In Key West, sunset is not just a time of day. It is an event, a social ritual and, for many locals, the moment the workday officially ends. People stop what they are doing, find a spot facing west and applaud when the sun disappears.
I grew up here, and I still stop for sunset most evenings. These are my favorite places to watch it, from the liveliest to the most peaceful.
1. Mallory Square: the classic celebration
If you only watch one Key West sunset, make it here. The nightly Sunset Celebration has taken place on the Mallory Square pier since the 1960s, with fire jugglers, tightrope walkers, acrobats and food carts. Arrive 45 minutes early for a spot at the water's edge and bring small bills for tips.
2. A sunset sail
The best seat is on the water. Our 48-foot catamaran leaves the resort dock 90 minutes before sunset, sails west past Sunset Key and serves rum punch and conch fritters on the way. You will see Mallory Square from the water, which is its own kind of fun.
3. Fort Zachary Taylor: quiet and scenic
For a calmer evening, head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. The beach faces southwest, the crowds are small and the Australian pines frame the view nicely. Remember the park closes at sunset, so plan to leave promptly.
Watch the sky for ten minutes after the sun goes down. In Key West, the best color often comes last.
4. A rooftop bar
Several Old Town rooftops offer sunset views with a cocktail in hand. They get busy, so arrive early, or book our Azure Penthouse Suite, which has what I consider the best private sunset view on the island.
5. Higgs Beach pier
Technically this is more of a golden hour spot, as the beach faces south, but the White Street Pier is where locals walk dogs, fish and chat as the light fades. It is also a short bike ride from the resort.
6. Smathers Beach
The longest public beach on the island, Smathers is great for watching the sky turn pink over the water as the sun sets behind you. Bring a blanket, buy a smoothie from one of the food trucks and enjoy the breeze.
Sunset essentials
- Check the sunset time daily. It ranges from about 5:40 pm in December to 8:20 pm in June.
- Bring bug spray. No-see-ums appear at dusk, especially near mangroves.
- Plan dinner for after sunset. Restaurants empty out right before and fill up right after.
- Carry a light layer in winter, the evening breeze can be cool.
However you watch it, take a moment to put the phone down. The sun sets in Key West every single evening, and it never looks quite the same twice.
