Looking for the best sunsets in Key West? Luckily, this little island is packed with amazing places to see the sunset, from beachside restaurants to nature reserves. This island has sunset spots for every taste. I know you’ll find the perfect place to see the sunset in Key West here.
I organized the list into places to see the sunset in Key West outdoors (beaches, islands, cruises, and squares) and the best places to see it from restaurants and bars. It’s especially popular to watch the sunset from a deck or patio, drink in hand.
I hope you have plenty of time in Key West to tick all of these sunset spots off your list…or choose wisely where you’ll spend it. The sunset in Key West is a sacred event worth celebrating each and every day!
Best Months & Seasons for Vibrant Key West Sunsets
While there’s never a bad time of year for a Key West sunset, the most vibrant, painting-like sunsets are most common in the winter months from December through March.
As the summer approaches, there are more chances for afternoon showers and clouds, the sunsets may have their shine dimmed a bit.
With that said, it’s hard to be disappointed by a sunset here. But for the most impressive ones, come in the winter months!
Best Sunsets in Key West Outdoors
Mallory Square
Mallory Square is not only one of the best sunsets in Key West, but most definitely one of the best sunsets in Florida and perhaps the whole USA! Mallory Square is VERY special because they have a daily sunset celebration with lots of people, music, shops, and restaurants.
Every night, there’s a full sunset celebration at Mallory Square, exemplifying the fullest extent of sunset appreciation. It usually kicks off about 2 hours before sunset, so show up early. It’s a must to join dozens of others at Mallory Square to salute another stunning Key West sunset.
There are many restaurants along Mallory Square where you can enjoy both the celebrations AND a meal with a sunset view. For eats, check out El Meson de Pepe (Cuban food) or Sunset Pier (serving divine seafood and meats).
Exploring more of Florida? See Also:
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Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
If you’re looking for a free place to watch the sunset, Fort Zachary Taylor is your spot. This state park is located on the southwest corner of the island and offers beautiful panoramic views of the sea. It’s open every day from sunrise to sunset and makes for a perfect romantic getaway or family outing.
There are also picnic areas available if you want to pack a dinner and make a night out of it. Climb the battery for the best view, or go snorkeling, swimming, or fishing before watching a gorgeous sunset.
Key West Sunset Sailing Trip
One of the best places to see the sunset in Key West is from the water, of course! Luckily, there are plenty of companies offering sunset sailing tours on the island. And yes, many, which include drinks and/or food, and even entertainment.
Below are two of my favorite Key West sunset cruises. One labels itself as a ‘party cruise’ with live music, appetizers, and 4-5 different kinds of drinks included (recommended – so fun!). The other has a full buffet dinner, with drinks. I highly recommend a sunset cruise for one of the most immersive Key West sunset experiences!
Key West Sunsets from Sunset Key
If you’re lucky enough to score an invite or book a cottage on the exclusive Sunset Key Island, you’ll be able to see some of the best sunsets in Key West!
Sunset Key is a tiny residential island RIGHT off the coast of Key West. You can see it as it’s the closest island to Mallory Square. It’s a tiny resort island with some cottages available to rent and a restaurant, Latitudes, directly facing the sunset (see below). Check out the cottages for one of the most unique places to stay in Florida.
Check out some fun sunset captions for Instagram for your Key West sunset pics, OR browse my Florida captions and quotes!
Key West Harbor Docks
If Mallory Square is too crowded for you, head down to the harbor docks for some Key West sunset serenity. There are restaurants and some chill spaces by the water, but the best sunset view is from around the ferry and catamaran docks.
Key West Historic Seaport
Right next to the harbor docks, you will find the historic seaport, which also has lovely sunset views. This is the best place to watch the pink and orange sky reflecting off the water between the docked boats. Grab some street food, find a bench, look west, and enjoy!
Cruisin Tikis
If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset that’s a bit more active, Cruisin Tikis is the perfect sunset adventure for you. The Cruisin Tikis is a boat rental agency that offers boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards.
The star of their offers is the 120-minute cruise aboard a floating tiki bar. Float along and escape from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street.
You’ll be able to see all of the Key West highlights while enjoying a cold drink and some music on board. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it? It’s like a fairytale scene with the sun setting over the sparkling ocean while you’re enjoying a unique ride.
Sunset from the Southernmost Point of the USA
One of the best places to see the sunset in Key West is actually located on land. The southernmost point buoy has a gorgeous view of everything that makes up this enchanting island. You can feel extra special that you are standing at the southernmost point of the continental USA!
You can even walk down Duval Street and have an amazing meal while watching the sunset over all of Old Town- definitely one for your bucket list. The southernmost point is open twenty-four hours a day, so you can visit whenever you want.
However, the best time to visit this place, which is 18 feet above sea level, is during sunset. Imagine watching the golden sun as it sets into the ocean while you’re at one of Key West’s most iconic places. But this place can get busy, especially around sunset, with people lining up for their photo opp with the buoy.
Best Sunsets in Key West from Restaurants
Searching for the best sunset spots in Key West for a romantic getaway or simply to enjoy a meal and drinks with friends and family? This list contains all the popular restaurants with the best sunset views in Key West that you wouldn’t want to miss for the world.
Louie’s Backyard
Louie’s Backyard is a staple Key West restaurant with lunch, dinner, and brunch menus, a wine-tasting cafe, and a spectacular view of the best Key West sunsets. Enjoy some upscale Caribbean-American fare with a direct ocean view and definitely a couple of glasses of delicious wine!
Sunset Tiki Bar at the Galleon Resort
This bar is the perfect place to watch the sun go down while enjoying a cocktail. Located at the Galleon Resort, the Sunset Tiki Bar offers a picturesque view of the sunset. This is an outdoor bar, so it’s best to avoid this place during rainy weather.
The bar offers two happy hours! The morning happy hour serves 2-for-1 Bloody Marys from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (except Sundays). The evening happy hour is from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with 2-for-1 margaritas and well drinks (daily).
The Tiki bar offers amazing views of the sunset over the water with a tropical flair.
Sunset Pier Restaurant Key West
Another great option for watching sunsets in Key West is on Sunset Pier. The pier has views and music, making the experience even more unforgettable. It is located right next to one of our favorite seafood restaurants (Schooner Wharf) and offers tropical drinks, appetizers, and desserts.
This is definitely a must-see sunset spot in Key West. The place also hosts live music events to set the mood for a romantic disco evening, while the sunset serves as a beautiful backdrop to your musical.
Casa Marina Resort Restaurant
If you still want to catch a lovely sunset in Key West from the south side of the island (and have a very nice dinner while you’re at it), check out Dorada, a part of the Casa Marina Resort.
As the resort has multiple dining options, you can even opt for their “Toes in the Sand” private 6-course dining service on the beach! This restaurant leaves no stone unturned when it comes to luxurious, delicious dining.
The pier faces south, but you can catch a glimpse of the sunset at many times in the year. Either way, it’s the perfect waterfront perch to hang out during the last light of day.
Lagerheads Beach Bar
If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset while enjoying the sand between your toes, look no further than Lagerheads Beach Bar. This is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon in Key West. They don’t only have amazing sunsets but also because they have some of the best food on the island.
From burgers to conch fritters, Lagerheads will not disappoint. They are open every day from 10:00 am until sunset and offer live music and events most nights.
Latitudes Restaurant at Sunset Key
Since we’re on the topic of Sunset Key, let’s talk about another amazing place to watch sunsets: Latitudes Restaurant.
This restaurant is actually located on the private island Sunset Key, among the cottages and offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to enjoy their meal while also enjoying great views of nature.
They offer some great American dishes, including local seafood options like conch fritters and fried shrimp, plus amazing desserts if you still have room after your main course.
To have a taste-bud-satisfying experience at the restaurant, you need to reserve a table before your visit.
Final Verdict on the Best Place to Watch Sunset in Key West
Key West is full of great spots to watch the sunset. Each place offers a little something different, but they all have amazing views and delicious food options- what more could you want?
If we had to recommend just one spot, though, we would say Lagerheads Beach Bar because their menu is so good and they offer live music for a complete experience. What are your favorite ways to enjoy a beautiful evening in Key West?
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.