Sunset Key Beach
White sand, turquoise water, Key West skyline all to yourself
About
Sunset Key Beach sits on a private island just a short ferry hop from Key West, Florida — and the contrast with the mainland couldn't be sharper. The sand is white, the water turquoise and Gulf-facing calm, and the stretch of shoreline runs roughly 283 metres of near-total quiet. From the water's edge you get an unobstructed view of the Key West skyline, which makes the whole scene feel slightly surreal. It's a genuinely quiet beach — the kind that feels like it shouldn't exist this close to a busy city.
How to get there
Sunset Key Beach is reachable only by ferry — there is no road connection to the island. The ferry departs from the Westin Key West Resort dock in Key West and the crossing takes around 10 minutes. Non-guests can access the island via the on-site restaurant, Latitudes, but this policy is subject to change seasonally, so confirm day-use access before you make the trip. No outside food or drink is permitted on the island.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet, private-island atmosphere and Gulf-facing calm water make this one of the more romantic stretches of sand in the Florida Keys — the Key West skyline view at sunset seals it.
For families
Swimming is safe in the calm, Gulf-facing water, which is reassuring for families with younger children, but note that no dogs are allowed and there are no outside food or drink options — plan accordingly before boarding the ferry.
Our take
Sunset Key Beach earns its reputation as a quiet escape precisely because access is genuinely restricted — the ferry-only route and resort-adjacent rules keep visitor numbers low in a way that most Florida beaches simply cannot manage. The white sand and turquoise, Gulf-calm water are the real thing, and the Key West skyline view adds a dimension you won't find on any other beach in the Keys. That said, the day-use access policy through Latitudes is the single biggest variable here: it can change seasonally without warning, and a trip without a confirmed reservation could end at the dock. Avoid August and September entirely — hurricane season is not the time to rely on a limited ferry schedule. Confirm your restaurant access in advance, and you'll have one of the quietest, most visually striking beaches in Key West almost to yourself. Worth the planning.
What to do
Back on the Key West side, Mallory Square — about 1 kilometre away — hosts its famous nightly sunset celebration with street performers and vendors, a ritual that pairs perfectly with a day spent on the island. The Key West Aquarium, Florida's first public aquarium, is around 1.2 kilometres away and features local marine species and touch tanks worth an hour of your time. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is another 1.3 kilometres from the beach and adds a layer of history to the trip.
The white sand shoreline with the Key West skyline in the background is the defining frame — shoot it from knee-height at the water's edge for maximum impact.
The ferry approach to the island also delivers a clean wide shot of the private island setting against turquoise water that is hard to replicate from land.
Where to eat
On the island itself, Latitudes is the obvious choice — it's 0.1 kilometres from the beach and your gateway to day-use access in the first place. Back in Key West, El Meson De Pepe serves Cuban, seafood, and Caribbean dishes about 0.7 kilometres away, and One Duval and Bistro 245 are at the same distance if you want variety after the ferry back.
Where to stay
The IsLAnd House in Key West is the closest listed accommodation option, sitting about 1.9 kilometres from the beach. Staying in Key West proper keeps you close to the Westin dock for easy morning ferry access.
Photography
The best shot on Sunset Key Beach is the Key West skyline framed over turquoise water — shoot from the shoreline in the late afternoon when the light goes warm and golden.
Good to know
Non-guest access is tied to the restaurant — you must dine at Latitudes to use the beach as a day visitor, and that policy can change without notice, so always call ahead before visiting. The ferry schedule is limited, so confirm departure times before you head to the Westin Key West dock or you risk a wasted trip. Skip August and September: hurricane season can suspend ferry service entirely. No dogs are permitted on the island, and the beach is not a naturist beach.
Map
Nearby places
Latitudes
El Meson De Pepe
One Duval
Bistro 245
Roof Top Cafe
The IsLAnd House
Mile 0
Things to see around Key West
Mallory Square
Famous sunset celebration plaza with street performers and vendors nightly.
Key West Aquarium
Florida's first public aquarium, featuring local marine species and touch tanks.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — sshreeves · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 2 — SowersPics · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 3 — Florida Memory · source · Public Domain
- Photo 4 — RuggyBearLA · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 5 — RuggyBearLA · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 6 — Roger W from Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A · source · CC BY-SA 2.0