Beaches & Parks
Key West is a two by four mile island surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The Florida Keys from the tip of the Florida Peninsula to Key West are protected by the reef to the south and Florida Bay to the north giving us calm waters with little surf. Several parks in and near Key West offer a chance to relax in a unique environment, and enjoy natural beauty.
Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling are ideal at most beaches in Key West. Lifeguards are not present at beaches, so swimming is at your own risk. Topless and nude bathing are illegal. Fishing is allowed off the piers at most beaches. Check fishing license requirements.
- FORT ZACHARY TAYLOR
An 87 acre state park with a pre-Civil War Fort. Wonderful sunset views. One of the best beaches in Key West, though a bit rocky. Public restrooms, food/drink kiosk, chair rentals, picnic tables and BBQ's. Admission charged. Entrance through Truman Annex at Southard Street. - SOUTH BEACH
A favorite of locals and closest to Travelers Palm. Nice sandy beach with shallow waters and a concrete pier. No restrooms or facilities, but there is a bar and restaurant at the beach. Lounge chair rentals available. Located at the end of Duval Street on the Atlantic Ocean. - DOG BEACH
A canine favorite though rocky and slippery. No restrooms or facilities. Located next to Louie's Backyard (Vernon and Waddell) - HIGG'S BEACH
Wide sandy beach with long wooden pier. Restroom facilities, covered picnic tables, full service restaurant, playground, chair rentals, rafts and watersports rentals. End of Reynold's Street. - REST BEACH
Soft sand and natural vegetation. Home of the White Street Pier where you can enjoy some great fishing. Wheelchair accessible. Yoga deck with nightly classes. Restrooms within walking distance. Picnic tables. White Street on Atlantic Ocean. - SMATHERS BEACH
Half mile stretch of sandy man-made beach. Restrooms, ample parking, concession stands, chair rentals, bike paths, picnic tables, volleyball nets, watersports rentals - jet skiiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. South Roosevelt Boulevard.
