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Key West beaches aren’t that numerous — kind of funny, when you consider Key West is in Florida and is an island surrounded by water. You’d think there would be lots! Alas, it’s not so — but the ones they have are neat!
One of the best of the Key West beaches is Smathers Beach, where you can do just about anything. Feel like taking a parasail? Need to rent a chair and/or umbrella? Want to do some snorkeling? Maybe just plain people-watching — you can find it at Smathers.
Another one you might want to check out is Higgs Memorial Beach. This is another of the Key West Beaches where there is plenty to do and water toys to rent. And Higgs actually has some of the best snorkeling in Key West, although you do have to go out aways — the waters are shallow close to shore.
You can check out some more Key West beaches information, but meanwhile you might be wondering why this island doesn’t have much in the way of sand? For that answer, you have to look out to sea.
The only living coral reef in the continental United States lies offshore, and it’s that reef that prevents the beaches from getting a good foothold, like they do in more northern parts of the state. The reef prevents (mostly) the heavier surf from getting near the island — and the surf is what builds up the sand.
Now some (many?) of the Key West beaches are man-made — like the private beaches at the various resorts. And others are “nourished” from time to time with imported sand.
Still, if you’re in Key West, do take time to visit one or more of the beaches there. Smathers, Higgs, Fort Zachary Taylor and more await you!