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Why are sandy beaches less common in the Florida Keys?
- The Florida Keys are home to coral reefs, offering amazing opportunities for scuba divers and snorkelers but also preventing the sand build-up and erosion that usually create natural sandy beaches.
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Are there sandy beaches in the Florida Keys?
- Yes! There are also beaches that are sandy on the different keys that provide plenty of sun and water fun.
Best Time to Visit Florida Keys Beaches
- March to May – Best overall time with warm weather, clear skies, and ideal beach conditions.
- December to February – Peak tourist season with mild temps and plenty of sunshine for winter escapes.
- June to August – Hot, humid, and lively with snorkeling, boating, and family beach outings.
- September to November – Fewer crowds and great deals, though it’s hurricane season—check forecasts.
- Year-Round – Tropical climate means swimmable waters and beach fun all year long.
Anne's Beach
Walk scenic boardwalks and enjoy a peaceful stop on your trip.
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What is Anne’s Beach?
- Anne’s Beach is a beautiful beach in Islamorada in the Florida Keys and is a great beach destination for a vacation full of fun or a place to simply relax and unwind.
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Where is Anne’s Beach located?
- Anne’s Beach is located on Lower Matecumbe Key and is also known as Islamorada Beach.
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Why is it called Anne’s Beach?
- It gets its name for being dedicated to Anne Eaton, a local environmentalist.
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What amenities does Anne’s Beach offer?
- There is a shallow area for swimming, a boardwalk, bathrooms, two parking areas, and covered picnic tables.
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What is the water like at Anne’s Beach?
- Due to the calm and sheltered shallow waters, there are almost no waves.
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Can you visit Anne’s Beach year-round?
- The water at Anne’s Beach is warm and clear throughout the entire year, offering fun even in the winter.
Calusa Beach
Swim in calm waters and savor a relaxing family beach day.
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What is Bahia Honda State Park known for?
- Bahia Honda State Park features an award-winning, romantic beach and is often considered one of the best beaches within the Florida Keys.
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How many beaches are in Bahia Honda State Park?
- Three separate beaches make up the park, including Calusa Beach, the smallest of the three.
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Why is Calusa Beach popular?
- While it may be small, Calusa is also the most popular due to being the best choice for swimming and snorkeling.
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What amenities can visitors find at Calusa Beach?
- Calusa Beach is where all of the concessions are, along with a souvenir shop, a marina, picnic shelters, and a nature center.
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Why is Calusa Beach frequently photographed?
- With the new bridge and the old bridge converging in the background, it is the most photographed beach as well.
Coco Plum Beach
Look for seashells and enjoy a quiet romantic stroll.
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Where is Coco Plum Beach located?
- Coco Plum Beach is located in Marathon, Florida, and is situated along the Atlantic Ocean.
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What makes Coco Plum Beach unique?
- The beach is more on the natural side than some others in the Florida Keys, offering an area of natural beach adjacent to an area of wetlands.
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Is Coco Plum Beach a good spot for wildlife?
- Yes! It is a beach for turtle nesting, making it a great place to observe local wildlife.
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Is Coco Plum Beach dog-friendly?
- Yes! Coco Plum Beach is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the Florida Keys.
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Are there any amenities at Coco Plum Beach?
- The beach features a covered pavilion and bathroom facilities for visitor convenience.
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Does Coco Plum Beach get crowded?
- The beach is expansive enough that visitors almost never feel like it’s too crowded.
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What are Coco Plum Beach’s operating hours?
- Coco Plum Beach is open from early morning until dusk.
Marathon, Florida
Curry Hammock State Park
Kayak through mangroves and explore affordable outdoor attractions.
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What is Curry Hammock State Park?
- The largest uninhabited piece of land between Big Pine Key and Key Largo is Curry Hammock State Park.
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What does Curry Hammock State Park protect?
- This state park protects and preserves large expanses of mangrove swamp, seagrass beds, and rockland hammocks, which are vital to the ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
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What water activities are popular at the park?
- The protected, shallow waters mean that fishing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities among visitors to the park.
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Is hiking available at Curry Hammock State Park?
- Yes! Hiking is another enjoyable activity at Curry Hammock, with a somewhat difficult trail traveling through the park’s bayside hammocks.
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Does the park offer camping?
- Yes! There is also camping at the park, including a campground with 28 sites on the oceanfront.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Tour historic forts and snorkel exciting sights on this remote adventure.
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What is special about Dry Tortugas National Park?
- Dry Tortugas National Park boasts crystal-clear waters, amazing marine life, and a fort dating back to the 19th century.
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Where is Dry Tortugas National Park located?
- The remote Florida national park is situated nearly 70 miles west of Key West and is approximately 100 square miles in size.
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How many islands make up Dry Tortugas National Park?
- The park consists of seven small islands and mostly open waters. Learn more here.
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How can visitors reach Dry Tortugas National Park?
- Dry Tortugas can only be reached by seaplane or boat.
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What is Dry Tortugas known for?
- It is known worldwide for being the home of Fort Jefferson, spectacular coral reefs, clear blue waters, and a wide variety of bird life.
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What can be found beneath the waters of Dry Tortugas?
- Marine life and shipwrecks can be found in abundance below the surface of the water.
Harry Harris Park
Swim, picnic, and enjoy a fun weekend outing with the kids.
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Where is Harry Harris Park located?
- Harry Harris Park, found on Key Largo in the Florida Keys, is a very family-friendly park and a great place for families to come and spend a day in the sun.
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Is the beach at Harry Harris Park natural?
- Similar to the majority of other beaches across the Keys, the beach at Harry Harris Park is a man-made beach.
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How is the sand maintained at the beach?
- The sand on the beach is shipped to the park every few years to provide it with a tropical feel.
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Is the beach at Harry Harris Park safe for children?
- The beach at Harry Harris Park is rather small but is provided protection by a stone jetty, making it safe for children.
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What amenities does Harry Harris Park offer?
- The park contains nice restroom facilities, a playground, picnic tables, and more.
Higgs Beach
Sunbathe on sandy shores and explore easy beachside attractions.
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Where is Higgs Beach located?
- Higgs Beach on Key West is located just down the street from Smathers Beach.
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What is the official name of Higgs Beach?
- Officially, it is known as the Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach.
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What features make Higgs Beach unique?
- Higgs Beach is a sandy beach shaded by coconut palm trees and features a wooden pier that visitors can walk down.
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What amenities are available at Higgs Beach?
- There are several pavilions at the beach, along with a restaurant on the oceanfront and a volleyball net in the sand, offering a laidback atmosphere.
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Where does the sand at Higgs Beach come from?
- The white sand found on Higgs Beach is imported from the Caribbean every couple of years, providing soft sand for beach games or a stroll along the shore.
Loggerhead Beach
Spot nesting turtles and enjoy a summer trip full of wildlife.
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Where is Loggerhead Beach located?
- Situated at the heart of Bahia Honda State Park, Loggerhead Beach features a submerged sandbar that emerges from the water during low tide.
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What happens at Loggerhead Beach during low tide?
- Sunbathers often set down folding chairs and coolers on top of the exposed sand hills as well as wade out into the shallow blue water to try to find sea glass and shells.
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How many beaches are within Bahia Honda State Park?
- Loggerhead Beach is one of three beaches found within the park that boast some of the most crystal-clear waters around.
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What types of plants can be found in Bahia Honda State Park?
- Bahia Honda is home to more than 150 different types of flora.
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Are there hiking trails in Bahia Honda State Park?
- Yes! The park features three hiking trails that travel through hammocks of tropical hardwood.
Big Pine Key, Florida
Long Key State Park
Camp by the coast and savor fall views with fewer crowds.
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What is Long Key State Park known for?
- Long Key State Park offers visitors a chance to fish the park’s famous flats and spend a night in its full-service campground.
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How many campsites are available at Long Key State Park?
- There are 60 campsites along the oceanfront offering ocean views of the picturesque blue waters.
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What activities can day visitors enjoy at Long Key State Park?
- Those who only want to spend the day at Long Key State Park can fish the flats as well or take part in hiking, swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, or snorkeling.
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Are there picnic facilities at Long Key State Park?
- Yes! Guests can also enjoy a picnic: Grills and picnic tables are available near the shoreline.
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Can visitors bring or rent kayaks at Long Key State Park?
- Visitors can bring their own kayaks or rent one at the park’s ranger station to explore the series of lagoons.
Rest Beach
Watch the sunrise and relax during a quick peaceful escape.
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What is Rest Beach?
- Rest Beach, also known more properly as C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park, is a relatively narrow beach that is quite popular with visitors who want to bring their dogs.
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What is a notable feature of Rest Beach?
- The large White Pier situated at this small beach offers coastal views of the southern area of Key West for those who walk out onto it.
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How does Rest Beach compare to other beaches in Key West?
- Rest Beach doesn’t stretch for miles along the shore like other nearby beaches and doesn’t offer much in the way of activities.
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What makes Rest Beach worth visiting?
- It offers great photo opportunities of the shoreline, making it an excellent spot for scenic views and relaxation.
Address: Rest Beach, Key West, Florida
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Anne's Beach
- 2. Calusa Beach
- 3. Coco Plum Beach
- 4. Curry Hammock State Park
- 5. Dry Tortugas National Park
- 6. Harry Harris Park
- 7. Higgs Beach
- 8. Loggerhead Beach
- 9. Long Key State Park
- 10. Rest Beach