Mallory Square

The Basics

Mallory Square has been one of Key West’s social and commercial hubs since the 1820s and is now one of the town’s top destinations for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The square is a stop on many city tours, and sunset cruises pass by on their way out to sea. To enjoy the Sunset Celebration, head to the area in the evening; you’ll find oddball performers, street artists, and a friendly crowd enjoying the evening light.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The sunset-viewing area is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

• Street performers put on shows for tips, so it’s ideal to have some small bills on hand.

• Dockside restaurants fill up quickly during sunset hours; reserve a table in advance, or visit one of Mallory Squares many food vendors.

How to Get There

Mallory Square is located at 400 Wall Street in Key West. The area is hard to reach by private car due to narrow streets and limited parking. You can reach the area easily on the Key West trolley or by booking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour; both have stops adjacent to the square.

When to Get There

Mallory Square’s restaurants and shops draw a steady crowd throughout the day, and the Sunset Celebration kicks off about an hour before the sun sets. If you’re hoping to find a prime spot for taking photos, plan to arrive on the early side and stake out a place by the water.

Mallory Square Restaurants

There are dozens of great dining options in or near Mallory Square. For upscale seafood, Hot Tin Roof, which offers everything from poke to poached lobster, is a local favorite. Other top picks include Bistro 245, Terrace Roma, Rooftop Café, and the lively Hog’s Breath Saloon. For something more casual, check out the Sunset Celebration food carts, which offer fruity drinks, seafood, conch fritters, popcorn, and more.

Ways to explore

No visit to Key West is complete without watching the sunset from Mallory Square, and the evening Sunset Celebration is both a local tradition and a Florida Keys must-do. The seafront square is a daytime destination, too: Walking tours, conch train and trolley tours, and boat cruises all pass by.

Shoppers, foodies, and families will find plenty to see and do around Mallory Square, which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and popular Key West attractions. Stop by Key West Aquarium, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, then continue down Duval Street.

Accessibility

The square is large, flat, and paved, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with limited mobility; there’s an accessible public restroom on the square; seating is limited so consider bringing a fold-up chair.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cash (for food trucks and tips), reusable water bottle, camera, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, earplugs (expect live music every evening)

What to wear

It can be windy along the coast, so bring something warm for after sunset.

Not allowed

The free Sunset Celebration is run by a non-profit arts organization—it’s courteous to tip the street performers and support the food vendors who make it possible.

Amenities

Food carts, gift shops and stalls, public restroom, paid parking lot

Address 

Mallory Square is located along the northwest coast of Key West and is easily reachable on foot from anywhere in Key West.

Driving

It’s hard to navigate Key West’s narrow lanes by car, and parking at Mallory Square is both expensive and limited. Get there well before sunset to secure a spot, or take a taxi or use a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

All trolley and train tours stop at Mallory Square, or you can take the Duval Loop bus.

Best times to visit

The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is worth braving the crowds for. To snag a prime viewing spot—or better yet, a seat—plan to arrive two hours before sunset when the celebration kicks off. Alternatively, it’s liveliest from about an hour before sunset.

Best days to visit

The biggest crowds turn out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, so plan a weekend visit for the most electric atmosphere or come midweek to beat the crowds.

Best months to visit

Key West sunsets are magnificent year-round, but the best views are usually from November through April, when it’s dryer and less humid, with a high chance of clear skies. For the best value, avoid visiting over the holidays and spring break.

Special events

The annual Summer Solstice festival is celebrated during three weeks in June with special live concerts and nightly events in Mallory Square. The square is also the focal point of Key West’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.