Historic Ruins & Heritage

Key West Lighthouse

📍 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL, USA

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4/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA
Category: Historic Ruins & Heritage
Duration: 1 hour
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00-17:00, last entry 16:30; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year
Ticket Price: Adults $17, Children 6+ $9, Children under 5 free
Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL, USA
Coordinates: 24.5548, -81.8021

Introduction

The Key West Lighthouse, located on Key West Island in Florida, is one of the most iconic historic structures on this tropical island. The current lighthouse was built in 1847, replacing the original destroyed by the 1846 hurricane, and is one of the oldest lighthouses on the US Gulf Coast. The lighthouse and its accompanying keeper's quarters have been converted into the Key West Lighthouse Museum, open to the public. Visitors can climb 88 spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views of Key West and the blue Gulf of Mexico. The museum displays the lighthouse's rich history, including stories of several keepers, most notably the legendary female keeper Barbara Mabrity, who maintained the lighthouse alone during the Civil War. This site encapsulates Key West's transformation from a maritime waypoint to a vacation destination.

✨ Highlights

88 Spiral Stairs

Climb 88 spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views of Key West and the Gulf

One of the Oldest Lighthouses

Built in 1847; one of the oldest lighthouses on the US Gulf Coast

Legendary Female Keeper

Stories of Barbara Mabrity and other female keepers; women's contributions to maritime history

Keeper's Quarters

Original keeper's quarters preserved as a museum displaying lighthouse history

Key West Landmark

One of Key West's most recognizable landmarks, visible from across the city

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Morning light best for photos; avoid midday sun and afternoon crowds

→Duration：Allow 1-1.5 hours including tower climb and museum

→Physical Note：Climbing 88 steep spiral stairs required; those with limited mobility should consider carefully

→Opening Hours：Daily 9:00-17:00, last entry 16:30; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

→Ticket Information：Adults $17, Children 6+ $9, Children under 5 free

→Transportation：Central Key West; about 3.5 hours drive from Miami via Overseas Highway

💡 Tips

• Stairs are narrow and steep; wear comfortable shoes and use handrails

• The top offers one of the best panoramic views of Key West; use a wide-angle lens

• Female keeper stories in the museum are moving; read the exhibit panels carefully

• Combine with Hemingway Home and Truman Little White House for historic tour

• Though closed at 17:00, the exterior is most beautiful at sunset for photos

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Key West Lighthouse?

Daily 9:00-17:00, last entry 16:30; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year

How much is the admission for Key West Lighthouse?

Adults $17, Children 6+ $9, Children under 5 free

Any practical tips for visiting Key West Lighthouse?

Stairs are narrow and steep; wear comfortable shoes and use handrails The top offers one of the best panoramic views of Key West; use a wide-angle lens