Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach Key West: Everything You Need to Know
If you're searching for a traditional sandy beach in Key West, Smathers Beach is probably the closest you'll find. Located along South Roosevelt Boulevard on the Atlantic side of the island, Smathers is the largest public beach in Key West, stretching approximately half a mile.
With palm trees, a long stretch of sand and plenty of room to spread out, it's one of the most popular beaches for visitors who want to spend a few hours swimming, relaxing or enjoying watersports.
What Is Smathers Beach Like?
Smathers Beach has a much different feel from some of Key West's smaller beaches. There's plenty of sand, rows of palm trees and relatively shallow water along the shoreline.
It's a good choice for families, couples or anyone looking for more of a traditional beach day without leaving Key West.
One thing to know before you visit: Key West's beaches aren't the same as the large natural beaches you'll find elsewhere in Florida. Smathers is a maintained beach, and water clarity and beach conditions can change depending on the weather, wind and time of year.
Christina's Local Tip
Go early! Smathers is especially beautiful in the morning before the beach gets busy and because it faces the Atlantic, it's one of my favorite places in Key West to catch the sunrise.
Swimming at Smathers Beach
The water along Smathers is generally shallow and can be great for swimming, but conditions vary from day to day.
There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.
If crystal-clear turquoise water is the main thing you're looking for during your Key West vacation, remember that some of our prettiest water is found offshore at the sandbars and in the backcountry rather than along the island's beaches.
What About Sargassum?
This is important if you're visiting during the warmer months.
Smathers Beach is located on the Atlantic side of Key West, which means it can be affected by seasonal sargassum.
Sargassum conditions can change considerably depending on winds, currents and cleanup efforts, so the beach may look completely different from one week—or even one day—to another.
If Smathers is experiencing heavy sargassum during your visit, don't assume that means all of Key West's water looks that way. Gulf-side beaches and especially the backcountry and sandbars can have completely different conditions.
(Summer)
(Winter)
Getting to Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is located along South Roosevelt Boulevard on the Atlantic side of Key West, a few miles from the heart of Old Town. If you're staying near Duval Street, the Historic Seaport or Mallory Square, I wouldn't consider Smathers a convenient walking-distance beach, especially in the Key West heat.
Driving, biking, rideshare or taxi are usually the easiest options. There is paid parking along South Roosevelt Boulevard directly across from the beach, and the wide bike path along the boulevard makes biking another popular way to get there.
If you're staying on the eastern side of Key West, including several hotels along North and South Roosevelt Boulevard, Smathers may be much closer and some properties are within biking or even walking distance.
Local Tip : Don't choose Smathers simply because you're staying downtown and assume it's the closest beach. Key West is small, but depending on where you're staying, another beach may be much easier to reach.
Parking at Smathers Beach
Parking is available along South Roosevelt Boulevard directly beside the beach.
The City of Key West currently lists parking at $5 per hour. Paid parking hours are Monday–Saturday from 8 AM–midnight and Sunday from noon–midnight. There is no overnight parking.
If you're staying nearby, biking to Smathers can also be a great option.
Amenities
Smathers has more amenities than many of Key West's smaller beaches.
You'll find:
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Beach volleyball
- Watersports and beach rentals
- Nearby food vendors/food trucks
- Parking
- Accessible parking spaces
The beach is open sunrise to sunset, and the City currently lists restroom hours as 7 AM–6:30 PM.
Things to Do at Smathers Beach
You don't have to spend the entire day lying on the sand. Smathers is also one of the best Key West beaches for watersports.
Depending on availability and conditions, you'll find activities such as parasailing, kayaks, paddleboards, hobie cats, beach chairs and umbrellas.
BOOK SMATHERS BEACH DAY PASS WITH PARASAILING
See Key West from above with incredible views over the Atlantic.
BOOK BEACH & WATERSPORT RENTALS -ALL INCLUSIVE PASS
Spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding or simply relaxing under an umbrella
Is Smathers Beach Good for Kids?
Yes. Smathers can be a good option for families because there's plenty of sand and the shoreline is generally shallow.
Just remember that there are no lifeguards, so children should always be closely supervised around the water.
Are Dogs Allowed at Smathers Beach?
No dogs allowed on Smathers.
Best Time to Visit Smathers Beach
If you're hoping to experience Smathers Beach with less chance of sargassum, your best bet is generally late fall through early spring, especially November through April.
Smathers Beach is on the Atlantic side of Key West, where sargassum typically begins increasing in the spring and becomes more noticeable during the warmer months. Conditions vary every year and depend heavily on winds and currents, so there's never a guarantee but fall, winter and early spring generally offer the lowest risk of heavy sargassum.
If you're visiting during sargassum season, don't let conditions at Smathers determine your opinion of Key West's water! Other areas of the island and especially the backcountry and sandbars can look completely different on the same day.
Local Tip : Visiting in summer? Check current beach conditions before heading to Smathers and have a backup plan. This is also a great time to get out on the water and explore Key West's sandbars.
Smathers Beach Quick Guide
Location: South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040
Beach: Public
Admission: Free
Parking: Paid parking along South Roosevelt Boulevard
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Swimming: Yes
Watersports: Yes
Food: Occassional food trucks but limited, plan on bringing food with you.
Best For: Beach days, families, sunrise, watersports
Sargassum: Can be affected seasonally
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Beach Details
Questions? Contact us