Mallory Square Key West
Key West's vibrant waterfront hub, famous for its nightly sunset celebration, street performers, and artisan market.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the famous sunset celebration
Mallory Square Key West
Best Time
Experience the famous sunset celebration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Key West's vibrant waterfront hub, famous for its nightly sunset celebration, street performers, and artisan market.
"Experience the magic of a Key West sunset with unforgettable street performers and local art at Mallory Square."
Arrive Early for Sunset
Get to Mallory Square at least an hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the pre-show entertainment.
Explore Local Artisans
Discover unique handmade crafts and art from talented Key West creators. Perfect for finding a special souvenir.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Mallory Square
Experience vibrant street performers, local artists, and food vendors culminating in a breathtaking Key West sunset.

Street Performers & Artisans
Mallory Square
Watch talented jugglers, musicians, and artists showcase their skills daily. Discover unique souvenirs from local craftspeople.
The Coconut Man
Mallory Square
Sip on fresh, jungle-sourced coconuts from a local favorite, a true taste of island life.
Shops at Mallory Square
Mallory Square
Browse a variety of shops offering unique gifts, art, and souvenirs. Don't miss the Key West Cooking School upstairs!
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Catch the Famous Sunset Celebration
Getting Around Key West
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Sunset
Get to Mallory Square at least an hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the pre-show entertainment.
Explore Local Artisans
Discover unique handmade crafts and art from talented Key West creators. Perfect for finding a special souvenir.
Try Fresh Coconuts
Don't miss the chance to taste a refreshing coconut from 'The Coconut Man' – a true Key West experience!
Consider a Sunset Cruise
For a different perspective, book a sunset cruise departing from Mallory Square. Offers drinks, appetizers, and live music.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Sunset
Get to Mallory Square at least an hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the pre-show entertainment.
Explore Local Artisans
Discover unique handmade crafts and art from talented Key West creators. Perfect for finding a special souvenir.
Try Fresh Coconuts
Don't miss the chance to taste a refreshing coconut from 'The Coconut Man' – a true Key West experience!
Consider a Sunset Cruise
For a different perspective, book a sunset cruise departing from Mallory Square. Offers drinks, appetizers, and live music.
Check Out Cooking Classes
The Key West Cooking School offers fun classes and happy hour upstairs at The Shops at Mallory Square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mallory Square is celebrated for its iconic nightly sunset celebration, featuring captivating street performers, local artisans, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors rave about the energy and the breathtaking views. Some find the crowds overwhelming, and parking can be a significant challenge.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mallory Square is located at the waterfront in Key West, Florida. If you're staying on the island, it's easily walkable from many hotels and attractions. Many visitors opt to rent bikes or mopeds to get around Key West, as parking can be challenging.
Parking near Mallory Square can be difficult and expensive. It's generally recommended to park at your hotel or a public garage and walk or use a bike/moped to reach Mallory Square.
Key West has a public bus system, the 'Old Town Trolley,' which can be a convenient way to get around and may stop near Mallory Square. However, walking or biking is often preferred for short distances.
Mallory Square is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with paved walkways and ramps. However, some of the street vendor areas might be a bit crowded.
Once you're at Mallory Square, you can easily walk to Duval Street and other attractions. Renting a moped or bicycle is also a popular and fun way to see the rest of the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mallory Square itself is a public space and free to enter. You can enjoy the sunset celebration and browse the shops without purchasing tickets.
The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is free to attend. While enjoying the performances and atmosphere is complimentary, you may choose to purchase food, drinks, or art from vendors.
Mallory Square is accessible at all times, but the main attractions, including the sunset celebration, street performers, and shops, are typically active in the late afternoon and evening, leading up to and after sunset.
The nightly sunset celebration is the main recurring event. Keep an eye out for special holiday events or festivals that might take place at Mallory Square throughout the year.
Yes, several sunset cruises depart from the Mallory Square dock. These often include drinks, appetizers, and live music, offering a unique way to experience the sunset.
🎫 ☀️ Onsite Experience
It's a nightly tradition in Key West where locals and tourists gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset. The event features street performers, artists, food vendors, and a lively atmosphere.
You'll typically find a variety of performers, including jugglers, magicians, musicians, and acrobats. It's a dynamic and entertaining show that changes daily.
Besides the sunset, you can explore the shops, enjoy street food, watch the performers, and even take a cooking or cocktail class at the Key West Cooking School.
The entire waterfront area offers great views. Arriving early allows you to find a spot closer to the water or a raised area for unobstructed views.
Yes, there are numerous food and drink vendors at Mallory Square, offering everything from snacks to full meals. The Shops at Mallory Square also house restaurants and bars, including a happy hour at the Key West Cooking School.
📸 📸 Photography
The sunset itself is the star, offering incredible colors. Also, capture the street performers in action, the unique shops, and the general vibrant atmosphere of the square.
Golden hour, just before and during sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting. However, the lively daytime atmosphere also offers great candid shots.
While Mallory Square is iconic for its sunset, nearby attractions like the Southernmost Point Buoy (though currently under repair) and the colorful streets of Key West offer other memorable photo ops.
Generally, yes, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of the performers and other visitors. If you plan a professional photoshoot, it's best to check with local authorities or event organizers.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide scenes and performers. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots, but can be cumbersome in crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving a bit earlier to explore the shops and grab some snacks before the main sunset crowd. While the sunset itself is a beautiful spectacle for all ages, keeping younger children entertained during the wait might require some planning. Many families find that renting a moped or bike for the day adds an element of adventure to their Key West exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, focus on enjoying the free entertainment and consider purchasing affordable snacks from street vendors rather than dining at pricier restaurants. Many of the shops offer reasonably priced souvenirs. For daytime activities, explore free options like walking tours or visiting public beaches like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which has a small per-car fee.
couples
For an even more intimate experience, consider booking a sunset cruise that departs from Mallory Square. These cruises often offer a more relaxed setting with drinks and appetizers, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views in each other's company.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: More Than Just a Sunset
The celebration is a quintessential Key West experience, drawing locals and tourists alike. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the island's vibrant culture, enjoy delicious street food, and witness the spectacular natural beauty of a Gulf Coast sunset. Many visitors recommend arriving at least an hour before sunset to fully soak in the pre-show festivities and secure a good viewing spot.
For those looking for a different perspective, sunset cruises often depart from the Mallory Square dock. These cruises offer a chance to enjoy the sunset from the water, often accompanied by drinks, appetizers, and live music, providing a more relaxed yet equally memorable experience.
Exploring the Shops and Culinary Delights at Mallory Square
A unique highlight within the shops is the Key West Cooking School. This popular spot offers daily cooking and cocktail classes, providing an interactive and delicious way to learn about local cuisine. They also have a lounge area with tasty bites and creative drinks, perfect for a happy hour experience from 4-6 PM.
Food options abound in and around Mallory Square, from casual street vendors serving up local favorites to more established eateries. Don't forget to try some of Key West's famous Key Lime Pie, a must-have dessert for any visitor.
Getting Around Key West: The Mallory Square Advantage
For slightly longer distances or a more fun experience, renting a moped or bicycle is highly recommended. Companies like A&M Rentals are popular choices, offering a breezy and enjoyable way to navigate the island's charming streets and reach attractions like Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
This car-free approach not only saves on parking hassles and costs but also allows you to truly soak in the unique atmosphere of Key West. You can easily hop off your bike to explore a hidden alley, stop for a refreshing drink, or simply enjoy the tropical breeze as you make your way to Mallory Square for the evening's festivities.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit