10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Key West

Mallory Square lies in the northwest corner of Key West. Many locals head to this lively area during the day for its great shopping, but it really comes alive in the evening. The Key West Sunset Celebration is a nightly festival of arts and crafts, as well as street performers. You’ll see magicians, acrobats, fire jugglers, and sword swallowers entertaining the crowds. You can also check out numerous stalls selling jewellery, paintings, and sculptures for some original gift ideas.

Be sure to arrive a couple of hours before sunset as it can get very busy. Large crowds congregate at Mallory Square nightly to listen to live music whilst watching a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is situated on the southwestern tip of the Florida Keys. Also known as Fort Taylor, this impressive state park spreads over 54 acres. You can visit the spectacular fortress with its Civil War cannons, hike along the leafy nature trails and then head to the private beach to take in a magnificent sunset.

The beach is fairly quiet, and you can swim or rent snorkelling equipment to see the tropical wildlife, including parrot fish and yellowtail snappers. You can also rent parasols and deckchairs to sit and enjoy a romantic evening, watching the sun go down where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Danger Charters is a great way to watch a sunset off the coast of Key West. This long-established company with experienced captains will whisk you away to calm waters on one of its historic sailboats and you’ll get some breathtaking views. You can also indulge in fine wine and delicious starters, including charcuterie and cheese, whilst relaxing in a shallow-draft schooner.

The Wind & Wine Sunset Sail packages are a popular choice for a romantic evening on the water. The excursions depart from various points in Key West, and you’ll need to book in advance. As the sun sets, you can take some incredible photos of the spectacular colours reflecting off the crystal-clear waters. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Cruisin’ Tikis will take you on a floating bar tour around the Florida Keys. Each tiki can hold up to 6 passengers (plus the crew), so you can enjoy a sunset trip with your family and friends, or a romantic date night for 2. Bring your own drinks and food with you, and there are coolers and cups for you to use onboard too.

There are different departure points in Key West for the various sunset cruise tours. If you want to catch the sun setting with Mallory Square or Sunset Pier as your backdrop, the Makai Sunset Tour is an excellent choice. But if you prefer a quieter cruise through the mangroves, the Hurricane Sunset package is ideal.

The Southernmost Point of the Continental USA lies at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street, marked by an anchored concrete buoy. It’s incredible to think that you’re just 90 miles north of Cuba here and it’s a popular spot with visitors who want to have their photo taken next to the colourful buoy.

Both locals and tourists alike head to this area in the early evening for the great restaurants, including seafood, Caribbean, and Cuban options, before moving outside to watch an incredible sunset over the ocean. You’ll love the view of the sun setting over the vast expanse of glistening water and it makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Sunset Marina is home to over 100 floating docks at the northern end of Stock Island. If you like watching beautiful sunsets over an array of impressive sailboats and ships, this is a lovely place to visit. Why not bring a picnic here and sit out on the marina whilst watching the sun go down? There’s a sailing school nearby too, so you’ll get to see a lot of movement on the water as the boats come and go.

With many apartments overlooking the marina, you’ll also see locals enjoying a gentle evening stroll to relax and take in the magnificent views of the glowing sunset and spectacular boats. It’s a peaceful, tranquil spot for a romantic evening.

Higgs Beach Pier extends out into the Atlantic Ocean on the southern coast of Key West. You’ll now find a beautiful beach here with soft sands, clear shallow water, and numerous benches to sit and watch the world go by.

Locals like to play tennis and use the fitness trail in the adjoining park before heading here in the early evening to relax and catch a breathtaking sunset. As you explore, you’ll find memorials commemorating the African slave cemetery that was once here. Then head down the wooden pier and capture some amazing photos as the deep orange sun goes down and makes the ocean glow.

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is next to Mallory Square, in the northwest corner of Key West. This fascinating museum lets you experience life in Key West in the 19th century. You’ll discover how salvages from shipwrecks influenced daily life and helped the Florida Keys region become rich. There are hundreds of artefacts on display from the wreckage of the Isaac Allerton, which sunk in 1856 and was rediscovered well over a century later.

For many visitors, the highlight of this museum is the observation tower. You can climb to the top of this 65-foot lookout spot and take in astounding panoramic views over the town and the water as the sun sets over beautiful Key West.