Key West is one of the most beautiful Keys in Florida. During my recent visit, I was even surprised with how many photo-worthy spots I came across. So, if you’re wondering where the most Instagrammable places in Key West are located, I have you covered. In this guide, I have scouted out the most photo-worthy spots, added my photo tips, and a map with all the locations at the very bottom of the list!
Best Instagram Spots in Key West
Zachary Taylor Key West Direction Sign
One of the most Instagrammable places in Key West has to be next to the Zachary Taylor direction sign that shows the distance away from major cities. It has the beach in the background and is such a fun photo spot in general. You will find it right at the entrance to Zachary Taylor Beach. If you head straight for Cayo Hueso Cafe, you will see it!
Zachary Taylor Beach
The next photo spot is just beyond the direction sign. They have a very Insta-worthy beach with crystal-clear water! We took photos up and down this beach, and I recommend getting here early before the crowds come since it is a very popular beach. You can also come near sunset for some really lovely colors in your photos.
Zachary Taylor Picnic Area
As you can see, Zachary Taylor is full of great photo spots, but I didn’t want to lump them all into one since they are their own distinctive spots. So, I love this spot because of the palm trees.
If you are facing the direction sign, you will want to head to your right. However, it might be easier to just jump back in the car and head this way since there is a parking lot. It’s not a far walk, and actually, you will pass this parking lot first before getting to the direction sign.
Anyway, are these palm trees not the cutest for photos?! There are tons of fun angels you can do here solo or even as a couple.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Finally, the actual fort itself is a cool Instagrammable spot in Key West. Whether you’re taking pictures with real cannons in the background or from the top of the fort with the view of the ocean, you are guaranteed to have a picture-perfect photo to add to your feed. Even with just one day here, I recommend visiting, although you should really spend at least 3 days in Key West.
Top of the Shipwreck Museum
This is probably not the first place you would think of as being Instagrammble, but it actually has one of the best views in Key West. So not only will you get to take photos of a stunning view, but you will also get to learn about shipwrecks and see real treasure and trinkets.
The Key West Lighthouse
Another fantastic overlook that is Insta-worthy is the Key West Lighthouse. You will have to pay an entry fee to visit Key West Lighthouse & Keper’s Quarters Museum, but I think it is worth it if you love climbing lighthouses.
If not, you can try to get a photo of the lighthouse from outside the fence or from Hemingway’s balcony.
Smathers Beach
Arguably, the most Instagrammable beach in Key West is Smathers Beach. Loaded with beautiful palm trees, tiny boardwalks, and clear blue water, it gives you so many photo opportunities. We were able to take photos here during golden hour with little issues, but I preferred coming back in the morning since there were way less people.
Plus, if you want to actually enjoy a beach day and swim, this beach is also a great option.
Higgs Beach
This is a much smaller beach but still offers great photo opportunities. Photos during sunset from the small pier make for beautiful lighting. There is also a colorful painted hut on the beach surrounded by palm trees that give you all the beach aesthetics your Instagram feed is looking for. I would also suggest this spot for great sunset photos.
The Southernmost Point Continental US
There is no doubt the Southernmost Point Buoy is one of the most famous landmarks in Key West, so as you can imagine, it has become one of the most Instagrammable spots as well. Getting a photo here can feel a little daunting if you’re not a patient person. We arrived at around 7:40 AM, and there was still a line of people waiting.
So, my biggest Key West tip about snapping photos at this Key West spot is to come early so you don’t spend too much time waiting in line.
Mile Marker Zero
Another really fun photo spot to check out in Key West is at the Mile Marker 0 sign. This is the beginning of Route US 1. The best photo opportunities happen in front of the End of the Road Gift Shop. This Route stretches all the way to Maine! The Kapoke Tree is also right across the street.
Hemingway House & Museum
Ernest Hemingway’s home is one of the most popular things to do in Key West, and it also has some great Instagramamble spots as well. One of my favorites is from the balcony with the lighthouse in the background. There are also countless opportunities throughout the garden of the property or with the cute cats.
Cuban Coffee Queen Mural
Key West is known as an artsy area, but the Key West Mural at Cuban Coffee Queen is by far the most Instagrammble. There are several Cuban Coffee Queen locations, but they don’t all have the mural. Make sure to head to the Waterfront location!
I also think the location at Key Lime Square in the Old Town is cute, too.
They open up at 6:30 AM and are very popular for their delicious Cuban coffee, so make sure to grab a cup after taking your photos.
The Strand
Located on Duval Street, The Strand was a theater that opened in the 1920s, and the facade was restored to what you see today. Although it is now a local Walgreens, the building makes for a fun photo. I would recommend coming early when there is no traffic if you want to try and take a picture in front of the building. Oh, and make sure to have a wide-angle camera!
Tropic Cinema
I can’t leave out Tropic Cinema with the wonderful Marylin Monroe statue greeting you from the outside. It makes for such a fun photo to get out and take a picture with her! Inside, the cinema is really cute if you feel like catching a movie.
Mallory Square
Famous for its sunset celebration, Mallory Square makes the top of everyone’s Key West bucket list. However, I think the square and shop area around the Shipwreck Museum are super Instagrammable. During the sunset, it gets really crowded, making it hard to get a good picture in my opinion, but the shops during the day are a great background.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located 70 miles off Key West, the isolated Dry Tortugas National Park makes for some epic photos in Key West. The group of islands has crystal clear water and the cool Fort Jefferson. Just note that visiting this National Park is a little costly, and your transportation (boat or plane) needs to be booked well in advance.
Nearby Instagrammable Spots
While not in Key West, two other popular places to snap photos are at Bahia Honda State Park and the Seven Mile Bridge. Neither is in Key West, but they are a part of the Keys and are about 1 hour away. I love Bahia Honda State Park as well since it is less touristy.
Key West Instagrammable Spots Wrap-up
That’s a wrap on the best photo spots to visit during your time in Key West! Whether you’re making Instagram reels, TikTok, or YouTube shorts, these places will provide you with some great content for your social media feed!
If you have any questions about these photo spots or think I missed a good one, let me know in the comments below!
You can save this map by clicking on the star. On the left side, the legend will pull out. On the right-hand side, you can make the map larger.
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