White Street Pier Edward B Knight Pier
A picturesque concrete pier extending into the ocean, offering stunning sunset views, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful sunrise, fewer crowds
White Street Pier Edward B Knight Pier
Best Time
Peaceful sunrise, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque concrete pier extending into the ocean, offering stunning sunset views, wildlife spotting, and a peaceful escape.
"Breathtaking sunrise spot! Just go there, seat, breathe and soak all that good energy and beauty!"
🌅 Catch the Sunrise Early
Arrive before the main crowds for the best sunrise colors and a tranquil experience.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Bring your fishing gear; it's a popular spot for anglers to try their luck.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle
Edward B. Knight Pier
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean. A truly magical Key West experience.

Sunrise Serenity
Edward B. Knight Pier
Greet the day with a peaceful sunrise, often with fewer crowds and stunning, soft light.
Wildlife Spotting
Edward B. Knight Pier
Keep an eye out for wading birds like herons, and marine life such as stingrays and fish in the clear waters below.

Key West AIDS Memorial
Entrance of White Street Pier
A poignant and beautifully maintained memorial offering a moment of reflection before or after your pier visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Sunsets & Sunrises
Beyond the Pier: Local Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise Early
Arrive before the main crowds for the best sunrise colors and a tranquil experience.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Bring your fishing gear; it's a popular spot for anglers to try their luck.
Shore/Pier fishing in Key West
🚶♀️ Stroll and Relax
Enjoy a leisurely walk, sit on benches, and soak in the ocean air and views.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The pier offers fantastic vantage points for ocean and sunset photography.
Fishing in Key West
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise Early
Arrive before the main crowds for the best sunrise colors and a tranquil experience.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Bring your fishing gear; it's a popular spot for anglers to try their luck.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Relax
Enjoy a leisurely walk, sit on benches, and soak in the ocean air and views.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The pier offers fantastic vantage points for ocean and sunset photography.
💧 Spot Marine Life
Look down into the clear water for a chance to see stingrays and fish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise White Street Pier for its stunning sunset and sunrise views, clear waters perfect for spotting marine life, and its peaceful atmosphere. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk, fishing, and enjoying the ocean breeze. Some mention it could use minor upkeep, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and worthwhile Key West attraction.
"This is a nice pier to walk out over the water on Key West. There often wading birds like herons here, and occasionally you can spot fish or occasionally Portuguese Man-o-war in the water below."
Steve Takata
"I really liked this pier. We accidentally stumbled upon it while driving down the beach. There was a big farmers market going on across the street as well. The pier is concrete and goes really far out into the ocean. This is good for those wanting to fish as well as those wanting good ocean pics. At the entrance is the Key West AIDS Memorial which was nice to see. Throughout the pier there are several benches you can sit and soak up the sun on if you get tired of walking or too hot. There weren’t a ton of people but the pier is very wide and long so it wouldn’t matter if there were. When we got to the very end, we actually saw a couple of stingrays out swimming together which was very cool. The water was clear as can be so you can see all the way to the bottom and spot anything. Def not the Gulf of Mexico where I’m from."
Christopher Lund
"Attended a sunrise at this pier. It got crowded as the sun came up, but was empty early in the morning when the good colors were present for the sunrise."
Sven Rajala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
White Street Pier, also known as Edward B. Knight Pier, is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot in Key West. It's located at the end of White Street. Parking is often available nearby, though it can be competitive during peak times.
Yes, White Street Pier is a pleasant walk from the southern end of Duval Street, taking about 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of Key West's charming streets.
Absolutely! Biking is a popular and convenient way to reach White Street Pier. There are often bike racks available, making it easy to secure your bike.
If you're staying in the vicinity, walking or biking are highly recommended for easy access and to avoid parking hassles.
While Key West has a limited public transport system, the Conch Tour Train or Old Town Trolley tours may stop near the pier or offer routes that pass by. Check their schedules for details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, White Street Pier is a public access point and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the views freely.
The pier is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it's a public space. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The Key West AIDS Memorial, located at the entrance of the pier, is also free to visit and pay respects.
Fishing regulations can vary. While some piers may allow fishing without a license for certain species or under specific conditions, it's always best to check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules to ensure compliance.
Generally, you can bring personal items, fishing gear, or snacks. However, large coolers, alcohol (depending on local ordinances), and loud music might be discouraged to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. The clear water also provides excellent opportunities for underwater shots if conditions are right.
You can capture stunning ocean vistas, vibrant sunsets and sunrises, local wildlife like birds and marine life, and the pier's architecture. It's also a great spot for portraits with the ocean as a backdrop.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks and over water bodies. It's crucial to check with local Key West ordinances and FAA regulations before flying a drone in this area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors, especially during sunset.
While the pier is open at night, light pollution from the city might affect the quality of astrophotography. However, capturing the city lights reflecting on the water can be interesting. Safety is paramount at night.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife
Anglers often report catching snapper, grouper, barracuda, and various smaller reef fish from White Street Pier. Night fishing might yield different species.
Live bait like shrimp or small fish is generally effective. Cut bait can also work well for attracting bottom feeders. Local tackle shops can offer the most up-to-date advice.
Yes, the water is often clear enough to spot stingrays, various fish species, and sometimes even Portuguese Man-o'-war. Wading birds like herons are also common.
Night fishing is possible, but exercise caution. Ensure you have adequate lighting, be aware of your surroundings, and be mindful of the pier's condition. Some Redditors suggest night fishing for larger fish.
While the pier itself is for shore fishing, many charter boats depart from nearby marinas in Key West. You can arrange fishing trips with local guides for a more extensive experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential crowds. The pier is also a great place for kids to burn off energy with a stroll. Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as there's little shade on the pier itself. The Key West AIDS Memorial at the entrance provides a quiet moment for reflection.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive ocean vistas and a telephoto lens for any distant wildlife or boat shots. A polarizing filter can significantly enhance the colors of the sky and water. Be prepared for changing light conditions and consider bringing a tripod for sharper images, especially during low-light conditions or for capturing long exposures of the water.
🎣 Anglers
To maximize your chances of success, consider using live bait such as shrimp or small fish, as these are often highly effective. Cut bait can also be a good option for attracting bottom-dwelling species. For the most current and effective bait and tackle recommendations, it's always wise to consult with local bait and tackle shops in Key West.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Key West Sunset Experience
To make the most of this experience, arriving a bit before the peak sunset time is recommended. This allows you to find a comfortable spot, perhaps on one of the benches scattered along the pier, and soak in the atmosphere. The gentle lapping of waves and the salty breeze enhance the sensory experience. While sunsets are popular, early morning visits offer a serene alternative, with fewer people and the soft glow of dawn.
Pro-tip: While the sunset is a major draw, don't overlook the sunrise. Many find the early morning hours to be even more peaceful and visually stunning, offering a different, yet equally captivating, spectacle.
Exploring the Surroundings: More Than Just a Pier
On certain days, a farmers market often takes place across the street from the pier. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample local produce, artisanal goods, and perhaps grab a unique souvenir. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems.
For those interested in a bit of exercise or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, the pier itself is a concrete structure that extends a good distance into the ocean. It's wide enough to accommodate many visitors comfortably, even when it's busy. The clear waters below offer a chance to observe marine life, making it an engaging spot for all ages.
Fishing and Wildlife Encounters
Even if you're not fishing, the pier offers a great vantage point for wildlife spotting. The clear, shallow waters beneath the pier are often teeming with life. Keep an eye out for stingrays gliding gracefully along the sandy bottom, various fish species, and sometimes even the intriguing, though potentially hazardous, Portuguese Man-o'-war.
Beyond marine life, the pier is also a frequent haunt for wading birds, such as herons, which can often be seen gracefully navigating the shallows or perched nearby. The combination of fishing activity and natural wildlife makes the pier a dynamic and engaging place to spend some time observing the local ecosystem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit