Photo via Google Places
White Street Pier (Edward B. Knight Pier):
The White Street Pier — officially the Edward B. Knight Pier — runs about a quarter mile straight out into the Atlantic from the end of White Street in Key West. Locals have called it ‘the unfinished road to Cuba’ for decades, and standing at the far end looking south toward open water, it is easy to see why. It is free, open to everyone, and one of the best places in town to catch a sunrise without the Mallory Square crowds.
At the foot of the pier sits the Key West AIDS Memorial — a quiet granite monument, dedicated in 1997, engraved with the names of those the community lost. It makes the walk out to the water something more than a fishing trip, and it is worth a moment before you cast a line.
This is a casual fishing and sightseeing pier rather than a commercial one. There is no bait shop, no restrooms and little shade, so come prepared, bring your own gear and Florida license, and pack water. In the clear shallows below you will often spot rays, sharks, tarpon and the occasional manatee.
Bring a camera. There is a compass rose painted at the tip, tropical birds working the water alongside the anglers, and some of the best light in Key West at dawn and dusk.
In the Water Below
Clear-Water Sightings
Rays, sharks, tarpon and manatees cruise the clear shallows; anglers cast for snapper, jacks and the occasional bigger fish
Free & Open
Bring Your Own
Free to walk and fish. No bait shop or restrooms — bring gear, water and your Florida license. Little shade, so plan around the sun.
A Pier With Meaning
AIDS Memorial at the Base
The Key West AIDS Memorial sits at the entrance — a granite monument dedicated in 1997. Locals call the pier the unfinished road to Cuba.
Fishing at White Street Pier
Anglers fish the rails for snapper, jacks and whatever is moving through the clear water, with a shot at tarpon or a shark in the deeper stretch toward the end. Live or cut bait and jigs all work. Mornings are calm and cool — the best time to fish before the sun gets high over the shadeless deck.
Length
~1/4 mile
Structure
Concrete
Fee
Free
License
Your own FL license
Shade
None
Restrooms
None
Bait Shop
None
Best Light
Sunrise & sunset
Before You Fish
- Free to walk and fish; bring your own Florida saltwater license.
- No bait shop, no restrooms, and almost no shade — bring your own gear, water and sun protection.
- Seating is limited to a few stone memorial benches; locals stake them out before sunrise and sunset.
- Take a moment at the Key West AIDS Memorial at the entrance to the pier.
- Higgs Beach, the West Martello garden, and Salute on the Beach restaurant are right nearby.
- Follow FWC regulations and release protected species.
Plan Your Visit
End of White St at Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
A free, quarter-mile concrete pier into the Atlantic — Key West’s ‘unfinished road to Cuba’ — with the AIDS Memorial at its base and sunrise views. Bring your own gear and license.