5 BEST Beaches In The Florida Keys & Key West (According To A Local!)

Key Moments
Editorial Summary
A local resident provides a guide to the five best beaches in the Florida Keys. The creator identifies Dry Tortugas National Park as the top destination, noting its remote, deserted island feel and crystal clear water. Accessible via ferry or seaplane, the park offers opportunities for snorkeling and exploring historic Fort Jefferson. The second recommendation is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West, which features vibrant blue water and historical sites. Bajia Honda State Park is ranked third, highlighted for its calm waters, nearshore snorkeling, and postcard like views. Sombrero Beach in Marathon is presented as a peaceful and tranquil option for those seeking a laid back atmosphere. Finally, the creator discusses Smathers Beach in Key West, describing it as a lively location with soft white sand and many amenities. The video concludes by explaining that the Florida Keys are not traditionally famous for expansive sandy beaches due to the presence of a massive live coral reef system. Instead, the region focuses on marine ecosystems, snorkeling, and scuba diving adventures.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Dry Tortugas is one of my top three travel experiences of all times, and it is a must on your list.
This is hands down the best beach in the city, and the color of the water here is absolutely beautiful.
Bajia Honda is one of the best places for nearshore snorkeling because the water is shallow and beautiful.
I'm a big Smathers Beach fan and I think that it is a nice sandy beach and one of the best options to visit.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Port Highlights
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyVideo content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube