Beachside, Key West: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Just steps from sandy shores, turquoise waters, and oceanfront restaurants, bars, and shops, Beachside is one of the most sought-after Key West neighborhoods for visitors and residents alike.
Beachside is the perfect place to stay for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, or those who just want to enjoy a breezy, relaxed atmosphere, and of course, the views are stunning.
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of waves sweeping the shoreline, the sun rising over the ocean, and refreshing sea breezes — and you don’t even have to leave your room to enjoy it when you book a private Beachside vacation rental.
Ready to plan your perfect beach vacation? Here’s your ultimate neighborhood guide to Beachside, Key West!
About the Beachside Neighborhood
Stretching across part of Key West’s southern shoreline that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, Beachside is best known for, well, you probably guessed it — beaches! In fact, it’s home to some of the most pristine and popular beaches in Key West, including Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Rest Beach.
While the beaches are certainly the biggest draw when choosing to stay in Beachside, you’ll also find plenty of parks and coastal footpaths, gardens and green spaces, and local restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Overall, Beachside offers that quintessential relaxed beach town feel while still being close enough to the hustle and bustle of Downtown Key West (about a 10-minute drive).
Things to Do in Beachside, Key West
From beaches and watersports to parks and museums, there are lots of fun things to do in Beachside, Key West!
Beaches and Water Sports
Beachside is best known for its beaches, so of course, the number one thing to do is enjoy them! From soaking up the sun on the sand and swimming in the crystal clear waters to snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and kiteboarding, there’s so much to do in and around the water in Beachside. Here are a few of our favorite beaches to explore when staying in Beachside:
Smathers Beach
Known for its sugary-white sand and perfect palm trees, Smathers Beach is Key West’s most popular beach, so you’ll likely be sharing the sand with other beachgoers here. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of room for everyone, as this is also Key West’s largest public beach, spanning nearly half a mile. ‘It also offers plenty of amenities like restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and chair/umbrella rentals. And if you get hungry, there are often local vendors and food trucks set up to sell their tasty treats along the sidewalks of Smathers Beach.
For some extra fun in the sun, you’ll also find water sports operators dotted along the shoreline that typically offer kayak, paddleboard, beach raft, and Hobie Cat rentals, plus parasailing excursions. There’s something for everyone at Smathers Beach!
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
A favorite among families, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach, also known as Higgs Beach, features calm, clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, BBQ grills, tennis and pickleball courts, a dog park, and plenty of restrooms and showers. You’ll also typically find some water sports operators and beach rentals available.
Higgs Beach is the perfect spot for a family beach day. Enjoy a picnic or BBQ, play a round of tennis or pickleball, stroll the pier for scenic views, and, of course, kids love exploring the playgrounds.
Rest Beach
Just a few yards east of Higgs Beach, Rest Beach has the same calm, clear waters as Higgs Beach, just with fewer amenities, but the payoff is that it’s typically much less crowded.
You will find restrooms, showers, and a few picnic tables, but there aren’t typically any water sports operators or beach rentals. If you’re looking for a quiet, no-frills beach experience, Rest Beach is perfect. You might even feel like it’s your own private beach at times!
Parks and Nature Trails
In addition to beautiful beaches, Beachside has an abundance of gorgeous green spaces to explore.
Key West Gardens at Fort Martello
Tucked away behind the east side of Higgs Beach, inside Fort Martello, the Key West Gardens are a must-visit. You’ll walk through history and nature as you explore a variety of plants, trees, flowers, and a butterfly garden, amid the remnants of a Civil War-era Fort.
Indigenous Park
A haven for native birds and plants, Indigenous Park features a nature trail, pond, and picnic areas to enjoy. It’s also home to the Key West Wildlife Center, which rescues and rehabilitates birds from around the lower Keys. You can tour the aviaries and see a variety of native and migratory birds. It’s the perfect spot to take a peaceful stroll and connect with nature.
Key West Nature Preserve
The perfect pit stop on the way to Smathers Beach, the Key West Nature Preserve features a small boardwalk that winds through a lush mangrove forest. You might spot a variety of local wildlife, like birds, butterflies, and lizards, and be sure to look down as you walk, where you’ll likely spot lots of little holes in the ground; if you’re lucky, you’ll see some tiny, adorable fiddler crabs scurrying in and out of them.
Beachside Attractions
While the beaches and parks are really the main attractions in the Beachside neighborhood of Key West, you’ll also find a few unique things to do. Be sure to put these stops on your itinerary!
Fort East Martello Museum
Another piece of unique Key West history, Fort East Martello Museum brings visitors back in time with artifacts and exhibits that trace the Fort’s history, including its role during the Civil War and other military uses over the years. Fort East Martello is also home to the famously “haunted” Robert the Doll, a local legend and one of the most sought-after stops on local ghost tours.
Seaplane Adventures
There are a lot of ways to see Key West, by foot, bike, car, boat, trolley, and even the famous Conch Train, but for a truly unforgettable experience, nothing beats seeing it from the air. See Key West like never before with a sightseeing tour from Seaplane Adventures. You’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the island from the sky, with a stop at the famous Dry Tortugas National Park — a bucket list item for many!
Dining in Beachside, Key West
Beachside has lots of great dining options, serving up local specialties like fresh seafood and Key lime pie, and of course, incredible views! A few of our favorite restaurants in Beachside include:
Salute! On The Beach
Casual beach cafe serving up lunch and dinner, and all-day cocktails. From a fantastic grouper specific and peel-and-eat-shrimp to farm-fresh spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna (from the owner’s farm in Tennessee, there’s something tasty on the menu for everyone here. This spot is also a favorite local hangout, famous for its relaxed, toes-in-the-sand tables, great menu, and pina coladas.
Louie’s Backyard
Breezy beachfront spot serving up seafood specialties like crab cakes, coconut shrimp, and seared sesame tuna, plus fine wines and incredible Key lime pie. You can dine in the main dining room for an upscale experience, or enjoy sips and bites in the upstairs cafe or deck bar. Wherever you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean.
La Trattoria
Authentic Italian eatery overlooking the ocean with a menu of favorites like insalata burrata, spaghetti pomodoro, osso bucco, and a to-die-for tiramisu. You’ll also find fresh-caught fish specials and an extensive martini list — the Italian lemon drop is a must-try! When you’re in the mood for Italian, there’s no better spot in Key West.
Book Your Key West Vacation in Beachside
Ready to plan your dream beach vacation? Book your stay in Beachside with VHKW for your own private resort-style experience.
Enjoy premium amenities like fully furnished vacation rentals with ocean views, private pools, hot tubs, and more. And the best part is — you’ll be just minutes, and in some cases, steps away from some of the best beaches in Key West!
