Sunsets in Key West

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Sunsets in Key West can be quite epic!  However, this is a small Island which makes it pretty difficult to find a quiet, romantic, secluded piece of the island to enjoy the sunset.  Be prepared to share your sunset view with other travelers, vagabonds, and locals.  There’s always a lot of enjoyable excitement and buzz during that golden hour light, so enjoy meeting new people and smiling at strangers as you pass them by.  There are a number of great locations to find yourself during the sunset hour.

If you are absolutely determined to have a private sunset view with your sweetheart or friends and family, you CAN find it!  If you are willing to pay a premium price, there are some great private charters that will take you out to view the sunset away from all the crowds (book in advance).  The sea truly is the most stunning location to view the sunset.  See our top recommendations for private charters or call us for more information (503-329-0251)

Our number one recommendation for sunset viewing is:

From the sea There are quite a number of sunset tours departing every evening from Opal Key and Fisherman’s Wharf which will take you on a standard 2hr sunset viewing tour (book in advance).  Most of these tours offer unlimited drinks and light appetizers.  A trip to Key West just isn’t the same if you don’t go out on a sunset cruise (trust us).  There are many options available for whatever type of experience you are looking for.  Dance the sunset away on a party cruise with live music or enjoy a more intimate wine tasting experience aboard a sailboat.  You can even treat yourself to a dinner buffet aboard a catamaran.  See our top recommendations for Sunset Tours or give us a call to learn more (503-329-0251)

Other great sunset viewing locations:

Mallory Square Enjoy the spectacle of street performers any night of the week as they entertain crowds of people with fire, stunts, and creativity.  During most of the day Mallory Square is quiet, but as sunset approaches the square becomes alive with excitement and entertainment! Best of all, it's free!!! But don’t forget to show the performers some love with a little cash if you’re enjoying their performance.

Truman Waterfront  There is always room at Truman Waterfront to enjoy the sunset. Generally, this is one of the more peaceful evening views.  A picnic on the grass is a great low budget way to say good night to the sun.  Bring your roller blades, longboard, or beach cruiser, and do a few laps along the waterfront and around the park.  Take your picture in front of the USCGC Ingham, the most decorated vessel in the Coast Guard fleet and the only Cutter to ever be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park  Since this is a State Park, there is a small fee to enter, but here you will find the best places to set up a hammock and enjoy the sunset like a local.  Grill out or walk along the sandy beach.  If you search hard enough, you may even find a secret hidden beach!  While you are here you definitely want to stroll around the old historic brick fort and discover some rich history.

There are quite a few places to view the sunset from the southern facing side of the island as well.  During certain times of the year, you might not quite see the sun dip into the water, but the sky still has the potential to light up magnificently! Here are our southerly recommendations for sunset views:

White Street Pier  This is our favorite place to walk and enjoy the sunset! In fact, most evenings you’d be likely to find either one of us walking the pier with our Dogs, Huck and Charlie.  Please introduce yourself if you see us!  I personally enjoy spotting sharks, Eagle Rays, manatees and other sea life and pointing them out to people who are just visiting.  My time working as a guide on the water has really trained my eyes for spotting sea creatures and I love seeing people’s reactions to the beautiful sea life!  We absolutely love the evening atmosphere at White Street Pier and hope to see you there!

Higgs Beach Pier  Swimming at Sunset is magic!  Higgs is a great spot to get wet during sunset and sit on the pier or beach as the sky begins to glow.  This is a free public beach with restrooms and free parking.

Southernmost Resort Pier If you find yourself around the southernmost point and suddenly the sky is beginning to turn color, don’t miss the beauty!  Race down to the pier at the Southernmost Resort and watch the colors reflect off the calm water! This is where I enjoyed my first-ever sunset in Key West.  After a long exhausting day of searching for a job with little money in my pocket, I found myself enjoying a wonderful moment of peace during sunset on this dinky little pier.

Smathers Beach  Bring your beach cruiser, skates or your own two feet down to this public beach and enjoy access to miles of wide paved path right along the edge of the water.  Parking is never a problem! As the sun begins to drop, cruise down to the beach and watch the daylight turn to dusk.

What about sunrise in Key West!? 

White Street Pier again  We love the energy during the mornings here. People who are not willing to waste a moment of their day bring their good vibes and energy down to the pier. It is exciting and empowering.  One doesn’t even need coffee with this kind of energy!  I absolutely love watching the pelicans hunting in the early morning light and greeting the other pups out on their morning strolls.

Smathers Beach again  A great place to get your exercise at dawn.  Joggers, Bicyclists, and dog walkers will love the wide path and sweeping ocean sunrise views!

Wherever sunset and sunrise finds you, we hope it is magical! Drop us a message and tell us about it! Contact Us