A Local’s Guide to the Best Public Beaches in Islamorada
If you’re planning a visit to the Florida Keys and hoping to spend time by the water, Islamorada is one of the best spots to enjoy scenic, laid-back beach days. While the Florida Keys are better known for their boating and snorkeling than long stretches of sand, there are a handful of great public beaches in Islamorada worth exploring.
In this local guide, we’ll break down the top public beaches in Islamorada—each with its own vibe, amenities, and reasons to stop in. Whether you're packing a picnic, launching a paddleboard, or just want to stick your toes in the sand, these spots deliver.
And when you’re done beach-hopping? Return to your home base at Kon Tiki Resort—centrally located, bayfront, and one of the only Islamorada resorts with on-site boat ramp, free dockage, and trailer parking.
Founders Park Beach (Mile Marker 87)
One of the most well-maintained public beaches in Islamorada, Founders Park Beach offers a bit of everything. There’s a sandy swimming area with palm trees for shade, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, and even a marina next door.
You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee (unless you’re a Monroe County resident), but most visitors find it worth it for the clean facilities and peaceful environment.
- Ideal for: families, paddleboarding, picnics
- Amenities: restrooms, showers, parking, volleyball, boat ramp nearby
👉 Local tip: Bring lunch from Bad Boy Burrito or another nearby spot and enjoy a picnic under the palms.
Anne’s Beach (Mile Marker 73)
Anne’s Beach is beloved for its calm, shallow water and long boardwalk with shaded picnic areas. There’s not a huge stretch of sandy shoreline, but it’s great for wading, exploring mangroves, and setting up a beach chair for a quiet afternoon.
Recent renovations have improved parking and boardwalk access, making it more visitor-friendly than ever.
- Ideal for: relaxed wading, kayaking, sunset walks
- Amenities: free parking, picnic tables, boardwalk
👉 Local tip: This is a perfect beach to swing by for an hour or two before grabbing sunset drinks at Lorelei Cabana Bar just down the road.
Library Beach (Behind the Islamorada Library)
Library Beach is a quiet, often overlooked public beach tucked behind the library in Islamorada. It’s very small, with limited sand and space, but it’s great for younger kids because of its shallow water and calm setting.
- Ideal for: toddlers, reading in peace, short beach stops
- Amenities: limited parking, restrooms nearby
👉 Local tip: Pack a cooler with snacks from The Trading Post and enjoy a peaceful, shaded hour at this cozy beach.
Islamorada Sandbar (Accessible by Boat)
If you’re traveling with your boat, the Islamorada sandbar offer a one-of-a-kind Florida Keys experience. The famous Islamorada Sandbar, located off Mile Marker 84, is only accessible by water and becomes a lively scene on weekends.
This isn’t a “beach” in the traditional sense—but if you like clear water, floating, and a fun vibe, it’s worth the ride.
- Ideal for: boaters, socializing, swimming in waist-deep water
- Amenities: bring your own everything
👉 Staying at Kon Tiki Resort? We offer complimentary dockage and a private ramp for boats up to 23’. You can launch right from our property and be at the sandbar in minutes.
Bonus: Want More Islamorada Beach Picks?
Don’t miss our detailed guide:
👉 The Best Beaches Near Islamorada
Stay Close to the Water at Kon Tiki Resort
Located right on the bay, Kon Tiki Resort is one of the only Islamorada properties with its own boat ramp, guest-only dockage, and trailer parking—making it the perfect base for a beach and boating vacation.
After a full day of exploring Islamorada public beaches, come back to your private cottage, grill your catch, or sip a drink while the sun sets over the Florida Bay.
✅ Private cottages and efficiencies
✅ Direct bayfront access
✅ Free boat ramp, dockage & trailer parking
✅ Minutes from the best beaches, restaurants & more
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Book your stay today and experience Islamorada’s best beaches like a local—with comfort, convenience, and a boat slip waiting just for you.