Mallory Square Key West - a sailboat in the ocean with palm trees in the background
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Mallory Square Key West

4.6
·491k reviews·Key West, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nightly, before sunset

Experience the famous sunset celebration

CrowdHigh
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Mallory Square Key West - a sailboat in the ocean with palm trees in the background

Mallory Square Key West

Best Time

Nightly, before sunset

Experience the famous sunset celebration

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience the magic of a Key West sunset with unforgettable street performers and local art at Mallory Square."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Mallory Square

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

Instagram+2
Street Performers & Artisans

Street Performers & Artisans

Mallory Square

Watch talented jugglers, musicians, and artists showcase their skills daily. Discover unique souvenirs from local craftspeople.

Instagram+1
The Coconut Man

The Coconut Man

Mallory Square

Sip on fresh, jungle-sourced coconuts from a local favorite, a true taste of island life.

Instagram
Shops at Mallory Square

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!

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Catch the Famous Sunset Celebration

Mallory Square's nightly sunset celebration is a must-see! Arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy street performers, local artisans, and food vendors before the main event. It's the heart of Key West's evening buzz. Instagram+1

Getting Around Key West

Forget renting a car; Key West is best explored on foot, by bike, or moped. Many accommodations are within walking distance of Mallory Square and Duval Street. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Nightly, before sunset
Why
Experience the famous sunset celebration
Crowd
High
When
Late afternoon
Why
Enjoy street performers and shopping
Crowd
Medium
When
Morning
Why
Quieter atmosphere for browsing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect Key West itinerary! Here is a quick overview you can do in a day! #keywest #keywestflorida #floridakeys #traveltiktok #itinerary #weekendgetaway #travelbucketlist
@followmeaway
42.4K likes • 1.6M views

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. Instagram+1

Explore Local Artisans

Discover unique handmade crafts and art from talented Key West creators. Perfect for finding a special souvenir. Instagram+1

Drop your favorite Duval Street spots in the comments! #keywest #floridacheck #floridakeys #traveltiktok #foodreview #travelguide #floridalife
@theshayspence
39.9K likes • 780.2K views
Experience the vibes of Mallory Square in Key West, Florida! Located on the waterfront of Key West, Mallory Square offers live music, entertainment, food, art, fun vibes, and more to go along with stunning sunsets. Next time you’re in Key West, make sure to visit Mallory Square! 🤩🏝️☀️ • • • • • #mallorysquare #keywest #floridalife #floridakeys #visitkeywest #visitflorida #thingstodoinkeywest
thingstodo.florida
1.7K likes • 38.2K views

Try Fresh Coconuts

Don't miss the chance to taste a refreshing coconut from 'The Coconut Man' – a true Key West experience! Instagram

Consider a Sunset Cruise

For a different perspective, book a sunset cruise departing from Mallory Square. Offers drinks, appetizers, and live music. Instagram

Sunset state of mind 🌅✨ Nothing beats a Key West sunset at Mallory Square. 🏝️ @itssocialtimesomewhere, thanks for the epic video! . . . #MallorySquare #KeyWest #FloridaKeys
mallorysquare
485 likes • 5.2K views

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. Instagram+1

Explore Local Artisans

Discover unique handmade crafts and art from talented Key West creators. Perfect for finding a special souvenir. Instagram+1

Try Fresh Coconuts

Don't miss the chance to taste a refreshing coconut from 'The Coconut Man' – a true Key West experience! Instagram

Consider a Sunset Cruise

For a different perspective, book a sunset cruise departing from Mallory Square. Offers drinks, appetizers, and live music. Instagram

Check Out Cooking Classes

The Key West Cooking School offers fun classes and happy hour upstairs at The Shops at Mallory Square. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Spectacular sunsets
Lively street performers
Artisan crafts

What People Dislike

Large crowds
Difficult parking

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Mallory Square is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with paved walkways and ramps. However, some of the street vendor areas might be a bit crowded. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 ☀️ 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. Instagram+2

You'll typically find a variety of performers, including jugglers, magicians, musicians, and acrobats. It's a dynamic and entertaining show that changes daily. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Golden hour, just before and during sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting. However, the lively daytime atmosphere also offers great candid shots. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mallory Square offers a family-friendly environment with its lively street performers and diverse vendors. Kids often enjoy the juggling acts, magic shows, and the general buzz of the sunset celebration. The nearby shops also provide opportunities for fun souvenirs. Instagram

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. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Mallory Square is a fantastic destination for budget travelers as the sunset celebration itself is free to attend. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street entertainment, and the stunning sunset without spending a dime. Instagram+1

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. TikTok+1

couples

Mallory Square provides a romantic backdrop for couples, especially during the sunset celebration. Enjoy the lively entertainment together, browse artisan crafts, and share a refreshing drink or a delicious treat as the sun paints the sky. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: More Than Just a Sunset

The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is a daily ritual in Key West that transforms the waterfront into a lively open-air theater. Long before the sun dips below the horizon, the square begins to buzz with activity. Street performers, including jugglers, magicians, and musicians, entertain the growing crowds, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere. Local artisans display and sell their unique crafts, offering everything from paintings and jewelry to handmade souvenirs. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Exploring the Shops and Culinary Delights at Mallory Square

Beyond the sunset spectacle, The Shops at Mallory Square offer a diverse retail experience. Visitors can browse a variety of boutiques selling unique gifts, local art, and Key West-themed souvenirs. It's a great place to find mementos from your trip or discover local craftsmanship. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Getting Around Key West: The Mallory Square Advantage

One of the most frequently cited tips for visiting Key West, especially when staying near Mallory Square, is to avoid renting a car. The island is compact and incredibly walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Many accommodations are conveniently located within a short stroll of Mallory Square and the famous Duval Street. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok