The best public swimming beaches on mainland Key West are Fort Zachary Taylor, Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach; resorts such as the Casa Marina Resort or Southernmost Beach Resort also offer private access to swimming beaches.
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Far and away the best beach in Key West for a refreshing swim and snorkel (thanks to its relatively deep waters), the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, on the southwest tip of the island, is considered one of the top beaches in all of the Florida Keys.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park BeachLocated at the southern tip of Key West, this sun-soaked spot is the ultimate place for a picnic, swim, snorkel, or paddle. And while you're at it, you can squeeze in a little history.
Runoff and spills have periodically resulted in high levels of fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria in the Florida Keys, resulting in swimming advisories for nearshore waters and beaches.
Sombrero Beach, MarathonSombrero ranks at the top of the list of best beaches in the Florida Keys. In fact, in 2023 Sombrero was the only South Florida beach to make the “best beaches in the US” list on TripAdvisor.
The Florida Keys have a year-round swimming season from January to December. The water temperature in the Florida Keys does not fall below 68°F throughout those months, making swimming enjoyable.
A: The drive to Key West takes approximately 4 hours from Miami. The distance is 159 Miles (256 KM). Driving the Overseas Highway is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will see some of the most spectacular scenery in the State.
Our shores have shallow waters often resulting in sandbars, so the sun can reflect off the white sea floors and the surrounding microscopic plankton, which creates the gradient effect of clear-to-emerald-to azure-to-navy waters as you progress further out into the Gulf.
Key West is a great destination filled with culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Whether it's relaxing on a beach or exploring historical landmarks such as Fort Zachary Taylor, you will never get bored in Key West.
If you're looking for the quintessential Florida Keys experience - Key Largo is your best bet. If you're looking for eclectic entertainment, spirited bars, and parties that roll all night long - Key West is certainly for you.
Calusa Beach is found on the gulf side of the Bahia Honda State Park, which is found between Big Pine Key and Marathon. With its sheltered nature, the beach exudes serenity with its gently lapping waves and calm, glistening waters. Because of this, Calusa Beach is ideal for families with young children.
The Florida Keys have a year-round swimming season from January to December. The water temperature in Florida Keys does not fall below 68°F throughout those months, making swimming enjoyable.