Key West Lighthouse

The Best Things to Do in Key West

"The U.S. Navy opened the Key West lighthouse in 1848 to help commercial and military vessels navigate the coral reefs around the harbor. After decommissioning, the lighthouse and the house in which its keeper lived were converted into a museum. Visitors can walk the narrow, winding steps up to the open-air observatory on top. Asmall museum in the former keeper's quarters shares general lighthouse history and lore, has a display of lenses and artifacts, andoffers a chance to see how the keepers and their families lived."

14 Best Things to Do in Key West

"The Key West Lighthouse grants the public access to some of the best views in the area—that is, so long as they're ready to sweat. You'll have to climb 88 steps to reach the top of it; once you do, take in one of Key West’s famous sunsets with a bird’s eye view from the observation platform during one of their sunset experiences. It even comes with snacks and a bottle of wine or Prosecco for toasting the day’s end. If you're pressed for time, shimmy up the stairs and take a few Instagram shots from the top." - Nancy DePalma , Laura Ratliff

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? The Key West Lighthouse & Museum grants the public access to Key West's iconic historic lighthouse—or at least any members of the public ready to climb those stairs. And what are we here to see? The Keeper's Quarters museum adjacent to the lighthouse is home to historical memorabilia chronicling the lighthouse's history, as well as the history of Key West. Is there anything else we can find with a little extra effort? You'll have to climb 88 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse; once you do, though, you'll be rewarded with expansive, sweeping views of the area. Take in one of Key West’s famous sunsets with a bird’s eye view from the observation platform during one of their sunset experiences. It even comes with snacks and a bottle of wine or Prosecco for toasting the day’s end. What if someone has mobility issues? The lighthouse itself isn't accessible to those with reduced mobility; the Keeper's Quarters have just a few small stairs to navigate. But note that neither are wheelchair accessible. Any guided tours worth trying? The lighthouse features as a stop on the town's broader historic marker tour, which is an ideal way to learn about the history of Key West. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? If you're pressed for time, shimmy up the stairs and take in a few Instagram-worthy views from the top." - Laura Ratliff

Head to One of These 14 Hotels for a Fun-Filled Future Escape - AFAR

"Close to Hemingway’s home and the Key West Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Hotel boasts the poolside Isabel’s Bar and its famous mojitos."

Marcita Evans

Google

Amazing views! You need to climb 88 steps to get to the top of the lighthouse. It's a narrow, winding staircase with room for really only one person, so be sure to time your climb strategically to ensure you don't have to squeeze by others coming down. It's absolutely worth it!

Joseph Deluca

Google

Staff is very pleasant. Cost is 17.00 per but lots of discounts may apply (military,student,senior citizen). 88 steps to top. If you don’t like open heights, stay on the ground. Stairs are narrow and steep…spiral. But definitely a fun place and very easy to find.

Kathleen South

Google

We climbed the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse and there was a nice view. The museum was small but informative. We sat down, on a picnic table there, and the chickens are thieves. One tried to take an entire bad of food we had!! It was funny but keep an eye out if you have food, the chickens are sneaky😊

Leah G.

Google

Incredible little museum. The grounds are very well taken care of and beautiful. My husband didn’t want the climb the 88 stairs to the top of the lighthouse so I went alone. There is plenty of seating in case you need to rest or just relax. The 88 stairs is quite the climb but absolutely worth the view at the top! I’d never been inside an actual lighthouse before so this was truly a treat.

Diana Greenlee

Google

Wonderful place to explore and learn some history. 88 steps to Fabulous views from the top. Highly recommend this stop on Key West 100%

FiFi C

Google

It's such a cute museum and lighthouse! The view is spectacular from the lighthouse. Just be prepared for the billion steps and tightness, haha. The museum has A/C, which was a great surprise in the extreme heat!

David Hunt

Google

Stumbled across this place on the walk back to our hotel after visiting the Southernmost Point. Really glad we did as it's a surprisingly impressive little museum that everyone in our group enjoyed. The keepers house has been turned into a great exhibit with plenty of information and items of interest. The grounds are really nice and the lighthouse itself is a very unique experience to climb. The steps up the lighthouse are VERY thin so if you are visiting with young children it's maybe not for you - when meeting people coming up when you're going down it's not for the faint hearted! It might be worth having a staff member in there to allow people to go up and down without having to meet. But, that aside, when you get to the top the views are incredible. All in all, another fantastic Key West attraction that's all worth visiting!

Kimber Beck

Google

Very clean little historic site just one block from Duval and Truman. Interesting history and great views from the top of the lighthouse. It's a very narrow spiral staircase with 88 steps. There are two areas with room for people to pass

C B.

Yelp

March 2023 visit I didn't go inside the museum because my party was ready to leave. There are 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Museum and the Ernest Hemingway Museum face each other and are located on corner intersections. It makes it so easy to locate these landmarks. The landscape is well maintained.

Craig W.

Yelp

88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Some of the steps are pretty narrow and if there are people passing you going up or down, it could be a little challenging. However, generally, it's a quick and fairly easy walk up and down. The views at the top are unobstructed and wonderful. No, you cannot see Cuba. (90 miles away) but the city and ocean views are excellent. I only wished there were little signs up top pointing out directions and landmarks. Make sure to tour the nearby keeper's quarters to learn about the history of the keepers and other lighthouses in the Keys. To put things in historical perspective, it probably makes more sense to tour the quarters before going up the lighthouse. It's located across from Hemingway's former house. We enjoyed our visit.

J E.

Yelp

88 steps to the top and we'll worth the view! You can see all the way around the entire island! It's nice and breezy up there too. Go early so you don't have to wait in a long line to go up. The keeper's museum is also well worth seeing, so make time for it once you come back down. Been to Key West many times, but this is my first time checking out this attraction and it was well worth the visit!

Kathleen D.

Yelp

I've walked by the Key West lighthouse on two different occasions, but the cost ($17) and heat (it was quite hot) kept me from walking to the top. It's visible from the street and right off Duval, not far from the Buoy. The lighthouse itself is pretty and very clearly well-maintained (as it should be for $17 entrance). It makes for good photos. I'm sure the view from the top is even better.

Carlos D.

Yelp

Historic site, with breathtaking view of the island of Key West. It's a must do if you visit Key West.

The Life O.

Yelp

Spotted by here on our visit to key west since my mom loves light houses. The staff were very nice and welcoming, the view is amazing and they have a nice museum for those who are interested in learning about the history. :)

Ashley S.

Yelp

This lighthouse is adorable and really not expensive to go visit. They are absolutely awesome and give free entry to active duty military. There are 88 steps total. So it's not too bad. It gets a little spooky being so narrow. And no, you cannot see Cuba from the top. They even write that on their sign. They have a cute little gift shop with restrooms available as well. Lots of famous Key West chickens running around.

Adam C.

Yelp

What is not appreciated in the Key West lighthouse are the views. While seemingly intuitive it's simply fantastic once you walk up the steps and it is a long and windy walk. There is some good history inside the museum part and if you are into optics you can see some of the lighthouse mirrors.

Robert S.

Yelp

Walking down Whitehead St, we saw this huge lighthouse and we knew we needed to check it out. The current lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as its Keeper; nearly unheard of during the 19th century. In the years following, the Key West Lighthouse underwent a number of upgrades including the installation of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, an extension to the tower which allowed the light to be seen from a greater distance, the addition of Keeper's Quarters, and finally the electrification of the light. In 1969, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Lighthouse since there was no longer a need for a full-time Keeper due to technological advancements. Today, this sentinel of the sea stands as a museum dedicated to Key West's maritime heritage and to the men and women who bravely kept the light burning through the threats of war and weather. Buying the admission ticket allows you to visit the museum as well as walking up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The museum inside showcases the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers and their families. Tickets are $15.40 online.

May A.

Yelp

Best view of Key West from 85 feet high We wanted to do things in Key West during our short time here but parking was difficult to find. After circling the area a few times we got lucky and found a spot right outside the Key West Lighthouse. Free, no parking meter. We paid the admission of $17/person and took a self-guided tour of the Keeper's Quarters Museum first. We watched a short film (shown on a loop) highlighting the history from its original construction in 1826 through to present day. I believe there were a total of 10 lighthouses built over time, the Key West Lighthouse was the first location near the Southernmost Point. Interesting and educational. It also mentioned a history of the Seven Mile Bridge. There were plenty of exhibits and reading material inside this museum. We then began to ascend the lighthouse tower across the way from the museum... a total of 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Gahhhh! had to stop a couple of times to catch our breath... Beautiful views at the top including many of the Key West landmarks, the docked cruise ships, the marinas, and the gorgeous waters that made Key West so special. Located across from the Hemingway House. We spent about an hour here. Very small grounds. Quick visit. Review #2808

Diomedes L.

Yelp

Beautiful well kept lighthouse at the most Southern City in United States. The place has few of course but can't remember how much because I didn't pay for it . My wife did . The stairs climbing to the top was Unnerving. I guess that's how the staircase on most of the light houses. There's also the main area where I believe the lighthouse keeper lived , ... they turned the house onto a museum. The view on top , you can see key west 360 view. It's a must visit must see if you come to key west. The Florida keys are fun place to visit.

Amanda C.

Yelp

Get ready for a workout, there are 80+ steps up a narrow spiral staircase to get to the top. The views are breathtaking. The tour of the keepers quarters is informative and interactive with videos, knot tying instruction and light up displays. We ended our tour with a front row seat to some rooster/chicken drama in the yard by the well. The pictures from the top of the lighthouse make this worth the climb.

David S.

Yelp

Date of visit: Sept 23, 2022 We visited the Key West Lighthouse on our walk through of the area. Everything has been updated and restored. The person on the grounds was very knowledgeable and helpful in answering any questions we had. The light house has extremely steep small steps. Nice view at the top. The grounds have a super cool twisted loft fig. It is a sight to behold. The museum had nice artifacts and cool info. Worth the visit.

Ethan T.

Yelp

We were made aware from our guide at that the Hemingway House that the Key West lighthouse is under construction. I'm not sure if it's completely closed; but, he said you definitely can't go up the 88 steps. Still a beautiful landmark and we will definitely be back for the new and improved experience on our next visit to Key West.

Adele L.

Yelp

I visited the Key West Lighthouse Museum as an alternative to the long lines at Hemingway House, but regretfully, it wasn't worth the detour. Firstly, the lighthouse lacks genuine historical authenticity; it's a rebuilt structure, which diminishes its historical appeal. The view from the top, while decent, is not exceptional. The limited space at the summit is often overcrowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy the scenery. Additionally, the overall experience was quite lackluster and failed to captivate my interest. It felt more like a missed opportunity rather than a memorable visit. In hindsight, waiting in line at the Hemingway House might have been a better choice. This visit to the lighthouse museum was, unfortunately, more about killing time than enriching my Key West experience.

Jaclyn C.

Yelp

Cool little museum, definitely check it out if you are in town! I recommend go in the morning after 11am it start getting busier! Climb to the top of the light house you get amazing views of all of Key West and the ocean! Again if you want the tower to yourself go early, to get the best pictures!! Bring water it's 88 steps and it can be a bit tiring! Steve at the register office is amazing, friendly and very informative! Thank you for a great experience!!

Sky T.

Yelp

Between this view or the Shipwreck Musuem view, I'd choose the latter. This one doesn't really have a nice view of the ocean, but it does have a decent view of the quaint town of Key West. The cost for this is a bit overpriced, but it does keep the crowds out so it's easy to get to the top of the lighthouses without too much of a bother. They also have a small museum that you can enjoy with history of the light house. I wasn't particularly interested in it, but it has good info. Other than that, they have a gift shop that you can get to for free.

Augustus G.

Yelp

If you're into Lighthouses this is with your time to explore when you're in Key West! First built in 1848 and commissioned in 1849 after the first one was destroyed in a hurricane. It was built about 50 feet in height and was raised a couple of times over the years and updated with a 3rd order Fresnel lens to it's current height of 65 feet because of growth of trees and buildings around the island obscuring the light. The Coast Guard deactivated the light in 1969 and it was turned over to the Monroe County historical Society which continues to operate it and the keepers quarters to this day. They have a lot of lighthouse related historical items located on sight including a rare 1st order Fresnel lens that used to be located at the Sombrero Key Lighthouse off shore of Marathon Key, Florida. It's worth the $17 or so to take the tour and see all of the things related to the history of the lighthouse. You can also arrange to watch the sun set from the upper deck of the lighthouse during the evening hours. Also, just across the street from the lighthouse on Whitehead Street is the Key West home of author Earnest Hemingway. He lived there and wrote a couple of his more famous novels during his time in Key West when he wasn't fishing or having a drink at one of his favorite haunts just up the street at Sloppy Joe's Bar.

SamKat P.

Yelp

Offers a great view of the island, but not for those who have a fear of heights, climbing ladders (even though these are stairs, I had the same fear in my stomach as when I have to get on a ladder), or who are claustrophobic. I thought going up was scary...but going down, oh my. I tried to get down safely, but as quickly as possible. The whole time I was thinking, "why did I climb these stairs!?" haha. I was sick to my stomach and when my feet finally touched the ground again, it was such a relief! I would give this four stars if not for the steep entry price. $17!!! That's a lot for a few minutes in a lighthouse and a small museum.

Becca L.

Yelp

This was a really cool museum across from Hemingway house. Both museums total could be done in an hour or so. There are a few rooms dedicated to the Keepers, boating and knots, and lighthouses in general. Then there are stairs leaning up to the top of the lighthouse. It isn't for the faint of heart, it is high up with a view of all of key west and the highest hill in Florida, the garbage dump. The only tricky thing about the stairs is it is one way up and down and you need to be patient if someone is coming up when you are leaving.

Mark G.

Yelp

The original lighthouse from the 1800's. A long climb to the top and narrow. Superb views of the key. Apparently this lighthouse was right on the water in olden days but now it is quite a bit inland due to land fill over the years. We had a good look. Going down was no easier but we were fine. There are a few landings to move aside and let others pass. There is a small museum on the site explaining it all. A worthwhile stop and right across the street from the Hemingway House. Mark & Nancy.

Kyle H.

Yelp

Any place I visit I look for light houses. This one was so cute, and the winding staircase was beautiful.

Vincent O.

Yelp

Arrived 10 minutes before the advertised last admission time of 1630 to find it all closed and nobody around. We weren't alone with a couple of other groups trying to get in. A little frustrating particularly having driven close to 2hrs from Islamorada to visit and having preordered tickets online. Visited Duval Street instead and drank a Margarita.

Emily R.

Yelp

The Lighthouse was ok, but by no means a must do. It was way overpriced and offered very little. The museum attached to the lighthouse is pretty small and doesn't give a whole lot of details. It was ok if you absolutely love lighthouses, but doesn't offer much riveting information. The lighthouse itself had a decent view, but not one of the best views by far. I thought the Shipwreck museum and Fort Zachary offered better views for cheaper. The staircase if very tight making it difficult to get up and down in crowds. Luckily there weren't many people when we went. Overall, it was underwhelming, over priced, and didn't offer very much. If you do want to check it out, I would order your tickets online. It is much cheaper than buying in person.

Colleen H.

Yelp

Fun thing to do in Key West. Interesting history and great view of the island, with a map of key points of interest.

Kelly D.

Yelp

Very fun and an awesome vista to view key west from. We were lucky enough to be there on a day when the speedboats were racing and we could see the entire course from the tower top

Wendy K.

Yelp

Came here on the first full day in KW my friend was working so I had a plan to hit some places during the day. Believe it's about $12 and they take credit cards. It was when I was standing in line to pay that I heard the cashier explaining to the couple in front of me that the Hemingway tour was cash only. Which was a great tip since that was going to be my next stop. If you are claustrophobic or have trouble with stairs you'll probably want to skip this one. Once you get to the top there is a 360 degree view. I agree with another review that since there isn't any monitoring it can get bottle necked at times in the lighthouse narrow circular stairs but people are all understanding and will step to the side if needed when going up and down. Great spot to hit if you like history.

Smrithi S.

Yelp

This a right across from the Ernest Hemingway house and a great stop while on Key West. It's got great views from the top, making the climb worth it. The stairs are challenging enough on their own, but we also had to wait for people ahead of us to move. We made the climb up the narrow, spiral staircase easily, but when we got to the top the deck was full of people and didn't have any space left. We had to wait for people to move and start going back down, before we could go out. The people behind us were stuck on the stairs until we could move. Going down was a bit more challenging as we kept running into people coming up. Do not make the climb if you have trouble with stairs, there isn't enough space to break and sit.

Mike V.

Yelp

If always been fascinated by Lighthouses and beriefly considered becoming a Keeper. It seemed the perfect job until I fast forwarded to my first Halloween night. I assume having a few drinks, turning off the light, and refusing to answer the door would be a "firing offense".

Courtney G.

Yelp

I was really hoping to see the lighthouse but they wanted $17 per person. We ended up taking pictures from the street. I wasn't going up in lighthouse anyway after having ankle surgery but really didn't want to spend that to just walk around.

Hannah Y.

Yelp

the lighthouse gave us the best view of Key West. the 88 spiral stairs were steep, but the view is worth the climb. I recommend this for people who are not claustrophobic or scared of heights. it really is pretty up there and the museum afterward is neat.

James R.

Yelp

Fun Diversion! The Key West was an unexpectedly fun find. On a clear day you can have 360 views standing outside the lighthouse beacon. For those who have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing as there is very little room to maneuver. Also, the only way up a through a spiral staircase which requires some exertion. However, the reward is worth it. You can also tour the museum which has some history on the lighthouse and its operation.

Kyle M.

Yelp

This is a fun stop to make during a Key West visit as long as you aren't afraid of heights or tight spaces. In order to get to the top, you will have to climb a metal spiral staircase which has just a bit under one hundred steps. Hopefully, you won't cross paths with anyone trying to descend while you are trying to ascend as the staircase is a bit cramped. Once at the top, there is a nice 360 degree view of Key West but once again space up top is tight so try to visit when it's not so busy. There is also a small museum house that tells the history of the lighthouse. The main entry point is also a gift shop.

Angie J.

Yelp

The light house is a must see in the Keys . The grounds is beautiful and to the top of the light is a Amazing views of the keys . It is a long walk up the 88 steps to the top . But worth it .

Valerie W.

Yelp

Just right around the corner from the Ernest Hemingway Museum, this tiny museum and lighthouse are definitely worth a visit as well, if for nothing more than the BEAUTIFUL views you'll get from the top of the lighthouse!! Interesting history, beautiful grounds, zero crowds (at least while we were there, in comparison to the SUUUPER crowded E.H. Museum). However, IF you don't think you'll be able to make it up the slightly strenuous lighthouse stairs (not tooooooo bad; I'm pretty far outta shape and climbed 'em just fine) this might not be worth the entry fee for you...

Ed K.

Yelp

Very cool thing to do in Key West. Not time consuming and the views are great! The museum is interesting.

Karlea B.

Yelp

Film crew made it annoying Don't need to buy tickets just show the lady any screen on ur phone and she's like yeah here ur stickers--lol

Taylor T.

Yelp

My friend and I came here when we were going for some leisurely sightseeing. While there are some beautiful views at the top of the lighthouse, it is a bit hard getting up and down to see it. Since there isn't anyone monitoring how many people are going up and down, it's easy to get in a traffic jam on the already cramped spiral staircase, or to get trapped at the top when it's back to back with people. We had a decent time here, enjoyed the views, and the climb was a nice workout, BUT I do wish there was someone monitoring how many people were going up and down.

RedTulip O.

Yelp

Beautiful lighthouse, gorgeous view from the top and a nice lighthouse keeper's house. There is parking on site which is very helpful and a little shop.

Nick V.

Yelp

Enjoyed the visit. A lot of history here. Great views of island and breezes at top of tower. People of all ages went up the tower. Museum house was hot. Price was reasonable at $12 per person but it was a fairly quick visit. Thinking $7-$8 per person would be more on point.

Rebecca K.

Yelp

Please don't grouse about the $12 entry fee. You're helping preserve a piece of history... a little green oasis in the middle of this packed island. Views from the top are spectacular and you can't get them anywhere else on the island. Just do it! Also- the climb to the top is steep and narrow so if you're going to need to stop and freak out part way up....maybe just enjoy the grounds and museum.

Brett N.

Yelp

Why 4 stars? Because I enjoy lookout points, and this was a cheap one! --- --- --- When I'm visiting a new city, I tend to end up partaking in lookout points. It's not that I necessarily seek them out, but between all of the eating that usually comes with a visit to a new place, I need something to do in between said face-stuffing. And it didn't hurt that this particular lookout point had one way, and one way only, to get to the top: stairs. 88 stairs, to be exact. Because Key West is super flat, it's definitely not the prettiest view you'll ever take in. It was nice to see the whole city from a distance, but you temper your expectations, if you're hoping for something like the Empire State Building or the Amalfi coast. That goes without typing, right? $10 cash gets you a decent workout and one of the nicest views of Key West - what's not to like?

Lanny H.

Yelp

Wish we would've been here on a weekday. Lighthouse is closed on weekends and open Monday-Friday. Only able to look from behind a fence. It's on our list to return.

Dave H.

Yelp

$10 gets you in to climb 88 steps to the top; it really is not very high but many tourists are afraid of the metal spiral staircase so it is slowgoing. Key West is not much to see from bird's eye view, but the double gulf-ocean vista is gorgeous. Lame museum can be skipped.

Ami A.

Yelp

Anyone with a fascination for American history, lighthouses or who just enjoys a wonderful view will really love exploring this lighthouse. I enjoyed the videos and history about the lighthouse keepers and their families. Lighthouses served as beacons of light, hope and salvation for sailors and ships along the coast. Now few remain and it is important to remember our history and save the ones that remain.

Scott E.

Yelp

There is a great view from the top of the lighthouse that makes it worth the time and $12. Can't imagine ever wanting to do it again, but it's a nice experience once.

Bobb S.

Yelp

Enjoyed learning about the lighthouse and the trials and tribulations of the people's lives that were responsible for it. Definitely a lonely and at times, a very sad story. Climb up to the top in the very narrow spiral staircase and take in the view of the island. A fun few hours to spend away from the craziness and the mob on Duval St.

Ai M.

Yelp

AAA members get $1 off if they show their card. Student admission is $5 with ID. There is parking on the other side of the block. It is where the gift shop clerk asks you to exit. They didn't have any souvenir mugs or piggy banks. For some reason the keeper's quarters has a blue flag with a fork and plate on the lawn. 88 steps doesn't seem too much in theory. For those with a fear of heights but make it to the top, the informational cards around the viewing platform are also duplicated on the interior wall. I noticed the bars holding the circular stairs and the long gas line before I had acrophobia. We admired the banyan tree as we walked to the lighthouse.

Jason G.

Yelp

The Key West Lighthouse is a fun, quick diversion if you're visiting Key West, whether on a cruise ship or staying there overnight. Getting in and out is pretty uncomplicated - the lighthouse is in a central location and you can't really miss it. It's $10 for each adult, but military are free. At the end of the day, this is an old lighthouse that's been renovated, so getting up and down during busy times can somewhat be a hassle due to the small spiral staircase going up the lighthouse. When we were approaching the lighthouse, the entire top portion was full of people, so we almost turned back. But I guess it's a crapshoot, because when we arrived, we were the only ones climbing up lighthouse. I'm assuming that the lighthouse is more full when cruise ships are in town. There's also a small museum in the former light housekeepers quarters, and that gives background for when the lighthouse was relevant. I was somewhat shocked to hear that Key West was once the largest city in Florida. Overall, the Key West Lighthouse provides a pretty expansive view over all of Key West, and it's a good destination for kids.

Kathleen D.

Yelp

Nice views from the top. It's 88 steps to the top. It's not recommended for those with vertigo because the stairs are not that big and you could get dizzy if you go up or down too fast. There is a nice view of Key West from the top. I enjoyed the visit!

The Best Things to Do in Key West

14 Best Things to Do in Key West

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

Head to One of These 14 Hotels for a Fun-Filled Future Escape - AFAR

"Close to Hemingway’s home and the Key West Lighthouse, the Lighthouse Hotel boasts the poolside Isabel’s Bar and its famous mojitos."