Smathers Beach
Key West's largest public beach, offering free parking, water sports, and a relaxed vibe perfect for families and budget travelers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Smathers Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Key West's largest public beach, offering free parking, water sports, and a relaxed vibe perfect for families and budget travelers.
"Ample free parking and miles of sand make Smathers Beach a convenient and enjoyable Key West escape."
🌊 Watch for Seaweed
Summer months can bring seaweed; visit off-season for clearer water. Ocean shoes recommended .
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Plenty of free parking available, a rare find in Key West!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Miles of soft sand perfect for lounging, walking, and soaking up the Florida sun.

Water Sports Rentals
Various rental kiosks
Rent jet skis, kayaks, chairs, and umbrellas for a fun-filled day on the water.

Volleyball Courts
Designated beach areas
Friendly games and casual matches make for active beach fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Seaweed
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Watch for Seaweed
Summer months can bring seaweed; visit off-season for clearer water. Ocean shoes recommended.
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Plenty of free parking available, a rare find in Key West!
Smathers beach and other vacation related questions
☀️ Rental Deals
Score half-price rentals for chairs and umbrellas after 2 PM.
👟 Beach Shoes Advised
The sand is great, but rocks can be present; water shoes are a good idea.
Smathers Beach- nearby food rec
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Watch for Seaweed
Summer months can bring seaweed; visit off-season for clearer water. Ocean shoes recommended.
🚗 Free Parking Perks
Plenty of free parking available, a rare find in Key West!
☀️ Rental Deals
Score half-price rentals for chairs and umbrellas after 2 PM.
👟 Beach Shoes Advised
The sand is great, but rocks can be present; water shoes are a good idea.
🚰 Restroom Check
Restrooms are available but may close early in the evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smathers Beach is praised for its ample free parking and long sandy shores, offering a relaxed atmosphere and water sports opportunities. While some visitors note seasonal seaweed issues and potential rocks, the beach is generally considered a good, family-friendly option in Key West, especially for those seeking convenience and value.
"Nice beach. They were cleaning up the seaweed when we got there. The storms really brought it to shore. Sandy beaches. I think the water would have been prettier if not for the storms. Plenty of parking. There was a rental area for kayaks, tubes, chairs, and loungers. Not really busy. We enjoyed it."
Kathy Iadonisi
"Last day adventures in Key West, FL. Went to Smathers Beach. Parking is plentiful, but there maybe some luck involved depending on date/time when you come to the beach. We got lucky today, and it was awesome. The beach is super clean, quiet and family friendly. I was able to get chairs and umbrella rented for 1/2 price since we came after 2:00 p.m. Today was windy, but it was still a great day on a beach. There was food for purchase, and the vendors took credit cards which was perfect. The bathroom was clean, and the beach was just as clean."
John Smith III
"Easy beach access. Lots of parking. Restrooms were closed at the end of the day -early evening hours. Had a few different shower areas at each beach entrance/exit. Did see a lifeguard that was closing up his station - this was around 5pm.
There are lots of picnic tables and seating by the parking area.
A section of the water that was close to the shore had a dip in the sea level...so be mindful, especially with kids.
Can play beach volleyball.
Huge long stretch of sand to stretch out between people.
Great for kids, families- and everyone."
Shawna L.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smathers Beach is conveniently located less than a mile from the Key West airport, making it walkable.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available and can take you anywhere on the island for around $20.Yes, Smathers Beach offers ample free parking, which is a significant advantage in Key West.
However, depending on the day and time, finding a spot might require some luck.Absolutely! It's walkable from the airport and easily accessible via Uber or other ride-sharing services. Many visitors find it convenient to use these options for getting around Key West.
Smathers Beach boasts plentiful free parking spaces along its length, making it a convenient choice for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, Smathers Beach is an excellent choice for a day trip from the Key West airport due to its proximity and ease of access. You can easily spend a few hours relaxing or enjoying water sports.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Smathers Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free.
Smathers Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, facilities like restrooms may have earlier closing times, especially in the early evening.
No tickets are required to enter Smathers Beach. It's a public beach open to everyone.
While generally open, be mindful of potential seaweed issues during summer months.
Also, be aware of a shallow dip near the shore, especially with children.Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Smathers Beach. There are also vendors on-site offering food for purchase.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Smathers Beach offers a variety of activities including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports rentals like jet skis and kayaks.
Yes, Smathers Beach has permanent restrooms and shower areas available at various beach entrances.
However, they may close in the early evening.Yes, you can rent chairs, umbrellas, tubes, and loungers from rental kiosks on the beach. Visitors can often get half-price rentals after 2 PM.
Smathers Beach is considered family-friendly, with a long stretch of sand and shallow areas near the shore. However, parents should be mindful of a dip in the sea level close to the shore.
The water at Smathers Beach is generally calm and easy to wade in. However, during summer months, seaweed can be present, affecting clarity and smell.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are vendors on-site at Smathers Beach offering food for purchase. Many vendors accept credit cards.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic and snacks to enjoy on the beach.
Vendors typically offer beach-appropriate snacks and light meals. Some may offer Cuban-inspired options, reflecting Key West's culinary scene.
While Smathers Beach has on-site vendors, more dining options are available a short Uber ride away in the heart of Key West. Paradise Cafe is a local favorite for Cuban breakfast.
Yes, there are picnic tables available by the parking area, making it a great spot for a picnic lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer beautiful lighting. Weekdays also provide fewer people for unobstructed shots.
The long stretch of sand, the palm trees lining the beach, and the water sports rentals offer great photo opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local Key West ordinances before flying a drone over Smathers Beach.
Expect wide sandy beaches, clear blue waters (weather permitting), and lush palm trees, creating a classic tropical paradise backdrop.
The vibrant colors of the jet skis and kayaks against the blue water, or capturing people enjoying beach volleyball, can make for dynamic photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
☀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports & Activities
When planning your water sports, consider the time of day. Visiting after 2 PM can sometimes unlock half-price deals on rentals, making it a budget-friendly option. Always check with the rental providers about safety guidelines and any specific conditions of the water, especially if you're new to certain activities. The variety of options ensures there's something for every type of beachgoer, from thrill-seekers to those simply looking to unwind.
Navigating Smathers Beach: Parking & Amenities
Beyond parking, Smathers Beach is equipped with essential amenities. You'll find permanent restrooms and shower areas at various beach entrances, which are crucial for rinsing off sand and saltwater after a day of fun. However, it's important to note that these facilities may have earlier closing times, often around early evening, so plan accordingly. The presence of picnic tables near the parking area also makes it convenient for visitors to enjoy a packed lunch or snack.
Best Times to Visit & What to Expect
It's important to be aware of the seaweed situation, which can be more pronounced during the summer months. This can sometimes affect the water's clarity and create an odor. For this reason, many visitors find the fall and winter months to be particularly pleasant, offering comfortable temperatures and generally cleaner waters. Regardless of when you visit, remember that the sand is soft and the water is typically easy to wade in, making it a good choice for families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit