Higgs Beach
A historic Key West beach with a memorial pier, offering sunset views and a poignant African slave cemetery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Higgs Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Key West beach with a memorial pier, offering sunset views and a poignant African slave cemetery.
"It was good to visit it to say we went. But not for anyone with any kind of leg issues."
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Rocky shoreline requires water shoes for safe entry and exit.
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash cans available; be prepared to take all your waste with you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Higgs Beach Memorial Pier
Extends over the water
Stroll out over the Atlantic for ocean views or access deeper water past the shoreline seaweed.
African Slave Cemetery
Near the beach
A poignant historical site documenting the lives of enslaved Africans.
Sunset Views
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Rocky Shoreline
Respecting the History and Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Rocky shoreline requires water shoes for safe entry and exit.
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash cans available; be prepared to take all your waste with you.
🚫 No Adult Beverages
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on Higgs Beach.
🐢 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marine life, including turtles!
What is the best beach in Key West? Not private Hotel beaches but public beaches. And why do you like them? Is there any parking near by that beach? Thanks for your help!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Essential
Rocky shoreline requires water shoes for safe entry and exit.
🗑️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash cans available; be prepared to take all your waste with you.
🚫 No Adult Beverages
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on Higgs Beach.
🐢 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marine life, including turtles!
🐠 Snorkeling Potential
Ruins of the old pier offer some snorkeling opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Higgs Beach is appreciated for its convenient parking, pier access, and historical significance, offering a pleasant atmosphere with occasional live music. However, visitors often note the challenging rocky shoreline requiring water shoes, potential for seaweed, and the inconvenience of no trash cans.
"Plenty of parking and convenient facilities, including clean bathrooms and a small restaurant for quick bites. There’s also a pier, which is great if you want to head out over the water without swimming. Overall, it’s a nice spot to relax, though the water isn’t very clear due to some sediment."
Yong Choi
"It was good to visit it to say we went. But not for anyone with any kind of leg issues. (I use a cane) The beach is steep, due to them needing to ship sand in from The Bahamas. Because you are in a Key (land made from coral and shells) and not an island. And once you get down the beach, you have to get through the shell and coral. Water shoes are a MUST HAVE!
What you bring in, you have to take out with you, there are NO trash cans. Plenty of picnic tables, free to use, and you can rent a beach umbrella and chairs. They also have a pavilion you can a sit under as well as a concession stand for munchies and water/soda. But remember, no trash cans, so if you get a hotdog and drink, you’re taking that trash with you. Also, you are not allowed to have adult beverages, at all."
Robb Holland
"This beach was okay. There are alot of rocks right along the shore where you walk in (you cant avoid it), we almost fell every time getting in and out perhaps because the waves were kind of strong that day and there was also a steep dip in the water along the rocks/shore. The water was nice and it was very clean. The stairway to get to that pier was super slippery due to the algae so be careful. One really cool thing was that although the beach is small.there was an umbrella and chair service there for cheap, you could rent all day until 5pm. There were some beautiful palm and coconut trees and there was a restaurant with clean bathrooms right next to it. It was also very lively but not too loud, people playing volleyball and some people playing an instrument on the sand, it was pleasant. It was nice for my hubby and I to relax and drink but I would not bring my kids here and if we had a car I might go to another beach because of the rocky shoreline."
Jessica Velez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Higgs Beach is accessible by car, bike, or public transport in Key West. There is ample parking available, though it can fill up during peak times. Many visitors arrive by bicycle, as it's a popular mode of transport in Key West.
Yes, Higgs Beach offers plenty of parking, which is a significant plus in Key West. It's generally considered convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Biking is a fantastic way to reach Higgs Beach. There are usually bike racks available, making it a convenient option for exploring Key West.
Key West has a public bus system that may service routes near Higgs Beach. It's advisable to check the local transit authority's schedule for the most up-to-date information on routes and stops.
Higgs Beach is located on the southern side of Key West, making it relatively easy to find. Using a GPS or map app will guide you directly to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Higgs Beach is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for beach access. Parking may have associated fees depending on the time of year and day.
Higgs Beach Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. The pier and facilities like restrooms and the restaurant usually follow similar hours, but it's best to confirm locally if you have specific timing needs.
No, tickets are not required for Higgs Beach as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
The main restrictions include no adult beverages allowed and the requirement to pack out all trash. Respect for the historical cemetery is also paramount.
Yes, the Higgs Beach Memorial Pier is accessible to the public and offers great views and a way to get over the water.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the sand, swim (with caution due to rocks), walk the pier, and explore the historical cemetery. Volleyball and casual music are sometimes present, creating a lively atmosphere.
Swimming can be challenging due to the rocky shoreline and potential for strong waves. Water shoes are highly recommended. The water clarity can also be affected by sediment.
Some visitors report decent snorkeling around the ruins of the old pier, especially for seeing fish. Accessing deeper water past the seaweed might be necessary for better reef visibility.
Yes, there are clean restrooms available. Outdoor foot showers might be limited or not present, so be prepared for that.
Facilities include restrooms, a small restaurant for snacks, picnic tables, and umbrella/chair rentals. Remember to bring your own trash bags.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small restaurant on-site offering snacks, water, and soda. For more substantial meals, you might want to explore dining options outside the park.
You can bring your own food, but remember there are no trash cans, so you must take all your waste with you. Adult beverages are not allowed.
Yes, Higgs Beach has plenty of picnic tables available for free use, making it a good spot for a beach picnic.
The restaurant typically offers quick bites like hot dogs and drinks, suitable for a casual snack while enjoying the beach.
Key West has numerous restaurants within a short drive or bike ride from Higgs Beach, offering a wide range of culinary options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunset shots, the unique architecture of the pier, and the historical cemetery. The palm and coconut trees also add to the scenic beauty.
Absolutely! Higgs Beach is renowned for its beautiful sunsets, offering vibrant colors and picturesque views over the water.
Yes, keep an eye out for marine life like turtles and fish, which can make for exciting wildlife photography opportunities.
Late afternoon leading into sunset provides the best light for photography. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and the historical significance of the cemetery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should also be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty, and the water depth can increase rapidly near the shore. The absence of trash cans means you'll need to manage all your family's waste. However, the pier offers a way to get over the water, and the lively but not overly loud atmosphere can be pleasant.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to avoid costs at the on-site restaurant, but remember the 'pack it in, pack it out' rule. The historical significance of the cemetery also offers a free cultural experience.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Be prepared for the rocky entry and bring water shoes. The pier provides a nice vantage point, and the historical cemetery offers a brief but meaningful cultural stop. Remember to pack light and be ready to take all your trash with you when you depart.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Rocky Shoreline
While the water clarity can sometimes be affected by sediment, the presence of rocks and ruins can create microhabitats for marine life. The ruins of the old swimming pier, in particular, are noted as a spot where snorkelers might encounter fish. Accessing deeper water past the shoreline seaweed, potentially via the stairs off the pier, is sometimes recommended for better snorkeling.
The Historical Significance of Higgs Beach
While the cemetery itself is a monument, the beach's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Key West's past. Understanding this context enriches the visitor experience, reminding us of the diverse stories that have shaped the island. The presence of this historical site underscores the importance of responsible tourism and respecting cultural heritage.
Navigating Higgs Beach Facilities and Rules
However, visitors should be aware of a few key rules. Firstly, adult beverages are strictly prohibited on the beach. Secondly, and importantly, there are no trash cans on site. This means visitors are expected to pack out everything they bring in, including all waste. This 'leave no trace' policy is vital for maintaining the beach's cleanliness and preserving its natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit