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.