Smathers Beach

📍 Key West, Florida

4.5

★★★★★

Based on

15 reviews

1 / 10

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About Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach stretches for nearly a mile along the island's southern shore with consistently calm, shallow turquoise waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, protected by nearby reefs that keep waves gentle year-round. The wide sandy beach backed by coconut palms and sea grape trees offers a more relaxed, local-oriented alternative to the crowded Old Town waterfront, with water sports rentals, beachside bars, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere that draws both visitors and residents. The sunset views are exceptional thanks to the western-facing orientation, and the deeper waters further out make it one of Key West's few beaches suitable for serious swimmers and snorkelers.

Visitor Reviews

Yong Choi★★★★★5 months ago

A large beach conveniently located near the airport, with plenty of activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and more. The best part is that it’s usually less crowded than other Key West beaches, making it perfect for a relaxed day by the water.

Renyson gomes★★★★★8 months ago

While the beach is undeniably beautiful with its stunning views and warm waters, our experience during a visit in late spring (May/June) was unfortunately disappointing. At the time, there was a strong unpleasant odor and an overwhelming amount of seaweed covering much of the shoreline. We had to walk approximately 15–20 yards just to reach a clear area where the children could play comfortably. Additionally, both my wife and son developed severe sand bites and rashes after our visit, and my son fell ill shortly afterward. These health concerns were quite distressing. The public restrooms were also in very poor condition and appeared to be poorly maintained. While the beach may look picturesque in photos, I would caution visitors planning a trip during the May–June period. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend visiting during that time of year.