by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

There is no mystery about South Beach‘s name. It sits in front of the Southernmost Hotel in Key West and is is the southermost beach in the continental U.S. Tucked between a concrete pier and a hotel complex, this tiny shallow water beach seems more like a giant bathtub than the ocean.

South Beach, located at the southern end of Duval Street in Key West is like a giant bathtub wedged between hotels and a concrete pier

It is often favored by locals, but its location at the southern end of Duval Street is particularly attractive to visitors who have walked the street’s 1.2 mile length from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Hot, tired, and often sweaty, they can wade far out into the turquoise ocean and still be in thigh-high water.

Bathers can wade far out into and still only be in thigh-high water

Cute marker commemorates the beach's "southernmost" location, as well as one of its more famous visitors

Rent a beach chair for the day or spread a towel on the sugary white sand for free. When thirst or hunger beckon, stroll a few short feet to the Southernmost Restaurant to grab a tall, cool ice tea or a full meal in the open air beachside cafe. And you’ll be in good company, since Key West’s famous residents have long been fans of South Beach, as evidenced by the beach marker, which reads:

“Tennessee Williams, who swam at this beach every morning said, ‘I work everywhere, but I work best here.’”

South Beach is not the best beach in terms of size or quality, but it is definitely best located for combining a partial day at the beach with any of the dozens of interesting attractions and activities available in Key West.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

La Concha Bay, San Sebastian

An old European city overlooking the ocean is an amazing sight and San Sebastian, Spain, is no exception. It is home to three beaches – the larger of the three, La Concha Bay, is a beach where you can lounge beneath the Basque sun and admire the stunning historical architecture. An island in the distance adds to the already picturesque horizon especially during the sunset when the entire city takes on a warm glow reflecting yellows and oranges from the buildings onto your tanning skin.

Separated from La Concha by a rocky outcropping called El Pico del Loro, is Ondarreta beach which technically is on the same bay as La Concha. Both La Concha and Ondarreta are your typical lounging beaches complete with daily umbrella rentals, free bathrooms and changing rooms.

San Sebastian

If you are looking for more of a surfing scene then La Zurriola is the place for you. You can rent surfboards there and the waves are pretty decent. You can find waterskiing on La Concha and Kayaking on Ondarreta. If this isn’t enough activity for you or perhaps you need a break from the beach (whch I’d like to think is HIGHLY unlikely!) then going for hike to appreciate the surroundings from a higher vantage point is the way to go.

I recommend taking a leisurely pace about an hour before sunset so you have enough time to enjoy the hike in time to admire the sun setting over the Atlantic from the ‘hidden’ beach bar at the top.

Related: Dreaming of Spain and Costa del Sol; Taller de Tapas in Barcelona, Spain.

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

In 2005, Hurricane Wilma roared through the Florida Keys, decimating Smathers Beach, as well as the promenade and street behind the beach. The damage has long since been repaired and the beach, which was rumored to have been replenished with sand brought in from the Bahamas, is better than ever. Thick stands of palms back the narrow ribbon of white sand, providing ample shade for the picnic tables and sunbathers. In fact, the only thing keeping Smathers from being a perfect beach is the seaweed that washes up on its shores, which can occasionally generate a slightly fishy odor.

Coconut palms line the beach, providing shade for picnickers and sunbathers

Smathers, the largest (longest, not widest) beach in Key West, runs for nearly two miles along the island’s southern shore and offers a variety of activities. Volleyball nets are set up year round and a dedicated swim zone for snorkelers is located just offshore. Additionally, this is the best beach in Key West for water sports, as kayaks, Hobie cats, wave runners, windsurfers, and Sunfish sailboat rentals are available on-site, and operators can arrange for parasailing and banana boat rides. Perhaps the only water sport not available at Smathers is surfing; the Florida Keys are protected from big waves by an offshore reef.

View down Smathers from the rock jetty at the western end the beach

Smathers Beach is located on south Roosevelt Blvd., between Key West airport and Bertha Street.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

I am on the road again, this time on a discovery tour of the Florida Keys, surveying the islands’ best best known and least known beaches. Higgs Beach in Key West, while not as pretty as some of its counterparts, is immensely popular because of the variety of activities it offers.

The old pilings from the original pier offer the ideal location for snorkelers to see tropical fish

Higgs is tucked between two piers. On the west end, an old wooden pier juts out into the shallow water. Its concrete stairs are perfect for launching rafts or inner tubes and it is the best place for snorkeling, since schools of tropical fish hover around the pilings. Masks and snorkels are available for rent on site, as are beach chairs. On the the east end of the beach, White Street Pier, reconstructed just a few short years ago following a destructive hurricane, is popular with fisherman.

White Street Pier is a favorite with fishermen

But the fun doesn’t end with snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Yoga classes are held every Saturday morning on the large raised pavilion on the beach, and directly across the street is a large Playground for the younger kids in the family. Colorfully painted picnic tables and barbecue grills scattered beneath the shade palms invite family picnics; those who prefer to be served will find the ever-popular bar and restaurant, Salute, located right on the beach. Restrooms and an outdoor shower complete the facilities. Higgs Beach may not be the most beautiful beach in Key West, but it is definitely one of the more popular places for fun in the sun.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel