Also it is worth knowing that like the majority of Of course, the Key West snorkeling experience will be best when the water is clear, so if its a windy or stormy day, with the sea bottom being stirred up, you might have to wait. Beach chairs can be rented on site, so you can sit on the soft sands and soak up the Florida sunshine. Take an evening trolley ride down the It is also the biggest beach on Key West. areas of parking They never worried us at all, but I am aware of other families that would have prefered for them to goelsewhere. Come on people what do you want to walk on? State License Fla. You can opt to stay at a Key West beach resort to enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, or choose to visit one of the public beaches for a while. And so it's notsurprisingthat it does seem toattractmore than a few homeless folk, who loiteraround the place, watching the world A Bed & Breakfast experience at The Avalon and Duval Gardens homes. No. "url": "https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/content/themes/base/img/sm-logo.png" Fort Zachary beach, Key West provides the ideal location for snorkelers even beginners as there is direct access from the shoreline. "https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/content/uploads/2019/06/somo-snorkel-5.jpg", As one of the Florida State Parks, plenty of amenities are provided including restrooms, showers, a picnic and BBQ area with grills. a jot of difference to you, although I have seen people moaning on forums about One of Key Wests last remaining free tourist attractions, the Garden Club is impressive for presenting nearly two acres of diverse and lovely ocean view botanical gardens. The cemetery features a memorial consisting of a series of pedestals adorned with African Adinkra symbols, topped with engraved bronze plaques, and set on a concrete base inset with a rendition of the slave trade route that brought the Africans to Key West. The park includes the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier. The county staff is currently working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the National Park Service to complete the final approvals necessary to begin construction. Be sure to bring water shoes along to explore the beachs rocky shoreline. Read More, This Caribbean-themed trip offers two bucket list items that Key West is famous for - atropical coral reef and amazing sunsets. Scuba divers have even discovered remnants from shipwrecks in this area, so you never know what treasures youll find near the Western Dry Rocks. So let's start with where Higgs Beach is, and then we will let you know about amenities, local restaurants and attractions in the area to pad your day out if you get fed up with the sand and stuff. majority of Key West where to be honest the parking is a nightmare, down at Higgs KEY POINTS: Howard England Way, 8am to sundown, state park entry fees apply. Learn more about rates, availability and Snorkeling at Fort Jefferson. Just to the east of Higgs Beach is the C. B. Harvey Park and Rest Beach. Some of these have a cafe, restaurant or bar on site, making a day trip with a long, lazy lunch an appealing prospect. As is Martello Tower, which is part of the Key West Garden Center and is a lovely place to get out of the Key West heat for a while. What Else Is There Around The Beach If I get Bored With Sand And Water? Serving food as well as drinks, Loggerheads also sells frozen cocktails that can be taken onto the sands or even into the water with you. the following, but this, And so it's notsurprisingthat it does seem toattractmore than a few homeless folk, who loiter. Hotel, The Key West Garden Club and the Key West Wildlife Rescue Center. This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily. Although the relationship between the beach and the flow of the tidal currents around Key West often causes waterborne debris both natural and manmade to wash up at Higgs, it is generally harmless and once you get offshore a bit and past it, visibility can be good. Conveniently located at the end of Southard Street on Truman Annex, the beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Service animals are also welcome at all Florida State Parks. But other than that, I would wait until I get home to wash away the day spent at Higgs Beach. "https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/content/uploads/2019/06/somo-snorkel-4.jpg", The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved a Master Plan renovation for the Park in January 2012. Its not uncommon to spot goliath grouper, stingrays with 8-foot wingspans and vibrant tropical fish here. "https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/content/uploads/2019/06/somo-snorkel-1.jpg", Simonton is a good place to take a dip in the sea, and you may even spot the likes of tropical fish or manatees while in the water. Check out this detailed snorkeling map for more information. Tranquil Rest Beach and the C. B. Harvey Park are worth strolling to while youre visiting Higgs Beach, and its a peaceful spot from which to see the sun rise over the Florida Keys. Newly renovated rooms & luxurious amenities in the heart of Old Town Key West. One of Keys Wests most popular bars is right here on site, so theres somewhere fun to go once the sun has disappeared over the horizon. From its clear turquoise waters to its beautiful sandy beaches and its tropical vegetation, Higgs Beach offers a Civil War Era Fort, Fort West Martello home of the Key West Garden Club that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a beachside caf, the African Refugee Memorial and burial site, and an AIDS memorial. Out around the end of the pier, there are many fish and the occasional stingray to see. looked after. Whether its a quick stop at Simonton beach in Key West while wandering around town or an all day trip to the beachfront in Key West to sunbathe or sample water sports, each of the best beaches in Key West Florida has something unique to offer. Although smaller than Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach in Key West is also in a convenient location. Being located at the end of lively Duval Street, South Beach is one of the most convenient in Key West, and also holds the honor of being the most southerly beach in the entire US. It is being funded by the one-cent infrastructure tax. Read More, The Sunset Watersports Dolphin watch triple combo is the best way to watch Dolphins, Snorkel the Key West tropical waters, and see the world famous Snorkeling is one of the key activities available at Fort Zachary Taylor on Key West, and the beach offers the easiest access to shore snorkeling on the island. "publisher": { Some of the most exciting animals at Rock Key include triggerfish, filefish, angelfish, sergeant majors and even loggerhead sea turtles. Smathers Beach, Key West is the prettiest and most tropical feeling beach on the island, with white sands and palm trees that sway in the ocean breeze. But it certainly has enough to worth mentioning, and of Is The Beach Actually Like. As its just 200 meters long, South Beach isnt really an all day kind of place, but its great for a quick pit stop between sightseeing or before heading on a Duval Street bar crawl. On the beach, a good selection of beach accessories is available for rent, including umbrellas, beach chairs, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Due to its size it often gets very busy, but is worth a visit to watch the sunset or admire the views toward Christmas Tree island. that is free in Key West, or even ways to beat the parking issues then simply The water is much clearer and free from debris, and its Read More, Experience 125 miles of amazing scenery on a tour down the Overseas Highway then spend an exciting afternoon riding a fun open-air trolley car around As the sand is really just coral that has broken down, its not comfortable to walk on, so you will need to bring beach shoes. "@type": "Organization", Activities available include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and a children's playground. click here. "headline": "A Casual Key West Snorkel Adventure", Dolphin Tours, Jet Ski Tours, Parasailing, Snorkel The Casa Marina Resort is just adjacent to the west end of the park. You can bring your own gear, or if you dont have any, you can rent it at Fort Zach. KEY POINTS: Atlantic Boulevard, dawn to 11pm, public beach. It is a fishing pier and a perfect place for young children to learn the sport as well as a good spot for wheelchair-accessible fishing. Another unique historical attraction at Higgs is the Key West African Refugee Cemetery. This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. If you are staying with us and want to head out for a snorkel adventure at South Beach, weve got great news free use of snorkel gear while visiting. Our personal favourites include Casa Marina and Pier House, and weve also outlined 9 other great options in our post on the best places to stay on the beach in Key West article. It is the location of the West Martello Fort, one of two Martello Towers that were constructed on Key West in the early 1860s to serve as side armories and batteries for Fort Zachary Taylor. The Wildlife Center and Garden Club will be expanded on Open bar Live Music But the fact that it isnt bona fide natural shouldnt make The Key West Garden Club offers free self-guided tours at Fort West Martello of the almost two acres of beautiful gardens. We always recommend using the buddy system swim with friends, never alone. The award winning Southernmost Beach Resort Key West is a simple, yet sophisticated resort in historic Old Town Key West, where Duval Street meets the Atlantic Ocean. Today we want to share some of the best snorkeling in Key West. being washed up. Just 70 miles from Key West, the Dry Tortugas National Park offers some of the most unforgettable snorkeling spots and fascinating marine life. For more information read our disclaimer here. Are Which is a delight for out of towners who are not used anywhere, especially a beach where you can be wet and sandy, is to keep on This beach is one of the most popular spots on Key West to watch the sunset, and during the day it is generally a peaceful and pleasant place offering kayak, chair and umbrella rental, picnic areas, volleyball nets, beach showers and restrooms. We spend as much time as possible searching for the best beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and fun in the sun! }, ], Read More, The hop-on hop-off trolley tour of Key West is a fantastic way to explore this historic island. For the little ones there is a kiddiesplaygroundacross the road, with swings, climbing frames and stuff which they will love. THE 6 BEST PUBLIC BEACHES ON THE KEY WEST, best places to stay on the beach in Key West, Check out all of our Florida Keys Guides HERE, $4.50 single passenger vehicle or motorcycle (Monroe County surcharge inclusive), $2.50 pedestrian/cyclist/extra passenger (Monroe County surcharge inclusive). Its also close to the famous buoy that marks the most southerly spot in the US. The Eastern Dry Rocks make up part of the worlds largest coral reef system at the Florida Straits. Read More, Enjoy an unforgettable morning or afternoon of sailing, kayaking and snorkeling in the pristine marine wilderness of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Snack vendors also sell drinks and food to visitors, and jet skis can also be rented. Higgs Beach is the public beach at Clarence Higgs Beach Park, a Monroe County Park. If you are really early in the morning, or very late There are offshore rock piles that function as artificial reefs and are always worth exploring. Like Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach stands out among Key West public beaches for offering an exceptional variety of activities, amenities, and interest points. Although most of the kidnapped Africans were returned to Africa, 295 died at Key West from illnesses and injuries caused by the brutal conditions of their captivity and transport. Avoid the crowds on this exciting snorkel safari adventure and captain your own speedboat through 28 A classic open-air beachside caf, Salute! These include popular stays such as the Barbary Beach House Key West and the Marriott Beachside Key West, and all our picks are right by the ocean. DISCLOSURE POLICY County-owned Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West and comprises approximately 16.5 acres of oceanfront vista. later, as good places to go to provide a little variation to your day. The sand replenishment is being funded through a Tourist Development (TDC) grant. Its only around a mile from downtown and is fairly close to the airport, which means there may be a bit of aircraft noise on occasion. Sunset Sip & Sail: Come see the legendary Key West Sunset on a Brand New Catamaran Sail Boat. A company has been hired for professional services in the relocation of the Higgs Beach Park access roadway. Higgs Beach is also a fantastic snorkeling spot if you dont want to travel out to the reef, so novice snorkelers can explore the shallow, tranquil waters at their own pace. In March 2015, the Board of County Commissioners voted to extend their services in order to address impacts to other park resources that will be affected by the roadway realignment including the existing racquetball court, the existing dog park, and connections to the West Martello Tower. DISCLAIMER The burial ground was marked and memorialized in 2001 after historical research revealed its existence. course visiting. Amazingly, the Marine Park, Pier, and historic sites merely scratch the surface of the attractions available at Higgs Beach. There are also several Key West attractions close to Higgs and Rest beaches. often see the tractors raking the beach to make it nice for that days visitors. Rum punch, lively reggae Read More, Beautiful Key West is surrounded by sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, making kayaking and dolphin watching the perfect way to spend a What The park features shallow waters around the South Swim Beach and North Swim Beach to ensure that everyone can enjoy the parks natural beauty. This seaside spot also boasts clear waters and coconut palms for that tropical feel. Your pooch can also go off-leash here, so its a great spot for some much-needed exercise. Higgs Beach is nowhere near as glamorous or well known The park hosts a large dog park with separate runs for small and large dogs. Search tours and activities with increased health and safety practices. Anothercoupleof things that maybeinterestingis the nearby. Key West Dolphin Watch Sunset Snorkel Cruise, Key West Original Watersports Adventure: Full-Day Snorkel, Jet Ski, Parasail, Banana Boat, Kayak (breakfast, lunch & drinks included), Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise, Key West Living Coral Reef Snorkel Adventure, Key West Schooner Appledore Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak, Key West Snuba (No Dive Certification Required), Key West Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour with FREE shuttle to location, Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option, Miami to Key West Day Trip with Trolley Tour. This one is a little different as you need to take a Ferry or Sea Plane to get there. This recreational space is accessible from the beaches and is bordered by offshore buoys that warn boaters it is a swimmers only area. This is one of the best Key West beaches for swimmers, snorkelers, divers and dog owners in particular, and its worth booking into Salute for lunch or dinner if you want to make a full day of it. Next up on our tour of Key West public beaches is Higgs Beach, a true all-in-one beach fun zone. The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is attractive, and theres an abundance of natural and historic attractions at the site. Fort Zachary Taylor (referred to by locals as Fort Zach) is one of our favorite beaches in Key West, and its also one of the best spots for snorkeling in Key West. This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations. To experience the best snorkeling at Cottrell Key, the wind conditions have to be just right. Because of the way the tides flow in this area of Key ABOUT Plan a beach day at Higgs, enjoy all it has to offer, and add it to your own list of favorite Key West beaches. Read More, Board the Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Cruise Key West for a journey to observe the beauty of Key West dolphins. The water is especially clear here due to the nearby blue water from the Gulf Stream. Higgs Beach is nowhere near as glamorous or, The beach can be found on the Atlantic side of things, which means its nearby neighbours on the map are the. If youre bringing or renting paddle boards or kayaks (available for rental at Higgs Beach), Rest Beach provides the ideal place to enter the water. "image": [ Close to town Simonton is also a dog friendly beach. We will cruise out to Key Wests best reef location, where you are welcome to jump in and Notary Services. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for a great view of Key West off in the distance. This project was approved by the Board of County Commissioners as part of the 2014 capital improvements plan. If you want to know more about other areas of parking "description": "Discover the reefs that fringe the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys are renowned for their beauty and diversity of life", More experienced snorkelers may prefer areas near the South Coaling Dock Ruins. At one end of the island there is the Gulf Of Mexico "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.southernmostbeachresort.com/blog/a-casual-key-west-snorkel-adventure/" Visitors can travel to the Dry Tortugas by the Yankee Freedom III ferry, seaplane, private boats or boat charters. to. Choose a guest room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, one with an island view, or stay poolside. certainly make your day more comfortable and interesting. the fact. When it comes to snorkeling, the weather does matter. There isnt a lot of sand or that much to do on, but it offers direct access to the water for paddle boarders and kayakers. Water sports equipment and fast food can also be obtained from the beach vendors. One of Floridas most popular attractions, the Conch Tour Train has been entertaining Later, ground-penetrating radar was used to discover more than 100 graves in the area, and the site was consecrated and enclosed on three sides with decorative fencing. Only a short walk from many of Key Wests most popular hotels, Higgs Beach is a local favorite. Read More, Envision yourself swimming freely among the vibrant fish of the Florida Keys during a Key West snorkeling tour. not unusual to see stingray amongst the plentiful fish. Read More, Your sailing and Key West snorkeling adventure begins as you board a state-of-the-art catamaran, part of the largest and most luxurious catamaran fleet in the Rock Key constitutes another section of the Florida Straits. We are including because it is a must see and do and one to add to your travel bucket list. an outside shower which you can use to clean of the dried sand that gets stuck beaches in Key West and the Florida Keys, Higgs Beach is not a natural beach as Smathers Beach, the two mile long strip of sandy loveliness along the Key If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But when the water is calm and clear, get with your family and friends, put on your masks and fins, and swim through Key Wests underwater front yard to experience all the amazing things that are happening under the sea! If youre looking for a dog beach on Key West Higgs is also the place to be, as theres a fenced-in park right by the sand with lots of grass for pets to run around on. "@context": "https://schema.org", "dateModified": "2021-07-13" Those who enjoy fishing will also appreciate the pier that is often used for this purpose. But get there early enough and you should be ok. Read More, Discover a different side of Key West as you explore a secluded paradise in the Florida Keys backcountry on this Island Adventure. Visitors can also take a led or self-guided tour of the Civil War fort or follow the Great Florida Birding Trail as well as going snorkeling, paddling, fishing, diving or swimming. This tranquil catamaran cruise provides easy snorkeling Higgs Beach also provides for beach creature comfort with well-maintained restrooms, a beach shower, picnic tables, grills, pavilions that can be rented for special occasions, and a police security presence. KEY POINTS: Atlantic Boulevard, 6am to 11pm, public beach. that is free in Key West. Sand Key is a sanctuary preservation area where youll spy a variety of wildlife as well as the historic Sand Key Lighthouse. PRIVACY POLICY The relaxing atmosphere, warm sand, great pier and occasional wild chickens make the beach a unique and memorable Key West attraction. your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkelers of all ages and levels. The breakwater is surrounded by extensive seagrass beds where Queen Conch, Key Wests mascot, can be found (they are a protected species, so dont touch!). We cant wait to see what you saw beneath the sea. Must see and do and add to your travel bucket list is a snorkeling adventure at the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park. Right by the Southernmost beach resort on Key West is little South Beach. Beyond being a magnet for Key West shore fishermen, because of the piers length, many people use it as a place to exercise, walk pets, or just stroll while enjoying amazing views out to sea and back towards shore. You have quite a few options if you do get bored with being at the beach. CONTACT. Bring the family and enjoy the underwater exploration and views of vibrant sea life, sea stars, and queen conchs along with many other marine life. The White Street Pier is also where the official Key West Independence Day celebrations take place, and it is the site of several other street fairs and special events throughout the year. Should you want more, we also outline the areas best accommodations that come with private beaches. If youre looking for the best beach in Key West, this guide will help you find the best option for you. These are reserved exclusively for guests use, so they can be less busy than the public beaches in Key West. "name": "Southernmost Beach Resort" go by or sleeping. Another highlight of the pier area is the Key West AIDS Memorial. Dive down to see awesome coral canyons, sharks and beautiful purple sea fans. A beach concessionaire offers beach items for rent including chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards, among others. further out by the pier. This is a great thing about the beach that unlike the Snorkelers often find that the inner areas of Sand Key and the north side near the lagoon are best for snorkeling, although the north side can be crowded during peak seasons.

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