Trip Ideas Beach Vacations 10 Best Beaches in the Florida Keys These beautiful Florida Keys beaches are ideal for boating, snorkeling, swimming, and more. By Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Skye Sherman is a freelance travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida, a (rare) fourth-generation Floridian. After completing an internship at Palm Beach Illustrated and graduating from college in 2016, she dove into travel writing, testing the waters by growing her own blog and Instagram. Upon embarking on a six-month trip around the world as a digital nomad — and eventually diving into freelance writing full-time — she began writing for major publications, soon seeing her byline in USA Today, Atlas Obscura, Matador Network, The Epoch Times, and various other print and digital publications. Skye began writing for Travel + Leisure in 2018 (her first assignment was to break the news about Florida's Brightline train between Miami and Orlando and was due back the same day). She has written for a wide variety of print and digital publications, penning everything from cover stories on up-and-coming actresses to travelogues of cross-country train rides to the Palm Beaches' 30 Under 30 to breaking news. Before pursuing travel writing, she worked as the influencer marketing manager at Monq, a wellness company. She has also edited a handful of independently published books. Aside from traveling, she's also a private pilot, scuba diver, and self-proclaimed bookworm. She has visited 45 countries so far and hopes to visit all 195 during her lifetime. When she's not writing, she's probably watching a documentary or laying in the sunshine reading a thriller. * 10+ years of experience working as an editor * 5+ years of experience working as a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle topics * 5+ years of experience in SEO and content strategy * Former contributing editor at Palm Beach Illustrated (print) * Essay accepted for presentation at Sigma Tau Delta 2015 Convention * Named Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges in 2014 * Ongoing supporter of Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County * Received a bachelor's degree in English from Palm Beach Atlantic University, with a minor in psychology Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on June 14, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images There are few domestic destinations dreamier than the Florida Keys. This breezy, sun-soaked archipelago is the very picture of a tropical retreat, with palm trees, clear blue waters, colorful kitsch, and a laid-back lifestyle that's practically foreign on the mainland. However, there's one major vacation component missing from the overall Florida Keys schema: the beach. The idea that the destination is full of sandy stretches is a misconception; instead, the MO here is boating, snorkeling, and diving, not hitting the beach. Still, there are a few spots where you can clock in some time on the sand. Here are the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Sunset Park Beach Life's all about the simple pleasures. It's not an abundance of amenities that makes Sunset Park Beach special — you'll only see a few benches, tables, and bathrooms here — but what you will find is a nightly sunset spectacular. Located in Key Colony Beach, this beach is an ideal spot to relax and close out another day in paradise. Dry Tortugas National Park Boogich/Getty Images A national park may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Florida Keys vacation, but you won't want to miss Dry Tortugas National Park. It's 99% underwater, which means the beaches it does have across its seven islands provide a stunning contrast between the pristine turquoise of the ocean and the sun-bleached white of the sand. The park is only accessible by seaplane or ferry, so you'll need to camp if you want more than a day trip to this gorgeous spot. The Beach at Little Palm Island Courtesy of Little Palm Island This beach isn't open to the public, but it's one of the best in the Keys (think Swiss Family Robinson vibes, but make it luxe). Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the U.S., and its poolside beach is one of the hot spots (though you'll likely have it all to yourself). Smathers Beach LUNAMARINA/Getty Images Smathers Beach is the biggest public beach in Key West and, understandably, one of the most popular in the Keys. In addition to sunning, you can play volleyball on the sand or try water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. There are also food trucks nearby where you can grab a snack. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Tony Arruza/Getty Images While John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is best known for its under-the-sea attractions — it's home to the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, beautiful coral reefs, and plentiful marine life — landlubbers will find a lot to love here, too. There are quiet, hidden beaches where you can relax in peace, and its Key Largo location means you don't have to drive all the way south to Key West to enjoy the beach. The Beach at Isla Bella Beach Resort Douglas Friedman/Courtesy of Isla Bella Beach Resort Another Florida Keys beach open to hotel guests only, the sandy stretch at Isla Bella Beach Resort is worth checking in for. Because beaches in the Florida Keys are a rarity, the 24-acre stretch at Isla Bella is a major draw. Guests can rest in any of the numerous lounge chairs lining the coral-specked sand, eat at the outdoor Beach Bar, or relax in one of the five sparkling pools. Calusa Beach Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images Calusa Beach is another popular option in the Keys. Located within Bahia Honda State Park, between Big Pine Key and Marathon, it's about halfway down the 180-mile Florida Keys archipelago. It's on the Gulf side, which means its waters are sheltered and calm (perfect for families with children), plus there's ample parking and covered areas for picnicking. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there's an offshore coral reef for snorkeling. Sombrero Beach Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images Located in Marathon, Sombrero Beach has everything you want — swaying palm trees, white sand, and beautiful water in varying shades of blue — and some you didn't know you needed, including picnic pavilions, volleyball nets, a pier, restrooms, and public showers. You can even snorkel here, so it's a great spot for the adventurous and languorous alike. Just watch where you step from April through October — that's nesting season for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and this beach is one of their favorites, too. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach Susanne Neumann/Getty Images Located in southern Key West, this sun-soaked spot puts you halfway to the Caribbean. Here, you can picnic, swim, snorkel, paddle, fish, and even squeeze in a little history: Fort Taylor, a National Historic Monument, predates the Civil War and is worth checking out, especially on the third weekend of each month, when you can catch historical reenactments. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sundown, and admission costs $6 per vehicle. Higgs Beach Matthew T. Carroll/Getty Images Another Key West favorite, Higgs Beach has a cafe and some strikingly clear water. Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball are all options here, and there's also a beachside playground for kids. Beach accessories like chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards are also available for rent. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit