Mallory Sunset, Key West

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At long last, I've finally been to Mallory Square to watch the sunset. In all the times I've come to Key West and in the days when I lived here, I never bothered to go and see this spectacle. I picked a day when I thought there would be nice clouds for a pretty sunset (but no green flash of course).

Now I can say that I've done it.

Every night at Mallory Square, tons of people come together for a "Sunset Celebration". Because it's Key West and all that, apparently sunset is a big deal. You can stand around with lots of people and watch the sun go down behind this fancy island just off the coast while local vendors and entertainers try to take your money. Good times.

Sunset at Mallory square is THE thing to do on Key West. You typically start your evening about 2 hours before sunset. Stroll through the square take in all the street performers, bands and sites. Enjoy the sunset have some dinner and then you begin the Duval Kraal. Also known as the crawl, which is what you will be doing if you make it to even a few of the bars and clubs on Duval Street.
This is a people scene. If you are shy, uncomfortable in crowds or the unusual this is not the place for you. If however you like to peple watch this is one of the best places in the world to do it.

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Like I said, don't miss the sunset on Mallory Square. Everybody comes in the evening to Mallory Square to watch the sunset. There are lots of people and lots of entertainers. Its fun to watch them. Take your favourite drink, sit down, make sure that you have your camera ready and than watch the sun goes down. It's a nice way to begin your evening.

Pretty much every sunny day around 2 hours before sunset artists, vendors, musicians, Psychics, acrobats and various other performers gather at Mallory Square for the celebration of the spectacular sunsets. It's a little touristy, sometimes more than a little cheesy, but it is fun to do at least one day. Where else can you see dogs and cats walking a tightrope?

The street performers in Key West are known world-wide. There are jugglers, mimes, living statues, psychics, you name it, at Mallory Square Dock every night. The performances begin 90 minutes before sunset. There are also craft vendors and food carts. Watch the one-of-a-kind performances and then view the beautiful sunset Key West is famous for. Mallory Square at night is a big part of Key West's culture.

You've got to enjoy a classic Key West sunset, but not necessarily at Mallory Square or the Hilton. If you must go to Mallory Square, don't miss the Cuban band "Caribe." They play every night at El Meson de Pepe, right next to Mallory Square amid the throngs of tourists. Their music is fantastic. The drink prices are a rip-off, but what can you do. For an alternative, stop by the Galleon Resort's Tiki Bar (Front Street). If you're in KW in the wintertime, go to Smathers Beach, sometimes the seaweed is a drag, but it's a great spot, so is Higgs Beach. One thing to remember, just because the sun is no longer visible, the best colors sometimes come after the sun is gone. What's your hurry?

Go where every one goes at sunset: Mallory Square. If you don't buy anything it's free. Go watch the performers, acrobats, barefoot glass walking, fire eating, sword swallowing, guitar players, the one man band, and palm readers, you get the idea. It is a little carnival of it's own, all for free.

Each night at and before sunset, there is a huge party on the pier. Flame swallowers, a guy dressed as a president doing tricks with fake $22 bills, guy wrapped in chains who works his way out, tightrope walkers, etc!!

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Pier
Personally, I prefer watching the sunset from the Pier House, but everyone should experience Mallory Pier once . . . carnival atmosphere with all kinds of unusual acts . . . One of my favorites is Jeep Caillouet and his golden retriever, Mo.