Boca Chica Beach on Boca Chica Key takes its name from the Spanish phrase meaning "small mouth," referring to the key's position near the narrow entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. Located four miles east of downtown Key West, the area's military significance began during World War II when runways for land-based and carrier-based aircraft were established on Boca Chica Key. In March 1945, naval facilities on Key West consolidated as Naval Air Station Key West, transforming Boca Chica into a crucial national defense installation. NAS Key West evolved into an air-to-air combat training facility for fighter aircraft serving all military branches, benefiting from favorable year-round flying conditions and nearby aerial ranges. The station's mission supports operational and readiness requirements for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, other federal agencies, and allied military forces. The beach area adjacent to the naval base represents one of the lesser-known swimming and recreation spots in the Florida Keys, accessible to military personnel, families, and authorized visitors.
Boca Chica Beach offers a beautiful swimming beach with covered picnic areas and grills located on the West side of Boca Chica Key. The Boca Chica Marina onboard the Naval Air Station consists of 121 slips and 20 moorings serving recreational boaters with base access. The protected beach provides calm waters ideal for swimming, wading, and family recreation in a less crowded setting compared to Key West's public beaches. The covered picnic facilities support gatherings and cookouts, while the marina facilities accommodate sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities. The beach's location within the naval installation creates a unique environment where military aircraft operations occasionally provide dramatic overhead displays. Wildlife viewing includes opportunities to observe dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish in the clear Keys waters. The pristine setting maintains a quieter atmosphere than tourist-focused beaches, appealing to those seeking peaceful coastal recreation. Access restrictions limit beach use primarily to military personnel, Department of Defense employees, and their authorized guests.
Dining near Boca Chica Beach includes on-base facilities at NAS Key West serving military personnel and authorized visitors. Off-base options in nearby Key West offer extensive choices within short driving distance. Salute\! On The Beach serves Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and seafood specialties with oceanfront views. Seven Fish provides fresh local catch in a casual contemporary bistro setting. A&B Lobster House specializes in upscale seafood dining and lobster preparations. Cafe Marquesa features in-house dishes with the freshest seafood sourced from local vendors. Santiago's Bodega on Duval Street offers Spanish-inspired tapas and small plates. The Grand Marlin Restaurant showcases surf and turf dishes, while local favorites throughout Key West provide Cuban cuisine, conch fritters, key lime pie, and tropical cocktails within minutes of the Boca Chica area.
