Key West Lighthouse | Florida Keys

The Key West Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located in Key West, Florida, USA.

It served as a vital beacon for maritime traffic in the Florida Keys.

Visual Characteristics

The lighthouse is a cylindrical brick tower painted white. It stands approximately 75 feet (23 meters) tall. A black lantern room caps the structure. The original Fresnel lens is no longer in place, replaced by a modern lamp.

Location & Access Logistics

The lighthouse is situated at 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida. It is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the Truman Waterfront. Parking is available on Whitehead Street and surrounding side streets, though it can be limited during peak hours. The Conch Tour Train and the Old Town Trolley Tours stop near the lighthouse. Public bus routes also serve the immediate vicinity.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current lighthouse was constructed in 1848, replacing an earlier structure destroyed by a hurricane. It was built by the U.S. Lighthouse Board. Its original purpose was to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Florida Keys, particularly the Florida Reef.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can climb the 88 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Key West and the surrounding waters. The adjacent Keeper's Quarters museum displays artifacts and information about the lives of lighthouse keepers and the history of the lighthouse.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present around the base of the tower. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in this area. Food vendors and restaurants are located within walking distance on Whitehead Street.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides good illumination without harsh shadows. The months of March through May offer pleasant weather with lower humidity. High tide is not a factor for visiting the lighthouse itself.

Facts & Legends

The first keeper of the Key West Lighthouse was a woman, female lighthouse keepers were rare at the time. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969 and transferred to the Key West Art and Historical Society.

Nearby Landmarks

• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (0.3km West)
• The Little White House (0.4km West)
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (0.6km Southeast)
• Key West Shipwreck Museum (0.7km West)
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (1.2km Southwest)