The Florida Keys have beaches. Quite a few beaches, in fact. But they are not the same wide beaches with soft sand that the rest of the state enjoys. Keys beaches tend to be very narrow and have quite a bit of seaweed accumulated on them. They lack shells. Some are rocky in places. Some are man-made.

Many Florida Keys beaches allow pets on the beach, but most require leashes and cleanup of all pet waste.

This is the first in a series of blog posts about Florida Keys beaches in which I'm going to introduce eight of the main beaches in the Keys that are mentioned in most guidebooks.

Anne's Beach on Islamorada

Anne's Beach is more of a wayside park than a beach. Red and black mangroves line the narrow shoreline. Depending on the tide, there may be a 10 - 20 feet wide firm wet sand beach. There is a partially shaded boardwalk through the mangroves with covered picnic shelters. The water is very shallow, which is more suitable for wading than swimming. Anne's Beach is very close to the highway, so traffic noise is ever-present, but not overwhelming.

Anne's Beach has two small (free) parking areas and restrooms. Pets are allowed on the beach but must be on a leash. This is definitely not a destination beach, but is a wonderful place to stop to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic lunch.

Location: Lower Matecumbe Key at mile marker 73.5

Activities: Sunning, walking on the boardwalk, birding, fishing, kite surfing, wading, picnicking and shallow-water snorkeling over a sand bottom and grass flats.