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Location
Accessibility
Fully ADA accessible except for the tower, Museum Store equipped with restrooms
Best time
Arrive before 4:30 p.m. for last admission and plan to spend 1-2 hours. Visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) to avoid crowds, especially during peak season, which significantly impacts the climbing experience.
Visitor tip
Explore all buildings on the grounds, including the Keeper's Quarters and museum exhibits, to fully understand the lighthouse keepers' personal stories and daily lives. Staff members are highly knowledgeable and eager to answer questions—engage with them for deeper historical context.
About Key West Lighthouse
Historical lighthouse open to tour. Now a museum, this historic lighthouse features access to the top via 88 steps & keepers quarters.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Lighthouse Museum
- Main Attraction
- 88-step climb to top of 1848 lighthouse with panoramic island views
- Hours
- Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)
- Admission
- Adults $17, Youth 7-18 $9, Children under 7 free, Active Military free
What visitors say
A Worthwhile Climb with a Rewarding View. The Key West Lighthouse Museum offers a unique glimpse into the island's maritime history. The climb to the top can be a bit strenuous, but the panoramic views of Key West and the surrounding…
Absolutely beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous. The staff is awesome. Very knowledgeable. They will answer any and every question you have. I suggest going to the top of the lighthouse. The views are absolutely breathtaking and just…
The climb to the top of the light house is hard but so worth it. The view is amazing. The lighthouse keeper house is interesting with lots of historical photos and lighthouse related items.
From 2,811 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- The lighthouse features a Third Order Fresnel Lens, a historically significant optical device used in lighthouses to project light across long distances
- Visitors can climb 88 steps via a spiral staircase to reach the top of the lighthouse tower for panoramic views of Key West
- The museum offers specialized programming including 'Happy Hour with the Historian' adult programs and Homeschool Art and History programs, plus event rental availability for weddings
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