The Key West Lighthouse and an amazing sunset are experiences on many bucket lists! There is even a Sunset Celebration every evening at Mallory Square dedicated to the experience of watching the fiery ball of light slowly slip into the water leaving the giant sails of the schooners in a beautiful silouette. There are many great locations in the Florida Keys to watch the sunset, but how about something unique?
On our recent trip to Key West we found an even more amazing sunset experience (at the Lighthouse) that is a must-try!
Why the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Is So Special
If you’re a fellow opacarophile (a lover of sunsets) like us, this bucket-list-worthy Key West lighthouse experience is for you. Set on one of the highest points in Old Town, the lighthouse offers unmatched panoramic views and the chance to enjoy Key West’s legendary sunset in peaceful privacy; far from the crowded Mallory Square and just for your group.
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The Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Review:
From our first visit to the lighthouse we knew it was special! The views from the top are the best in Key West.
- Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Florida Coastal Lighthouse Road Trip Guide too if you love lighthouses!
- Why the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Is So Special
- The Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Review:
- Arrival at the Lighthouse Sunset Experience
- Wine and Charcuterie at the Keeper’s Quarters
- Touring the Lighthouse Grounds and Experiencing the Sunset
- Saying Goodbye to a Beautiful Sunset at the Key West Lighthouse
- Why This Was Our Favorite Sunset Experience in Key West
- How to Book Your Sunset Experience in Key West
- Essential Packing List Items for Your Key West Trip:
- More Ways to Enjoy a Key West Sunset
- Final Thoughts: Is the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Worth It?
- Author’s Note: From the Heart of a Sunset Lover 🌅
- More Great Travel Articles
🖼️ Love culture and history? The Key West Museum Culture Pass gives you access to four of the island’s top museums with just one ticket and includes the historic Key West Lighthouse Museum and Keeper’s Quarters!
🎟️ Book your Key West Culture Pass and visit 4 museums with one ticket
Arrival at the Lighthouse Sunset Experience
This amazing lighthouse was built in 1825 and watched over for more than 120 years by various keepers! It is maintained and run by the Key West Art and Historical Society (KWAHS).
We arrived approximately 45 minutes before sunset that evening and checked in with the friendly representative who took group photos for us and explained that we had the whole grounds, Keeper’s Quarters, and Historical Lighthouse to ourselves (group of 8) until approximately 30-45 minutes after sunset. He also gave us a card good for a discount in the cute gift shop that could be used the next day (or any day) during business hours. We booked the large group experience (5-8 people).
You can get there on foot, biking, driving (there is a small parking lot), on the Hop on Hop off Key West Trolley or on the Free Duvall Loop bus. We also have some must-see spots in our Key West one day-itinerary that are on both the bus and trolley loops.
Wine and Charcuterie at the Keeper’s Quarters
Our lighthouse representative (Chaze, I think) then guided us to the porch of the Keeper’s Quarters where a lovely table had been set up for our group and the wine and charcuterie board for our enjoyment. We absolutely loved this and finished it all! It also can be customized directly with the company (Uva Wine Shoppe) that caters the experience by calling them if you want something different or more of any item. They even have romantic wedding proposal packages that can be specialized.
Touring the Lighthouse Grounds and Experiencing the Sunset
After our group finished all of the rose’ prosecco (2 bottles) and most of the cheese board, we headed up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse tower to experience one of the most amazing sunsets that I have experienced in Key West. The weather was perfect (although hot) and our group was mesmerized watching until the sun had totally disappeared beyond the horizon.
Saying Goodbye to a Beautiful Sunset at the Key West Lighthouse
Once the sun had disappeared, yet before our experience was over, we headed down from the lighthouse tower to visit the Keeper’s Quarters and see the historical artifacts and nautical exhibits on display.
We then reluctantly finished our amazing experiece by checking out with the great representative and thanking (and tipping) him through the gift shop exit.
Why This Was Our Favorite Sunset Experience in Key West
We have experienced the Key West sunset in the past at Mallory Square, Zachary Taylor State Park, Casa Marina, Hyatt Centric, and other amazing locations. However, we all agreed the Key West Lighthouse sunset experience was by far the best way to experience the sunset! We now hope to make this a tradition for our group and will definitely experience this again on every trip!
We are also so thankful that this sunset experience is offered by the Key West Art and Historical Society and hope they continue to offer this on all of our trips!
📌Don’t forget to save this guide on Pinterest to help you plan your own amazing sunset experience at Key West Lighthouse!
How to Book Your Sunset Experience in Key West
The cost of booking the experience is $375.00 (for small group of 2-4), $475.00 (for large group of 5-8 This option is best because you have it to your group only or at least that was our experience) or even a proposal package that includes flowers, charcuterie, and prosecco for $650.00. Find out more here on how to book. These prices can vary with the season and being close to a special event like New Years week so check a few dates if you will be in Old Town for a few days. Each of the experiences can be customized as well!
Pro Tip: This books up extremely fast so check and book this well in advance of your trip! It is also better to book early in your trip in case of severe weather because they will let you reschedule it.
*Don’t forget to check out why we think Key West is also a Beatuiful Winter Trip Destination
Essential Packing List Items for Your Key West Trip:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Our pics are comfortable Sketchers go-walk ones or our favorite Birkenstock Gizeh sandals from Amazon!
- Portable Phone Charger -Bring a portable phone fast charger (amazon has this great inexpensive one) to ensure you stay connected.
- Refillable Water Bottle – We love this inexpensive collapsible water bottle 2 pack on Amazon!
- Travel-Sized Cooling Towel – We bring this budget-friendly 4-pack travel cooling towel set on Amazon can be clipped onto a bag or belt loop!
- Lightweight Backpack – Our pic is this budget-friendly packable lightweight backpack with pockets on Amazon!
- Travel Laundry sink wash kit – Soap Suds are TSA approved and will help you pack lighter because you can wash clothes as your trip progresses. (on Amazon)
More Ways to Enjoy a Key West Sunset
We have done several sunset cruises in Key West over the years and really enjoy the schooners or sailboat ones that include wine and sometimes appetizers. Booking one that only takes a small group is also more enjoyable for us because it is less crowded.
Of course, if you’ve read our 9 trip tips article you know how much we love food and cocktail tours too! Going with a small group on these tours is a great way to really experience places that you may not know about otherwise.
- 🌅 Top Sunset Cruises in Key West: Schooners and small sailboats offer intimate experiences with wine and apps.
- 🍹 Food & Cocktail Tours: Combine flavors with sightseeing on a curated small-group walking tour.
Final Thoughts: Is the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Worth It?
Absolutely. If you want a truly special sunset experience in Key West, away from the crowds, with personalized touches and unforgettable views; book the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience. It’s romantic, peaceful, and a unique experience in Key West.
Whether you’re planning a couple’s trip, a friends getaway, or a family vacation, this is one Key West activity that’s 100% worth the splurge.
Have you had any great sunset experiences in Key West? Let us know in the comments!
Author’s Note: From the Heart of a Sunset Lover 🌅
As someone who’s traveled extensively across the Florida Keys and experienced countless sunsets, I can say this lighthouse evening was truly unique. We are not affiliated with the organizers, and this review is based solely on our personal experience.
I’m passionate about sharing hidden gems and extraordinary experiences with fellow travelers and hope our experiences help you plan your own sunset experience!
Search Travel Makes Me Happy blog for more Key West ideas 🌴
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Also, if a trip to Seattle is on the horizon, we have a few ideas on the best things to do on a Seattle Trip or combine many places on our guide to 15 Epic Road Trips to do Across the U.S.