Smathers Beach - Smathers Beach is the longest beach in Key West. It's the first beach you'll encounter if you take a left upon entering the island of Key West. The beaches in Key West aren't deep like they are at Daytona Beach or Miami Beach. They are narrow strips of beach along the entire south side of the island, along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Smathers Beach is free, and there's free parking under the palm trees across the boulevard, as well as curbside parking right in front of the beach. It's across from Key West International Airport, so if you're heading for Smathers, you can follow signs to the airport.
In 2000 Smathers Beach got a facelift with new sand. But then in 2005 Hurricane Wilma wiped everything out so there has been yet another restoration of the entire beach area, including sidewalks and sea wall. Vendors and watersports rentals can once again be found along the beach at Smathers. You can get windsurfers, Italian ice, and other beach-ey food items.
The water in front of Smathers Beach is shallow for a long ways out into the ocean. That means lots of wading and not much swimming. There's also a lot of sea grass along the edge, which sometimes makes the beach look dirty but it's natural. It's fun to walk the beach and watch the watersports further out as they harness the wind and play in the ocean. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, go for it yourself: harness into a kite and surf the waters of the Atlantic!
Key West. Just west of the airport on S. Roosevelt Blvd.
One of Key West's longest beaches. Picnic areas, restroom facilities, a volleyball net and watersports.
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