Higgs Beach

Amenity-packed beach with calm water and powerful history

InsideOverseas Highway

Overview

Higgs Beach (Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park) is Key West’s easygoing, do‑it‑all shoreline on the Atlantic side. It pairs a broad sandy beach and gentle, shallow water with history, gardens, and a long pier right next door. If you want a low‑stress beach day with plenty of creature comforts, this is the spot.

What You’ll Find

On the water: swimming, sunbathing, and—when conditions cooperate—casual snorkeling near the pier. Rentals on site cover chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards.
On land: volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball, two playgrounds, and a popular off‑leash dog park across the street (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach itself).
Comforts: permanent restrooms and outdoor showers, covered picnic tables, tiki huts, grills, and a beach café for easy food and drinks.

History, Gardens and Memorials

Steps from the sand, West Martello Tower houses the Key West Garden Club—lush, free to wander, and typically open daytime hours. Along the shore you’ll encounter the African Refugee Memorial and the AIDS Memorial at the entrance to Edward B. Knight (White Street) Pier. You’re also at the endpoint of the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail, making this a natural pause on a Keys bike ride.

Little Extras

A small butterfly garden near the beach attracts colorful visitors (keep an eye out for monarchs). The long wooden pier next door is a relaxing stroll and a reliable place for sea‑breeze views and sunset color.

Best Time to Visit

Beat the crowds by arriving early morning or aiming for late afternoon into sunset. Midday—especially on weekends—sees the busiest beach and tightest parking. The beach itself is open roughly 6 a.m.–11 p.m., while nearby garden grounds operate daytime hours, making a shady mid‑day garden stroll a smart pairing when the sun is strongest.

Logistics That Matter

Parking is free but limited at peak times; consider hopping off the nearby Old Town Trolley (Stop No. 10) or biking in. Expect real restrooms with running water plus beach showers; facilities tend to keep daytime hours even though the beach stays open later.

Pros

Calm, shallow water and a wide sandy beach
Loaded with amenities: restrooms, showers, picnic areas, rentals, café

Cons

Parking fills up midday and on weekends
No dogs on the beach (off‑leash dog park next door)

Tips

Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to snag parking and space.
Bring snorkel gear and water shoes for poking around near the pier.
Combine the beach with West Martello/Key West Garden Club during its daytime hours.
Expect restrooms and showers to close around early evening even if the beach is open.
No dogs on the sand—use the off‑leash dog park across the street.