Rising from the shallow waters northwest of Key West, Florida, Pulaski Shoal Light has guided mariners through the treacherous Florida Keys since 1935. This skeletal steel tower, built on a screw-pile foundation, replaced earlier navigational markers that succumbed to hurricanes and corrosion. Its open-framework design allows wind and waves to pass through — a practical innovation for surviving tropical storms.

The light remains active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is not open to the public, and visitors cannot climb the tower. Best photographed during golden hour from a charter boat, the structure makes a striking silhouette against Gulf sunsets.

Nearby, explore Key West’s historic downtown, Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park, and world-class snorkeling reefs.

Explore Nearby

• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — State Park in Florida
• Bahia Honda State Park — State Park in Florida
• Florida Keys Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in Florida