Sunset Key Key West Florida
A secluded island paradise near Key West, offering pristine beaches, luxurious cottages, and award-winning dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for sunset drinks & views
Sunset Key Key West Florida
Best Time
Perfect for sunset drinks & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded island paradise near Key West, offering pristine beaches, luxurious cottages, and award-winning dining.
"This place is amazing.... a true paradise in paradise!"
🚢 Ferry Reservations
Book Latitudes for happy hour to guarantee ferry access to the island. :ticket:
☀️ Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for a full day of sun and sand. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Latitudes Restaurant
Sunset Key
Award-winning private island dining with stunning water views and the best sunsets.
Pristine Beaches
Sunset Key
Relax on beautiful, clear water beaches offering a tranquil escape from Key West.
Sunset Views
Sunset Key
Experience spectacular, unobstructed sunset views from this exclusive island paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Access & Dining Reservations
Island Vibe & What to Bring
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Reservations
Book Latitudes for happy hour to guarantee ferry access to the island. :ticket:
☀️ Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for a full day of sun and sand.
📸 Capture the Views
The island offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
🍹 Enjoy Island Dining
Latitudes offers top-shelf food options for a memorable island meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Reservations
Book Latitudes for happy hour to guarantee ferry access to the island. :ticket:
☀️ Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for a full day of sun and sand.
📸 Capture the Views
The island offers incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
🍹 Enjoy Island Dining
Latitudes offers top-shelf food options for a memorable island meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Sunset Key, describing it as a true paradise within paradise. The serene atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and exceptional service at Latitudes restaurant are frequently highlighted as major draws. While access requires planning, the overall experience is considered a luxurious and unforgettable escape. [^Reviews]
"Having lived in Florida for over 50 years my wife and I very much appreciate its many charms. In fact, we often have said we live in Paradise.
So is it possible for there to be a Paradise in Paradise? The question never arose until our visit to Sunset Key Cottages and the answer is a gigantic YES!
Traveling via the resort’s ferry from Key West to Sunset Key is an instant mood changer - much like crossing the bridge into Brigadoon! The scenic beauty of the short journey being very much facilitated by the ebullient dock staff and ferry crew.
Upon disembarking and advancing onto the island the mood continues to become more serene as one observes the perfectly manicured property and the architecture style that the landscaping so beautifully complements. The entire resort presents as a neighborhood where one would very much enjoy living.
But wait, there’s more! We were escorted to our accommodations by Andre, who instantly realized an alternative was needed due to my wife’s health issue. The change was seamless and very much unexpected. When he was joined by an associate, and we replied to them that we were having a birthday dinner at the resort’s top notch Latitudes restaurant that evening, they spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to her! We have celebrated many occasions at top-notch resorts all over Florida and that is a FIRST! Our entire stay unfolded with continued excellent appreciation by all staff of our being guests at Sunset Key Cottages wherever we were in the Resort.
In addition, every food option of every type is top shelf. Whether it be breakfast at Latitudes, lunch poolside at Flippers, a stunning sunset dinner at Latitudes, or in-room service, there are cuisine options to satisfy the most discerning diner. Even if one just wanted a snack, the kitchen is fully stocked with a variety of beverages in the refrigerator, coffee maker, tea and packaged snacks too – all complimentary.
The young ones are not forgotten. The resort provides many entertainment options if you are traveling with children. Probably the most popular is the ice cream cooler on a tricycle with the ice cream man ringing the bell to alert the little ones to come get their treat!
To be clear, having stayed at every top-notch resort in the Keys, including coming in on our boat over a 2 decade period, and hosting a destination wedding at one 12 years ago, we believe that Sunset Key Cottages is at another level. We will return soon."
Ken & Betty
"Beautiful, relaxing, clear water beaches, spectacular views, and nature."
Lymarie Lebron
"A little island about 500 yards (460 m) across from Key West, FL only accessible by a shuttle boat that runs from the Margaritaville Marina out to the island. There are around 69 private properties of which only a few are still vacant stands."
Willem van der Westhuizen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Sunset Key is exclusively by ferry. The ferry departs from the Margaritaville Marina in Key West. Day visitors typically need a reservation for Latitudes restaurant to use the ferry.
There isn't a public ferry service for general island access. Ferry passage is usually tied to staying at the Sunset Key Cottages or having dining reservations at Latitudes.
The ferry ride is very short, approximately 500 yards (460 m) from Key West, making it a quick and scenic journey.
While the island has private properties, public access for docking private boats is limited. The primary access for visitors is via the resort's ferry service.
Sunset Key was originally known as Tank Island, built by the U.S. Navy during the Cold War as a fuel tank depot. [^WIKIPEDIA]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need separate tickets to visit Sunset Key. Access is typically granted through a stay at the Sunset Key Cottages or by making dining reservations at Latitudes restaurant.
The island itself is accessible when the ferry is running, usually throughout the day and into the evening. Latitudes restaurant has its own operating hours.
It is highly recommended to have a reservation, especially for dining at Latitudes, to ensure you can access the island via the ferry.
There is no direct entrance fee for Sunset Key. The cost is associated with accommodation or dining at Latitudes.
Day visitors primarily access the island for dining or enjoying the beach. Specific areas might be reserved for cottage guests.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Activities include relaxing on the beaches, swimming in the clear waters, enjoying water sports, and dining at Latitudes. Families can enjoy special treats like ice cream from a tricycle.
Yes, Sunset Key is very family-friendly, with entertainment options for children, including a popular ice cream service. [^Reviews]
The beaches are described as beautiful, relaxing, and featuring clear water, offering a serene environment. [^Reviews]
Yes, Sunset Key offers waterfront cottages for rent, providing a luxurious island getaway experience.
The atmosphere is serene and exclusive, often compared to paradise, with perfectly manicured grounds and a peaceful ambiance. [^Reviews]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option is Latitudes restaurant, offering fine dining with stunning water views. There are also poolside options like Flippers.
Yes, Latitudes restaurant is open to the public, and making a reservation there is a common way for day visitors to access the island.
Latitudes serves top-shelf cuisine, satisfying discerning diners with a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. [^Reviews]
Besides Latitudes, there are more casual options like poolside dining at Flippers, and in-room service is also available. [^Reviews]
If staying in the cottages, the kitchen is often stocked with complimentary beverages, coffee, tea, and packaged snacks. [^Reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
The beaches, waterfront areas, and the views from Latitudes restaurant offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Absolutely. Sunset Key is renowned for its spectacular and unobstructed sunset views, making it a prime location for photographers.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted due to privacy and resort regulations. It's best to check with the resort management before flying a drone.
The 'golden hour' before sunset and the sunset itself are ideal for photography. Morning light also offers beautiful, softer shots.
The main beach areas and the dining areas at Latitudes offer picturesque backdrops. The charming cottages also make for lovely photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The calm, clear waters of the beaches are ideal for younger swimmers, and the overall serene environment allows families to relax without the usual crowds. While access often requires dining reservations, the experience is well worth it for a memorable family outing.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
[^Reviews]Consider booking a sunset dinner at Latitudes for an unforgettable evening. The serene beaches and luxurious cottages also provide a private and tranquil environment for couples to reconnect and enjoy each other's company.
+1☀️ Day-Trippers & Beach Lovers
Once on the island, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, swim in the clear waters, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect way to spend a few hours escaping the hustle and bustle of Key West and enjoying a slice of paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing Sunset Key: The Ferry Experience
The ferry crew and dock staff are often noted for their welcoming demeanor, contributing to the immediate mood change upon boarding, much like stepping into a different world. The short journey itself offers beautiful views of the water, setting the stage for the tranquility that awaits on Sunset Key. [^Reviews]
It's important to note that while the island was historically known as Tank Island and served a naval purpose, its current iteration is focused on luxury, relaxation, and exclusive island living. The ferry is the key that unlocks this private paradise for visitors. [^WIKIPEDIA]
Dining at Latitudes: A Culinary Gem
[^Reviews]The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its prime location, makes it a sought-after destination. For day visitors, a reservation at Latitudes is often the gateway to experiencing Sunset Key, providing access to the island via the resort's ferry. This strategy allows guests to enjoy the island's beauty and amenities, including its spectacular sunsets, while indulging in fine cuisine.
Beyond the main dining room, Latitudes also offers poolside dining options, such as Flippers, and in-room dining for cottage guests, ensuring a variety of culinary experiences are available. The commitment to quality extends to complimentary snacks and beverages often found in the cottages, adding to the overall luxurious feel. [^Reviews]
The Serene Beaches and Island Atmosphere
The island's transformation from its historical naval use as Tank Island to a luxurious resort destination is remarkable. Today, it's a haven of tranquility, where the focus is on providing a peaceful escape. The clear waters are ideal for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. [^WIKIPEDIA]
For those seeking a quiet retreat, Sunset Key delivers. The gentle lapping of waves, the soft sand, and the stunning natural scenery combine to create an idyllic setting. It's a place where visitors can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the paradise that Key West has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit