Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is located on the south side of Key West, right on South Roosevelt Boulevard. The beach is a popular destination for visitors and residents. Camping is not allowed on the beach, but visitors are welcome to settle in all day and evening by the water. There are concessions offered, sold through private vending companies. Pets are not permitted on the beach. Equipment rental is available, so guests can enjoy the surf and sand with kayaks, beach umbrellas, chairs, windsurfers and jet skis. There are beach volleyball areas set up, as well as plenty of shells for shell hunting. Snorkeling is popular in the area, as is fishing. There is also a parasailing service. The beach was named for George A. Smathers, a senator from Florida who served in Congress for nearly two decades. Alcohol is permitted on the beach making it a popular seaside destination for parties and celebrations. Beach weddings frequently occur on the weekends and in the evenings. The beach has experienced some damage due to local hurricanes, the latest of which was Hurricane Rita, occurring in 2005. There was minor beach erosion that has since been restored. Other hurricanes have damaged the seawall, but again, the repairs have been made and the beach is maintained very well.