From its clear turquoise waters to its beautiful sandy beaches and its tropical vegetation, Higgs Beach Park is one of the most inviting public beach parks in Florida because of its diverse array of activities and offerings. Within the Park, you will find a: Civil War Era Fort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Salute! On the Beach, a lovely beachside café that features a lighter, Caribbean-influenced take on Italian classics - with fresh bread, vegetables, and local seafood and reportedly, the largest African Refugee Burial Ground in this hemisphere as well as one of the largest Aids Memorials in the Country. Higgs Beach Park is truly unique on many fronts as it hosts the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in the United States and is also the terminus of the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail, one of only 31 nationally designated All American Highways in the United States. Activities available to park users include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and a beachside Children’s Playground. Tropical Water Sports, a beach concessionaire, offers users a broad array of beach accessories for rent including beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards, among others. Additionally, the historic civil war era fort known as the West Martello has served as the home of the Key West Garden Club for over 50 years and offers free self-guided tours of almost 2 acres of beautiful gardens with an ocean breeze and view. For animal lovers, the Park hosts a large and actively utilized dog park with separate runs for small and large dogs.
Reviews
Memorial on the National Register of Historic Places for a near 300 African refugees who died after the 3 slave ships they were on were captured by the US Navy. It's a fascinating history not well told at the site, visit the local maritime museum to get a better history. The memorial is beautiful though, I would recommend visiting well before or after high sun! There is no shade over the site. Also, close by are a very long beautiful pier (also with no shade), the AIDS memorial, & West Martello tower. Parking in this area is free so enjoy!
Free Parking. Key West is not known for beaches but this one is okay. The African memorial is pretty amazing. The unfinished civil war fort is a neat display. Shallow water, and free entertainment. Bring your own chair, chair rental is $10.
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Higgs Memorial Beach Park
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Good for scuba, swimming, and walking.
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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