Key West sunsets are legendary — but so are the crowds. Mallory Square packs in cruise tourists shoulder-to-shoulder, with cameras and street performers filling every corner. The view might be iconic, but it’s not exactly peaceful.
Fortunately, there are quieter places on the island where the sky puts on the same show — without the noise. Here’s a list of 14 Key West spots where you can catch the sunset without competing for elbow room.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

Locals head here for the west-facing views and rocky shoreline that catches the last of the golden light. It’s inside Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site, so there’s a small entrance fee, but it also means fewer people.
Bring a blanket, grab a snack, and stretch out on the rocks. The sun dips directly into the Gulf from this angle.
Truman Waterfront Park

This large open park just west of the US Navy facility offers wide water views with almost no crowds after 6 PM. You’ll find a few joggers, some families, and lots of open space.
The benches near the water catch the breeze and line up perfectly with the sinking sun. It’s laid-back and low-key — the way Key West used to be.
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Simonton Street Beach

Tiny but open to the public, this pocket-sized beach has just enough space for a sunset picnic. It’s right off Simonton Street and easy to miss, which keeps it quiet.
Locals walk their dogs here around dusk and often stay through the color show. There’s no fanfare — just waves and sky.
Edward B. Knight Pier (at Higgs Beach)

Known to residents as the “White Street Pier,” this location has easy access, great lighting, and space to breathe. It’s long enough that even if others are around, it doesn’t feel crowded.
Fishermen often hang out near the end, chatting quietly while the sun goes down.
Rest Beach

Just down from Higgs, this small stretch of sand feels almost forgotten by tourists. Locals know it as one of the best places to sit and watch the water shift from blue to orange to black.
On clear nights, the colors go bold. On cloudy ones, it’s even better — moody, dramatic, and dead quiet.
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Cow Key Channel

The water here is narrow, but the light spreads wide. It’s a favorite among cyclists and joggers heading home around sunset. You won’t see many parked cars, and there’s no seating — just a peaceful shoulder of the bridge to lean on while the sky does its thing.
Key West Garden Club (West Martello Tower)

Tucked into a Civil War-era fort, the Garden Club’s seaside location offers one of the island’s best-hidden sunset angles. It closes early, but if you visit before it closes at 5 PM, you’ll get a golden hour at its peak.
Bonus: the gardens glow with evening light that rivals the sky.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

This area blends into the larger Higgs Beach stretch but has more grass and fewer crowds. There’s a small pier, picnic tables, and palm trees that frame the sunset like a postcard.
Most tourists are still circling for parking when the sun starts to dip — locals already have their spots.
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Bayview Park Waterfront

It’s not on most maps and doesn’t have a big sign, but this tucked-away marina area offers surprisingly good views. Boaters wave as they pass, and the sun reflects off docked masts in warm tones.
It’s a quiet place to sit and breathe while the light fades.
The Garrison Bight

This marina sits just north of Old Town and offers a west-facing edge that catches sunsets over anchored sailboats. There’s a stillness here in the evening that feels a little removed from the rest of the island.
Great spot if you like photographing boats against a glowing sky.
Smathers Beach (Southern End)

While Smathers can get packed during the day, the southern end clears out around dusk. If you walk far enough down the sand, you’ll find yourself mostly alone.
There’s a long stretch where the water hugs the shoreline — and the setting sun slips beneath the curve of the earth.
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West End of Duval Street

Time it right, and you’ll catch a perfect gap between buildings for a framed sunset. It’s not scenic in the traditional sense, but the light bounces off the pavement in an almost cinematic way.
A fast, satisfying stop if you’re already downtown.
Key West Cemetery Hill

A strange pick, but hear it out: the slight rise near the cemetery’s back wall gives you an unexpected angle over the rooftops. The sun disappears behind Old Town, and the horizon glows long after.
Locals sometimes sit here with a soda or sandwich just to catch the last bit of light.
Behind Fort Zachary’s Breakwater Rocks

While the main beach fills up fast, walk past the picnic tables and out onto the breakwater path. It leads to a cluster of rocks facing open water.
It’s less crowded than the sand and often breezier. Bring something to sit on — it’s worth it.
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The Other Side of the Island

Key West isn’t just sunsets — it’s calm water, low light, and soft skies. These 14 spots let you enjoy the same fiery drop below the horizon without the packed viewing platforms.
Sometimes, the best sunset isn’t the loudest — it’s the one you don’t have to share.
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