the only lighthouse in USA entirely within city limits Visitors can climb 88 iron steps, explore the restored Keeper's Quarters, and view maritime artifacts. Originally built in 1825, the current structure was completed in 1848 and raised in 1894 to reach 100 feet. The view from the top is considered one of the best in Key West. One of the highest points in Old Town, the lighthouse offers unmatched panoramic views and the chance to enjoy Key West's legendary sunset in peaceful privacy; far from the crowded Mallory Square read more

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Last day in Key West and we finally made it to the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum. So glad we did. It was an excellent visit. The entire site is beautifully maintained. If you go, make sure you climb to the top. The view is spectacular and absolutely worth the steps. The lighthouse keeper's house and surrounding grounds are first rate and give you a real sense of what life was like more than 100 years ago. There are numerous displays explaining both the daily work and the technology required to keep the lighthouse operating. It's informative without feeling overwhelming. A must-visit when you're in Key West. read more

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We took the 88 stair climb up and it wasn't too bad. Just a bit awkward when people are trying to get down while you're trying to go up. The viewing deck from up top isn't too big but it had nice views. The keepers in had interesting items to look at and read about. Worth doing in Key West when you need a break from day drinking. read more

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The Key West Lighthouse is located diagonally across the street from Hemingway House. It is extremely well preserved and worth a visit. At the base of the lighthouse is a building with a nice and informative museum. The museum, with nice A/C, has a little video movie and lots of relevant antiques. The Lighthouse itself presents with a somewhat challenging walk to the top. It is a somewhat narrow and tiring slog to the top but you'll be rewarded with wonderful views and breezes. Govern yourself accordingly. Wearing sandals is probably a poor idea, if not forbidden, if you choose the walk to the top. We spent around an hour for our sightseeing of this fine piece of Florida history. read more

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I did really enjoy seeing the different lenses in the museum and the view from the top of the lighthouse is great! I think it was a bit lackluster compared to the other museums we visited in terms of the amount of exhibits and also the staff was non-existent. The gentleman we purchased tickets from was hard of hearing and that frustrating transaction did not include any tips about the property. Same with the associate in the store. No additional information or interaction was forthcoming. read more

This is a must see and experience! Great views at the top, very nice museum, it's well kept and lots of education on lighthouses and the history. Make sure to look for iguanas in the tree tops ( yes, our family enjoys them, we're animal lovers). We've been twice now and will keep going back! read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Key West Lighthouse - Whether you're a history lover or just want the best panoramic view in Key West, this is a must-visit! If You Can Brave the Heights, the View is Worth It! If you're in Key West, the Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum is a must-see--but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart! What Makes It Special: Climb 88 Steps to the Top - If you have a fear of heights, this might be a challenge, but the view from the top is STUNNING! Keeper's Quarters Museum - See how lighthouse keepers lived in the 1800s! One of the Few Lighthouses Operated by Female Keepers - Legendary Barbara Mabrity maintained the light for over 32 years! read more

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88 steps high but quite the view!!! Brought my two elementary aged children. Going down the steps is a little scary, but I definitely recommend this. The museum is quite interesting as well. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

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88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Some of the steps are pretty narrow and if there are people passing you going up or down, it could be a little challenging. However, generally, it's a quick and fairly easy walk up and down. The views at the top are unobstructed and wonderful. No, you cannot see Cuba. (90 miles away) but the city and ocean views are excellent. I only wished there were little signs up top pointing out directions and landmarks. Make sure to tour the nearby keeper's quarters to learn about the history of the keepers and other lighthouses in the Keys. To put things in historical perspective, it probably makes more sense to tour the quarters before going up the lighthouse. It's located across from Hemingway's former house. We enjoyed our visit. read more

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Historic lighthouse that outlines some of the history of key west and how it has developed throughout the years, definitely recommend whether you're a history buff or not! read more

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This lighthouse is adorable and really not expensive to go visit. They are absolutely awesome and give free entry to active duty military. There are 88 steps total. So it's not too bad. It gets a little spooky being so narrow. And no, you cannot see Cuba from the top. They even write that on their sign. They have a cute little gift shop with restrooms available as well. Lots of famous Key West chickens running around. read more

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Historic site, with breathtaking view of the island of Key West. It's a must do if you visit Key West. read more

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I've walked by the Key West lighthouse on two different occasions, but the cost ($17) and heat (it was quite hot) kept me from walking to the top. It's visible from the street and right off Duval, not far from the Buoy. The lighthouse itself is pretty and very clearly well-maintained (as it should be for $17 entrance). It makes for good photos. I'm sure the view from the top is even better. read more

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A great visit for some history of the lighthouse and also a bit about the island. Inside the keepers museum there is a short video that was very interesting and informative. We had a great time looking at all of the history and even trying to tie the same knots the lighthouse keepers used to tie in the museum. The lighthouse itself has very steep steps and I myself am pregnant so I wasn't able to climb safely. We also have a toddler so I stayed at the bottom with him while my husband went up to see the view. read more

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Walking down Whitehead St, we saw this huge lighthouse and we knew we needed to check it out. The current lighthouse opened in 1848 with a woman as its Keeper; nearly unheard of during the 19th century. In the years following, the Key West Lighthouse underwent a number of upgrades including the installation of a Third Order Fresnel Lens, an extension to the tower which allowed the light to be seen from a greater distance, the addition of Keeper's Quarters, and finally the electrification of the light. In 1969, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Lighthouse since there was no longer a need for a full-time Keeper due to technological advancements. Today, this sentinel of the sea stands as a museum dedicated to Key West's maritime heritage and to the men and women who bravely kept the light burning through the threats of war and weather. Buying the admission ticket allows you to visit the museum as well as walking up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The museum inside showcases the belongings, photographs, and words of the lighthouse Keepers and their families. Tickets are $15.40 online. read more

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88 steps to the top and we'll worth the view! You can see all the way around the entire island! It's nice and breezy up there too. Go early so you don't have to wait in a long line to go up. The keeper's museum is also well worth seeing, so make time for it once you come back down. Been to Key West many times, but this is my first time checking out this attraction and it was well worth the visit! read more

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Best view of Key West from 85 feet high We wanted to do things in Key West during our short time here but parking was difficult to find. After circling the area a few times we got lucky and found a spot right outside the Key West Lighthouse. Free, no parking meter. We paid the admission of $17/person and took a self-guided tour of the Keeper's Quarters Museum first. We watched a short film (shown on a loop) highlighting the history from its original construction in 1826 through to present day. I believe there were a total of 10 lighthouses built over time, the Key West Lighthouse was the first location near the Southernmost Point. Interesting and educational. It also mentioned a history of the Seven Mile Bridge. There were plenty of exhibits and reading material inside this museum. We then began to ascend the lighthouse tower across the way from the museum... a total of 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Gahhhh! had to stop a couple of times to catch our breath... Beautiful views at the top including many of the Key West landmarks, the docked cruise ships, the marinas, and the gorgeous waters that made Key West so special. Located across from the Hemingway House. We spent about an hour here. Very small grounds. Quick visit. Review #2808 read more

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What is not appreciated in the Key West lighthouse are the views. While seemingly intuitive it's simply fantastic once you walk up the steps and it is a long and windy walk. There is some good history inside the museum part and if you are into optics you can see some of the lighthouse mirrors. read more

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March 2023 visit I didn't go inside the museum because my party was ready to leave. There are 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Museum and the Ernest Hemingway Museum face each other and are located on corner intersections. It makes it so easy to locate these landmarks. The landscape is well maintained. read more

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Date of visit: Sept 23, 2022 We visited the Key West Lighthouse on our walk through of the area. Everything has been updated and restored. The person on the grounds was very knowledgeable and helpful in answering any questions we had. The light house has extremely steep small steps. Nice view at the top. The grounds have a super cool twisted loft fig. It is a sight to behold. The museum had nice artifacts and cool info. Worth the visit. read more

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We were made aware from our guide at that the Hemingway House that the Key West lighthouse is under construction. I'm not sure if it's completely closed; but, he said you definitely can't go up the 88 steps. Still a beautiful landmark and we will definitely be back for the new and improved experience on our next visit to Key West. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Between this view or the Shipwreck Musuem view, I'd choose the latter. This one doesn't really have a nice view of the ocean, but it does have a decent view of the quaint town of Key West. The cost for this is a bit overpriced, but it does keep the crowds out so it's easy to get to the top of the lighthouses without too much of a bother. They also have a small museum that you can enjoy with history of the light house. I wasn't particularly interested in it, but it has good info. Other than that, they have a gift shop that you can get to for free. read more

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Beautiful well kept lighthouse at the most Southern City in United States. The place has few of course but can't remember how much because I didn't pay for it . My wife did . The stairs climbing to the top was Unnerving. I guess that's how the staircase on most of the light houses. There's also the main area where I believe the lighthouse keeper lived , ... they turned the house onto a museum. The view on top , you can see key west 360 view. It's a must visit must see if you come to key west. The Florida keys are fun place to visit. read more

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Spotted by here on our visit to key west since my mom loves light houses. The staff were very nice and welcoming, the view is amazing and they have a nice museum for those who are interested in learning about the history. :) read more

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Get ready for a workout, there are 80+ steps up a narrow spiral staircase to get to the top. The views are breathtaking. The tour of the keepers quarters is informative and interactive with videos, knot tying instruction and light up displays. We ended our tour with a front row seat to some rooster/chicken drama in the yard by the well. The pictures from the top of the lighthouse make this worth the climb. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - View from the top of the lighthouse - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

If you're into Lighthouses this is with your time to explore when you're in Key West! First built in 1848 and commissioned in 1849 after the first one was destroyed in a hurricane. It was built about 50 feet in height and was raised a couple of times over the years and updated with a 3rd order Fresnel lens to it's current height of 65 feet because of growth of trees and buildings around the island obscuring the light. The Coast Guard deactivated the light in 1969 and it was turned over to the Monroe County historical Society which continues to operate it and the keepers quarters to this day. They have a lot of lighthouse related historical items located on sight including a rare 1st order Fresnel lens that used to be located at the Sombrero Key Lighthouse off shore of Marathon Key, Florida. It's worth the $17 or so to take the tour and see all of the things related to the history of the lighthouse. You can also arrange to watch the sun set from the upper deck of the lighthouse during the evening hours. Also, just across the street from the lighthouse on Whitehead Street is the Key West home of author Earnest Hemingway. He lived there and wrote a couple of his more famous novels during his time in Key West when he wasn't fishing or having a drink at one of his favorite haunts just up the street at Sloppy Joe's Bar. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Key West Lighthouse - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

There are 88 easy steps to the top of the lighthouse, that will give a great view above Key West. The museum was interesting and had a ton of information of the purpose of the lighthouses in Key West. The cost to walk up and see the museum is a bit pricey, but if you don't mind the price then it was an experience. read more

Offers a great view of the island, but not for those who have a fear of heights, climbing ladders (even though these are stairs, I had the same fear in my stomach as when I have to get on a ladder), or who are claustrophobic. I thought going up was scary...but going down, oh my. I tried to get down safely, but as quickly as possible. The whole time I was thinking, "why did I climb these stairs!?" haha. I was sick to my stomach and when my feet finally touched the ground again, it was such a relief! I would give this four stars if not for the steep entry price. $17!!! That's a lot for a few minutes in a lighthouse and a small museum. read more

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Came here on the first full day in KW my friend was working so I had a plan to hit some places during the day. Believe it's about $12 and they take credit cards. It was when I was standing in line to pay that I heard the cashier explaining to the couple in front of me that the Hemingway tour was cash only. Which was a great tip since that was going to be my next stop. If you are claustrophobic or have trouble with stairs you'll probably want to skip this one. Once you get to the top there is a 360 degree view. I agree with another review that since there isn't any monitoring it can get bottle necked at times in the lighthouse narrow circular stairs but people are all understanding and will step to the side if needed when going up and down. Great spot to hit if you like history. read more

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The original lighthouse from the 1800's. A long climb to the top and narrow. Superb views of the key. Apparently this lighthouse was right on the water in olden days but now it is quite a bit inland due to land fill over the years. We had a good look. Going down was no easier but we were fine. There are a few landings to move aside and let others pass. There is a small museum on the site explaining it all. A worthwhile stop and right across the street from the Hemingway House. Mark & Nancy. read more

This a right across from the Ernest Hemingway house and a great stop while on Key West. It's got great views from the top, making the climb worth it. The stairs are challenging enough on their own, but we also had to wait for people ahead of us to move. We made the climb up the narrow, spiral staircase easily, but when we got to the top the deck was full of people and didn't have any space left. We had to wait for people to move and start going back down, before we could go out. The people behind us were stuck on the stairs until we could move. Going down was a bit more challenging as we kept running into people coming up. Do not make the climb if you have trouble with stairs, there isn't enough space to break and sit. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

I was really hoping to see the lighthouse but they wanted $17 per person. We ended up taking pictures from the street. I wasn't going up in lighthouse anyway after having ankle surgery but really didn't want to spend that to just walk around. read more

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This was a really cool museum across from Hemingway house. Both museums total could be done in an hour or so. There are a few rooms dedicated to the Keepers, boating and knots, and lighthouses in general. Then there are stairs leaning up to the top of the lighthouse. It isn't for the faint of heart, it is high up with a view of all of key west and the highest hill in Florida, the garbage dump. The only tricky thing about the stairs is it is one way up and down and you need to be patient if someone is coming up when you are leaving. read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Cool little museum, definitely check it out if you are in town! I recommend go in the morning after 11am it start getting busier! Climb to the top of the light house you get amazing views of all of Key West and the ocean! Again if you want the tower to yourself go early, to get the best pictures!! Bring water it's 88 steps and it can be a bit tiring! Steve at the register office is amazing, friendly and very informative! Thank you for a great experience!! read more

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Fun Diversion! The Key West was an unexpectedly fun find. On a clear day you can have 360 views standing outside the lighthouse beacon. For those who have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing as there is very little room to maneuver. Also, the only way up a through a spiral staircase which requires some exertion. However, the reward is worth it. You can also tour the museum which has some history on the lighthouse and its operation. read more

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This is a fun stop to make during a Key West visit as long as you aren't afraid of heights or tight spaces. In order to get to the top, you will have to climb a metal spiral staircase which has just a bit under one hundred steps. Hopefully, you won't cross paths with anyone trying to descend while you are trying to ascend as the staircase is a bit cramped. Once at the top, there is a nice 360 degree view of Key West but once again space up top is tight so try to visit when it's not so busy. There is also a small museum house that tells the history of the lighthouse. The main entry point is also a gift shop. read more

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Fun thing to do in Key West. Interesting history and great view of the island, with a map of key points of interest. read more

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The Lighthouse was ok, but by no means a must do. It was way overpriced and offered very little. The museum attached to the lighthouse is pretty small and doesn't give a whole lot of details. It was ok if you absolutely love lighthouses, but doesn't offer much riveting information. The lighthouse itself had a decent view, but not one of the best views by far. I thought the Shipwreck museum and Fort Zachary offered better views for cheaper. The staircase if very tight making it difficult to get up and down in crowds. Luckily there weren't many people when we went. Overall, it was underwhelming, over priced, and didn't offer very much. If you do want to check it out, I would order your tickets online. It is much cheaper than buying in person. read more

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If always been fascinated by Lighthouses and beriefly considered becoming a Keeper. It seemed the perfect job until I fast forwarded to my first Halloween night. I assume having a few drinks, turning off the light, and refusing to answer the door would be a "firing offense". read more

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters Museum - Museums Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Just right around the corner from the Ernest Hemingway Museum, this tiny museum and lighthouse are definitely worth a visit as well, if for nothing more than the BEAUTIFUL views you'll get from the top of the lighthouse!! Interesting history, beautiful grounds, zero crowds (at least while we were there, in comparison to the SUUUPER crowded E.H. Museum). However, IF you don't think you'll be able to make it up the slightly strenuous lighthouse stairs (not tooooooo bad; I'm pretty far outta shape and climbed 'em just fine) this might not be worth the entry fee for you... read more

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