Higgs Beach takes its name from Judge James Higgs, a prominent Key West figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The beach sits adjacent to the historic West Martello Fort, a Civil War-era fortification constructed in the 1860s that now houses the Key West Garden Club. The area also holds deep historical significance as the site of the African Refugee Cemetery, where approximately 300 Africans who died after being rescued from slave ships in 1860 are buried. A memorial installed in 2002 honors these individuals and their tragic journey to freedom.
Higgs Beach offers unique recreational opportunities, most notably as the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in the United States. The protected waters feature marked snorkeling trails through coral formations and marine habitats just steps from the sand. The beach complex includes volleyball courts, tennis courts, and pickleball courts for active visitors. The White Street Pier extends from the beach, providing fishing and sunset viewing opportunities. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, while the shaded picnic areas and playgrounds accommodate families throughout the day.
Dining at Higgs Beach centers around Salute\! On The Beach, an Italian restaurant and beach bar located directly on the sand, serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, seafood specialties, and tropical cocktails with oceanfront views. PESCADO and The Raw Machine food trucks operate near the beach, offering fresh ceviche, conch salad, fish tacos, and poke bowls. For additional dining options, the nearby Bahama Village neighborhood features authentic Caribbean cuisine, while Duval Street restaurants like Santiago's Bodega serve tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes just a short walk from the beach.
