Mallory Square, Key West

Mallory Square is a somewhat touristy area of Key West, but a nice touristy area not to be missed. Mallory Square is THE place to come to see some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. There is a seating area right on a point of land dedicated to just this purpose right on the waterfront and you'll see many people arrive here to wait for the sunset, or come just in time to catch the sunset and then stay to enjoy the cool breeze coming off the ocean. You can almost picture it in some romantic, 1940's movie.

Mallory Square is also a happy jumble of small shops, restaurants and outdoor seating areas, and even a museum (the Shipwreck Historeum). Other museums and attractions also squeeze into this quaint little piece of Key West. It certainly felt like a warm, friendly place where everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. We had a nice lunch at a Cuban Restaurant here and thoroughly enjoyed it, then shopped and strolled around a little until it was time for sunset. It's a delightful place!

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There are alot of things to do in Mallory Square. This is where you can board the Conch Tour Train or the Old Town Trolly, you can visit the Aquarium or the Shipwreck Historeum, you can shop in the Shell and Sponge store, and you can grab a bite to eat at many different restraunts.
They also do the sunset celbration everynight at sunset -- get there early though.

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Mallory Square is located at the north end of Duval, Whitehead and Front Streets, along Wall Street. Facing out onto the Gulf of Mexico, it's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to toast each evening's sunset. But, there's plenty of other little things to do around Mallory Square...nothing earth shaking, mind you, but check out...

The sponge market (ocean sponges, folks, not birth control!)
Lots of local eateries, some are good places to get yourself some conch fritters
Bars
Sea shell and souvenir shops
The Key West Aquarium
and the nearby Truman Little White House

So my short point here is that there are things to do around Mallory Square leading up to sunset.

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One of the artists is Will Soto. For me, he was one of the faces of the Sunset celebration. His performance was always fantastic. Many of you don't get the change to see him, because he's retired since April 1, 2006.

When in Key West you must take in the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square at least once! There are a number of performers and vendors that set up in the area and it makes for an entertaining start to any evening. We saw everything from an escape artist to a street preacher to trained cats! Our cab driver from the airport advised us to start checking out the acts nearest the Hilton, as they are usually the most popular acts. We found this to be true, as the "performing cats" were in this location. Amazing and a little bizarre! We also learned that all of the arts/crafts were locally made. All in all, a definite must-see attraction!

Mallory Square appears to be a cul de sac of brightly colored shops, food stands and the aquarium thrown in to round things out. But, like most places in Key West, it is an area rich in history and one with a lot of meaning for Keys residents.

Mallory Square was once the gathering place of pirates and, later, in a spirit of "not in my backyard" campaigning, the place for anti-pirate demonstrations. It was also used as the assembly point for US soldiers for 4 separate wars.

But Mallory Square is most known for the fabulous Key West sunsets that can be viewed from this point. Again steeped in history and tradition, many locals and tourists gather at Mallory Square at dusk to watch the sunset and to celebrate the end of yet another day in Paradise, as the locals put it. During this nightly sunset celebration, artists and street performers are on hand to witness the festivities.

Man..those people who live there must have an awesome view of the sunset everyday! I am so jealous!

during the day the square is full of tourist and locals alike, I'd think. The waters are really nice and beautiful reflected on a good day, and there's always the ship and people to check out.

This square is really quite pretty and definitely worth a visit!

Mallory Square is one of Key West's famous spots to gather. It's located at the end of Duval Street and at dusk there are many street performers and people gathered there for fun and the daily Sunset Celebration.

This is a pic of the Square during the day.

Not sure of actual name of this but it has this large sculpture of wreckers and also pillars with busts of people associated with Key West. The pillars have plaques which tell the history of each person as well.

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Alot going on here especially at sunset. There is an ecclectic group of people who perform here every night.