Regular life is no day at the beach! Plan your August escape to Key West

 

Dreaming of sun, sand and sea this August? Look no further than fabulous Key West! The ultimate tropical getaway, Key West makes each day feel like a beach holiday — and at Historic Key West Vacation Rentals, we can chart your course with an accommodation that makes it easy to access all the island’s best shoreline adventures. Whether you’re planning to soak up the sun, snorkel vibrant reefs in search of exotic wildlife, or simply enjoy a lazy afternoon with a good book and ocean views, our fabulous vacation homes put you in the heart of it all.

 

To kick off your August vacation in Key West, we are sharing five of our favorite beach day trips to plan during your stay.

 

1. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Offering a fascinating blend of beach time and history, Fort Zachary Taylor is a must-visit. Often named the best beach in Key West, this unique spot offers crystal-clear waters for snorkeling among offshore coral reefs, shaded picnic areas and a Civil War-era fort to explore. This one-of-a-kind experience blends an incredible natural setting with special activities like birdwatching, paddling, fishing and swimming, with rock jetties creating ideal snorkeling conditions. Spend the day immersed in the history of the Civil War and Spanish-American War, take a guided tour, or simply bask in the sun on this gorgeous beach. One of our Historic Key West Vacation Rentals accommodations places you just a quick bike ride or drive away from this popular attraction, and many more in Old Town Key West. Pro Tip: Pack a lunch (or grab something from the Cayo Hueso Café inside the park) and spend an entire day lounging under the Australian pines. You’ll also find beach gear and water sports equipment for rent.

 

2. Higgs Beach

Located near the famous White Street Pier, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach offers a laid-back vibe essential for a low-key beach day. Rent a paddleboard, take in a volleyball match, or enjoy the simple pleasure of stretching out under the sun. Families can enjoy the children’s playground, and the nearby Key West Garden Club (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) at Fort West Martello for a lovely nature walk. You’ll also find tennis and pickleball facilities here, as well as a beach concession that offers chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and other water sports equipment for rent. Pro Tip: To maximize your beach time, several special Historic Key West Vacation Rentals, including Petite Maison and Potter’s Cottage, make it easy to get there on foot or by bike.

 

3. Smathers Beach

The largest public beach in Key West, vibrant Smathers Beach is popular with the spring break crowd. A half-mile long, Smathers sits on the island’s south side, at mile marker zero along the Atlantic Ocean. Think long sandy stretches with a plethora of water sports, like beach volleyball, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and kayaking. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, so you can set up a perfect spot minus the heavy lifting. Pro Tip: August visitors love Smathers for its lively atmosphere—and when you’re staying in a centrally located home from Historic Key West Vacation Rentals, you’ll find your tranquil personal retreat waiting for you after a full day in the sun.

 

4. Dry Tortugas National Park

For the ultimate beach adventure, book a ferry or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West. The trip itself is all part of the fun! Here you’ll find 100-square miles of gorgeous open water, untouched beaches, incredible snorkeling at Garden Key, and the magnificent Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th century forts. The park’s pristine waters make this one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, so swimming, snorkeling or diving are definitely on the menu for this unique beach day. A paradise for wildlife viewing, you’ll experience incredible birdwatching opportunities and may even spot green and loggerhead sea turtles swimming in the coral reefs just offshore. Pro Tip: Book one of our spacious monthly rentals, such as Three Arches in Paradise, and give yourself ample time to experience day trips like Dry Tortugas in between other beach days closer to home.

 

5. South Beach

Did you know Tennessee Williams took a daily swim at South Beach when he lived in Key West? It’s easy to see the appeal. Tucked away at the southernmost end of Duval Street, South Beach is a cozy iconic spot for a quiet swim and a relaxed atmosphere. With calm waters and easy access to all the island’s cafés and restaurants, it’s ideal for a light beach day without leaving the action of Old Town. Take a dip in South Beach’s shallow waters, then catch the sunset from the Emma Carrero Cates Pier. Pro Tip: After a swim, stroll back to your Historic Key West Vacation Rentals accommodation — properties like Dreaming on Duval are perfectly situated for those who want to experience Key West’s fabulous beach life as well as all the action in Old Town.

 

Plan your August beach vacation today! August in Key West offers sunny skies, warm waters and fewer tourists — a perfect time to experience all the best this island paradise has to offer. Whether you’re booking a nightly stay or planning a month-long escape, Historic Key West Vacation Rentals has you covered. Our carefully curated collection of vacation homes offer historic charm, modern comforts, and unbeatable locations — everything you’re looking for in a Key West vacation. Start planning your August beach getaway today! Explore all our available vacation rentals at Historic Key West Vacation Rentals and let us help you find your perfect island home.