Smathers Beach
Half-mile of soft sand, jet skis, and the bluest water on the island.
Smathers is Key West's biggest public beach — a half-mile crescent on the south side. It's where jet skis and parasails launch, where spring breakers post up, and where locals come on lazy afternoons because you can park your car ten feet from the sand. Calmer water than the Atlantic side of most islands; turquoise on a sunny day.
The food trucks pull up by mid-morning. Get the Cuban from the silver Airstream. Bring shade — there are no trees on the beach itself, only across the road.
Is it free?+
Yes — public beach. Parking on S. Roosevelt Boulevard is free but limited. Get there early on weekends.
Where do jet skis launch?+
From the watersports operators at the western end of the beach. Most run reef tours and dolphin spotting trips out from here.
Best for kids?+
The water is calm and shallow far out. Bathrooms and outdoor showers are at the western end. No lifeguard, so keep an eye.
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