Information
Landmark: Smathers BeachCity: Florida Keys
Country: USA Florida
Continent: North America
Smathers Beach, Florida Keys, USA Florida, North America
Overview
Smathers Beach stretches wider than any other in Key West, and on sunny afternoons its sand is crowded with locals and visitors alike.Perched on the island’s southern shore, it offers a peaceful, picture-worthy spot where you can stretch out in the sun or dive into the clear blue water.Let’s take a closer look at Smathers Beach-its history and what makes it special.Named for George Smathers, a U. S. Senator who helped shape Key West’s growth, the beach stretches wide under the bright Florida sun.About half a mile of sandy beach runs along the Atlantic, right off South Roosevelt Boulevard-the main road that carries you to the rest of the island.It looks out over the warm, glassy waters of the Atlantic, where the horizon meets the shimmer of distant islands.Locals and visitors alike flock to the beach, drawn by its easy access, sweeping ocean views, and the bustle of surfers and snack stands along the shore.It’s a top spot for anyone who wants to soak in Key West’s natural beauty while kayaking through clear blue water or lounging on the sand.Smathers Beach boasts a broad sweep of soft, white sand, framed by tall palm trees whose fronds sway in the breeze, casting cool shadows and adding to the island’s warm, tropical vibe.The beach’s gentle, knee-deep waves make it a safe place to swim or wade without worry.The water stays warm and clear, and its gentle waves make it perfect for drifting in the shallows or taking a slow, easy swim.The beach stays spotless, with fresh sand raked smooth and shaded benches ready so visitors can relax in comfort.Still, crowds swell during peak seasons-especially in spring, when tourists spill onto the island and the air smells faintly of blooming jasmine.From the beach, you can watch the sun slip below the horizon or take in the lively bustle on the water, with the faint outline of nearby islands shimmering far off.Smathers Beach offers plenty to keep visitors comfortable, from shaded picnic tables to clean restrooms, making every visit easy and enjoyable.Around the beach, you’ll find plenty of vendors ready to rent out gear for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a quick ride on a jet ski.You can rent a kayak, grab a paddleboard, set sail in a Hobie Cat, or catch the breeze with windsurfing gear.At Smathers Beach, Sunset Watersports runs the show for anyone wanting to dive into lively, hands-on water adventures-think splashing through warm surf or skimming across the waves on a jet ski.If you’re into sports, you’ll find several volleyball courts waiting on the soft sand at Smathers Beach, nets taut and ready for a game.The courts are open to everyone at no cost, and they draw a crowd-especially in the afternoons, when you can hear the thud of balls as friends rally or players battle it out in spirited matches.Down by the beach, food trucks like Tropical Vibes Cones & Bowls serve up cold drinks, quick snacks, and sweet tropical treats that taste like summer in every bite.Food trucks let beachgoers snag a quick taco or cold drink between lounging in the sun and jumping into a game of volleyball.Shaded picnic tables wait under the trees, perfect for visitors who want to share a meal or simply lean back and listen to the rustle of leaves.Families and groups can grab a relaxed bite at these tables, enjoying the salty breeze and the sound of waves in the background.Public restrooms and outdoor showers are on-site, giving visitors a place to rinse away the salt and sand after a swim.The facilities are spotless and carefully kept, so you can linger by the shore all day without a single worry about comfort-whether that’s finding a tidy restroom or a shady bench to rest on.A public boat ramp sits just steps from the beach, making it easy to slip a kayak, paddleboard, or small boat into the water.Locals flock to this ramp, drawn by the beach’s close reach to the water, where kayaks scrape gently against the sand before setting out.You can park at Smathers Beach along South Roosevelt Boulevard, where the spaces sit just a few steps from the sand.Visitors can park in the designated lots, with clear signs marking each spot.Keep in mind, parking meters are in use, and you’ll be charged only during certain posted hours-often the kind you’ll spot on a small metal sign by the curb.From Monday to Saturday, it’s $5 an hour, starting at 8 a.m. and running straight through until midnight.On Sunday, it’s $5 an hour, starting at noon and running straight through to midnight.Smathers Beach offers easy access for visitors with disabilities, with smooth ramps leading right down to the sand.You’ll find accessible parking right by the sand, and beach wheelchairs are ready for anyone who needs one.The beach is simple to get around for people with mobility challenges, with smooth paved paths stretching from the parking lot right down to the warm, pale sand.Smathers Beach is worth a trip any time of year, but it’s at its best in the soft light of early morning or as the sun dips low in the late afternoon.Around midday, the beach fills fast-especially during peak tourist season, like spring break, when you can barely find a spot to drop your towel.Get there early and you can soak in the calm, hearing only the hum of the lights before the crowd pours in.To catch Key West’s stunning sunsets-the kind that wash the sky in gold and rose-plan to arrive in the late afternoon and stay through evening.Smathers Beach sits along South Roosevelt Boulevard, a main road into Key West where you can feel the salt breeze as you drive past the shoreline.The beach sits just a short walk from some of Key West’s favorite spots-Ernest Hemingway’s house with its sunlit porch, the Southernmost Point Buoy, and lively Old Town, where you can wander past colorful shops, sip a drink at a bar, or linger over dinner.You’ll find it at 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd in Key West, FL 33040.It’s open every day from sunrise to sunset, and the restrooms-cool tile floors and all-are available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. You can walk onto the beach for free, but expect to feed coins into a parking meter.In short, Smathers Beach delivers the classic Key West vibe-stretch out on soft white sand or jump into windsurfing if you’re chasing a thrill.Whether you’re stretched out in the shade of swaying palms, skimming across the waves on a board, or simply watching the Atlantic glitter in the sun, this spot is perfect for anyone visiting the island.Framed by turquoise water, lined with soft white sand, and just minutes from town, Smathers Beach is still one of Key West’s favorite escapes.
