Explore Anne’s Beach Florida: Complete Travel Guide

Anne’s Beach Florida is a little slice of calm in the middle of a Keys road trip. And yes, it sparkles with shallow turquoise water, soft white sand, and a sweet, laid-back vibe that sneaks up on you.

You know that feeling when you park, walk toward the boardwalk, and suddenly everything just… clicks? That’s this place.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets (it’s pet friendly), or flying solo, this public beach feels like a breath of fresh salt air.

In this guide you’ll find everything—from how to find Anne’s beach Islamorada address to local restaurant suggestions nearby.

📍 Where Is Anne’s Beach Located?

Quick Facts & GPS Info

📍 Anne’s Beach on Google Maps

• Found at Mile Marker 73.5 Oceanside on Lower Matecumbe Key, snorkeling spot central
• Free beach parking north and south of deck, easy beach access via a wooden walkway
• Wheelchair accessible boardwalk, clean restrooms, rinse-off showers

Why It’s Unique

This isn’t your average tourist trap. Anne’s Beach got its name from local environmentalist Anne Eaton—so you’re literally walking through sand and seagrass beds that locals fought to preserve.

The water stays shallow and calm, perfect for wading or letting dogs splash around (dogs on leash, please).

You’ve got mangrove trees whispering overhead, nature trails edging the beach, and that eco tourism feel that means something more than just sunbathing.

🚗 How to Get to Anne’s Beach

Driving from Key Largo or Key West

• About 40 minutes south of Key Largo on US Route 1 Overseas Highway
• Roughly 90 minutes north of Key West—ideal pitstop between the major Keys
• Gorgeous coastal drive—make sure your camera’s out; so many Insta-worthy spots

Parking & Accessibility

There are two small beach parking lots (north & south). They fill up early, so try to get there by 9 a.m. if you can.

The boardwalk is handicap accessible, and restrooms are friendly to wheelchairs and strollers—rare in beach spots, and honestly appreciated. When you park, it’s a short walk to the wooden walkway—it feels friendly, not fussy.

Pro Tip: Arrive early for peace, fewer people, better photos, and calmer wildlife viewing later in the day.

🏖️ What to Do at Anne’s Beach

✔️ Relax & Wade in the Warm, Shallow Water

This is the kind of place where you take off your shoes and don’t put them back on until you’re in the car. The shallow water stretches far into the Atlantic, with a soft, sandy bottom and gentle tides…

Not really a swimming beach in the traditional sense, but more of a float-and-laze spot. Kids love it, honestly. So do older travelers who want to dip in without worrying about waves or deep water.

It’s also a dog-friendly beach, so don’t be surprised if a golden retriever saunters past with a soaked tennis ball in its mouth. Just be sure to follow the leash required rules.

And yeah, the water here? Calm. Peaceful. Sometimes you just sit waist-deep and let the Florida sun do its thing.

✔️ Enjoy a Scenic Walk on the Boardwalk

There’s a long wooden walkway that stretches through the mangrove trees — it kind of meanders with the shoreline, offering surprise benches, shady spots, and even covered picnic areas. The view? Think clear water, clusters of tropical fish, and patches of sea grass dancing in the current.

People love to walk barefoot here. Not for any practical reason… just because it feels nice. Some bring coffee, others snacks. You might hear a local tell you they come here for peace, not plans.

✔️ Paddleboarding & Kayaking (BYO Gear)

If you’re into water sports, this place checks a lot of boxes. The calm waters make it a gentle launch point for stand up paddleboarding or kayaking, especially for beginners or kids. No crazy currents or boat wakes.

There’s no official rental kiosk at the beach itself, so bring your own gear or rent in Islamorada. A few local shops even offer delivery. Launch spots are easy to find along the shore.

 🌅 When Is the Best Time to Visit Anne’s Beach?

✔️ Ideal Seasons

If you’re asking purely weather-wise… December through April is that sweet window. Cooler temps, light breezes, low humidity — and yes, probably more people, too.

But if you’re okay with heat and want a quieter visit, summer (June to August) works. The crowds thin out. It’s warm, yeah, but the sea breeze helps. You just have to be okay with sunscreen reapplication being your best friend.

And fall? Underrated. Fewer tourists. Still warm enough to enjoy everything. Just watch out for rain.

✔️ Best Time of Day

Let’s break it down:

It’s a small beach, so timing really changes the experience. Sunrise viewing is popular if you’re a morning person. You’ll see herons, egrets, maybe even manatees drifting by if you’re lucky.

🧺 Amenities & What to Bring

What’s Available On-Site

You won’t find vendors here — and that’s kind of the point. But they’ve covered the essentials:

• Public restrooms
• Open shower facilities to rinse off sand
• Covered picnic tables
• Trash bins and recycling
• Clearly marked beach rules and pet policies

There’s no lifeguard station, so keep an eye on kids and don’t expect a red-flag system like big public beaches have.

✔️ What to Pack

Depending on how long you plan to stay (some come for 15 minutes, others a full day), here’s a practical list:

Suggested Packing List for Anne’s Beach

• Towels, sunscreen (reef safe sunscreen preferred)
• Flip flops or water shoes for the rocky spots
• Lightweight chairs or a foldable mat
• Snacks and a cooler with drinks
• Reusable water bottles
• Snorkel gear for kids (visibility’s okay in shallow patches)
• A book you probably won’t read… but bring anyway
• Your phone or camera — it’s Instagram worthy, especially near the boardwalk

🐚 Nature & Wildlife You Might Spot

Anne’s Beach is quiet in a way that makes you notice things you wouldn’t on a busier shoreline. You’ll spot tiny crabs darting sideways across the wet sand, and little tropical fish swimming around your feet if you wade in slowly.

It’s not a full-on snorkeling spot, but there are patches of clear water where kids (or adults, let’s be honest) can crouch down and watch sea critters go about their business.

What you might see depends a bit on the tide and time of year… but here’s a rough idea:

There’s no loud activity here — no jet skis, no boat noise — which means animals tend to stick around longer. If you’re into wildlife viewing or low-key eco tourism, it’s honestly kind of a dream.

📸 Photography Tips for Anne’s Beach

Okay, so this isn’t a dramatic cliffside beach with crashing waves. It’s more subtle… softer light, low tides, and a stillness that shows best in the early hours or just before sunset.

But if you lean into that vibe, you’ll find it’s one of the more Instagram-worthy spots in the Florida Keys.

Here are a few tips that might help:

• Golden hour (right after sunrise or before sunset) adds warmth and depth to the water and mangroves.
• The wooden boardwalk is great for leading-line shots — especially with people walking in the distance.
• Use the mangrove trees to frame the horizon. Their branches can add layers to otherwise plain shots.
• Try top-down shots of the tidal pools or sand textures — especially after a low tide.

Oh, and one personal tip? Sometimes the best photo isn’t the one you plan. I once accidentally left my camera on timer mode and caught myself mid-squint, holding a slice of orange. Weirdly… it’s my favorite shot from that trip.

🏝️ Nearby Places to Explore in Islamorada

Anne’s Beach is peaceful, yes — but it’s not isolated. If you’re making a day out of your Florida Keys getaway, there are some great nearby stops that add a bit of variety.

Here’s a short list of ideas to build around your visit:

Local Stops Around Anne’s Beach

• Robbie’s Marina – Feed the tarpon, grab a drink, maybe spot a parrot or two
• Florida Keys History & Discovery Center – Compact but rich with local context
• Morada Way Arts District – Little galleries, cafes, and local crafts
• Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park – Good for a short scenic hike
• Founders Park – Bigger beach, more structured activities, tennis, even a pool

If you’re planning a longer day trip or slow road journey down US Route 1, this area makes for a scenic, low-effort, good-vibe pause between Key Largo and Marathon.

📝 Conclusion

There’s something refreshing about a beach that doesn’t try too hard. Anne’s Beach Florida isn’t flashy — no big crowds, no umbrella rentals, no loud vendors. Just the clear water, seagrass beds, mangrove trees, and a wooden nature trail that winds gently across the coastline.

Whether you’re on a day trip through the Upper Keys, planning a family vacation, or just chasing a quiet spot to read and breathe… this place offers that in its own low-key, wind-swept way.

So next time you’re piecing together your Florida vacation itinerary, don’t just breeze past it. Slow down. Pull over. Wade out into the water. You might not do anything big or dramatic here, and that’s kind of the point.

💬 FAQs About Anne’s Beach Florida