Best Beaches: Florida Keys

Awash with incredible beaches from top to toe, Florida Keys has far too many amazing sandy enclaves for us to choose just one beach of the week. So here is our edit of the best of a beautiful bunch.

Best for Snorkelling

Snorkelling fanatics will have most success off the beaten path. Head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach, where the Gulf waters meet the Atlantic, for the ultimate underwater excursion. At Fort Zachary the combination of crystal clear waters and rocky depths can only mean one thing: colourful coral and fabulous fish.

Best classic Beach

Slightly more popular – but for good reason – is Bahia Honda State Park. Two and a half miles of azure blue waters alongside bright white sand lined with palm trees, it’s akin to the neighbouring Caribbean shores. Perfect for paddling, you can stroll in the shallows for quite a while before taking the plunge. It’s also excellent for spotting birdlife.

Best for Seclusion

A fabulous two hour catamaran from Key West is the only way to reach the Dry Tortugas National Park, so if you take the journey you’re almost guaranteed a bit of seclusion. And it’s one of the world’s most unusual looking islands too, as the historic Fort Jefferson was used as a prison during the civil war. Wander deserted ivory beaches surrounded by lush greenery and discover magical ship wrecks beneath the water.

Best for Sunrise and Sunset

Woken up early and dying for a wander by the waves? Head straight to Rest Beach. Both sunrises and sunsets are divine here, and you can also chat to local fishermen who reap rewards of snook and redfish just off the pier. In the evening, watch the sunset go down as you take part in a yoga class on the perfectly placed beach yoga deck.

Best for Activities

Energetic beach goers will love Higgs Beach for the multitude of activities on offer. Get stuck into some beach volleyball, make use of the tennis courts, cycle along the beach bike path, and rent kayaks and paddleboards when you want to hit the blue stuff.