Key West is an island by definition, so you might think there'd be beaches with crashing waves. Not so. This is not the Bahamas, or anything like it. Make no mistake about it. We're 100% Key West fans. It's just that first-timers have to know what to expect. In our experience, many people come to Key West expecting a major-league beach experience and find themselves disappointed. It's better to enjoy Key West for what it is, and accept the fact that the beach you go to may not be the best you've ever seen.

That said, check out Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. It's part of a state park, and you'll pay a nominal fee to enter. The beach is decent though not large, and the facilities are fine.  On the other side of the island, over toward the airport, is Smather's Beach. This is a large beach right along the road.  Many locals and tourists use the 2.5 mile sidewalk for their early morning run or walk or just to take in the sunrise.  Smather's Beach is very crowded during spring break and Easter weekend.  You'll find other small beaches around the island (Higgs Beach, Dog Beach, South Beach) and some attached to hotel properties. Emphasis on the word, "small."   If you are military, Coast Guard, or Florida Law Enforcement, you can use the two beaches on the naval installations (Patio Beach located west of the Southernmost Point on Truman Annex and Boca Chica Beach located on the base at the 8 MM).

There are plenty of other things to do in and around the water. There are plenty of boats available to take you snorkeling. We found that on a good day, the snorkeling is very pleasant. There's boating and fishing as well, and plenty of cruises that can take you out to enjoy those sunsets.

If you find the Key West beaches a disappointment, travel back up the keys to Bahia Honda State Park. The beach there is quite good but still no waves.