You can also swim and enjoy other water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear, clean water inhabited by tropical fish.
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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.
Calusa BeachIt's located within Bahia Honda State Park, between Big Pine Key and Marathon, on the Gulf side, which means its waters are sheltered and calm. The gentle Gulf is great for families with children who want to swim. Plus, Calusa Beach has ample parking and covered areas for picnicking.
You can also swim and enjoy other water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear, clean water inhabited by tropical fish.
Lemon sharks get their name from their pale yellow coloring and are one of the species that is most abundant in the Florida Keys, as these are their native waters. They prefer shallow waters and are often seen on the flats, reefs, and even venturing into fresh waters at times.
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.
One of Key West's best-known beaches is also its largest. Located on the south coast of the island, Smathers Beach is a half-mile long and is one of four main beaches in Key West proper.
Be Aware of Rip Currents. Rip Currents are very common on the East Coast of Central Florida. Those that are unaware of the rip current environment can get into trouble quickly, and often without warning. Waves and currents can knock you off your feet even in knee-deep water.
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.
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.
Nyad completed the 110-mile swim from Havana to Key West, through the jellyfish-and shark-infested waters of the Straits of Florida, in approximately 53 hours. Born on August 22, 1949, in New York City, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nyad was a champion swimmer in high school.
In general, you do not need a car while in Key West. The island is small, only 4-miles wide by 2-miles wide, and the historic quarter known as Old Town is all within a 1-mile radius. Taxis, ride-sharing services, bicycles, walking, and city buses are plentiful and a convenient way to get around.
Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Key West. There are plenty of reasons why Key West is the most popular destination in the Keys. With everything from gorgeous historical buildings (like Hemingway's Home) to bumping nightlife and great food, a stop here is a no-brainer.