The Upper Florida Key’s Oasis of Anne’s Beach

the view of Anne's Beach, Florida Keys, Florida

Driving down the famed Overseas Highway (US -1) towards Key West there’s a must stop beach, Anne’s Beach, located at mile marker (MM) 73. It is definitely worth the stop to stretch the legs or as I recommend to spend an afternoon.

The Florida Keys are not famous for their beaches. No. A few exist in the Upper Florida Keys at resorts such as the beach at the Hilton in Key Largo and at the beach at the Moornings in Islamorada. There is also the National Park Nest Key Beach, but you need to arrive by boat.

the open sea, a view from Anne's Beach, Florida Keys

Is it a bird? a plane?, no it is a Kite Surfer.

Anne’s Beach, a local favorite in Lower Matacumbe (MM 73)

Anne’s beach is different. Right off the highway, visitors find free access to a public beach.  Although, the beach itself is not large, it remains a charming place to visit filled with a boardwalk through mangroves, shaded wooden picnic tables and pristine views of classic Florida Keys water. It seems to be the perfect place for the locals, especially families and dog owners, not to mention the local wildlife of birds and fish who share the habitat.

a look at the beach beside one of the many picnic tables at Anne's Beach, Florida Keys

time to get up and go!

walking the dog at Anne's Beach

taking the dog for a walk, although this dog preferred the rock, not the sea....

walking along Anne's Beach, Florida Keys, Florida

going for a hike....

Why Go to Anne’s Beach

It may not be filled with soft sand or cabanas, but it provides a perfect way to connect to the environment; a perfect place to enjoy nature, a perfect place to experience the Florida Keys.  Pack a picnic basket, bring a beach chair and enjoy being knee deep in the water and find yourself worrying if the tide will reach your chair.

How to Get to Anne’s Beach?

You drive. It is steps from US-1 at MM 73 with two parking lots approximately 1/4 mile apart.  So don’t worry if you miss the first one, but know that the only bathroom is on the northern side (the first entrance when driving to Key West).

plenty of wild life at Anne's Beach, Florida Keys, Florida

the birds often outnumber the people at the beach

Stay adventurous, Craig

 

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  • Maryann

    This is a beautiful beach. I love going there to relax. Recently I read that parking meters will be installed. There are bathrooms and pavilions on the beach which will benefit from the revenue received. It will be worth cost of parking to improve the beach facilities. Great pictures.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Agreed, you just need to make sure you bring some change to pay for the meters… but I agree, a few dollars to park there – totally worth it if the revenue goes back for the park / beach upkeep. Stay adventurous, Craig

  • harry pit

    Florida is famous for beaches. Anne’s beach is really very beautiful. I would like to go there n want to spend some quality time.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Harry, yes Florida has great beaches, but when you get to the Florida Keys, there are just a few and Anne’s is definitely one of them…. enjoy your trip. Stay adventurous, Craig