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


Head to the southernmost beach of the continental United States to relax and swim in the waters where famous writer Tennessee Williams once took his daily swim.

At the end of Key West’s main shopping and dining street, tiny South Beach provides sun, sand and waves just a short walk from the centre of town. The warm waters of this popular beach are perfect for swimming. Here you can say you’ve been to the southernmost beach of the continental United States. This beach is also where author and playwright Tennessee Williams swam daily.

Enjoy the lively Key West atmosphere on a rented deck chair beneath an umbrella. The vendors that line the path along the top of the beach will help you carry your gear to your chosen spot. Head to the beach early to ensure you get the best seat, as the area is very popular year-round. If you’re not one for sunbathing, hire a snorkel or kayak from the vendors and head offshore to explore out to sea and up and down the coast.

Grab an opportunity between the crowds to take a snapshot in front of the sign indicating South Beach is the southernmost beach. Literary types will love the Tennessee Williams quote on the sign, “I work everywhere, but I work best here”. Views of the beach are spectacular and provide a beautiful backdrop to the photo. It’s also a short walk to the Southernmost Point where you’ll find the colourful buoy marking the southern tip of the U.S.

Enjoy the cool of the air-conditioning in the café overlooking the beach. Take in the glorious views across the Gulf of Mexico, where the glittering waters reflect the deep blue of the skies. The café serves lunch, snacks and drinks. Take a short walk from the beach to find restaurants serving up fresh seafood.

South Beach is located at the end of Duval Street. It’s close to shops and accommodation and Key West’s central attractions. Come on foot or by bike from almost anywhere on the island. There is metered parking along the beach.

Plan a trip to see South Beach

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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
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
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
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
Southwinds Motel

Southwinds Motel

2 out of 5
1321 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
Southwinds Motel
Southernmost House

Southernmost House

4 out of 5
1400 Duval Street, Key West, FL
Southernmost House
Santa Maria Suites

Santa Maria Suites

4 out of 5
1401 Simonton St, Key West, FL
Santa Maria Suites
Winslow's Bungalows - Key West Historic Inns

Winslow's Bungalows - Key West Historic Inns

4 out of 5
725 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL
Winslow's Bungalows - Key West Historic Inns
Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns

Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns

3.5 out of 5
902 Whitehead St, Key West, FL
Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns
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

South Beach offers a vibrant array of activities for tourists, including breathtaking sunsets and a variety of shopping options. You can explore the area through guided tours, enjoy a scenic bike ride, or dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling. For those looking to relax, a quick swim is always a good idea. Don't miss out on the lively entertainment scene that South Beach is renowned for, ensuring your visit is filled with fun and excitement.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience in South Beach, visit We Cycle Key West and The Kite House, both only 0.7 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Big Pine Key Flea Market, located 29 miles away, where you can find a variety of local goods and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at the Key West Golf Club, just 4 miles from South Beach, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and outdoor vibes. Alternatively, relax at the MLK Community Pool & Community Center, located 0.3 miles away, perfect for families and recreational fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife in South Beach is vibrant and exciting, featuring venues like the Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theater, and Key West Burlesque Theater, all offering a mix of culture, romance, and entertainment. Enjoy a night filled with captivating performances and a lively atmosphere just a short distance from the beach.

Find the best attractions near South Beach

South Beach in Key West offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every type of traveler, from culture seekers to families and adventure enthusiasts. Explore historic houses, relax on sandy shores, and discover shallow sandbars perfect for fishing. With its picturesque streets and stunning beaches, South Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind while engaging in exciting local experiences.

  • Duval Street: Experience the vibrant energy of Duval Street, a bustling thoroughfare filled with lively shops, eclectic bars, and delicious eateries. Just 0.6 miles from South Beach, this street is the heart of Key West’s nightlife, offering a unique blend of local culture and entertainment.
  • Southernmost Point: Visit the iconic Southernmost Point buoy, located a mere 0.1 miles from South Beach. This symbolic landmark marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S. and is a must-see for its stunning photo opportunities and rich cultural significance.
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Discover the literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway at his former residence, located 0.4 miles from South Beach. This historic house offers guided tours showcasing Hemingway's life and works, along with beautiful gardens and six-toed cats.

Best time to go to South Beach

Visitor numbers around South Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit South Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March73.4°F (23.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April76.8°F (24.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Beach

To save money on your trip to South Beach, visit during the off-peak months of August to October for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance often yields the best prices, especially on Tuesdays, which are cheaper than Fridays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter results by price and eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around South Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category—checking the "Eco-certified" option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your South Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.