The 10 best beaches in the Florida Keys

11.01.2025 - 20:25 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 11, 2025 • 7 min read

Serving up 125 miles of diverse island beauty, the Florida Keys offer a seemingly endless supply of turquoise waters, pristine white sands and outdoor adventures. Experiencing a lush subtropical climate and year-round warmth might seem out of reach within the continental United States, but thanks to the road that runs almost to the tip of the archipelago, it’s closer than you think.

Stretching from Key Largo to Key West and beyond, there are around 800 keys to explore, and many are connected to mainland Florida by the Overseas Highway. So load up the car, pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and check out our list of best beach getaways in the Florida Keys.

Best beach for birdwatching and activities

One of the biggest gems on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park teems with wildlife and offers great opportunities for birdwatching. Nestled between Big Pine Key and Marathon, the park is home to species such as wood warblers, great white herons and sandpipers; it's a haven for both birds and nature enthusiasts.

For prime views of the park's feathered residents, head over to the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. While no longer in use, this partially accessible steel bridge extends over the water, providing breathtaking vistas of the park's natural beauty.

In addition to birdwatching, Bahia Honda State Park offers a wide array of beachside activities. Visitors can rent kayaks, embark on snorkeling tours and explore nature trails right beside the shore. The park’s science center adds a touch of discovery, with staff on hand to educate visitors about local marine life such as stone crabs and comb jellies.

Planning Tip: To make the most of the experience, stay at one of the park's three campgrounds, with toilet and shower blocks, tent spaces and hookups for RVs. 

Best beach for history lovers

History enthusiasts visiting Key West on the third weekend of the month are in for a treat at this sandy spot. Located at the island’s southwest tip, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park hosts monthly Civil War reenactments, bringing to life the fort’s role as a Union stronghold.

Year-round, visitors can explore this fort from the mid-1800s on guided tours that highlight its history in the Civil War and Spanish-American War, and view an impressive collection of seaside cannons and artillery. The park also has Key West’s best beach, with white sands, calm waters ideal for swimming and vibrant tropical fish beneath the waves.

Parts of the shore can be rocky, so water shoes make wading easier. The beach is also a serene alternative to Mallory Square for watching the sunset, though the park closes immediately after the sun dips below the horizon. Accessing the beach requires a short 10-minute walk from