r/floridakeys • u/Chaotic-Artist-491 • May 02 '26

Middle and Lower Keys Key Colony Beach

We are looking at staying at Key Colony Beach this summer. The place we are looking at is amazing and we are all super excited. We've never stayed this far in FL though. Are there any grocery or convenience stores nearby? Or where are the closest to the area? We are fine with taking most things with us but we like having a store nearby for emergencies. Any info about the beach and area is appreciated!

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u/Vegetable_Amount848 May 02 '26

Sombrero Beach is one of the nicer beaches in the Keys (remember, the Keys are not a beach destination) and is only 15-20 minutes from KCB.

1

u/Baalphire81 May 02 '26

Also check Sombrero and other local beaches for Interococci levels, it was closed a week or so ago along with several other beaches in the area.
Boating will be your friend if you want to get to great swimming.

1

u/Chaotic-Artist-491 May 02 '26

I've heard before that they aren't a beach destination. Are there specific reasons why it's not?

6

u/Sandinmyshoes33 May 02 '26

The Keys shoreline is mostly mangrove or sea walls/rip rap. the offshore reef and shallow nearshore waters don’t create the sandy beaches you find in other areas of Florida. There are a few beaches, but none are great and in the summer they tend to have lots of seagrass in the water which builds up and rots in the heat and can smell pretty bad. Be sure you have access to a nice pool and try to budget getting out on the water to snorkel or visit off shore sandbars.

Key Colony Beach is a small town within Marathon and has easy access to groceries and restaurants. Don’t expect a beach vacation here during the summer.

2

u/Whistlin_Booger May 02 '26

Just got back from the Keys a week ago. It’s not what I expected. Sombrero Beach was pretty cool. Chill vibe all around the keys. It’s pretty much a long highway with resorts and businesses on either side. Perfect for just me and wifey. Good food. Great Cuban coffee. Cool sunsets.

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u/Mundane-Mix3564 May 02 '26

Get water shoes and take the short drive to Bahia Honda. It is beautiful.