Where
Smathers Beach is located on South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040. Approximately a half mile long, the beach is located on the island's south side. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and State Road A1A, and begins at mile marker zero, the beginning of A1A.
Vibe
Sun-loving and fun-loving, with a youthful, energetic personality. Lined with palms and glistening with white sand, Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West. Wildly popular, it hosts in the neighborhood of 150,000 patrons annually, and marks the center of the action during spring break, when hordes of college kids descend on Key West. At other times of the year, it’s a family-favorite, with calm, shallow waters that make it ideal for the little ones.
See, feel
As soon as you get to Smathers Beach, you feel the buzz of excitement. Vibrant parasails dot the sky while jet skiers zoom across the clear, turquoise waters, offering an enticing backdrop for snorkelers to explore the vibrant marine life beneath. On this manmade stretch of sand, you’ll see kids constructing sandcastles, sunworshippers catching some rays, and fishermen casting their lines into the surf. Food trucks, rentals, and adventures of all sorts beckon: beach volleyball, jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing. Thanks to North America’s only living coral reef, a mere seven miles offshore, the water is calm, making it perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
On or near the beach
Chill out or seek high adventure—it’s all good at Smathers. Relaxing in the shade of palm trees and people-watching are time-honored ways to kick back. You can amp up the energy with a parasail ride; challenge your tribe to a game of beach volleyball; or try a sailboat, kayak, Jetski or paddleboard expedition. Sunset Watersports offers a ‘beach pass,’ which includes a parasail trip or chairs and umbrella; and unlimited use of kayaks, paddleboards and Hobie Cats, as well as a variety of floats. Fuel up at food trucks like Tropical Vibes Cones & Bowls, right on the edge of the beach; bring a picnic and enjoy it by the shore; or duck into town to enjoy a bite at one of the nearby eateries.
Accessibility
The beach offers a number of handicapped parking spots.
Facilities
Amenities include restrooms, showers, beach volleyball courts, jet ski rentals, a boat access ramp, and a variety of food trucks. Stands along the beach rent out kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, floats, umbrellas, and chairs.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
You’ll find public lots along the beach as well as metered parking along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Instead of driving and parking, consider a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour or biking to access the beach.
