
There are all the facilities you would expect, including a cafe, grills and picnic tables. Make sure you bring walking shoes with you! If snorkeling and Civil War castles aren’t enough for you, the park also has two trails to explore: the Sand Hog Trail and the Fort View Trail. A Civil War fort named after President Zachary Taylor can also be found in the park, complete with the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the country.

Groupers, dolphins, turtles, snappers, parrotfish, and lobsters can be seen in the water. This beach is great for snorkelers and divers and those with a love for history. Fort Zach isn’t one of the beaches with imported sand, so if you are a sunbather this beach is probably not for you.Ībout 2 miles from downtown, located at the Truman Annex on Southard Street, this beach sits within an 87-acre Florida state park. It has a natural coastline, is great for snorkeling and the sand is made up of coral rather than imported sand. Known by the locals as Fort Zach, most say this is the best of all Key West beaches. 10 Best Beaches In Key West (And Nearby!) Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach Some beaches are very family-friendly, some are just for you and your four-legged friend, some offer great water sports, while others are a sunbather’s paradise. The beaches in Key West are unique, all with a different vibe, and all worth a visit if you get a chance. Depending on where you are staying in Key West, you may have to drive from your hotel or vacation rental, but it wouldn’t be a long drive, as the island of Key West isn’t even 4 miles long! Of course, some hotels and resorts do have their own private beaches available only to guests. Many of the beaches in Key West are located on the southern edge of the island. (Some of the more natural beaches can still be a bit rocky, so bring appropriate footwear.) Despite the coral reefs mentioned above, tourism is so high in Key West, that many beaches have been modified for the utmost beach pleasure. However, if you’re visiting Key West, hitting the beach is definitely worth it. There are lots of things to do in Key West, including exploring its historic downtown, visiting Ernest Hemingway’s house, and catching sunset in Mallory Square. Key West is better known for its colorful houses, culture, and iconic dessert ( Key Lime pie) than its beaches. The short answer? Yes! It is an island city after all. The beaches in Key West are all unique, but all offer some beautiful sights.īefore you plan your trip, make sure to check out The Best Times To Visit The Keys where we break down each month and talk all things weather! Are There Beaches In Key West?

It’s a snorkeler’s paradise as the Keys are the site for America’s only living coral reef, the third-largest coral reef in the world. What you do get at Key West beaches are stunning sunsets, calm, blue waters, and tropical fish that often swim close to shore. Any waves that you might be expecting are generally stopped by the coral reef sitting 7 miles offshore. Most of the white sand you see is shipped in to replace the somewhat uncomfortable coral beaches.

Key West beaches are not long stretches of golden sand with waves crashing in, but rather Caribbean-style coral reef beaches! With their shallow, turquoise waters, the beaches on Key West are different than other Florida beaches. (It’s also the southernmost point of the Continental US.)

Stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico, Key West is (aptly named) the most western of Florida’s archipelago islands, the Keys. Are you looking for information on the best beaches in Key West, Florida? You’ve come to the right place!
