8 of The Best Beaches in The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. They’re known as a destination for fishing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. But the main thing that the Florida Keys are known for is having some of the most amazing beaches in Florida and by extension the world.

1) Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key has been noted as the home of America’s greatest beach by Dr. Beach, although it offers two dazzling stretches, Calusa and Sandspur along with unrivaled snorkeling offshore. Enjoy the clear shallow water that makes it one of the best snorkeling spots where you can snorkel right from the beach to view abundant marine life. It’s a popular spot for photographers and you will often see wedding parties taking snap sots of their beautiful day with the sand sea providing the backdrop. 

2) Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is located in Dry Tortugas National Park and is the country’s most remote national park. While it is part of Key West, Fort Jefferson can only be accessed by Ferry since it is some 70 miles west of the mainland. It is the ultimate getaway for a day trip with its powder sand beaches and majestic views. Fort Jefferson is a must-see on your next visit to the Florida keys. 

3) Fort Zachary

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West. It hosts the city’s favorite beach at its southern end, making it ideal for those activities along with paddling, fishing and picnicking. The top destination in the Florida Keys is also popular among history buffs, home to a 19th-century fort used to defend the country’s coastline during the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Today, it features the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the nation.

4) Long Key State Park

Located smack in the middle of the Florida Keys’ this paradise is one of Florida’s most picturesque parks. It boasts one of the Keys’ longest stretches of beach and is known as one of the best places to kayak, swim, hike, and go wildlife watching in the Florida Keys. Bird lovers, be sure to pack your cameras and binoculars as you are likely to see one of the most diverse in the country including herons, terns, and egrets.

5) Sombrero Beach

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and if you want to do just that then Sombrero is the place for you. Located near Mile Marker 50 in Marathon, Sombrero Beach is often empty during the off-season, and rarely too crowded during the busier times of the year. Making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle. It is also a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles so be on the lookout for these amniotes.

6) Smathers Beach

One of the most popular destinations for families in The Keys is Smathers Beach on Key West. Being over two miles long, this pristine beach provides an abundance of white sands for all sorts of activities or just for relaxing with a breathtaking view. Smathers Beach is also a food lovers paradise, with a wide range of eateries nearby to enjoy breaks from the Florida sun while feeding your appetite. Families can engage in everything from sunset sails to kayaking, parasailing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

7) Founders Park 

 Founders Park is located in Islamorada, about halfway down the island chain. The park offers a beautiful palm-lined beach that’s great for families, with snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking all available here. Plop down your beach chairs and enjoy relaxing in the sun, picnicking, and even a yoga class on the sand during certain seasons. The kids will appreciate the pirate ship-themed playground where they can walk the plank while parents enjoy the water in the shallow bay. The park hosts multiple other amenities too, including a pool with a splash pad, a dog park, and a marina.

8) Coco Plum Beach 

Located on the Atlantic in Marathon, Coco Plum Beach boasts one of the Florida Keys’ rare natural stretches of soft white sands that lie adjacent to an area of wetlands. Sea turtles nest here providing great wildlife watching, and there’s plenty of room which means it rarely feels crowded. It’s also long enough for enjoying romantic strolls that are even better at sunset, with an orange glow over the ocean providing a truly magical backdrop

Why Move to The Florida Keys

When thinking of reasons to move to the Florida Keys, great fishing is defiantly up there with great weather and wonderful beaches. Fishing is open year-round and accessible from boat or land. If you’re looking for a great home in the Florida Keys check out our list of beautiful homes in the fishing paradise that is the Florida Keys. Check out our inventory of available Florida Keys houses for sale and contact us here or call 3053996297 to set up a viewing today.