Florida's beautiful coastline is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. That's why we're proud to present our top 10 picks for ADA accessible beaches in South Florida. Each of these beaches not only offers stunning views and recreational opportunities, but they also provide accessibility features that make them an excellent choice for everyone. Let's dive in!
1. Long Key State Park, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: Long Key State Park offers an impressive 20,500 feet of frontage. This makes it not only one of the most spacious beaches in South Florida but also a perfect spot for those who enjoy long walks by the sea.
How to Arrive: The beach is conveniently located at 67400 Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 67.5).
Interesting Fact: Long Key State Park is located in the middle of the Florida Keys archipelago, which is known for its rich biodiversity, both on land and underwater.
2. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: With 13,900 feet of frontage, this beach offers ample space to enjoy. Plus, its location on an island that's accessible only by boat adds a sense of adventure to your beach trip.
How to Arrive: As this beach is located on an island, you'll need to arrange for boat transportation.
Interesting Fact: The island is named after the Lignum Vitae, a tree species known for its extremely hard and dense wood. It's one of many unique plant species you can find on the island.
3. Bahia Honda State Park, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: Bahia Honda State Park, with 12,340 feet of frontage, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
How to Arrive: The park is located at 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key (Mile marker 37).
Interesting Fact: Bahia Honda State Park is home to the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, a historic landmark that was part of the Overseas Railroad.
4. John D. MacArthur State Park, Palm Beach County
What Makes It Great: This beach offers 9,300 feet of frontage and is part of a state park known for its rich biodiversity and recreational activities, including hiking and bird watching.
How to Arrive: The beach is located at 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive.
Interesting Fact: The park is named after John D. MacArthur, a prominent businessman and philanthropist whose foundation donated the land for the park.
5. Smathers Beach, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: Smathers Beach, offering 8,830 feet of frontage, is Key West's largest public beach. Its sandy shore and palm-lined setting offer a classic beach experience.
How to Arrive: This beach is located south of Roosevelt Blvd and east of Bertha St.
Interesting Fact: Smathers Beach is a popular location for beach volleyball and other sports, making it a great spot for active beach-goers.
6. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: With 7,465 feet of frontage, this beach offers a unique blend of beach fun and botanical exploration.
How to Arrive: The park is located at County Road 905, South of Atlantic Blvd along Card Sound Road.
Interesting Fact: The park is home to one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the U.S.
7. Deering Estate, Miami-Dade County
What Makes It Great: This beach offers 7,000 feet of frontage and is part of a historic estate with beautiful architecture and gardens.
How to Arrive: The estate is located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave.
Interesting Fact: The Deering Estate is a cultural and ecological hub, with archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.
8. Flamingo Beach, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: Flamingo Beach, offering 6,500 feet of frontage, is part of the Everglades National Park, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beach and explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades.
How to Arrive: The beach is located at the south end of SR 9336.
Interesting Fact: The Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Monroe County
What Makes It Great: Offering 5,780 feet of frontage, this beach is located in a historic fort, making it an excellent choice for history buffs.
How to Arrive: The park is located at 601 Howard England Way.
Interesting Fact: The fort was built in the mid-1800s and played significant roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.
10. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Accesses #1-#11), Miami-Dade County
What Makes It Great: This beach offers 3,700 feet of frontage and is part of a state park that's known for its historic lighthouse and outdoor recreational activities.
How to Arrive: The park is located at 1200 S. Crandon Boulevard.
Interesting Fact: The Cape Florida Lighthouse, located in the park, is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.
South Florida's beaches are beautiful, diverse, and accessible. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a beach lover or a nature enthusiast, you'll find a beach that's just right for you. So get out there and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf that South Florida has to offer!
Learn more about these beaches and find other hidden gems with the Beaches App!
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