Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea - A large dome with a clock on top of it
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Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea

4.9
·866 reviews·Key West, United States

Historic 1905 Catholic basilica with a serene grotto garden and beautiful vaulted interior, offering a peaceful spiritual experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea - A large dome with a clock on top of it

Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1905 Catholic basilica with a serene grotto garden and beautiful vaulted interior, offering a peaceful spiritual experience.

4.9
(866 reviews)

"Best Church in all of Key West! An awesome adventure leading you to Jesus Our Savior."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Mass Times First

Gift shop & sacristy close for services. Plan accordingly!

Explore the Grotto

A beautiful, serene spot on the grounds for reflection.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grotto Garden

The Grotto Garden

Church Grounds

A serene garden space with a grotto, offering a peaceful retreat and photo opportunities.

Instagram
Vaulted Interior

Vaulted Interior

Main Sanctuary

Admire the airy, vaulted architecture of this historic Catholic church.

Reddit
Christian Gift Store

Christian Gift Store

Near Entrance

Browse for religious items and souvenirs in this well-stocked Christian gift store.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check mass times before you go, as the gift shop and sacristy may close briefly for services. Arriving earlier in the day can offer a more serene experience before crowds gather. TikTok+1

Exploring the Grounds

Don't miss the beautiful garden featuring a grotto, perfect for quiet reflection. Parking is generally plentiful, making access easy. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Gift shop and grounds accessible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The gift shop closes for a few minutes whenever a service is about to begin. If that happens while you’re at the Vatican, just take a stroll around the basilica and go back in 20 minutes 🥰 Let me know if you were able to get holy water this way 👇🏻 #jubilee2025 #rometraveltips #vatican
@yourfriendinitaly
113.7K likes • 1.4M views

Check Mass Times First

Gift shop & sacristy close for services. Plan accordingly! TikTok+1

Explore the Grotto

A beautiful, serene spot on the grounds for reflection. Instagram

Here’s how to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee Year? Here’s the secret: book your free appointment on the Iubilaeum 25 app. No waiting in the heat, no massive crowds - just show your confirmation and walk straight through security. #romeitinerary #jubilee2025 #italytraveltips
@yourfriendinitaly
101.1K likes • 1.6M views
Coxo at The Grotto at the Basilica of St. Mary's Star of the sea. #pomeranian #stmarysbasilica #keywest #pomeraniansofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #dogsofkeywest #keywestlife #church #grotto #reels
coco_conch_pom
22 likes • 103 views

Historic Architecture

Appreciate the cool, historic design of this Catholic church. Reddit

Friendly Community

Experience warm welcomes and great homilies from Father Baker. Reddit

When looking for a Catholic ceremony, The Basilica of St Mary Star of the Sea is a TERRIFIC choice. Father John performs BEAUTIFUL (and somewhat speedy) ceremonies 💍. @michaelfreas @milan_event #destinationwedding #catholicceremony #catholicchurch #ceremony #catholicwedding #catholicweddings #keywest #keywestflorida #destinationweddings #destinationweddingphotographer #destinationweddingplanner #k...
vickyfurmanevents
10 likes • 642 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Mass Times First

Gift shop & sacristy close for services. Plan accordingly! TikTok+1

Explore the Grotto

A beautiful, serene spot on the grounds for reflection. Instagram

Historic Architecture

Appreciate the cool, historic design of this Catholic church. Reddit

Friendly Community

Experience warm welcomes and great homilies from Father Baker. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(866 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea for its beautiful historic architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for reflection and prayer. The friendly community and Father Baker's homilies are frequently highlighted as positive aspects, though some visitors note that mass times can affect access to certain areas like the gift shop.

"The church was open although we were there and there was not a mass. Praying for a family friends recovery. The grounds are beautiful and parking was plentiful. Sorry the mass wasn't starting for another few hour's and we were headed back however it was serenity and I was not alone. Jesus and all those saints I've prayed to answering prayer's. Ask and it will be given. And it was."

Dawn Sferrazza

"Extremely cool historic church. If you are interested in historic architecture, check it out!"

Nicolas Beaupre

"Beautiful Catholic Church. Definitely worth the stop."

Kathy S

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Serene and solemn atmosphere
Friendly community and homilies

What People Dislike

Gift shop closures for mass

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basilica is located in Key West, Florida. Driving is the most common way to reach it, and there is generally plentiful parking available on-site. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is usually plentiful at the Basilica, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Basilica itself is generally free, though donations are appreciated. Specific events or tours might have associated costs. Reddit

The Basilica is open for visitors, but it's best to check specific mass times as the sacristy and gift shop may have different hours and close briefly for services. TikTok+1

Yes, the Basilica offers regular mass times. It's recommended to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The garden and grotto are typically accessible as part of the church grounds and do not require a separate entrance fee. Instagram

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find an airy, vaulted interior with beautiful architecture. There's also an Adoration Chapel for prayer. Reddit

While service animals are typically permitted, general pets like dogs are usually not allowed inside the church itself, though they might be welcome in outdoor garden areas. Instagram

Yes, it's a cool, historic Catholic church built in 1905, noted for its architecture. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Reddit

The grotto is a feature in the church's garden, often a place for quiet contemplation and prayer. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Yes, there is a Christian Gift Store on-site offering religious items and souvenirs. Reddit

The gift shop, along with the sacristy, typically closes at 6 PM, even if the basilica remains open later for services. TikTok

Being in Key West, there are numerous dining options available within a short distance of the Basilica. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea can find a peaceful environment for a brief stop. While the main focus is spiritual, the beautiful grounds and grotto offer a calm space for children to explore briefly. Instagram It's a good opportunity to introduce children to historical religious sites in a less crowded setting, especially if visiting during off-peak hours. Remember to check mass times to avoid any disruptions to your visit. TikTok

💍 Couples & Wedding Planners

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea is recognized as a terrific choice for Catholic ceremonies and destination weddings. Couples can expect beautiful and efficient ceremonies, making it an attractive venue for those seeking a sacred and memorable wedding experience in Key West. Instagram

🙏 Devout Catholics & Pilgrims

For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, the Basilica offers full access to all the sacraments and a welcoming community. The Adoration Chapel is a significant draw for prayer and devotion, particularly for the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Father Baker's homilies are noted as being great, adding to the enriching spiritual experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Place of Worship and Reflection

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea is a significant Catholic church known for its historical architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors often come for prayer, to attend mass, or to seek solace in its quiet spaces. The presence of an Adoration Chapel further enhances its role as a place for devotion, where individuals can spend time in prayer, particularly for the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Reddit

Beyond its primary function as a place of worship, the Basilica offers a serene environment for reflection. The grounds are beautifully maintained, featuring a notable grotto that provides a peaceful outdoor space for contemplation. This blend of spiritual significance and tranquil surroundings makes it a meaningful stop for many visitors. Instagram

For those interested in Catholic ceremonies, the Basilica is also a popular choice for destination weddings. The ceremonies are described as beautiful and efficient, adding to its appeal for significant life events. Instagram

Architectural and Historical Significance

Built in 1905, the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea stands as a testament to historic Catholic architecture. Its airy, vaulted interior is a key feature that draws admiration from visitors interested in architectural details. The church is described as a 'cool historic church,' appealing to those who appreciate well-preserved historical buildings. Reddit

The building's design contributes to a sense of solemnity and grandeur, making it a noteworthy landmark. Its continued use for services and its well-maintained state ensure that its historical and architectural value is preserved for future generations. Reddit

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