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Florida Keys Lighthouses
and which lighthouses you want to visit!
Florida Keys lighthouses are a significant part of history on these islands. Nestled amidst the blue waters and swaying palm trees of the Florida Keys, lighthouses stand as enduring symbols of maritime heritage and navigation.
With their storied past and captivating allure, these lighthouses have guided sailors through treacherous waters for centuries. Which are the best to visit… we’ve got the information to help you decide!
Brief History of Lighthouses in the Florida Keys
Lighthouses in the Florida Keys have played a vital role in maritime navigation since the 19th century.
The first lighthouse in the area, the Key West Light, was built in 1825 to guide ships safely through the waters surrounding Key West.
Over the years, several other lighthouses were erected along the Keys to aid mariners navigating the intricate channels and reefs.
Tales of Haunted Lighthouses
Legend has it that some of the lighthouses in the Florida Keys are haunted by ghostly apparitions and mysterious phenomena.
One such tale revolves around the haunting of Key West Lighthouse, where sightings of its past keeper have been reported over many years.
If you want to learn more, check out the Key West Ghost Tour for some lively show and tell!
5 Lighthouses in the Florida Keys
Here’s a list of the Florida Keys lighthouses, along with key information about each, listed from north (closest to Miami) all the way southwest to the end of the USA.
Fowey Rocks Light
- Year Built: 1878
- Height: 95 feet
- Open to the public: No
- Type: reef lighthouse, offshore
Located in Biscayne National Park just off Miami, just north of Key Largo. While this lighthouse isn’t technically in the Florida Keys, it’s very close and when you’re out there at the lighthouse, it feels just like Keys.
Carysfort Reef Light
- Year Built: 1852
- Height: 112 feet
- Open to the public: No
- Type: reef lighthouse, offshore
Carysfort Reef Light is located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in the north part of Key Largo closest to Miami.
Carysfort Reef is very popular for snorkeling because the depth is an average of 5 feet, and is home to tons of marine life and has great visibility.
It was named after the HMS Carysfort, which ran aground in 1770. Many shipwrecks hit this reef, and there are still a few cannons and other remnants in the area just past the reef visible when diving the area.
Alligator Reef Light
- Year Built: 1873
- Height: 136 feet
- Operational: YES*
- Open to the public: No
- Type: reef lighthouse, offshore
Named not for an actual alligator, but for the shipwrecked HMS Alligator that ran aground in 1822 many years before the lighthouse was finally built.
Climbing the lighthouse is prohibited, but the waters are crystal clear bright blue and shallow, making this one of the best places for snorkeling.
Tons of marine life to see including nurse sharks and tropical fish, as well as sea turtles and lots of coral.
Climbing the lighthouse is prohibited, but the waters are crystal clear bright blue and shallow, making this one of the best places for snorkeling.
Tons of marine life to see including nurse sharks and tropical fish, as well as sea turtles and lots of coral.
*In 2013 the lighthouse went dark. Residents of Islamorada got together and decided to take action.
They raised the money to take it over, changed the name to “Save Alligator Lighthouse” and installed solar lighting so as of 2023 it now shines bright day and night.
Here’s a short video about the fate of this 150 year old Alligator Lighthouse here.
Sombrero Key Lighthouse
- Year Built: 1857
- Height: 156 feet
- Operational: YES
- Open to the public: No
- Type: reef lighthouse, offshore
Located just off Marathon Key, this is a popular diving area with good visibility and beautiful blue waters and marine life.
American Shoal Light
- Year Built: 1880
- Height: 110 feet
- Operational: YES
- Open to the public: No
- Type: reef lighthouse, offshore
Located just south of Sugarloaf Key and visible from 16 miles away on a clear night.
Beautiful blue waters with great visibility, this is a popular location for snorkeling and diving.
Key West Lighthouse
- Year Built: 1847
- Height: 86 feet
- Operational: NO
- Open to the public: Yes
- Type: on land
The Key West Lighthouse is no longer operational but is one of the more popular attractions to visit in Key West.
It’s located across from Hemingway House, and is open to the public. You can walk all 80+ steps to the top, visit the museum and gift shop. It’s well worth the visit!
And if you’re interested in ghost stories, the Key West Lighthouse won’t disappoint! Check out the Key West Ghost Tour here, which includes the haunting of Key West Lighthouse!
Garden Key Lighthouse and “Tortuga harbor Light” at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas
- Year Built: originally built in 1824
- Height: 70 feet
- Operational: NO
- Open to the public: Yes
- Type: on land
Very remote island about 70 miles west of Key West. The lighthouse is a relatively short lighthouse and stands on top of the remaining Fort Jefferson structure.
After it was built, there were still many shipwrecks so the decision was made to add another lighthouse to the area on Loggerhead Key, about 3 miles west. This reduced the job of the Key West Lighthouse to a
The lighthouse is open and sometimes there are tours. It is cared for by the National Park Service. Here is more information on the lighthouse, fort and history, and tours and camping availability from the National Park Service.
The island is surrounded by bright blue crystal clear waters, and there are snorkeling and beach camping opportunities. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, but there are daily ferries that operate daily from Key West. Here’s more information on the Key West Ferry to the Dry Tortugas here.
Is Dry Tortugas Lighthouse haunted? Yes, according to many many people who both tell tales, and love to hear them! Check out this article on The 10 Most Haunted Spots in Florida (Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson are #4!!!).
Loggerhead Lighthouse, aka “Dry Tortugas Lighthouse”
- Year Built: 1858
- Height: 151 feet
- Operational: YES
- Open to the public: No
- Type: on land
The Dry Tortugas Lighthouse is located on Loggerhead Key, 3 miles west of Garden Key/Fort Jefferson. This is very remote small island, not visited by many people, and only for day visits (no camping or lodging at night).
There is no potable water or other supplies, and rains often.
The lighthouse is very tall, making the island easy to find. The waters are crystal blue and the marine life is abundant, so if you plan to visit bring some snorkeling gear.
It IS possible, if you are camping at Fort Jefferson, to take a kayak (bring your own, there are no rentals) over to Loggerhead for the day.
However, if you aren’t that adventurous, there are ferries from Key West that bring people over to Fort Jefferson daily. They can also transport people (and up to 3 kayaks) to Loggerhead Lighthouse for an extra fee. More information on the Key West Ferry to The Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson here.
