Smathers Beach

Key West's largest beach has all the ingredients for a golden tan: picture-perfect stretch of sand, chair rentals, volleyball courts and a calm breeze. Located on the southern shore of the island, the man-made beach offers calm shallow waters and a slew of water activities from Sunset Watersports. Rentals include Hobie Cat sailboats, windsurfers, paddle boards, kayaks, Sun Fish sailboats and jetskis. They also offer a parasailing, where you can see the entire island from the air. The beach itself is free and has restrooms (open until 4:00 p.m.), showers, snack bars, bike paths and picnic tables. Like most Keys beaches, the waters can be a little rocky, and seaweed washes up on shore. It's a popular wedding spot, so don't be surprised to see multiple wedding parties jockeying for position at sunset.