Rising from the shallow waters off Key West, Sand Key Light has guided mariners through the treacherous Florida Straits since 1827. The original brick tower was destroyed by a hurricane in 1846, replaced by the current iron screw-pile structure designed by George Meade in 1853. Though no longer an active aid to navigation, the skeletal tower remains a striking landmark visible from shore. The lighthouse is not open to the public and cannot be climbed, but it’s a popular destination for boaters, snorkelers, and divers exploring the surrounding Sand Key Reef. Late afternoon offers the best photography light. Nearby, visit the Key West Lighthouse and the Ernest Hemingway Home.

Explore Nearby

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• Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park — State Park in Florida
• Osceola National Forest — National Forest in Florida
• Ocala National Forest — National Forest in Florida
• Scenic Highway 30A — Scenic Byway in Florida