Beaches in the Middle Keys

The Middle Keys, including Marathon and Duck Key, are home to some of the region’s most inviting beaches. These spots offer everything from family-friendly amenities to natural preserves teeming with wildlife.

Sombrero Beach (Marathon)
Sombrero Beach is a local favorite, known for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and amenities like volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a playground. It’s pet-friendly and accessible, making it perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, and may even spot sea turtles nesting during certain seasons.

Coco Plum Beach (Marathon)
Coco Plum Beach is a more natural, less crowded beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of Marathon. It features soft white sand, shallow waters, and an adjacent wetland area. Facilities include restrooms and a covered pavilion. This beach is also a turtle nesting site and is dog-friendly, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers and families. It’s popular for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding due to its spacious shoreline and favorable wind conditions.

Curry Hammock State Park
This park features a 1,200-foot sandy beach ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The park’s natural setting is perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Bahia Honda State Park
Just outside the Middle Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is frequently ranked among Florida’s best beaches. It boasts powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and iconic views of the historic Bahia Honda Bridge. Sandspur Beach, in particular, is renowned for its calm conditions and pristine beauty.

Overview of Florida Keys Beaches

The Florida Keys are famous for their unique blend of sandy stretches, clear warm waters, and vibrant marine life. Beaches range from natural, undeveloped areas with mangroves to well-equipped parks perfect for families.

Upper Keys: Rowell’s Waterfront Park and Harry Harris State Park offer picnic areas, swimming, and fishing. Anne’s Beach in Islamorada is great for wading and kiteboarding, with scenic boardwalks through the mangroves.

Lower Keys: Key West’s Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park provide classic beach experiences, snorkeling, and historic sightseeing.

Conclusion

The Middle Keys offer some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys, including Sombrero Beach, Coco Plum Beach, Curry Hammock State Park, and nearby Bahia Honda State Park. Whether you’re looking for family fun, wildlife encounters, or a quiet place to unwind, the Middle Keys have a beach for you.