The Sunshine State hosts some of the best beaches in the south eastern United States so if you’ve started to spot the signs of a bad marriage, a beach break may be what you need.. The States has almost 20,000 kilometres of coast line so there’s plenty to chose from. Smathers Beach is the destination for our article and it’s probably the best known beach in the Key West area.
If the moniker is a little unusual, it’s named after George A. Smathers who served as a United States senator for 18 years between 1951 and 1969. He was also an accomplished college basketball player and served in the U.S. army during World War II.
Smathers Beach
Back to the beach though and Smathers is the longest beach in Key West. It’s not a particularly quiet beach or somewhere you should go if you’re seeking solitude although it’s size means there’s usually a part of the beach which is a little less popular.
Smathers Beach is situated on the south side of the island of Key West and close enough to civilisation to be able to offer all the amenities a beach goer might require, and plenty that they probably won’t. There’s loads of parking for visitors from further afield, you can rent everything you can possibly think of and the every type of snack food is available from the various concessions stands adjacent to the beach.
Smathers Beach
If you want to go in the water (and why would you not), watersports a big feature at Smathers Beach. Windsurfing, para-sailing and jet skiing are available here but what makes it ideal for windsurfing beginners makes it completely unsuitable for surfers; there is no surf here whatsoever so leave your board at home.
At most times of the year it’s also great for snorkelling; the water is warm and clear and provides views of some fascinating fish at various locations. At certain periods in the year the water can get a bit murky with plenty of seaweed floating around so if you like to snorkel, check the local information.
Lastly, Smathers Beach can be something of a party beach; alcohol is permitted there and it’s not uncommon for parties to continue until dawn on holidays and weekends. Whatever reason you want to visit, you won’t regret it.