Key West Gay Beaches

Smathers Beach is the most gay-popular beach in Key West. It's close to Duval Street where you'll find all the action. It's just over a mile long making it one of the bigger beaches on the island. Smathers Beach is definitely the place to go. During the busier tourist periods, it can get very busy with plenty of eye candy to enjoy.

The moving AIDS memorial on Higgs Beach tells you a lot about its history: although rocky with shallow waters, it has been catering to gay men since the 1970s. Indeed, the pier at the end is not called “the rainbow pier” or, less respectfully, “the dick dock” for no reason. Walk to the end for some magnificent panoramic views and sunsets.

When you visit the beach take some time to cast your eye not only at the AIDS memorial but also at the graves of the African slaves by the boardwalk. They were buried there after a slave ship was captured off the coast in 1860.

The beach is at the southern end of White Street with Higgs Beach Dog Park on the west side.