Experts' Choice Award Smathers Beach
What the experts agree on
Key West's largest public beach delivers a mile of white sand with plenty of coconut palms and shade, plus water sports and amenities—but expect crowds, especially during spring break and weekends when wedding parties gather for photos.
“This wide beach has nearly 1 mile of nice white sand, plus beautiful coconut palms, picnic areas, and volleyball courts, all of which make it popular with the spring-break crowd.”
– Fodor's
Where "Across from Key West International Airport, Smathers is a long strip of sand that bustles with food vendors, water-sports concessions, and beautiful bods in itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny suits." Full review
U.S. News & World Report9.0
"The most bustling one on this island is Smathers Beach, which is particularly popular during spring break. Recent travelers say the beach is clean and peaceful, with plenty of shade and amenities." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Smathers Beach is the biggest public beach in Key West and, understandably, one of the most popular in the Keys"
10 Best Beaches in the Florida Keys
June 14, 2022
Lonely Planet "One of Key West's largest public beaches, Smathers is a pretty stretch of sand with a few palm trees providing shade." Full review
Travel + Leisure "One of Key West’s best-known beaches is also its largest...a popular spot for weddings, and weekends often lure these parties down to the water’s edge for photos, vows, and million-dollar views "
9 Best Beaches in Key West, Florida
June 10, 2023
Condé Nast Traveler "What kind of beach are we talking about here?The largest public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach is lined with palm trees that give it an idyllic, tropical vibe.Is it easy to get to?The..." Full review
Lonely Planet "Since Key West is completely surrounded by turquoise waters, many assume that they’ll find free beaches galore here. Yet the island’s most popular strand by far, Fort Zachary Taylor State..."
The best things you can do for free in Key West
March 11, 2021
Rough Guide "Smathers Beach is the most bustling beach on the island, particularly at weekends when it draws local windsurfers and parasailers. This one-mile stretch of powdery sand is also a popular..."
Lonely Planet "Anne's Beach in Islamorada, Sombrero Beach in Marathon and Smathers Beach in Key West are all beautiful places to spend the day. Some, such as Smathers, do require a small fee if you are..."
The top 10 free things to do in the Florida Keys
October 20, 2021
Condé Nast Traveler "The largest public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach is lined with palm trees that give it an idyllic, tropical vibe. It's got everything you need for a full day at the beach: food..."
