higgs beach vs smathers beach


The two-mile-long shoreline can be easily reachable from Key West International Airport. There are no public restrooms, but there is a cafe and a bar to patronize. Due to its remote location, nearly 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is only accessible by ferry, private boat, charter boats, or seaplane. This gorgeous park boasts over 125 species of tropical plants native to the Florida Keys, and is known for hosting many species of migratory birds and butterflies. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond. From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. Located in the lower Florida Keys, the island of Bahia Honda State Park is almost uninhabited. One unique way to enjoy Smathers Beach, however, is from above on a high-flying parasailing excursion. The resorts Sunset Romance Package is highly popular among couples. Practice your serve in a game of beach volleyball, explore the calm waters via stand-up paddleboard, or let the wind catch your sail as you drift along the coast in a mini sailboat. As you can guess, South Beach is the southernmost of our Key West beaches. The State Park has an abundance of marine life. C.B. With so much to offer, and something for all ages and interests, spending a day at Smathers Beach is easy, and fun! This is a small beach with big views! Guests also love the convenience of Higgs Beach, since parking here is free. In addition to the fort tours, there are two nature trails for hiking and biking: the Sand Hog Trail and the Fort View Trail. Image of the White Street Pier in Key West, FL, from Wikimedia. Another marvelous hotel property operated by Waldorf Astoria, The Reach flaunts one of the largest private natural beaches in the area. Established as one of the top beaches in the United States by the Travel Channel, Bahia Honda is around 30-miles from Key West and offers some of the most mesmerizing beach views around the world. One of the awesome things that sets this beach apart from the rest is its historical relevance. Outside showers and public restrooms are available at the beach. While the cost of entry is typically included with the purchase of a ferry ticket or excursion, some tours do not include this. 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Gaithersburg (MD). The Dry Tortugas is about 90 miles from Key West within the Fort Jefferson National Park and one of the best things to do in Key West. Located at 500 yards from Key West Harbor, Sunset Key is a 27-acre beach resort marked by its distinctive crystal white beach sand, swaying hammocks, and thatched tiki huts. It's lined with palms, has nice sand and the beautiful water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. One of many wonderful Key West things to do, a trip to the beach should definitely be on the agenda. There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the worldincluding how we live (and work) inside our homes. The in-house Spa which offers a full range of exotic tropical treatments and massages and fully-equipped treatment spaces are also open to non-guests. Any Key West insider will tell you this place is a must when searching for the best beaches! Harvey Memorial Rest Beach, also known as Rest Beach or C.B. There is also a boat ramp where you can park your boat for a fee. There are plenty of activities, food venders, and watersport rentals here and parking is free along the boulevard. Hire a sunbed and get the refreshments for free instead. Tell the concierge that you wish to spend time at the beach and the staff will arrange for your lounge chairs on the coastline, wet towels to keep you cool, thirst-quenching and energizing drinks, and even popsicles. Image from Wikimedia. With so much underwater allure in the Keys, its no wonder that snorkeling is one of the top things to do. Inside the park, you'll find a remarkable old fort named after President Zachary Taylor that was used during the Civil War to protect the Key West Harbor. Rest Beach offers the most amazing sunrise in the island and due to its view off of the Atlantic Ocean, it is the only beach where you can enjoy a refreshing sunrise laying on the beach. The park also comes fully equipped with anything you may possibly need for a successful beach trip, including the following: Insiders Tip: Some areas of the beach can be a bit rocky. Due to its location and view of the Atlantic Ocean, Rest Beach is one of the best places to catch a sunrise on the island. South Beach is located at the end of Duval Street, in between the Southernmost House and The Southernmost Hotel. Image from Wikimedia. Prices vary depending on the mode of transportation you select. 16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022. South Beach is a small public beach in Key West, and is located at the southern end of Duval Street. Its also perfect for exploring Key West on a budget. There's also a dog park at Higgs Beach, making it very popular with pet owners. Book your next vacation with Historic Key West Vacation Rentals and, Florida State Park and a National Historic Landmark, beautiful island home, cottage, or condo vacation rental. Stingrays are frequently spotted. Its mainly sandy shoreline makes it a favorite for families. Locally known as Fort Zach, the place was once a real-time Fort completely encircled with water. Listed in National Register for Historic Places, residents of the hotel get to enjoy lavish services such as beach concierge setting up your beach chair, umbrella, and towel, serving you with refreshingly delicious cocktails, and cool cucumber slices to soothe your eyes. Boat tours are available at the park, and take guests snorkeling in this magical underwater wonderland. While the party crowd is still sleeping off last night's shenanigans, this is your chance to find solace in the sunrise.

We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage itemsfirst, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasonsto add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. This fort was created to guard Key Wests harbor, and was used in the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Its important to note that there are no showers or restrooms at this public beach in Key West, but nearby businesses allow travelers to use their facilities, if needed. The 100-square mile park is located almost 70 miles west off the shores of Key West. Pack your snorkel gear and a picnic lunch (there are plenty of barbecue grills). Not sure what to write in a thank you card? The Southernmost Point Landmark in Key West, FL (History, Myths, and More). Public Beaches in Key West - Everything You Need to Know, Top 9 Key West Kid Friendly Activities [Free, Cheap & Luxury], This website uses cookies. Whether you decide to spend the day in the ravishing and remote Dry Tortugas, or check out South Beach where Tennessee Williams spent his days, be prepared for some beachside bliss! (A .50 Monroe County surcharge will be added per person, as well). The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. It is believed that he completed the final draft of Street Car Named Desire while living in Key West in 1947. Campsites are $15 per site and there are only 10 of them, so you'll want to reserve a spot well in advance. Address: 2601 S. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, A relaxing and scenic view of Rest Beach in Key West, FL. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and those with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass are $2.50 each. The perfectly tropical ambiance and Gulf Views ensure a blissful romantic lunch or exquisite sunset dinner. The natural beauty, historic relevance, rich culture, and plethora of fun things to do encompasses this tiny island in a massive and majestic way. Higgs Beach is ranked among the top public beaches in Key West for historical sites, landmarks, and things to do, as well. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is open daily from 8:00am until sundown, with the fort closing daily at 5:00pm. Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and those with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass are $2.50 per person. There is also a playground and a Dog Park across the beach. Then, just step out into the sunshine and let our tropical oasis be your traveling companion for an experience you'll never forget! Please be aware there are no nearby restaurants, vendors, or restrooms at this specific beach. Higgs Beach snorkeling is a favorite activity for both visitors and locals. Every great adventure begins with a beautiful island home, cottage, or condo vacation rental from our collection, which you can conveniently reserve right on our website. Dog Beach is one of the smaller public beaches in Key West, spanning a mere 20 feet. Due to its proximity to Havana, some of the places in Key West sees more foreign tourists than local. Beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards are just a few of the many rentals to choose from. With that being said, Key West is not particularly known for its beaches, since they are not as expansive as those in your typical tropical vacation destination. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? Bahia Honda is a snorkelers' paradise, where you'll spot rays., small reef fish, barracuda, and small nurse sharks. Turtles, dolphins, barracuda, goliath grouper, and tarpon are easily spotted here. Either way, a trip to South Beach is sure to leave you feeling inspired, relaxed, and refreshed! There is another Dog Beach and Dog Park at Higgs Beach but ask for Louies Backyard to get to this one since there is no signage to point at the beach. There are daily tours of the fort that begin at 12:00 noon. Visiting Higgs Beach is truly a unique experience, that provides a deeper insight into the rich and diverse history, nature, and culture of Key West. Book your next vacation with Historic Key West Vacation Rentals and get the best rate by booking directly on our website or over the phone. This pier is open 24/7, and is dog-friendly, as well. Also known as C.B Harveys, Rest Beach may not feel like the most exquisite beach on Key West but dont be fooled by the usual appearance of the beach as compared to the other popular joints like Smathers and Higgs Beach. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Free parking is available onsite. And ferry rides through Yankee Freedom start at $175 per person. Another significant feature of the beach is that it is mainly meant for relaxing. It's a great place for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing and beach volleyball. Spending your day at the beach here is one of the best things to do in Key West.

Pictured above is a section of the Key West AIDS Memorial, located near Higgs Beach in Key West. Higgs Beach is open 7 days a week, from 6:00am until 11:00pm, and is located on the west side of the Edward B. Knight Pier, next to West Martello Tower. Image from Wikimedia. The fort has the largest collection of Civil War-era cannons in the country and is now a National Historic Landmark. Address: 1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is home to not only Fort Taylor, but also one of the top public beaches in Key West! Outdoor showers and public restrooms are available, as well. The Beach access is free for all; however, you may need to pay a parking fee to use the beach parking lot. Bahia Honda State Park is open 7 days a week from 8:00am until sunset. Admission to the park is $10 per person. Please be aware that there is a fee to enter the park, but this fee does include the cost of parking.

The Dry Tortugas Ferry takes you to the beach and is a great day trip that includes breakfast and lunch, snorkeling gear and equipment, and a guided tour of the surrounding fort. 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note. Aside from the fort and the beaches, this is also a great place for birding, as this state park is a part of The Great Florida Birding Trail! Restrooms are open from 7:00am until 4:30pm. Reserved exclusively for guests at the resort, Sunset Key comprises charming cottages that are dotted along the shoreline. Smathers Beach is free to the public, and is open daily from 7:00am until 11:00pm. Yes, it's a tiny beach, but it's the only beach where your dog can splash around unleashed. Tennessee Williams, who is considered by many to be one of the best playwrights of the 20th century, is said to have visited and lived in Key West from 1941 until his passing in 1983. If you love sunrises, you'll see some spectacular ones from Rest Beach. The in-house spa, Spa al Mare, offers rejuvenating spa and massage treatments to residents as well as non-residents. (Please note there is an additional .50 Monroe County surcharge that will be added, per person). Higgs Beach is home to the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in the country, meaning the swimming, snorkeling, and diving there is impeccable. Image courtesy of cityofkeywest-fl.gov. A vast expanse of sugary white sand, shallow waters, and brilliant campsites where you can pitch your tent and camp for the night, the sites are water and electricity equipped. Staying close to shore will still yield some incredible snorkeling, as well as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, just to name a few! Be sure to look out for colorful corals, native fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and more! This state park is home to Fort Zachary Taylor, which was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor after its completion in 1850. Southern Living is a registered trademark of. There are a couple of water fountains around the area, a beach caf, and a few makeshift stalls which can sell you frozen drinks, smoothies, and even wet towels. It's on the south side of our island, and it takes you right by the Atlantic Ocean along State Road A1A, starting at mile zero. Stay until the park's close at sundown and watch a spectacular sunset. Let your besties know how much they mean to you with one of these unique nicknames. The calm, shallow waters also make it a safe place for families and swimming and relaxing at the water's edge. While Key West may have more bars than beaches, here are the island's best beach spots for a day spent in the sun and surf. Professional and warm staff at the hotel pamper you with their pleasing hospitality. The most famous street in the city if Duval Street. Popular types of coral found at the park include: Even further, coral reefs, like the ones found at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, attract a wide variety of wildlife, from small, tropical fish, to massive barracuda! Also known as the Edward B. Knight Pier, as well as the, the unfinished road to Cuba, White Street Pier stretches far out into the Atlantic Ocean, and is the perfect place to walk, go bicycling, take photos, and go fishing!