Key West Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor

I spent intensive time on all the beaches in Key West trying to find the best beach. I didn’t do this to snorkel the waters, or to read a book while getting a tan, or to simply relax. I did this so that I could bring you an honest review of the best beach in Key West

Key West doesn’t have fine, sandy beaches like the panhandle of Florida or the coast of South Carolina but it does have one natural beach that I truly love – the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. This state park is missed by most tourists meaning there are far fewer people on it than the other beaches. This is good for you and bad for all the others that spend time on the small and noisy beaches on the Atlantic side of the island.

The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor is located at the end of Southard Street just through the Truman Annex. It gets a little confusing after you pass through the Truman Annex so drive slowly and follow the signs. You’ll then pass the ship yard and Navy housing that will make you want to enlist. It will cost a few bucks to get in but you can use your receipt to return as often as you like during the same day. Many like to come early and enjoy the beach and then return for sunset. The park closes at sunset and the park rangers aggressively clear everyone out after the sun drops. I guess they want to get home.

Kayaking in Key West

The beach is located where the Atlantic meets the Gulf and this may be the reason for the choppy waves- rare in most waters around Key West. I kayaked around the beach and found that launching was difficult, but the water was manageable once I broke free from the beach. There is a nice area for launching kayaks about 100 yards east of the café. I suggest using this launch to avoid swimmers.

Other than the beach there is a historic fort (the park’s namesake), great fishing near the sunset parking area, a good café, walking trails, and of course excellent and non-crowded sunset views. This is a state park so treat it well and respect the park rangers that work hard for little pay.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Sunset From Bahia Honda

Bahia Honda is a dream come true destination for nature lovers. With natural beaches and fauna the Bahia Honda State Park is like a private island for you and a few friends.

A few years ago my wife and I snorkeled the waters and around the old Flagler Railroad bridge, but this time we came back to camp with our little boy and to kayak the green and blue waters around the old and new bridges.

Kayak on Bahia Honda Beach

As a kayaker I was not disappointed with varying depths, colors, and waves my floats stayed interesting. I was able to put in near my campsite and get out anywhere I pleased. I kayaked around anchored sailboats, the base of the Flagler Railroad Bridge, and the newer bridge of U.S. 1. On the Gulf side the waters were calm and on the Atlantic and through the bay the waves were rolling – but not so high I experienced any difficulty. I saw rays and other fish while the sun warmed my body.

For campers, bird watchers, fishermen, and kayakers Bahia Honda is a great place to spend a couple of days. It’s a wonderful addition to any Key West vacation as it’s only an hour north of the famous island, but far away from the crowds.

Kayaking Around Anchored Sailboats