Smathers Beach, Public beach in Key West, United States.
Smathers Beach is a public beach in Key West located along South Roosevelt Boulevard, stretching for roughly half a mile with coconut palms framing the shoreline. The sandy expanse features shallow waters and is one of the largest swimming areas available to the public in the city.
The beach was named after Florida Senator George Smathers, a prominent political figure whose name became officially associated with this location in 1958. This naming reflects his influence and importance to the region's political landscape at that time.
The beach marked history in 2013 when Diana Nyad completed her 110-mile swim from Cuba, reaching the shore without using a shark cage.
The beach has volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers available to visitors who want to spend extended time here. Jet ski rentals are offered for those interested in water activities, and parking is located nearby with access throughout the day.
The location sits at mile marker zero of State Road A1A, serving as the symbolic starting point of a major coastal highway route. This geographic significance makes it a special reference point for travelers navigating the region.
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