Key West Beaches

Summary: Though not known for their selection of fine beaches, Key West beaches can still deliver with its own.

Are you looking for Key West Beaches? Hey, seriously –this is Florida Keys. There’s no shortage of beaches in Florida Keys. Though not known for their selection of fine beaches, Key West beaches can still deliver with its own.

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor is an 87 acre state park with a pre-Civil War Fort with a beachfront of the best Key West beaches. This beach is rocky, but beautiful. If you’re looking for pristine white sand you won’t find it in here. So what will you find in Fort Zachary Taylor? The turquoise warm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. You can snorkel right off shore on several rock reefs, watch cruise ships enter and exit the harbor, make forty winks on the beach under the trees, or observe the fishermen try their luck on the seawall. This sort of paradise, with its very natural setting exudes comfort, peace and beauty in every aspect.

Fort Zach, as the locals would call it is also a historical piece. Those into history dig the guided tours of the Fort, a National Historic Landmark since 1973. Completed in 1866, Fort Taylor played a pivotal role in protecting the nation's southeastern coastline during both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.

Showers, concession stands and beach chair rentals are available in the beach. The entrance is through Truman Annex at Southard Street. One piece of advice, bring your aqua shoes or a pair of flip flops. And don’t ever forget your snorkeling gear. Fort Zach may be stony but these limestones are home to dozens of fishes.

Fort Jefferson State Park Beach

Seldom can you merge history, snorkeling, and swimming into one adventure. But this Key West Beaches destination lets you do that. Approximately 90 miles from Key West is the fascinating and beautiful Fort Jefferson National Park in Dry Tortugas. To go there you can take the Dry Tortugas Ferry to one of the nicest beaches in the entire chain of Florida Keys. Most package is an entire day trip, includes breakfast and lunch, snorkeling gear, and a guided tour of the historic fort.
No matter which way you go, this is a beach that will rank up with the best you have ever seen. Nowhere can you find a fully underwater museum than in Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson. Did anyone say “sunken pirate treasure”?

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is a half mile stretch of man-made beach. Restrooms, parking, concession, chair rentals, bike paths, picnic tables, volleyball nets, water sports rentals are all available in Smathers Beach. Smathers Beach is the largest of the public Key West beaches. To get there take the South Roosevelt Blvd., from the Key West airport to Bertha Street.

Take the cue; don’t expect to be very private when going to Smathers. This public beach is filled to the rim with people. But don’t believe those rumors about catching infection. This beach is no different from the crowded beaches of California. All things considered, Key West beaches aren’t noted for being exceptional. But if you’re heading for Key West and included beach activities as one of your vacation highlights, then make this article your guide to the Key West beaches.