hang around on the seashores, that’s wonderful, too!
What you must know earlier than visiting, although, is that a lot of the Keys are edged in mangroves. Lots of the seashores are small and a bit scraggly. Although there are some actually lovely seashores within the Florida Keys, you shouldn’t anticipate the miles-long white sand stunners that you just get alongside the Gulf Coast.
From Key Largo to Key West, from Marathon to Islamorada, let’s check out the perfect seashores within the Florida Keys!
Desk of Contents
Finest Seashores within the Florida Keys
Which seashores within the Florida Keys are the perfect of the perfect, those that you just’ll be dreaming about? Listed below are what I take into account the perfect Florida Keys seashores.
Right here they’re:
Calusa Seashore, Bahia Honda Key
Good for: swimming, households, isolation, picnics, tenting, snorkeling
Calusa Seashore is without doubt one of the most well-known seashores within the Florida Keys, and is positioned on the southernmost level of Bahia Honda Key. This family-friendly seashore has shallow water, making it a superb choice for youthful children.
Nevertheless, with fame comes recognition. For those who’re coming to Bahia Honda Key, I strongly suggest you arrive early within the day. By afternoon you won’t even be capable to get in.
As a part of Bahia Honda State Park, there are a couple of tenting spots, however for those who plan on spending the evening tent-side, make sure to ebook effectively upfront! Restrooms and showers can be found, in addition to kayak and snorkeling gear for hire. The state park charge is $8 per car.
Smathers Seashore, Key West
Good for: swimming, watersports, seashore volleyball, picnics, Miami day-trippers
Smathers Seashore is positioned on the south aspect of Key West on the Atlantic Ocean aspect and is the most important free public seashore within the space. For those who’re searching for an important seashore in Key West, that is the one you wish to get pleasure from!
It is a good spot for kayaking, jet snowboarding, windsurfing, and extra. Leases can be found, and parking is $5 per car. Restrooms and showers can be found, and there are many locations to eat close by for those who don’t carry a picnic basket.
And Smathers Seashore is true alongside Key West’s small airport (hold a watch out for low-flying planes!) and Margaritaville Home is true across the nook.
Seashores of Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Good for: isolation, swimming, sunbathing, strolling, day tripping from Key West
Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park is positioned 70 miles west of Key West, and is a really particular place to go to within the Florida Keys. Journeys right here are inclined to ebook out far upfront, so I like to recommend reserving a visit both by boat or seaplane as quickly as you’ve your journey dates. Another choice is chartering a ship of your individual.
Dry Tortugas presents beautiful snorkeling and boating alternatives across the historic Fort Jefferson. The distant location makes it a particular vacation spot for these searching for isolation and an escape from the busier elements of the Keys. And the seashores listed below are SENSATIONAL. Dinghy Seashore, Seaplane Seashore, and South Swim Seashore all characteristic smooth sand and turquoise waters.
Entrance charges to Dry Tortugas are $15 per individual ages 16+ and are good for seven consecutive days.
Coco Plum Seashore, Marathon
Good for: households, picnicking
Coco Plum Seashore is positioned within the city of Marathon on the Atlantic aspect, and is a favourite for households as a result of its calm waters and shallow depth. It’s also a pure sea turtle nesting space, internet hosting Atlantic Inexperienced turtles, loggerheads, leatherbacks, and Hawksbill turtles.
You’ll completely love the smooth sand right here, and regardless of its recognition, this seashore is on the quieter aspect.
Restrooms and a pavilion with a few picnic tables can be found. This seashore is free to the general public. It’s also one of many few dog-friendly seashores within the Center Keys.
Far Seashore, Key Largo
Good for: households, picnics, tenting, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling
Far Seashore is positioned inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, and is thought for its crystal-clear waters and smooth sand. It is a perfect spot for sunbathing and picnics. Close by facilities and calm waters make it family-friendly and quite a few palm bushes pepper the seashore if you wish to search some shade.
Pennekamp State Park is without doubt one of the finest locations within the Keys for snorkeling, so I extremely suggest you carry your masks and flippers!
This is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Key Largo, so arrive early to seize your spot within the sand. To enter John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, every car pays $8 plus $0.50 per individual. If you wish to camp in a single day, the charges begin at $36.
Higgs Seashore, Key West
Good for: sunbathing, households, kayaking, snorkeling, historical past buffs
Higgs Seashore is positioned in Key West, providing a serene surroundings excellent for households and sunbathers. Its calm waters together with concessions to hire seashore chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards make this seashore an area favourite.
A Civil Struggle-era fort lends a style of historical past, together with a beachside café, the African Refugee Memorial, and an AIDS memorial. Higgs Seashore can also be residence to the one shore-accessible underwater marine park within the U.S. The adjoining Key West Backyard Membership presents self-guided excursions of Fort West Martello and its lovely gardens.
You’ve bought loads of facilities right here, together with restrooms, showers, seashore volleyball courts, and a restaurant.
Sombrero Seashore, Marathon
Good for: swimming, sunbathing, households, snorkeling, volleyball, kayaking, sunrises and sunsets
Sombrero Seashore is positioned within the city Marathon, within the southwest a part of Vaca Key, near Boot Key. This seashore boasts clear waters and delightful sandy shores, making it excellent for households, snorkelers, and sunbathers. The placement has unbelievable sundown views, making it a well-liked spot for photographers. Loads of early risers come out to {photograph} the dawn, too!
There are toilet and bathe amenities with filtered water stations, so carry your refillable water bottle. There’s additionally a playground for the children and a volleyball court docket. And, loggerhead turtles can usually be noticed nesting from April to October!
Extra Seashores within the Florida Keys
Cannon Seashore, Key Largo
Good for: picnicking, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, swimming, households, Miami day-trippers
Cannon Seashore is positioned in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, and is a scorching spot for snorkeling and diving as a result of its historic Spanish shipwreck. The shallow waters with no huge waves make this a best choice for households with young children, with a roped-off swimming space.
Snorkeling is a well-liked pastime at this seashore, as this park is without doubt one of the finest locations for snorkeling within the Keys! And because of Key Largo’s proximity to Miami (about 90 minutes), this seashore is a well-liked selection for day trippers.
Sundown Park Seashore, Key Colony Seashore
Good for: isolation, {couples}, sunsets, picnicking, shelling
Sundown Park Seashore is tucked away in Key Colony Seashore, very near Marathon, and is a favourite amongst adults for its tranquility. This seashore is good for watching breathtaking sunsets and having quiet picnics.
Partially coated by bushes, that is the right place to flee the Florida warmth. Though not nice for swimming, seashore walks listed below are divine, and you’ll usually discover tiny seashells on the seashore. Entry to the seashore is free and there are altering rooms, showers, and bathrooms.
Harry Harris Park Seashore, Key Largo
Good for: households, swimming, picnics, snorkeling
Harry Harris Park Seashore is positioned on Key Largo and is a hidden gem within the city of Tavernier. This family-oriented seashore boasts a playground and picnic space, making it a well-liked outing for households visiting the Keys! What makes the seashore distinctive is that there’s a big enclosed tidal pool, pictured above.
This seashore is free to the general public in the course of the week. On weekends, non-residents pay $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors and kids ages 3–17. Energetic navy, disabled vets, and their rapid households are free with ID.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Islamorada
Good for: isolation, swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, historical past buffs
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is an island positioned off the coast of Islamorada within the Higher Keys, and is heaven for nature lovers and boaters. This park is accessible solely by boat or kayak, making it an important spot for these searching for isolation and a tranquil escape.
Right here, you could find small white sand seashores tucked amongst the mangroves. There’s one together with your identify on it!
Lignumvitae isn’t just a seashore but additionally a historic website so make sure to go to the Matheson Home Customer Middle whilst you’re there. William J. Matheson was a rich Miami chemist who purchased the island again in 1919. Admission to the state park is $2.50 per individual.
Anne’s Seashore, Islamorada
Good for: swimming, picnics
Anne’s Seashore was named after native environmentalist Anne Eaton. The seashore is located in Islamorada on the southern finish of Higher Matecumbe Key. It’s excellent for sunbathers and swimmers, providing shallow waters and smooth sands. Typically instances the water is so shallow right here that solely wading is feasible.
The distinctive amenity right here is the 1,300-foot boardwalk, which connects the seashore areas to 2 parking tons with restroom amenities and a handful of pavilions with picnic tables. This public seashore is free.
Rowell’s Waterfront Park, Key Largo
Good for: swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding
Rowell Park Seashore is positioned in Key Largo, the place the swimming gap is definitely a tidal pool. It’s considerably deep at round 10 ft, with no actual shallow water to talk of, so you will have to know methods to swim! The tidal pool is surrounded by a concrete wall with a ladder that can assist you get out of the water.
There’s a small patch of sand to lounge on that doesn’t merge with the water, however presents nice views, nonetheless! Does that make this a seashore? I feel it’s shut sufficient!
The pool is blocked off from the ocean by a stunning line of breakwater rocks, making this seashore a singular one within the Keys.
Indian Key Historic State Park, Islamorada
Good for: swimming, mountaineering, kayaking, fishing, boating, historical past buffs
Indian Key Historic State Park is one other island positioned off the coast of Islamorada and is a must-visit for Florida historical past buffs. The island park is accessible solely by boat, providing an adventurous outing for boating fans. You’ll be able to swim alongside the shore for one thing adventurous.
There’s a little little bit of mountaineering on the island within the type of an interpretive path, which takes you thru the historic neighborhood of Indian Key. As a result of it’s a state park, admission is $2.50 per individual.
Loggerhead Seashore, Bahia Honda Key
Good for: snorkeling, kayaking, shelling
Loggerhead Seashore can also be located in Bahia Honda State Park, adjoining to Calusa Seashore, and is an ideal vacation spot for snorkeling fans because of its clear waters and vibrant marine life.
The seashore right here has a view of the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, also called the “interrupted bridge,” with one key piece of it lacking! Don’t search for that to get replaced anytime quickly; it’s the golden goose!
There’s a tiny island simply offshore, excellent for kayaking and donning snorkeling gear to discover the waters stuffed with marine life. And you’ll get pleasure from a sandbar to hunt for shells and sea glass when the tide is out.
South Seashore (Pocket Park Seashore), Key West
Good for: swimming, sunbathing, Key West day-trippers, dawn
South Seashore (to not be confused with Miami’s well-known seashore of the identical identify) is positioned in Pocket Park in Key West and is thought for its shallow waters and smooth sand. You must know that this can be a SMALL seashore — only a little bit of sand on the finish of Duval Road!
It is a public seashore and there aren’t any loos, however you possibly can hire seashore chairs. As a result of it’s proper on the finish of well-liked Duval Road and near the Southernmost Level of the Continental USA, you get your fair proportion of vacationers passing by way of.
For those who’re feeling peckish, eat on the close by Southernmost Café which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable costs. And there’s a little bit of historical past right here: literary legend Tennessee Williams swam at this seashore almost day by day when he lived in Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Seashore, Key West
Good for: swimming, picnicking, paddling, mountaineering, hen watching, snorkeling, historical past buffs, sunsets
The seashore at Fort Zachary is positioned in Key West and is greater than only a seashore. It’s a part of a historic state park that’s residence to a pre-Civil Struggle Fort. The seashore itself is superb for swimming and snorkeling, whereas the park is well-liked for its wealthy historical past.
This state park is the westernmost a part of Key West’s mainland. what meaning — sunsets galore! This is without doubt one of the finest seashores in Key West to observe the sundown.
This place is nice for witnessing spring and fall hen migrations, and the Tropical Hammock Path invitations a pleasant stroll amongst native crops. As this seashore is in a state park, guests pay $6 per car.
C.B. Harvey Relaxation Seashore, Key West
Good for: {couples}, sea shelling, snorkeling, picnics, sunsets
“Relaxation Seashore” (as referred to as by the locals) can also be positioned in Key West. This small seashore is thought for its spectacular sundown views, making it an excellent spot for {couples} and adults searching for a peaceable finish to their day. You’ll discover it adjoining to Higgs Seashore simply on the opposite aspect of White Road Pier.
One distinctive characteristic is its pure vegetation and small dunes, giving the seashore a secluded really feel. This gives shade and the smattering of picnic tables permits for straightforward lunching. The tides additionally carry shells. This seashore is free to go to.
Founders Park Seashore, Islamorada
Good for: households, picnics, Miami day-trippers
Founders Park Seashore is a 45-acre park positioned in Islamorada alongside the Florida Bay aspect. This park has fairly a couple of facilities, together with a swimming pool, sports activities amenities, a splash pad, playgrounds, picnic spots, grills, a skate park, and a marina, and it has one thing for everybody!
How usually do you’ve an Olympic-sized swimming pool simply off a seashore within the Florida Keys? Not that always! Non-resident charges are $8 for adults and $5 for youths 3–17. Energetic U.S. navy and disabled veterans (with ID) and rapid household are free.
Curry Hammock State Park Seashore, Marathon
Good for: tenting, snorkeling, paddling, kiteboarding, wildlife viewing
Curry Hammock State Park is positioned in Marathon and is a well-liked spot for campers, because of the park’s well-equipped campsites. The clear waters additionally appeal to snorkeling fans. The seashore at Curry Hammock is the most important stretch of undeveloped land between Key Largo and Huge Pine Key, making it a giant draw for individuals who like quiet, extra pure seashores.
As a result of it’s a state park, charges are $4.50 per individual or $5.50 per couple, $6.50 for 3, and a further $0.50 per individual, for as much as six individuals at $8. Tenting charges are $35 per evening, plus tax.
Lengthy Key State Park Seashore, Lengthy Key
Good for: households, campers, bird-watching, swimming, kayaking, mountaineering, isolation
Lengthy Key State Park is positioned on Lengthy Key, close to the city of Layton. Identified for its seclusion and pure magnificence, this seashore is a favourite amongst campers and people searching for solitude. The shallow, calm waters additionally make it a safer selection for households with younger youngsters.
Two good mountaineering trails supply further solace. State Park charges are $4.50 per individual or $5.50 per couple, $6.50 for 3, and a further $0.50 per individual, for as much as six individuals at $8. Tenting charges are $22.50 per evening plus tax (walk-in, tent solely).
Veterans Memorial Seashore, Little Duck Key
Good for: households, tenting, snorkeling, picnics, sunrises
Veterans Memorial Seashore is located on Little Duck Key, a small island simply north of Bahia Honda State Park. This seashore is well-suited for picnics and household outings with its pavilions and barbecue grills. The park additionally presents devoted areas for tenting, making it a success amongst outside fans.
With ample vegetation and some lazy palm bushes, and little or no to the east, this seashore makes a wonderful place to catch a Florida dawn. And for those who’re right here throughout low tide, you possibly can stroll to a sandbar about 100 yards off shore.
This public seashore is free to the general public.
Simonton Road Seashore, Key West
Good for: sunbathing, sunsets, downtown proximity
Simonton Road Seashore is a small, man-made seashore positioned in Key West. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Key West, this can be a excellent place to cease and take in the solar for a bit, and even take a swim!
As soon as a forgotten little space, the seashore has seen a revitalization in recent times with the addition of a concession stand the place guests can hire seashore chairs and umbrellas. The seashore is free to the general public.
Key Colony Seashore, Marathon
Good for: fishing, boating, households
Key Colony Seashore is a municipality positioned within the coronary heart of Marathon and can also be residence to the beforehand talked about Sundown Park Seashore. This lengthy seashore on the Atlantic aspect is gorgeous for boating and fishing, with a neighborhood park and many facilities close by for added leisure actions.
Lots of the houses on this space are Florida Keys trip residence leases that include personal seashores. Actions embody a 9-hole golf course, an array of out of doors sports activities, and a playground for the children.
Sandspur Seashore, Bahia Honda Key
Good for: solitude, tenting, picnicking, snorkeling
Sandspur Seashore is without doubt one of the wonderful seashores in Bahia Honda State Park. Identified for its smooth white sand, shallow glowing waters, and tall palm bushes, this can be a good spot for snorkeling. It feels much more distant than the opposite seashores within the state park, with views alongside the Atlantic coast.
At almost a mile lengthy, this seashore is doesn’t get as crowded as close by Calusa Seashore — however I nonetheless suggest arriving early.
Restrooms can be found close to the parking zone. The seashore additionally has tenting amenities for these keen on in a single day stays. A handful of them have ocean views so make sure to snag your spot of paradise. The state park day charge is $8 per car.
Florida Keys Seashores Map
Above, you’ll discover a map of the perfect seashores within the Florida Keys. Regardless of the place you’re primarily based, you’ll be capable to get your self to a superb seashore!
Extra on the Florida Keys:
Extra on Florida:
Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? What’s your favourite seashore? Share away!