Smathers Beach

The largest public beach in Key West is about a half-mile long. Smathers sits along the Atlantic side on South Roosevelt Boulevard, maintained by the city with seasonal refreshing of the sand. It’s actually pretty nice except for when sargassum is prevalent… but hey, that’s what Duval street and other water activities are for? You find volleyball nets, showers, restrooms, waterports and beach vendors of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs. Smathers Beach has metered parking at about $6/hr.

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach

Higgs Beach is a bit more relaxed, with shade, a pier, shaded playground for kids and a Cafe called SaluteOnTheBeach with sand volleyball and showers nearby. Across the street is a tennis court for lessons or competitive play and additional amenities such as handball courts, dog park and an additional playground for the kiddos. There is a decent amount of free parking along the Higgs beachfront, near cafe and near tennis, pickle ball courts. If you’re looking for a more family-friendly setting with shade and a bit more variety playground, dog-friendly, Higgs is a good choice.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach

Vehicle fee of about $7. Atlantic facing with pine trees, rocky barriers for snorkeling, and a moderately sized beach that sits inside a historic state park with the old fort ruins. It’s a high-quality beach experience including snorkeling, shaded picnic areas, coal grills, a cafe with restroom area and nature trails. Lot’s of parking. You can learn more here on the Fort Zachary Taylor beach website.

Simonton Beach

The beach sits at the end of Simonton Street, on the Gulf side of downtown Key West. If you’re staying “in town” and don’t want to drive or take a long shuttle, this is a very accessible option. Unlike large stretch-beaches it’s more intimate. Some sources describe it as “a soft sandy spot to sit by the water” though “tiny”. If you want something low-key rather than big resort style, this is a good pick. Simonton Beach has a restroom at the beach cafe and also a sandy boat ramp and pier where we can pick you up for one of our famous tours to sandbars, sunsets or even fishing. You’ll also find Lagerheads Cafe right on the beach side (for drinks, snacks). Because it’s so close to downtown, you can drop in for a swim or lounge, then easily shift gears to exploring nearby shops/restaurants without spending much time traveling.

Tips for planning & parking in Key West in general

  • Parking in downtown / Old Town Key West is mostly paid parking. Free spots are rare and many are marked “Resident” (not for visitors).

  • It’s smart to arrive early at beaches that have limited parking (especially Fort Zachary Taylor).

  • Always check signage to ensure you’re in a valid lot (avoid “Residential Permit Only” spots).

  • Consider alternative transportation (bike, scooter, trolley) if staying nearby to avoid the stress of parking.