South Beach (Key West)

South Beach is a small white-sand beach in Key West located in close proximity to cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a relaxing and family-friendly place with all basic amenities where you can spend a day off with your family and friends without unnecessary worries. However, the authorities could do a bit more cleaning on this beach, which tends to have a great amount of seaweed.

People and Atmosphere

The beach is way smaller than some other popular beaches in the area but it boasts a cozy, laid-back atmosphere inviting you to spread a towel and just relax for a couple of hours. Be prepared to see a lot of people here.

Since the region is close to Cuba, it sees crowds of foreign tourists. Many of the visitors are families with small children who splash and play in the shallow waters. Tennessee Williams, a famous playwright, is said to have come to South Beach very often when he lived in Key West.

Location and Access

South Beach is located at 1405 Duval Street, which is at the southernmost end of Key West. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features free entrance. Parking is paid and limited so you should arrive early if you want to get a parking space easily.

Beach Amenities

The beach has no public restrooms but there is a bar that allows beachgoers to use their toilet. There are water fountains around the area. If you get hungry, you can buy snacks and drinks at one of the makeshift stalls or go to the beach café. There are also sunbed and umbrella rentals, reasonably priced, which provide free refreshments as a bonus.

Swimming Conditions

South Beach boasts soft white sand and crystal-clear shallow water, which is usually warm and just perfect for children and weak swimmers. However, the water edge is quite rocky, there are slippery spots with a lot of seaweed, so water shoes are recommended. There are lifeguards on duty.

Emma Carrero Cates Pier

The beach has a long concrete pier to stroll on, swim from, or just sit and enjoy the view. During the day, you can watch numerous boats and ships passing by in the distance. It’s a nice place to meet the bright sunrise in the morning or a colorful sunset in the evening.

Driving Time

• 1 hour 15 minutes from Marathon, FL
• 2 hours 15 minutes from Key Largo, FL
• 3 hours 30 minutes from Miami, FL

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

• Nearby rentals from VRBO.
• Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near South Beach (Key West) which you can visit:

• The Reach Resort Beach (0 miles)
• Dog Beach (Key West) (0 miles)
• Casa Marina Beach (0 miles)
• Higgs Beach (1 mile)
• Rest Beach (C.B. Harvey Rest Beach Park) (1 mile)