8 Locations for Photoshoots in Key West
1. Mallory Square
Iconic waterfront sunset plaza
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Fashion / Headshots / Social content
Mallory Square is a legendary Key West location, famous for its street performances and festive vibe. Every evening, the famous sunset celebration turns into a carnival of colors and emotion. It’s a perfect place to capture the energy of city life and seaside romance.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot golden hour before sunset, when soft light turns every detail into magic. For a quiet atmosphere, try an early morning shoot when the square is calm and empty. Visiting the square is completely free, and the time of day can help you avoid large tourist crowds.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot golden hour before sunset, when soft light turns every detail into magic. For a quiet atmosphere, try an early morning shoot when the square is calm and empty. Visiting the square is completely free, and the time of day can help you avoid large tourist crowds.
2. Duval Street
Vibrant entertainment hub
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Shopping / Dining / Nightlife
Duval Street is the heart of Key West, blending old-world architecture with modern street life. Bright signage, cozy cafés, and atmospheric shops offer countless angles for dynamic and creative shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot: early morning or late evening, when foot traffic is minimal. Walking along Duval Street is completely free, and choosing the right time helps avoid peak tourist hours.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot: early morning or late evening, when foot traffic is minimal. Walking along Duval Street is completely free, and choosing the right time helps avoid peak tourist hours.
3. Smathers Beach
Expansive palm-lined sandy beach
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Early morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Swimming / Sunbathing / Kayaking
Smathers Beach is one of the most popular and scenic beach spots in Key West. Expanses of golden sand and turquoise waters create the ideal setting for breezy, light-filled beach photography.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot early morning, when the sea is calm and the light wraps gently around the horizon. Sunset is also stunning, with the sky glowing in orange and pink. The beach is open to everyone and completely free to visit. Early morning means fewer people and a full immersion into a relaxed, free-spirited atmosphere.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot early morning, when the sea is calm and the light wraps gently around the horizon. Sunset is also stunning, with the sky glowing in orange and pink. The beach is open to everyone and completely free to visit. Early morning means fewer people and a full immersion into a relaxed, free-spirited atmosphere.
4. Fort Zachary Taylor
Historic coastal defense fort
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: History tours / Swimming / Snorkeling
Fort Zachary Taylor offers both historical charm and gorgeous ocean views. The old fortress, surrounded by greenery and coastline, creates a unique setting for romantic or dynamic shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning, when sunlight filters through the trees, enhancing the textures of the walls and the serenity of the sea. Entry may require a small fee, but it’s a small investment for the chance to capture exclusive shots in a one-of-a-kind setting. Morning also means fewer crowds.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning, when sunlight filters through the trees, enhancing the textures of the walls and the serenity of the sea. Entry may require a small fee, but it’s a small investment for the chance to capture exclusive shots in a one-of-a-kind setting. Morning also means fewer crowds.
5. Key West Historic Seaport
Historic waterfront marina district
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Evening
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Boating / Dining / Shopping
Historic Seaport is the heart of maritime life in Key West, with marinas full of yachts, fishing boats, and oceanic hues.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot evening, when the golden sunset reflects off the water, creating a magical vibe.
The harbor is free to access, though it can get crowded at peak times. Opt for evening hours to enjoy the calm and highlight the seaport’s beauty in every frame.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot evening, when the golden sunset reflects off the water, creating a magical vibe.
The harbor is free to access, though it can get crowded at peak times. Opt for evening hours to enjoy the calm and highlight the seaport’s beauty in every frame.
6. Southernmost Point
Famous southernmost US buoy
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Early morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Iconic landmark / Social-media snaps
Southernmost Point is a symbolic Key West landmark marking the edge of the continental U.S. and the gateway to the Caribbean. This iconic buoy is a great backdrop for creative and symbolic photos.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Recommended time to shoot early morning when there are fewer tourists, or during the day. Entry is completely free, and even a simple shot here becomes a piece of art.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Recommended time to shoot early morning when there are fewer tourists, or during the day. Entry is completely free, and even a simple shot here becomes a piece of art.
7. Key West Butterfly
Tropical butterfly garden sanctuary
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Families / Nature lovers
For a touch of magic in your photos, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a must. Vibrant butterflies, lush tropical greenery, and cozy corners create a fairytale-like scene.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning, when the light is soft and the space is quieter, making the colors pop even more.
Entry requires a ticket, but it’s well worth it for the unique setting and access to tropical beauty.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning, when the light is soft and the space is quieter, making the colors pop even more.
Entry requires a ticket, but it’s well worth it for the unique setting and access to tropical beauty.
8. Bahama Village
Vibrant Afro-Caribbean cultural enclave
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Fashion / Headshots / Social content
Bahama Village is a colorful district where every street and building is rich with history and local flavor. Bright murals, local cafés, and charming shops give this area its unmistakable vibe, ideal for creative photography.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning or late afternoon, when natural light brings out the vibrant colors and energy of the neighborhood. Visiting Bahama Village is completely free.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Best time to shoot morning or late afternoon, when natural light brings out the vibrant colors and energy of the neighborhood. Visiting Bahama Village is completely free.