![]() But it’s the other side of this beach where you’ll find a place for swimming and relaxing. You’ll find hundreds of conch shells along Conch Shell Beach, which make for gorgeous photos and a great learning experience for the kids. Click through our post to learn about this amazing National Park, why you should spend the half-day adventure, and the $125-180 per person price tag. It’s one of the most popular Key West attractions, and rightly so. But they don’t offer the complete story – here’s more! DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK & FORT JEFFERSONĭry Tortugas includes seven islands about 70 miles from Key West. The above beaches are either State Parks or public beaches, which are free or come with a nominal fee. ![]() Maybe it was given a different name because the pier is so low? You’ll find most people (and the amenities) on the Higgs side. Right next to the Waldorf Astoria is Higgs…walk to the other side of the pier and it’s Rest. Higgs and Rest are one strip of beach in the same…the name just changes depending on which side of the pier you are standing. Think before the Civil War era ).įinally, don’t let people fool you into thinking Rest Beach is another nearby beach. In 1860, enslaving people was not illegal, but transporting enslaved people was outlawed in 1820. (History note, if you too are confused about this. The US Navy intercepted them and brought them to Key West as freed Africans, where 294 of them succumbed to their poor living conditions. 1400 Africans were captured and held on three illegal slave-trade boats in 1860. When you are there don’t miss the African Cemetery near West Martello Tower. It’s not too far from Smathers, and you’ll find great amenities here also like restrooms with showers, covered picnic tables, a restaurant, a playground our Uber drive swears by, and rentals. Take a stroll out on the White Street Fishing Pier for the chance to spot a sting ray, or head into the water yourself for some great snorkeling. One Uber driver told us this was the ideal place to watch the sunrise. We didn’t know about Higgs Beach before visiting Key West, but learned about it in Key West from several locals who told us it was their go-to spot! Parking is free, and there are fewer crowds. Read More: FLORIDA KEYS STATE PARKS (+ A DREAMY NPS) THAT YOU CAN’T MISS It’s one of the best places in Key West to watch the sunset! Want more? Visit Mallory Square for their daily Sunset Celebration. This is a great place to snorkel, and divers love it for parrotfish, turtles, and more. Grab a picnic table with a grill, or lay out in the grassy area next to the beach if you want to avoid the sand. You will find a beachfront cafe (and beer) plus a nice bathhouse. Insider Tip: It’s one of the only natural beaches in the Keys, made of ground coral – and that’s why the locals love it. You won’t find soft white sand here (even though it’s still called Key West’s best beach) so you might opt for water shoes. Walk the nature trails, tour the fort and its cannons, or explore the 87-acres. Don’t miss spending a little time exploring the park. You’ll pay a small entrance fee to the State Park, but it is worth it to play in the water and see the sun set without the crowds.
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