Smather's Beach, Key West

Smather's Beach, Key West

Smathers Beach, the largest public beach in Key West, is renowned for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Spanning approximately half a mile, this beach is a favored destination for both locals and tourists, known for its picturesque sandy shores and abundant palm trees. Its accessibility as a free, public beach adds to its popularity.

The beach's location on the south side of Key West, along the Atlantic Ocean and State Road A1A, is notable. It begins at mile marker zero, marking the start of A1A, a detail that adds to its unique charm. The beach is particularly famous for the spectacular views it offers during early morning walks, where visitors can experience magical sunrise moments that are both serene and breathtaking.

A distinctive feature of Smathers Beach is its lining of coconut trees, creating a quintessential tropical paradise vibe. The beach's allure is not just limited to its natural beauty; it has also been a witness to remarkable historical events. On September 2, 2013, it was the landing point for Diana Nyad, a long-distance swimmer who made history by swimming 110 miles (166 kilometers) from Havana, Cuba to this beach. This extraordinary feat, achieved without the aid of a shark cage, marked the first time someone had swum from Cuba to Florida in such a manner.

Additionally, Smathers Beach holds historical significance due to its namesake, George Smathers (1913-2007). Smathers was a distinguished U.S. Senator for Florida and a friend of President John F. Kennedy.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Key West. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Smather's Beach on Map

Sight Name: Smather's Beach
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor

Walking Tours in Key West, Florida

Create Your Own Walk in Key West

Create Your Own Walk in Key West

Creating your own self-guided walk in Key West is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Key West Introduction Walking Tour

Key West Introduction Walking Tour

For the historically curious as well as for party-goers or laid-back drifters, Key West is a small paradise at the end of U.S. Route 1, on the southernmost tip of the continental United States, in the Florida Keys archipelago. The installed here Southernmost Point landmark reminds of this fact and is a popular spot for photos and selfies.

Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West Bar Hopping

Key West Bar Hopping

Key West, Florida is often referred to as "an amusement park for adults fueled with alcohol" and is widely renowned for its diverse and vibrant bar scene. Blessed with a tropical climate and stunning ocean views, the city enjoys a relaxed, anything-goes attitude which after dusk transforms into lively nightlife centered around the many watering holes and clubs lining the streets of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida

Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida

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