An outdoor plaza on the Key West waterfront, Mallory Square is known for its famous nightly sunset celebration. Head to the square to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s been a local gathering spot and tradition since the early 1820s.
Musicians, acrobats, fire-eaters, dancers and artists start the evening celebration about two hours before sunset. The entire event is free and everyone is welcome to participate. Vendors line the sidewalks, smashing coconuts for fresh juice drinks and selling everything from fragrant flowers to CDs, mojitos and handmade beach dresses.
Several restaurants overlook Mallory Square and others sit directly on the sand. Enjoy Cuban food at El Meson de Pepe or elegant seafood dishes at Hot Tin Roof, which is named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams, who had a home in Key West.
Getting around Mallory Square
Mallory Square sits at the end of Duval Street in Key West, adjacent to the cruise ship port and across from the Key West Shipwreck Museum. You can easily walk or cycle to the square, take a pedicab or use the hop-on hop-off buses. Key West International Airport is around 20 minutes’ drive away.