For most people, the daily setting of the sun may not seem like much of big deal.
Not so in the Florida Keys. Here, we embrace each sunset as a cause for celebration where music, dancing and tropical libations are a nightly ritual and where revelers come together to pay homage to the gorgeous spectacle of the ocean swallowing a huge ball of fire.
So where to go for this theater by the sea? Here are some of our favorite places that embrace the event like there’s no tomorrow.
Snook’s Bayside Restaurant and Grand Tiki Bar (MM 99.9 Bayside, Key Largo) gives you a ringside seat to one of the best sunset celebrations in the Keys. Kick back with a rum punch at the exotic open air bar, listen to some great live music and enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of the sun sinking into the Florida Bay. You can also get Happy Hour prices from 4 – 6 pm on a variety of libations and appetizers. The nightly event is marked by the bellowing of the “Sunset Horn,” just before the fiery ball disappears into the horizon. 
In Islamorada, the best sunset party is at the famous Lor-e-lei Restaurant & Cabana Bar at MM82, Bayside. Located on a mangrove-rimmed bay dotted with palm trees, chickee huts and charter boats, it’s an ideal spot to wiggle your toes in the sand and get down with some great live music. The daily Happy Hour from 4 – 6 pm draws a big crowd so get there early.
In Marathon, the Island Fish Co is the place to go for glorious sunsets and intoxicating views of the Gulf. Kick back with a frozen cocktail at the Keys’ largest Tiki Bar and you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable “Margaritaville moment.” The daily Happy Hour here is especially good and the big, friendly crowd is always ready to party.
And that brings us to Key West’s world famous Mallory Square and Opal Resort Pier – the mother of all Sunset Celebrations where you can wander among a myriad of one-of-a-kind street performers, local artists, live musicians and food vendors. Each night as the sun dips below the horizon, the crowd revels with a loud cheer. But don’t let the acrobats, sword swallowers, high-wire walkers and musicians distract you from the spectacular sunset.
It’s an unforgettable way to say farewell to another beautiful day in Key West.
