Higgs Strand

Higgs Beach sits on Atlantic Boulevard along Key West’s south shore, serving as a public, mainstream spot where gay locals and visitors have hung out for years. It’s not a secluded enclave; it’s a city beach where you’ll find families and residents sunbathing right next to the LGBTQ+ crowd. The White Street Pier juts out to sea at the eastern end, with the Key West AIDS Memorial standing at its foot. The beach itself is narrow. Much of the sand was trucked in, and the water is calm and shallow—good for wading, not for swimming out to the horizon. Getting there is easy if you’re staying near the Duval Street bars. Plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a short bike ride. Just keep in mind that nudity is banned on all city beaches. Park hours apply, so don’t expect 24-hour access despite what some listings claim.