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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Beach House, Key West
Oceans Edge Key West Resort, Hotel & Marina
Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns

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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
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
Southwinds Motel

Southwinds Motel

2 out of 5
1321 Simonton Street, Key West, FL
Southwinds Motel
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
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
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
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 mix of activities and attractions, from stunning sunsets to chic shopping. Enjoy the beach area with comfortable beach chairs, dive into exciting pool parties, or experience the thrill of jet skiing while feeling the refreshing sea breeze. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring the local scene, South Beach is the perfect destination for fun and relaxation.

Shopping

In South Beach, visit We Cycle Key West and The Kite House, both just 0.7 miles away, for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Big Pine Key Flea Market, located 29 miles away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of local finds.

Recreation

Experience the lush greens and tranquil atmosphere at Key West Golf Club, a premier golf course just 4 miles from South Beach, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For family-friendly fun, visit the MLK Community Pool & Community Center, located only 0.3 miles away, offering outdoor activities and relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the vibrant Art Deco Historic District on a guided bike tour, discovering stunning architecture and local history. Dive into adventure with water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, offering thrilling views of the coastline and turquoise waters of South Beach.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of South Beach, where you can catch a captivating show at the Waterfront Playhouse or the Red Barn Theater, both offering rich culture and entertainment. For something unique, enjoy an evening at the Key West Burlesque Theater, perfect for a fun and romantic night out.

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

Find the best attractions near South Beach

South Beach offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including picturesque streets, beautiful beaches, and historic houses, perfect for travelers seeking culture, family fun, and adventure. Explore the lively Miami Beach scene, venture to Key West for a taste of island life, and enjoy the unique charm of South Beach. There's no shortage of activities to create unforgettable memories during your visit.

  • Duval Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Duval Street, known for its lively shops, restaurants, and bars. This iconic street is perfect for strolling and soaking up the local culture, offering a mix of entertainment and unique boutiques.
  • Southernmost Point: This symbolic landmark marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Take a photo at the brightly painted buoy and enjoy the picturesque views of the ocean while embracing the cultural significance of this beloved site.
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Step into the world of the legendary author at his former residence. Explore the lush gardens and learn about Hemingway's life and works, surrounded by the charm 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 South Beach visit, consider traveling during the off-peak months from August to October when prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and aim for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Check out last-minute deals on Expedia and use their search tool to find hotels that fit your budget. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in South Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia