Higgs Beach (Key West)

Set between Smathers Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is the somewhat lower key and smaller Higgs Beach. A very pleasant stretch of perfect white sand backed by tall palm trees Higgs is everything you would expect from a tropical beach.

However, not everything is as it seems - in fact the sand is actually imported from the Caribbean, something that is true of most of Key West’s beaches. But that’s a good thing, after all this is the best sand money can buy.

Aside from lying on this world-class sand, Higgs Beach is a great spot for snorkeling. There is an underwater marine park just off the shore here featuring coral which is a haven for any number of tropical fish. A little further out and towards the pier is the best place with sightings of stingray not uncommon.

There is no shortage of amenities on and around Higgs Beach. As well as the usual restrooms, showers, picnic tables etc. there are also not one but two children’s play parks and a dog park right across the street.

Higgs Beach isn’t short on history either. Just along the beach is the West Martello Tower, built in the 1860s as part of a defensive network. The tower is now set in over 2 acres of well maintained gardens featuring a variety of interesting plant species. Close to the tower is the African Cemetery where nearly 300 men, women and children freed from illegal slave traders were buried in unmarked graves.