Edward B. Knight Pier

The basics

The long pier widens out at its far end, providing ample space to soak up the views and salty Atlantic air, making it a popular spot with residents and tourists alike. Anglers are permitted to fish any time of day or night, while cyclists and rollerbladers can zip along the length of the pier. Guided tours by e-pedicab typically stop at the pier and you can also get a glimpse of it while sailing by on a sunset cruise or aipping past on a Jet Ski adventure.

Things to know before you go

• There’s little shade on the pier, so protect yourself from the sun during the day.

• The pier is dog-friendly.

• Seating is scarce and limited to a few benches. There are no restrooms.

How to get there

Edward B. Knight Pier is at the end of White Street, off Atlantic Boulevard on the south side of Key West. Free parking is available at the beach at the start of the pier. However, parking is not permitted between mid-morning and early evening. If you park overnight, your car will be towed.

When to get there

Although it’s best rated for its sunrise views, the Edward B. Knight Pier is also a great spot to watch the sunset—and it doesn’t have the crowds that fill Mallory Square each evening. That said, if you want a bench at sunrise or sunset, you should arrive well ahead of time.

Visit the Key West AIDS Memorial

At the pier entrance, Key West AIDS Memorial pays tribute to those who died from the disease. At first, the memorial lists the names of 730 local victims, a remarkable number in a community of less than 25,000, which reflects Key West’s reputation as a refuge for patients who fled the hostility of their hometowns. Today, more than 1,200 names are inscribed. A service takes place here every year on World AIDS Day (December 1).