Where’S The Best Places In Key West To Watch The Sunset?
Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Key West
Key West sunsets are legendary, and for a good reason. Each evening, the skies are painted in breathtaking hues of orange, pink, and gold, with the endless ocean serving as a mirror. Whether you prefer the calm of a quiet beach or the lively vibe of a sunset cruise, Key West offers some of the most spectacular sunset experiences in the United States. Here’s your ultimate guide to catching the perfect Key West sunset.
Key West Sunset Cruises
The hands down, best way to watch the sunset in Key West is on the water. There’s something magical about watching the sunset from the water. Here you truly get an unobstructed view of the sunset, no buildings in the way, no other people in front of you, just you and the open ocean. Below are our favorite ways to see the sunset in Key West on the water.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: Key West’s only true floating restaurant and the island’s only dinner cruise. Indulge in a full tropical buffet while you relax on a spacious catamaran. With live music and an open bar, this is perfect for a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends. Reservations are required. Tickets starting from $79.95
- Sunset Sip & Sail: Sip on unlimited drinks and nibble on delicious appetizers while enjoying the mellow vibes of live music. It’s a laid-back, stress-free way to watch the sun dip into the horizon. Tickets starting at $69.95
- Sunset Dolphin Watch & Reef Snorkel Combo: Combine adventure with serenity. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat, and finish the evening with a tranquil sunset cruise with unlimited draft beer and wine. Tickets starting at just $64.95
- 2 Reef Snorkel with Sunset Cruise: Explore two of Key West’s famous reef spots before transitioning into a scenic sunset cruise with unlimited draft beer and wine. This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want the best of both worlds. Tickets starting at just $59.95
📍 Departure Location: 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Sunset Watersports Sunset Cruises
The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Mallory Square is the heart of Key West’s sunset tradition. Every evening, this historic square comes alive with the “Sunset Celebration,” a lively event featuring street performers, artists, food vendors, and live music.
As the sun begins to set, visitors gather to watch fire jugglers, magicians, and musicians perform against the backdrop of the glowing sky. Grab a conch fritter from a food cart and find your spot for an unforgettable sunset experience.
📍 Address: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Mallory Square
Watch The Sunset At Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
For those seeking a quieter and more natural setting, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is an excellent choice. The park boasts a beautiful beach surrounded by lush greenery, making it a serene spot to watch the sunset.
Bring a picnic or simply unwind on the soft sand as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. The park also offers historical tours during the day, so you can combine some sightseeing with your sunset plans.
📍 Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Watch The Sunset Pier In Key West
This colorful, lively pier offers some of the best sunset views in Key West. With its delicious cocktails, and live music, Sunset Pier creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable evening.
Order a drink, settle into a waterfront table, and let the ocean breeze and tropical tunes set the tone for an amazing sunset experience.
📍 Address: 0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Sunset Pier
Watch The Sunset At Seaside Café’s New Sky Bar
Enjoy a delicious meal with your toes in the sand at Southernmost Café. This casual yet elegant beachfront spot offers breathtaking sunset views alongside fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
Try their famous Key Lime Pie while you sip on a tropical cocktail. As the sun dips into the ocean, the warm hues perfectly complement the laid-back vibe of this café.
📍 Address: 1400 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Seaside Café’s Sky Bar
Watch The Sunset At Higgs Beach Pier
Higgs Beach Pier is a quiet, tucked-away spot that offers a peaceful setting to watch the sunset. The pier stretches out into the water, providing panoramic views that are especially loved by photographers.
Stroll along the pier or bring a chair to relax as the sun paints the sky. This spot is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate, crowd-free experience.
📍 Address: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Watch The Sunset At Smathers Beach
As one of the largest beaches in Key West, Smathers Beach provides plenty of space to unwind and take in the sunset. The palm-lined shores and gentle waves create a postcard-perfect scene.
Take an evening stroll along the sand or settle in for a picnic as the colors of the sunset reflect off the water.
📍 Address: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Watch The Sunset At White Street Pier
White Street Pier offers a unique perspective for sunset viewing. This long pier extends far into the ocean, giving you an almost panoramic view of the surrounding waters and sky.
It’s a peaceful spot, popular with locals, where you can enjoy the gentle sounds of the waves as the sun sets.
📍 Address: White St & Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Watch The Sunset At Simonton Street Beach
A hidden gem among Key West’s sunset spots, Simonton Street Beach offers a quieter, less crowded atmosphere. It’s a small beach with an authentic local feel.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this is the spot for you. Bring a blanket, kick back, and enjoy the show.
📍 Address: Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
Watch The Sunset At Galleon Resort Tiki Bar
For an elevated view of the sunset, head to the Galleon Resort Tiki Bar. Sip on a refreshing cocktail as you take in sweeping views of the harbor and ocean.
The vantage point from this location provides a unique perspective of the sunset, with boats sailing across the water and the sky ablaze with colors.
📍 Address: 617 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
🌐 Galleon Resort
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunsets In Key West
When does the sunset in Key West?
Sunset times in Key West vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the sun typically sets around 8:15 PM, while in the winter, it sets earlier, around 5:40 PM. To check the exact sunset time for your visit, you can refer to Time and Date
Which side of Key West has the best sunset?
The western side of Key West is the best spot for sunset views. Locations such as Mallory Square, Galleon Tiki Bar, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park offer unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico. The western-facing orientation ensures that you capture the full beauty of the golden hour.
Why is Key West’s sunset famous?
Key West’s sunsets are famous for their vibrant colors and dramatic skies. The unique geographical location of the island offers a front-row seat to the horizon, where the sun seems to melt into the ocean. Events like the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square add to the allure, combining breathtaking views with lively entertainment.
Where is the best city to watch the sunset in Florida?
Without a doubt, the best city to watch the sunset in Florida is Key West. The island’s position at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. provides unparalleled views of the sun dipping into the Gulf of Mexico. Combine this with its lively sunset celebrations and tranquil water-based options, and Key West stands out as the ultimate sunset destination.
What are included in sunset cruises?
Sunset cruises in Key West typically include a combination of the following:
- Food and Drinks: Options range from full buffet dinners to appetizers and open bars.
- Live Music: Many cruises feature local musicians playing tropical tunes to enhance the experience.
- Activities: Some cruises, like the Dolphin Watch & Reef Snorkel Combo, include snorkeling and wildlife watching before the sunset.
- Unforgettable Views: All cruises guarantee stunning sunset vistas, free from land obstructions.
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