Mallory Square

I visited Mallory Square in Key West on a Saturday afternoon in December, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. This historic waterfront plaza is lively, easy to explore, and full of character — truly a quintessential Key West experience. Nestled right on the harborfront just off Duval Street, Mallory Square is super accessible on foot from most Old Town hotels and rentals. If you’re driving, there is parking nearby, but it fills up fast — it’s best to walk, bike, or grab a ride share so you don’t waste time hunting for a spot. There are plenty of spots to browse for souvenirs or unique local art, and a mix of food stalls and nearby restaurants made grabbing a snack super convenient. The reason almost everyone comes here is for the famous Sunset Celebration. Whether you’re into street entertainment, local crafts and shopping, or simply want to soak up an incredible sunset with fellow travelers and locals alike, Mallory Square delivers. It does get crowded — especially on weekends — but that adds to the communal feel of the place. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours here to take it all in comfortably. Would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Key West — a true must-see!

The Heart of Key West: Sunset at Mallory Square If you’re visiting Key West, Mallory Square is an absolute must. It’s the quintessential spot to embrace "island time," blending a laid-back feel with a festive, high-energy vibe that never feels overwhelming. The Famous Sunset Celebration The real star of the show is the sunset. As the sun begins to dip, the square transforms into a vibrant festival. It’s the perfect place to watch the sky light up alongside street performers, local vendors, and a crowd of people all gathered for the same breathtaking view. Pro Tip: It gets very busy, so arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot! Seasonal Perk: If you visit in December (like we did), you’ll get the added bonus of beautiful holiday lights. More Than Just a View While it serves as a dock for large ships during the day, Mallory Square offers plenty to do before the sun goes down: Entertainment: Enjoy the local creativity—we loved getting a caricature done as a fun, personal souvenir. Food & Drink: There are great spots to grab snacks and drinks to enjoy while you people-watch. Shopping: Browse the various vendors for unique finds. Rest: If you have "weary wee feet" from walking the island, there are plenty of places to sit, rest, and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you go for the street performers, the shopping, or the unbeatable "awesome vibes," make sure you visit at least once—though you might find yourself drawn back every single evening. PARKING: Lot of paid car parking available

We went to Mallory Square to watch the sunset, and it was amazing, definitely worth experiencing. The atmosphere, views, and energy around sunset were fantastic. The only downside was parking, which was quite challenging, especially during peak time. It took some effort to find a spot, so arriving early or having a backup parking option is a good idea.

Mallory Square is an absolute must when you’re in Key West. We loved the laid-back, festive vibe—there’s so much energy without it feeling overwhelming. We grabbed fresh guacamole with chips (simple, fresh, and hit the spot) and cooled off with fresh coconut water with cream, which was incredibly refreshing and perfect for the warm weather. One of the highlights was getting a caricature done—a fun souvenir and a great way to soak in the local creativity. Of course, the real star is the sunset. The atmosphere as the sun goes down is unbeatable—street performers, vendors, and everyone gathered together to watch the sky light up. Awesome vibes, great snacks, and an unforgettable sunset. Highly recommend stopping here at least once (or every evening if you can). 🌅

Mallory Square is a 10/10 for sunset vibes. Arrive about 45 minutes early to catch the street performers and grab a treat from the local vendors (the shaved ice and fresh coconuts are delicious). It's crowded, but the atmosphere is worth it!

Quintessential location for the famous sunsets, street performers and people watching while on island time! Spots for drinks, shopping and food. We were here in December and got to see lights up as well! Must visit spot while in Key West!

Mallory Square in Key West is the perfect spot to soak in the island’s charm. The sunset views here are absolutely stunning — the sky lights up with brilliant colors over the water, and it’s worth getting there early to grab a good spot. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, with street performers, live music, and local vendors selling art, crafts, and tasty treats. It feels like a community celebration every night. It can get a bit crowded, but that’s part of the fun — you’re sharing the moment with people from all over the world. If you’re in Key West, Mallory Square is a must for an unforgettable sunset experience.

Mallory Square is a must-visit destination in Key West, especially at sunset. It’s famous for a reason. you’ll witness some of the most vibrant, colorful sunsets in the entire United States here. The sky lights up with fiery oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow over the water that’s impossible to forget. But the real magic happens on the ground, too. Every evening, the square transforms into a lively celebration with street performers, local artists, food vendors, and musicians creating a party-like atmosphere. It’s a unique mix of fun, energy, and Key West charm that brings people from all over together to share in the moment. Whether you’re grabbing a drink, watching a fire juggler, or just sitting along the edge of the pier soaking in the view, Mallory Square delivers an iconic experience. If you’re visiting Key West, skipping a sunset here just isn’t an option, it’s the heartbeat of the island.