Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Tourist attraction · Key West

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Tourist attraction · Key West

2

Mallory Square Pier, 420 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

Photos

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by Photo courtesy of Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by Photo courtesy of Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square by null

Highlights

At Mallory Square, every evening erupts into a vibrant street party with performers, food carts, and artists lining the dock for Key West's iconic sunset spectacle.  

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Mallory Square Pier, 420 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

sunsetcelebration.org

Information

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Mallory Square Pier, 420 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040 Get directions

+1 786 565 7448
sunsetcelebration.org
SunsetCelebrationKeyWest

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@afar

"Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Key West is billed as "the Home of the Sunset," which means every time the sun sinks below the horizon, it’s time for a party. Since the 1960s, Mallory Square’s dock has been hosting this nightly celebration, which begins two hours ahead of sunset with jugglers, musicians, artists, and street performers showing off their talents while food carts serve up conch fritters and Key lime pie. Soak up the quirky scene while waiting for the big show in the sky."

The Best Things to Do in Key West
View Postcard for Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
@afar

"Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Key West is billed as "the Home of the Sunset," which means every time the sun sinks below the horizon, it’s time for a party. Since the 1960s, Mallory Square’s dock has been hosting this nightly celebration, which begins two hours ahead of sunset with jugglers, musicians, artists, and street performers showing off their talents while food carts serve up conch fritters and Key lime pie. Soak up the quirky scene while waiting for the big show in the sky."

The Perfect Day in Key West
View Postcard for Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

Dirk K.

Google
Place to be if you want to see the sunset in Key West. There are street performers for entertainment and you can get drinks in the neighboring bars.

Matthew Clifford

Google
Beautiful sunsets and street vendors/artists and also street performers.

Cuervo Man

Google
Beautiful place to sit and relax watching the sunset. Enjoy a meal or a drink just hanging out. We took the dinner sunset cruise.

P Schulz

Google
Enjoyed this more than I expected. A LOT of people and a bit of a carnival atmosphere with street performances. Folks will clear out before the sunset is over. We bought Wendys carryout and ate sitting on the brick steps while watching the sunset. View of the sunset is marred by the concrete piers where the big cruise ships dock. I doubt that the cruise ships are ever there when the sun is setting, though, so it is a nice place for a sunset.

Shay W.

Google
I didn't even know that this place existed. I was visiting the area with a group of people. It was brought to her attention that many patrons love to sit and bear witness to the end of day sunset here. After waiting what seemed an eternity, the sunset finally came, and I must say it was absolutely beautiful. I'm so glad we were in the area, and we got to see the sunset. If you're in the area at the end of the day, I would absolutely recommend this place!

sarah cline

Google
Absolutely amazing! We go here every time we can! Live shows, great atmosphere, and the most beautiful sunsets ever!!! This place is your heaven 💗

Roy

Google
Best spot to watch sunset in Key west. Perfect photography location. This place gets pretty crowded so get there well in advance to get a good spot. The sail boats silhouette with the setting sun at the background creates a memorable sunset scene! Awesome must visit area.

Alan Marshall

Google
Maybe it's just change as time passes, or maybe that I'm getting older, but the celebrations in past years (over 40 years, off and on) seemed more lively and festive, with numerous performers and big crowds. This week's celebrations didn't have many performances and vendors far outnumbered them. It's always good, though, when the actual sunset is colorful and bright.
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Glenn G.

Yelp
As a "tourist" this is "A MUST"... almost to the point that if you visit the keys, then most people will ask have you watched the sunset at Mallory Square yet. The square (a very large area with pavers and planters facing due west overlooking the Gulf of Mexico) and shortly before sunset, the place awakens with street performers that live off the tips that guests hopefully give, and various rolling shops/kiosks are present with touristy junk to buy and eventually throw into a drawer in your house since you really have no need for a "southernmost buoy bottle opener" or a key west keychain. There are food carts and coconut water straight from the coconut and there are even some odder booths like palm reading and artists making animal figurines from paper clips and wire. And then the sun begins to set and all the visitors congregate along the Gulf of Mexico seawall and watch the sun drop... the sunset is pretty magical here. In our early years, my wife and I loved coming... it was lively and busy but not nearly as crowded and touristy as it is today. If you're here for the first time or if it's been years, then come check it out, it's worth it.
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Chris S.

Yelp
Fun experience and if your staying In key west it really is a must do at least once. It does get crowded more so if the cruise ships are in port. Not sure I would do it every night but once in awhile it can be a lot of fun. Lots of performers and vendors selling a little of everything.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
Sunset at Mallory square is literally your #1 priority of must-do, must-see in Key West! You can walk through during the day and it'll be empty, but come at sunset and there's street performers, food huts, and local artists selling their artwork and jewelry. The street performers are great for the kids to see! As soon as sunset ends, there's a mass-exit so make sure to come and see the action and the best sunset in the United States!!
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Adam C.

Yelp
You quickly realize the implication of the "West" part of Key West, specifically spectacular sunsets. Let's face it you do not go to Key West to be boring and if this square does not put you in party mood then you are a frump. There can be an overwhelming number of people, so introverts beware. Otherwise, celebrate the end of another day of life with a festive crowd.
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Andrew B.

Yelp
So you go to Mallory Square for the sunset festival only to discover that the daily cruise ships BLOCK 95% of the view of the sunset. Yes it's that stupid. It isn't just a tourist trap, it's entirely completely a tourist trap.
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Sky T.

Yelp
The Coconut Vendor here made my trip. No official cost, but rather just tip what you think he deserves. Such a good person with an easy going vibe that's genuine. Super fresh coconuts too. Literally coconuts still on the branch that he uses a machete to whack off. Watching him do it and wracking it again is quite the sight too! Aside from him, there is a plethora of entertainers doing their thing from acrobatics, bag pipers, jump scares, and more! It's free and they only downside is that it can be crowded. However, if you manage to get a good sunset view it makes it all worth it. Crazy, colorful, beautiful...
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Dave W.

Yelp
We started attending this local craziness more than 30 years ago. Trained cats doing tricks. Sword swallowers. All sorts of interesting entertainment plus an amazing sunset and enthusiast audience. It all changed when they started letting cruise ships dock here. The crowds are much larger and the ship sometimes blocks the view of the sunset. Still, this is a very classic Key West destination for tourists and locals. If you can walk here, I'd recommend it. Parking is not overly plentiful. Life is good with sunset in Key West!
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Dan D.

Yelp
This is my 4th Key West visit and the 3rd time I've fallen for the terrible sunset experience at Mallory Square. I want to spare some hapless traveler the same fate so here goes: Yes, by all means do visit Malory Square BUT be prepared for a lousy sunset. You will NOT see a stunning, spectacular or even so-so sunset from Mallory Square. For two main reasons, usually 3: 1) The sun doesn't dip below the water as you can't see the horizon. 2) There is a small island between the horizon and Mallory Square, so at best, you'll see the sun go down on some houses on that island. 3) Clouds almost always obscure the sun as it's finally dropping so the sunset ends up being a muddled mess. The better way to see the sunset is via a boat. Find a way to get on the other side of the aforementioned island, such as a sunset cruise or one of those tiki boats. Sorry to be a Grinch, but someone had to say it.
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Sara D.

Yelp
I've experience many spectacular Sunsets in the past at Mallory Square on previous visits. I wanted my family to experience it. On this particular Evening of a Full Moon, the sky was pretty cloudy and the Sunset viewing was not possible. Still,nice views of the few Sun rays in between the clouds, and all for free. There is always plenty of activity at the Square. Musicians playing, people watching, nearby restaurants and bars with live music. Mallory Square daily celebrates Sunsets.
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Valerie W.

Yelp
If you don't take the time to see (and be seen!!) in Mallory Square while you're down in Key West, I guess you truly haven't visited Key West, nor had the whole "experience." We waited until our last night here to take it all in, and it was just as crazy as we imagined, and definitely worth the wait!! Be sure to arrive early (I'd say at least 2-3 hrs. before sunset) to take it all in, AND to get a good "spot" to see the sunset (as if there's a "bad" spot for sunsets down in KW...!!). Music, arts and crafts, people-watching, just about anything you can imagine awaits in this crazy, vibrant place, and you'll want to see it all, at least once!! If I had to do it again (hopefully one day SOON!!) I'd arrive earlier and take more time to take it in. I'd also skip the MAD RUSH at about 1/2 hour before sunset, when a zillion people all seem to crowd into the same small space right near the waterfront at the edge of the square. I was worried someone (me?!?) might fall in the water, but we all made it through, dry and AMAZED by the sheer beauty of one of the most beautiful sunsets you'll see anywhere... NOT to be missed (though next time, possibly with a little extra "elbow room!!" ;-)
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Mark P.

Yelp
Being our last day in Key West and considering we hadn't yet gone to Mallory Square due to film festival obligations, I really wanted to make it a priority to take my girlfriend to see the sun set. She'd never been before and I really didn't want to go back home without her having experienced this. With so many man-made things clouding our collective consciousness, I always find it nice to appreciate all the beauty nature has to offer. She and I always appreciate a nice sunset and beautiful sky while others keep their eyes down on their screens other artificial distractions so this was the perfect spot for us to enjoy our last moments in Key West. The square itself is always nice. It's crowded, of course, but being such a famous tradition why wouldn't it be. The performers are usually interesting also, but the real gem is of course just taking in the beautiful view as the sun slips below the horizon.
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Atul S.

Yelp
Small square next to ocean and in neighborhood of duval. Sunset is awesome here. Lot of artist performances and so crowd as well. Street vendors , taro card readers , painters, psychic readers everyone here trying to sell their acts and talents. Must visit place in keywest.
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Caroline S.

Yelp
The sunset celebration is not exactly what you might think... it is really a collection of street performers and vendors catering to tourist, and the sun happens to be setting. It is a great experience if you are around Mallory Square at sunset, but not something that is super vital to your Key West experience.
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Andy V.

Yelp
Five stars for the sunsets here, everything else honestly doesn't matter. Mallory Square is a place you have to go to at least once on your trip to Key West. Again, it's for the sunsets. It's the perfect place to watch your day end with your friend, partner, or by yourself, because it's just that beautiful. As you walk around you'll see street performers: singers, jugglers, some guy eating fire. You'll also see people selling jewelry, paintings, glassware and more. It's cute, but nothing you wouldn't see in any other tourist shop in the area. A few restaurants around the area as well and a cute place to watch sailboats go by, but listen, don't worry about any of that, just look online to see when the sun is setting and get there in plenty of time to get a good spot so people don't block that sunset selfie you desperately need to take.
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James R.

Yelp
Party time! You likely go to Key West to enjoy the festive atmosphere and Mallory Square is the end of the day celebration point. From there you will watch the sunset and hear the crowd cheer, then it is off the the bars. There are a number of oddities to observe if you are tired of the sunset. It is a fun place to walk around.
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Kim V.

Yelp
This popular location is surround by beautiful water views, restaurants, and shops. It's a popular spot to watch the sunset; we were coming back from a snorkeling cruise and saw tons of people sitting at the edge watching the beautiful sun go down. It's facing the Gulf of Mexico and nearby the cruise ship port. Everyday and two hours before the sunset, tourists and locals gather here to prepare for the sunset viewing. There's food carts, street performers, and craft artists/vendors. This happens every single evening, because it's that popular. This location is historic since it's part of the old town Key West. There's also a pier there and it's nice to see the boats and cruise ships go by. We've actually boarded a large boat that took us out to sea to snorkel right out of here. We also got some drinks at a nearby restaurant. It's a beautiful place to check out!
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Linda G.

Yelp
You should go at least once in your life. Can get very crowded. We really wanted to see the cats, but they took the night off!
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Seth A.

Yelp
Mallory Square is where everyone in Key West goes during late afternoon to watch the sunset and get entertained by street performers. That's what this area is well known for. For myself, I came here during early day and there wasn't much to see or do. I walked around and they do have quaint shops for you to browse through, but it's nothing special as most of Key West has souvenir shops up and down the streets, especially on Duval Street. There is a restaurant for you to sit down and have drinks overlooking the water. The views from this restaurant are picturesque and it could be worthwhile to sit down, relax and appreciate the surroundings. But outside of the prime time hours to come in late afternoon, the street entertainers are nowhere to be seen. So Mallory Square is very quiet most of the time. I never had the chance to return during sunset but I'm almost certain everyone has lots of fun with the performers and soaking up Key West's renowned sunsets.
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Tim K.

Yelp
The heart of historic Key West and the best place to watch the sun go down in paradise! Mallory Square itself is not the cleanest place, if we're perfectly honest, but it has a lot of life, with venders, street performers, and musicians to keep you entertained. So you'll definitely have an easy time finding something to do while you wait for the sun to set. You'll maybe even get to watch a performance over the water from hoverboarders, jet skis, or a sailing ship, but, hopefully it's before the sunset, or it'll be super distracting. Overall, worth a trip for the Key West experience, but not a place to spend much time otherwise.
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Angie J.

Yelp
A must !! The sunset is beautiful . Need to get there early . Can aslo do a sunset cruise .
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Mel K.

Yelp
Very nice area by the water . Definitely a lot going on from different people putting on shows trying to get your attention and money. Cute coconut stand and pineapple drink Stand. The sunset was very nice . Nice spot to watch Would watch again
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Sanjay G.

Yelp
"Artist- juggler- magician- bagpiper- and what's not. Must visit place in kw, especially for sunset" Key west has this advantage to see a sunrise at the beach and sunset at Mallory Square. And both are worth it. There is a shop (The key west shell warehouse) and it has some unique items made up of shells. it has shark jaw too. At square, it was crowded but at same time it was beautiful People were sitting, waiting for sunset. Artist was Performing and it was good. Street guys were dancing. Handcrafts stalls are there. Sunset- it was very beautiful seeing sunset from here In the foreground small ships making it more beautiful. Hotels are there at Mallory sq which offers sunset view.
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Clarissa K.

Yelp
No trip to Key West is complete without a visit to Mallory Square. Everyone gathers here to see the famous sunset. Makes sense since you are at the most Southern point of the United States the sunsets are magnificent. I have been coming down here since my college days. Since than it is much more formal and the square is filled with vendors and street performers. Now this particular visit I arrived by cruise ship so unfortunately we left way before sunset. So since our ship was docked not far from the square I had to walk through and perhaps since it is season something would be going on. Unfortunately not just a couple people walking around in the hot sun probably looking for a breeze that never comes. Hubby and I duck in past the shops looking for that last minute souvenir before we board our ship. Look forward to our next visit as we love the energy and people that the sunset here brings.
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Karen A.

Yelp
What is a trip to Key West without going to Mallory Square to view the sunset. I was there for only one night so it was make or break! I can say the sunset was rather nice. It was a little cloudy but for me that adds to the photo. When I was in Key West about 18 years ago it was a beautiful night with some clouds to add character. I was able to take beautiful photos. The Mallory Square experience has changed somewhat since then. Like most of Key West it has become more commercial with little stalls to buy things. The street performers are still there in various forms which makes the wait for the sunset more entertaining. In the area there is an Aquarium, Museum and other sites which I did not get to see. Hopefully next time I will have the time to look at them. All in all it was fun just being there to experience it all with a whole bunch of people.
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Jennifer L.

Yelp
Good times at the Square. I enjoyed the vendors and the live music. Hoping to come back next year and see a better sunset.
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Céline D.

Yelp
Best place to watch sunset in Key West! Go there and just enjoy! (be aware of high prices for food and drinks of course.. like 9US$ for a pint of beer)
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Michelle M.

Yelp
No trip to Key West is complete without partaking in the "Sunset Celebration" at Mallory Square. Every night, two hours prior to sunset, Mallory Square is filled with food vendors, local artists and street performers. Hundreds of tourists and locals mingle at the festival while enjoying the sunset into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The sunset celebration is such an important tradition that Key West passed an ordinance requiring the cruise ships to leave two hours before the sunset so that the view is not obstructed. (The boats are allowed to return after sunset.) TIP: Once you have purchased your souvenirs and enjoyed the street performers at Mallory Square visit Sunset Pier for a cocktail, just footsteps away from Mallory Square. The good seats fill up fast!
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Sergio F.

Yelp
Mallory Square is one of those places that if you don't go to, you really didn't go to Key West. I mean, where else are you going to buy tchotcles (key rings, stuffed animals, and the like) to take to friends back home? You'd miss out on a painted "Screw the Cracker, Polly Wants a Cocktail" sign. Unlike me, you wouldn't see a fire dancer accompanied by a drummer and guitarist, a tarot reader and a juggler. You'd miss out drinking rum (with one refill included) from a coconut. Not to mention not see the busts of various Keys historical figures. Yeah, Mallory Square is also the main cruise ship terminal. It's also just off Duval, where you can get your drink on. It's also the BEST place to catch the sunset. There's a huge crowd to watch the sun slowly take his nightly swim by the ocean, and showcase a quick green tint, a green glow before his nap. Seriously, just go and enjoy Mallory Square! (I want to go back for a full moon!)
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Ariel W.

Yelp
One of the top tourist rituals of Key West is watching the sunset at Mallory Square which is located in Old Town west of the north end of Duval Street and facing the Gulf of Mexico. It was once where pirates anchored. Then in the 1800's Commodore Porter used it as base to fight the pirates. Legend has it that the tradition of watching the sunset was started by playwright Tennessee Williams who enjoyed the evening ritual with a gin and tonic in hand. In the 1960's the hippies used to gather to watch the sunset with a little help from LSD. In the 1970's and 1980's vendors gathered to sell their wares to the tourists despite the fact that peddling was not allowed. The pier began to look like a flea market forcing the city to confront the issue. Members of the community formed the Key West Cultural Preservation Society in 1984 for the purpose of saving the sunset tradition. They developed an agreement with the city to manage the artistic integrity of the nightly proceedings which they have done ever since. Mallory Square sunset is now an internationally known tourist experience. It was an iconic experience I couldn't wait to share with my daughter on our recent tip. After dinner at Blue Heaven we headed on over. Parking is at a premium on the island and the first lot I found was $35. I opted instead to park under the CVS for $25. Street parking would be the most economical if you can find it. When we arrived the celebration was in full force. You can check the time of sunset on the Mallory Square website and the festivities begin 2 hours before. The last time I was here many years ago there were several performers at any given time. My favorite was always the cat guy. This trip I noticed that there was only one performer at a time. We got to see a juggler who balanced on a rope and a juggler on a tall unicycle. Be sure and bring some cash for the performers who work for tips. While watching the shows we sipped on the most amazing pineapple drink that was only $8. Before we left the area I did a little browsing among the vendors. My favorite was the bird pictures made out of feathers. Of course the highlight was the actual sunset. If you are in Key West this is a historic ritual that should not be missed.
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Athena B.

Yelp
This is the best location for the sunsets!! They are absolutely breathtaking! We really enjoyed meeting other vacationers and seeing the street performers. Some performers were more obnoxious than others but we did enjoy seeing their talents. Mallory Sq has many souvenirs shops for you to get any type of parting gift you desire. The only drawback is the amount of people that flood into the area, but it's worth it for these sunsets!! See photos below! If you're staying anywhere in Key West you can easily walk there, it took us 15 mins from the historic district and it was a beautiful walk.
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Wendy A.

Yelp
Oh ​Mallory ​Square​, thank you for the beautiful ​time we had as we watched the sunset last Saturday in Key West. This place was just the perfect location to watch the famous sunset at the Keys, and while we were there, they had some bands playing live music, shows, food and drink vendors. People come in here, they grab their folding beach chairs, enjoy their drinks and snap amazing pictures of the gorgeous view. ​The place is clean and there's public parking nearby. We parked in the Margaritaville parking lot. ​ Oh, Mallory Square, gracias por la hermosa​ estadía ​ que tuvimos mientras veíamos la puesta de sol el sábado pasado en Key West. Este lugar era el lugar perfecto para ver ​el​ famoso​o atardecer de los Cayos, y mientras estábamos allí, tenían algunas bandas tocando música en vivo, espectáculos, vendedores de comida y bebida. La gente viene aquí, agarran sus sillas de playa plegables, disfrutan de sus bebidas y toman fotos increíbles de la hermosa vista. El lugar está limpio y hay un estacionamiento público cerca. ​Dejamos nuestro carro en el estacionamiento de Margaritaville.
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Holly B.

Yelp
We had drinks and appetizers at Bistro 245 as we waited for the gorgeous sunset at 8:19pm... would highly recommend this stop!
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Marissa N.

Yelp
There's food and local unique entertainment. One of the over served audience was overly friendly with a performer and they got mouthy and handsy with each other. The sunset is nice but there's gobs of people to see through and possible boat interference.
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Gene H.

Yelp
Another great Sunset at Mallory Square...lots of great entertainment, food choices nearby, and just a great way to end the day.
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Ken D.

Yelp
Mallory Square in Key West offers a little something for everyone. From saloons, restaurants, clubs, lodging choices and the most beautiful, picturesque sunsets on earth you will find it at Mallory Square. Outside the Sunsets, it is a very crowded, very overprices tourist epicenter. While the sunsets are definitely something you don't want to miss out on at least once on your visit the crowds become so large that you likely will not be able to get close and your view will be blocked. There are many street performers in the area and that can be entertaining to watch, the shops lining the area mostly sell the same stuff at outrageous prices while relying on the steady stream of tourists.
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Marisol F.

Yelp
I have so many great memories here. One of my best is ALL the times I brought my kids here to watch the street performers put on their shows. The kids used to love to see all of the different shows but their very favorite was the Great Rondini. He had a really funny personality that got all the kids to laugh but he also made adult jokes that the kids didn't get. He would hang upside down from a bar tied up in chains a mental jacket and he would escape. I know it was all just a trick but it was very entertaining. Just in case you don't know what Mallory Square is, it's an huge open area that is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Every day street performers put on shows starting a couple hours before sunset and once the each show ends they collect tips from the tourists. There is also vendors with rolling carts that sell all sorts of stuff like painted coconuts, jewelry, shells, drinks served in a coconut shell, hotdogs and other stuff. Once the sun is about to set the performers stop and all the people line up along the water to see the sunset. Once it does the place clears out. On the way out you can stop and listen to the live music being performed at El Meson De Pepe and maybe even grab some food. The food isn't bad but I think there are better places to eat. Sometimes we ride our bikes during the day through here just watch the boats go by or to just relax but be warned that during the day a lot of homeless tend to sleep here. The homeless here are harmless but they are here. After a lot of years, the kids got older and the only time we come is when we bring our guests that haven't been here before but I still love the shows like a tourist even though I was more of a local. If you're new to Key West, it is worth the visit.
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Jon L.

Yelp
as a cruise ship passenger headed for key west, most ship will dock right at Mallory Square. here you will find everything that you might need to have a fun filled day at key west. from tourist infos, restaurants, shops, free wifi, even some historical sights, are all within walking distance .... no need to buy an expensive shore excursion from the ship. simply hop off and walk the square and you will find so many economical choices.... the main square itself is a busy hub , bustling with a lot of activities. of course, you can also find fresh fruit shakes, coconut juice , various seafood choices, key lime pie , and frozen key lime pie....its all here! happy eating & travels!
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Alan A.

Yelp
This is the spot on Key West for viewing the sunsets. It's an area with street performers adjacent to where the cruise ships dock. The view of the sunset was very good, too bad it clouded up, but it was still nice to look at. There are also public rest rooms available and a small retail area nearby. Hopefully next time we go the weather will cooperate.
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Lisa G.

Yelp
Lively area in Key West with lots of shopping. This is where you come to watch the best sunsets in the world. Also where cruise ships come in and dock.

Greg B.

Yelp
A must do while in Key West. Great place to watch the sunset. Get there early if you want a place to sit. It's very popular (crowded) and has vendors if you didn't pack a lunch as well as street performers and musicians for entertainment. Watch all the sunset cruises sail out.
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Luke L.

Yelp
Unfortunately I didn't stay here late enough to see the Sunset Celebration (a nightly event and sunset typically occurs between 5:30 PM [November/December] to 8:15 PM [June/July]), but it was cool to see a giant Carnival cruise ship docked right next to the Mallory Square and few roosters running around the square. Parking is a huge pain - parking rate for the parking structure located on the corner of Front St is $4 a hour ($16 max a day). One of the better squares I have visited with a great ocean view. Oh and don't forget to check out Sloppy Joe's just around the block (where Ernest Hemingway frequently hung out back in 1930's).
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Allison S.

Yelp
Really great place to hang out and watch the sunset. I was here in October and before that I had been here in 1995-1999. It has changed a lot since the late 90's. It is actually not as crowded as it used to be back then. AND there are more restaurants and less "hang out" places. However, there are still many places to just hang out, relax and watch the amazing sunsets. A must see if you are in Key west. You must make it to Mallory Square before you head home.
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Dave O.

Yelp
It's two hours till the sunsets in Key West, everyone know where the show is so grab a fist full of dollars and head over to Mallory Square the admission is free but you're gonna want to tip the magical performers staged nightly since the mid 1960's weather permitting hopefully this isn't your first appearance. What started as a completely spontaneous salute to the sunset and a toast to Mother Nature grew into an internationally famous ritual for locals and tourists alike. There's plenty of food and drinks to be had and the celebration doesn't end when the big orange ball sinks into the Gulf of Mexico this is Key West and you'll still be entertained for another two hours here and countless hours on Duval afterwards.
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Jeffrey F.

Yelp
This is where you can view the best sunset in the United States. Between the street actors and fortune-telling boothse you can also get a caricature painted. They have sunset cruises as well as numerous street performers and shows here. If you are in Key West this is mandatory to have a drink and enjoy the sunset at Mallory Square.
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Mark S.

Yelp
During the day, Mallory Square is really nice way to do shopping and grab a bite to eat. It is also the main meeting place for all the different tours around the island. Some of the sights at Mallory Square are the Key West Aquarium, The Custom House, The Shipwreck Treasure Museum and the Audubon House just to name a few. At night, this is the best way to see the sunset. It seems to be a popular place and gets crowded really quickly so get there early. Pick out a nice spot and just enjoy. They have many performers and food options available. Some of the entertainers are escape artists, jugglers, there is even a guy who has trained cats that jump through rings of fire. This is a definite must go to place when in Key West for a photo opportunity at sunset. You will never see one quite like it.
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Phil Y.

Yelp
Mallory square is a cool place for souvenir shopping, and eats in Key West. They have all kinds of souvenirs here from cigars to sponges, and everything in between. They also have restaurants where you can get both seafood and Cuban food. If you have had enough with souvenir shopping and eating, street performers are outside waiting to perform just for you. All they ask from you is a just a little tip at the end of the show. Mallory Square is also where people go and watch the sunset. You can get a great view of the sunset here. If you get here early enough, you can get a great spot. Free wifi is available outside the buildings if you need it. A great place to go visit if in Key West. The price? Free!
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Diron K.

Yelp
This is a great place to go to see the sunset. It is packed with people and artists/acts. There is paid parking right there and right down the street at several places. Some are $30.00 for all day, others are $5.00 per hour if you want short term. Definitely a must see.
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LOIS B.

Yelp
This is where you come to get your "Key West" on: gather for sunset~ daily, get your conch fritters, enjoy a beverage ( or two), people watch, just relax and take it all in. This is a must stop tourist spot. There is not much else to say about it. Go to say you have been there, but watch out for all the trolleys and other forms of transportation.
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Joy S.

Yelp
I am a sunset chaser. Whether that sentence carries like someone who earned a Girl Scout badge or an attendee at an AA meeting, I'll let you decide. But I went to Mallory Square with the singular purpose of being here for the Sunset Celebration. Many, many people joined our trek, from retirees to teenagers, all with anticipation and the good spirits of a holiday atmosphere. We got there early and secured our spot on the ledge, with plenty of entertainment and bottles of water to keep us occupied and hydrated in the heat. My teenage sons complained a little though. We were hot and still tired from the drive down. But once the colors started changing in the sky, even they were mesmerized. Everything stopped. I believe that even the veteran street performers could not help but stand in awe of the neon palette as it was painted before us. To say it was "pink and orange" is like saying the Atlantic Ocean is "pretty big." The colors were absolutely breathtaking; each shade it turned was more amazing than the last. I have often heard that God is the most magnificent artist as His works are displayed in nature, and if I had spoken it surely would have been to say "Hallelujah." I wanted it never to end. If that's not enough, the performers that I mentioned are superstars. You can find ice cream and lemonade and talented local artists. There is even a cat circus one pier down. But none of that holds a candle to the sunset. Oh, the sunset! Please allow for my unusually formal tone. Maybe it was visiting the Hemingway house beforehand. Maybe it's the memory of an altogether magical vacation. Or maybe I just have to speak with reverence whenever I talk about the most spectacular sunset I have ever witnessed. If I ever do see a more beautiful sunset, I will update. But I can only imagine that would happen if I return again to Mallory Square in Key West.