South Beach Tours

South Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
South Beach showing a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views
South Beach featuring tropical scenes, a sandy beach and general coastal views
South Beach featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a beach
South Beach showing a beach, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort


The southernmost beach in the continental United States is a convenient sandy enclave, just minutes from the center of town.

Conveniently located at the end of one of Key West’s main streets and just a short walk from the center of the town, this tiny beach is the most popular on the island. While its warm water, perfect swimming conditions and stunning views attract many visitors, some visit South Beach simply to say they’ve been to the southernmost beach in the continental United States. Find a spot on the crowded beach to immerse yourself in the lively Key West atmosphere or simply stop by for a quick swim on your way into town.

Rent an umbrella and a deck chair when you arrive at the beach and stake out a patch of sand. Vendors line the path that runs along the top of the beach you’ll have no trouble finding a vendor friendly enough to help you carry your belongings to the sand. While South Beach is notoriously busy during the peak tourist period, arriving there early and settling in for the day will ensure you have a great spot amid the lively hustle and bustle. Rent snorkeling gear or kayaks from nearby vendors to explore farther afield.

A sign indicating South Beach as the southernmost beach in the United States is a great photo opportunity. You’re likely to find others with cameras in the area join in. Views from the beach are spectacular and provide a beautiful backdrop to the photo. Pull up a seat in the air-conditioned café that overlooks the beach to gaze across the Gulf of Mexico, taking in the azure ocean, blue skies and wispy clouds. Light snacks and lunch are available at the café, along with tea, coffee and cold drinks. Take a short walk from the beach to find plenty of restaurants.

South Beach is a public beach located at the end of Duval Street on the edge of the town center. It can easily be reached on foot or by bicycle from most areas of the island. Those coming by car will find metered parking along the shore.

Browse tours and tickets to explore South Beach

Tours & day trips

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Reviews of South Beach

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
398
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
387
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
142
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
37
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
16
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The resort had live entertainment for a few hours that was really enjoyable here and I had actually wished there were more. Great location, can watch cruise ships coming in and out.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Best beach in the area

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Key west is not known for its sandy beaches. The water is pretty murky and rough with lots and lots of washed up seaweed. It gets very stinky and smelly especially with the hot sun.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The beach was filled with weeds washing onto it.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Smelly

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Not worth a trip to any beach other than to say you were in the water.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near South Beach

Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses

Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses

4 out of 5
1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL
Southernmost Beach Resort and Guesthouses
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
1500 Reynolds Street, Key West, FL
Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
Southwinds Motel

Southwinds Motel

2 out of 5
1321 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
Southwinds Motel
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
1435 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only

The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only

3 out of 5
525 United Street, Key West, FL
The Southernmost Inn - Adults Only
Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

4 out of 5
2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection

La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
430 Duval St, Key West, FL
La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
601 Front St, Key West, FL
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa
Santa Maria Suites

Santa Maria Suites

4 out of 5
1401 Simonton St, Key West, FL
Santa Maria Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near South Beach

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of South Beach with stunning sunsets and exciting shopping options. Relax on the beach with comfortable chairs, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, or join in on the lively pool parties. For the adventurous, jet skiing is a thrilling way to explore the beautiful waters. South Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every tourist.

Shopping

In South Beach, visit We Cycle Key West and The Kite House, both located 1.1km away, for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the Big Pine Key Flea Market, situated 46.7km away, offering a vibrant, eclectic shopping experience.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Key West Golf Club, a stunning course with beautiful outdoor vibes, located 6.4km from South Beach. For a refreshing swim, visit the MLK Community Pool & Community Center, just 483m away, perfect for family fun and sports activities.

Adventure

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Ocean Drive, where lively bars and restaurants come alive. For adventure, explore the Art Deco Historic District with guided bike tours, or enjoy thrilling water sports like jet skiing and parasailing along the stunning coastline.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in South Beach with captivating shows at the Red Barn Theater and the Waterfront Playhouse, both offering a blend of romance and culture just under 1.6km away. Don’t miss the alluring performances at the Key West Burlesque Theater for a night filled with entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Beach

Whether you're seeking culture, family fun, or a vibrant city experience, South Beach offers a variety of attractions, including iconic streets, beautiful beaches, and symbolic landmarks. Explore Miami Beach and the unique charm of Key West, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. From relaxing on the sandy shores to immersing yourself in local culture, there's something for everyone in this sunny paradise.

  • Duval Street: This vibrant street is the heart of Key West, bustling with lively bars, eclectic shops, and delightful eateries. Stroll along and soak in the energetic atmosphere while enjoying street performers and local art.
  • Southernmost Point: Marked by a colorful buoy, this iconic landmark signifies the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. Visitors flock here for a photo opportunity, embracing the cultural significance and stunning ocean views.
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Step into the world of the famous writer at his former residence. Explore the lush gardens and learn about his life while admiring the unique architecture of this historic house.

Best time to go to South Beach

The best time to visit South Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around South Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January71.1°F (21.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March73.4°F (23.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April76.8°F (24.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July84.0°F (28.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August84.4°F (29.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Beach

To save money on your trip to South Beach, plan your visit between August and October when prices are lower compared to the peak season of February to April. Book your hotel about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday for the best rates. Consider using Expedia for last-minute deals, and customize your search based on budget and location. Combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings through package deals for additional savings. Lastly, take advantage of public transport or enjoy walking to explore the area without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Beach are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around South Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around South Beach is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: You can utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you're looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your South Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia