The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best beaches in florida keys"
Named by 8 of 91. Bahia Honda State ParkDescribed as the best beach in the Keys: 2.5 miles of white sand with water shallow enough to wade far out.The beach looks out on the historic bridge and the Overseas Highway bridge.
Named by 6 of 92. Fort Zachary Taylor State ParkClear water over a rocky bottom makes it a good beach for snorkeling and seeing live coral.It is the southernmost beach in the United States, in a park with a Civil War era fort.
Named by 6 of 93. Sombrero BeachA family beach with a small playground and shallow, calm water, near mile marker 50.A favorite with locals; many visitors do not know it is there.
Named by 5 of 94. Smathers BeachThe largest public beach in Key West, with about two miles of beach.The sand has to be imported, and the water is sometimes not very clear.
Named by 5 of 95. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkThe park is mostly about what is underwater; bring snorkel gear to snorkel from the small Cannon Beach.Nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reef and marine life.
Named by 3 of 96. Higgs BeachA classic beach with volleyball courts and kayak rentals.Has one of the best dog parks around.
Named by 3 of 97. Anne's BeachSandy and shallow for a long way out, with limited parking.Mangroves and a long boardwalk out over shallow water.
Named by 3 of 98. Curry Hammock State ParkA 1,200-foot beach that slopes to deeper water faster than most Keys beaches.A park for paddling, with a 1.5-mile loop around Little Crawl Key.
Named by 3 of 99. Harry Harris ParkA small man-made beach with a shallow lagoon that suits kids.Family-friendly, with a protected lagoon.
Named by 2 of 910. Long Key State ParkThe beach can be shallow for about 100 yards, depending on the tide.A favorite among campers.
Named by 2 of 911. Coco Plum BeachSmaller and quieter than Sombrero, with soft sand and calm water.A neighborhood park that rarely gets crowded, even in peak season.
12. Simonton BeachThe only public beach in downtown Key West, steps from Mallory Square.
13. South BeachAt the end of Duval Street, with a long pier for views.
14. Dog BeachThe only public beach in Key West that allows dogs without a leash.
15. Dry Tortugas National ParkPerhaps the most isolated destination in the US national park system.
16. Founders Park BeachA small beach in a park with tennis courts, a skate park, a pool and a marina.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Florida Keys.
Questions people ask
- What Florida key has the nicest beach?
- Bahia Honda Key, according to one tour guide, which says its beaches are hard to beat.
- Which beach in Key West has the clearest water?
- Fort Zachary Taylor, which the Sun Sentinel describes as having clear water over a rocky bottom.
- What is considered the prettiest beach in Florida?
- Bahia Honda was named the best beach in America in 1992 by Dr. Beach.
- Which beaches are swimmable in Key West?
- Fort Zachary Taylor has shallow, often calm water for swimming.
