Anne's Beach

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Hwy 1 Islamorado, Florida

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FAQ

## Anne’s Beach, Islamorada – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anne’s Beach?
Anne’s Beach is a natural sandy beach located at the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key in Islamorada, Florida. It’s known for its shallow water, picturesque setting, and historical significance.
Who is Anne’s Beach named after?
The beach is named after Anne, a remarkable woman who spent her life in a wheelchair after being paralyzed by polio at age 24. She fell in love with the Keys, bought an old frame house, and became deeply involved in preserving the beach as a county park, campaigning against over-development.
What facilities are available at Anne’s Beach?
The park features a small beach, a playground, a pavilion with grills, an outdoor shower, and public restrooms. There is also a 1,300-foot boardwalk connecting the parking lots and restrooms.
Can I bring my dog to Anne’s Beach?
Yes, dogs are permitted at Anne’s Beach, but they must be leashed at all times.
What is there to do at Anne’s Beach besides swimming?
You can stroll the 1,300-foot boardwalk, watch windsurfers, wade in the shallow water, or explore the mangroves. There’s also a historical marker detailing the history of the site.
Where can I park?
Parking can be difficult to find. There’s an additional parking lot about a block south of the park on the bayside, designed to serve the long bridge extending south to Craig Key, popular with fishermen.
What’s the history of the site?
The beach is built on the remains of a bridge that was being built in 1935 by World War I veterans who had been given jobs during the Great Depression. The unfinished piers serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the devastating 1935 Labor Day hurricane.
Are there any potential downsides to visiting Anne’s Beach?
Some visitors have reported unpleasant odors, particularly due to seaweed and, at times, sulfur and ammonia smells. These smells are most noticeable during certain times of the year.
What kind of water activities can I enjoy?
The shallow, clear water is perfect for young children and dogs. Windsurfers frequently utilize the area, and on breezy days, it’s a fun sight to watch.
What is the beach like at different times of the year?
The beach’s appearance and smell can vary depending on the season. During the summer months, seaweed buildup can lead to stronger odors.
Where can I find more information about the Florida Keys?
• [The essential Florida Keys Mile Marker guide:](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-destinations/florida-keys-roadtrip-mile-marker-guide/) Print it out!
• [Florida Rambler’s channel devoted to the Florida Keys](https://www.floridarambler.com/category/florida-keys-getaways/)
• [11 great kayak outings in the Keys](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-keys-getaways/florida-keys-kayaking/)
• [Legendary road food on the Overseas Highway](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-keys-getaways/florida-keys-restaurants-dive-bars/)
• [See other beaches in the Florida Keys in our insider’s guide.](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-best-beaches/top-beaches-the-florida-keys/)
What are some recent visitor comments about Anne’s Beach?
• [July 16, 2022 at 1:28 pm](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-34089) · Unfortunately,the seaweed stench will keep you away until August. Smells like sulfer and AMONIA all the the banks of Islamorada and Anne’s Beach
• [January 5, 2022 at 4:49 pm](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-33387) · Please never stop here, worst and most disgusting smelling beach I have been too
• [August 23, 2019 at 11:19 am](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-20859) · Great to see the beach is open, I was down there two weeks ago and it was still closed. We’ll be back in the though.
• [December 23, 2023 at 8:07 am](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-35484) @Caffeine Clicks, great place to stop-never had a problem with foul smell in February.
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About

Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, Florida, is a unique and picturesque natural sandy beach located at the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key.

It’s named after Anne, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to preserving this stretch of coastline.

The park offers a delightful experience with a small beach, a playground, a pavilion equipped with grills, an outdoor shower, and public restrooms.

A 1,300-foot boardwalk connects the parking lots and restrooms, providing scenic views and access to the surrounding mangroves.

The beach is known for its shallow, calm water, perfect for young children and dogs (leashed).

It’s a popular spot for windsurfers on breezy days, and you might even spot a small octopus in the water! The park is meticulously maintained by the Islamorada Public Works Department. **Who is Anne’s Beach named after?** Anne’s story is truly extraordinary.

She spent her life in a wheelchair after being paralyzed by polio at age 24.

At age 35, she married a 74-year-old Ohio millionaire, founder of the Republic Steel Corporation, who was an outspoken advocate of nuclear disarmament.

She fell in love with the Keys in the 1960s, purchased an old frame house built of Dade County pine, and became deeply involved with life in the Keys, eventually making it her permanent home.

She actively campaigned against over-development of the Keys and helped raise funds to ensure this beach remained a county park.

When she died in 1992, the beach was named in her honor, a testament to her unwavering dedication. **Planning your trip to the Florida Keys** Anne’s Beach offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the Florida Keys.

Here are some helpful resources: * [The essential Florida Keys Mile Marker guide:](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-destinations/florida-keys-roadtrip-mile-marker-guide/) Print it out! * [Florida Rambler’s channel devoted to the Florida Keys](https://www.floridarambler.com/category/florida-keys-getaways/) * [11 great kayak outings in the Keys](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-keys-getaways/florida-keys-kayaking/) * [Legendary road food on the Overseas Highway](https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-keys-getaways/florida-keys-restaurants-dive-bars/) **Recent Reviews & Considerations** Please note that user feedback regarding the beach's smell has been observed.

Some visitors have noted a strong odor, particularly during certain times of the year.

It is recommended to check recent reviews for current conditions. * [July 16, 2022 at 1:28 pm](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-34089) · Unfortunately, the seaweed stench will keep you away until August.

Smells like sulfur and ammonia all the banks of Islamorada and Anne’s Beach * [January 5, 2022 at 4:49 pm](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-33387) · Please never stop here, worst and most disgusting smelling beach I have been too * [August 23, 2019 at 11:19 am](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-20859) · Great to see the beach is open, I was down there two weeks ago and it was still closed.

We’ll be back in the though. * [December 23, 2023 at 8:07 am](https://www.floridarambler.com/beaches/annes-beach-florida-keys/#comment-35484) @Caffeine Clicks, great place to stop-never had a problem with foul smell in February.

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History

Anne’s Beach in Islamorada, Florida, is a natural sandy beach located at the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key.

It’s named after Anne, a rare find in the Florida Keys, as it’s a natural sandy beach exposed at low tide.

The park features a small beach, playground, pavilion with grills, an outdoor shower, and public restrooms.

It’s known for its picturesque setting, shallow water perfect for young children and dogs (leashed), and is maintained by the Islamorada Public Works Department.

There’s a 1,300-foot boardwalk connecting the parking lots and restrooms, along with mangroves, and it’s been rebuilt after a hurricane in 2017.

The beach’s unique history is intrinsically linked to Anne, a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to preserving this coastal gem.

Anne, a teacher by profession, spent her life in a wheelchair after being paralyzed by polio at age 24.

At age 35, she married a 74-year-old Ohio millionaire, founder of the Republic Steel Corporation, who was an outspoken advocate of nuclear disarmament.

She fell in love with the Keys in the 1960s, bought an old frame house built of Dade County pine and became deeply involved with life in the Keys, where she eventually made a permanent home.

She actively campaigned against over-development of the Keys and helped raise funds for the preservation of this stretch of beach as a county park.

When she died in 1992, it was named after her.

When driving down the Overseas Highway, I like to stroll the boardwalk or stop and wade here.

Once I looked down and just missed stepping on a small octopus.

Windsurfers at Anne’s Beach in Islamorada. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Anne’s Beach is also a popular place with windsurfers, and if it’s a breezy day, it’s fun to watch them swoop and soar.

Dog are permitted in the park but must be leashed.

Parking can be difficult to find. (It always was.) There is an additional parking lot about a block south of the park on the bayside.

This parking is designed to serve the long bridge extending south to Craig Key, popular with fisherman and a wonderful place to take a short walk and gaze into the water.

At this bayside parking lot, you’ll see the “.” Off in the water on the bayside are remnants of a bridge that was being built in 1935 by World War I veterans who had been given jobs during the Great Depression.

The marker explains: “On Sept. 2, 1935, the great Labor Day hurricane with 200 mph winds and 20 foot waves destroyed the camp and the railway.

The road was rebuilt on the railway bridges leaving the unfinished piers as a memorial to the hundreds who lost their lives.” Pots-Hurricane-Ian pavilion at Anne’s Beach. (Photo: Courtesty Village of Islamorada.) Unfortunately, the seaweed stench will keep you away until August.

Smells like sulfer and AMONIA all the the banks of Islamorada and Anne’s Beach.

Please never stop here, worst and most disgusting smelling beach I have been too.

Great to see the beach is open, I was down there two weeks ago and it was still closed.

We’ll be back in the though. @Caffeine Clicks, great place to stop-never had a problem with foul smell in February.

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