Things to do nearMallory Square
Mallory Square is Key West, Florida's legendary waterfront gathering place, celebrated for its nightly sunset celebration, street performers, and sweeping Gulf views.
Mallory Square sits at the northwest tip of Key West, occupying a stretch of waterfront that has been central to the island's life since the 19th century. The area once served as a commercial docking hub, handling the sponge, cigar, and salvage trades that made Key West one of the wealthiest cities in the United States during its peak years. Today the square honors that maritime heritage through its architecture and its continued role as a public gathering space.
The nightly Sunset Celebration, which grew organically from the counterculture gatherings of the 1960s and 1970s, has evolved into a structured outdoor festival featuring jugglers, tightrope walkers, fire eaters, and local artisans selling handmade goods. The performers work the crowd with practiced skill, and the atmosphere carries a festive, unhurried quality that feels genuinely local rather than manufactured for tourism.
Beyond the evening ritual, Mallory Square connects directly to the Waterfront Playhouse and sits steps from the Key West Aquarium, one of the oldest public aquariums in the United States. The surrounding blocks contain open-air bars, seafood restaurants serving the island's famous stone crab and yellowtail snapper, and galleries showcasing the work of local artists.
The square itself is free to visit, and the combination of Gulf light, live performance, and sea air creates an experience that captures the relaxed, end-of-the-road spirit that has drawn people to Key West for generations, making Mallory Square an essential stop on any visit to the Florida Keys.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Mallory Square
Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure a good viewing spot along the waterfront railing, as the square fills quickly on clear evenings.
Try the freshly made conch fritters sold by vendors on the promenade for a taste of a classic Key West street food.
Bring a light layer in winter months, as the sea breeze off the Gulf can turn cool once the sun goes down.
Spend time before sunset exploring the nearby Key West Historic Seaport, where tall ships and historic schooners are docked within easy walking distance.
Visit on a weeknight rather than a weekend to experience the celebration with noticeably smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Top tours & experiences near Mallory Square
Key West Ghost Hunt with Real Investigation Gear
Explore Key West’s most haunted sites with expert guides and real ghost-hunting gear.
Key West 1.5-Hour Classic Day Sailing Cruise
Sail Key West on Schooner America 2.0 with complimentary soft drinks
Key West Bike Tour: Historic Old Town Landmarks
Explore Key West's iconic landmarks with a local guide on two wheels
Key West Beach Cruiser Bike Rental
Pedal at your own pace with convenient delivery, locks, and lights included.
Explore Jimmy Buffett-Inspired Sites in Key West
Walk Old Key West’s Jimmy Buffett stops, with Key lime pie and a drink included
Sail Key West on a 2-Hour Champagne Sunset Cruise
Sail into the Key West sunset with drinks and hors d'oeuvres included
90-Minute Guided Jet Ski Tour in Key West
Ride your own jet ski on a 28-mile guided loop around Key West
Ride a Jet Ski on a Guided 90-Minute Tour in Key West
Guide-led 28-mile Key West jet ski loop from the Hyatt Centric dock
4-Hour Private Bar Crawl Boat Tour in Key West
Explore Key West bars and waters on a private 4-hour charter with a USCG-licensed captain
Cruise Key West on a Private 3-Hour Sunset Charter
Private 3-hour Key West sunset cruise with a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain
Private Key West Sunset Cruise Near Mallory Square
Private 2-hour Key West sunset cruise on a Manitou pontoon for up to 10
Guided Sunset Jet Ski Tour in Key West
Ride a small-group jet ski at sunset and escape the Mallory Square crowds
Watch Dolphins on a Key West Sunset Sail
Sail a luxury catamaran at sunset with tapas, drinks, and dolphin watching
Champagne Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Key West
Sail Key West at sunset with complimentary champagne and drinks
Cruise Key West on a Private 3-Hour Harbor Tour
Private 3-hour Key West harbor cruise with local stories and flexible route
3-Hour Private Sunset Sail in Key West
Sail into the Key West sunset on a private 3-hour catamaran charter
45-Minute Scenic Flight to Marquesas Keys From Key West
Fly over the Marquesas Keys and spot marine life from the air
Sail a Private Key West Harbor Sunset Charter
Private 2-hour Key West sunset sail with captain and mate
Swim & Brunch Sail in Key West
Sail, swim, and brunch with bottomless mimosas on SV Argo Navis
10-Minute Key West Helicopter Tour
See Key West landmarks from above on a quick helicopter flight
Explore Key West on a Step-Through E-Bike Rental
Cruise Key West on a regular-size step-through e-bike with included helmet and lock
Key West Step-Through E-Bike Rental
Rent a large step-thru e-bike and explore Key West on your schedule
Key West Sunset Helicopter Tour With Champagne Toast
See Key West’s sunset from a helicopter, plus a champagne toast
30-Minute Private Sunset Helicopter Flight In Key West
Private sunset helicopter flight over Key West with a champagne toast
2-Hour Key West Sunset Harbor Cruise
Cruise Key West Harbor at sunset on a tiki boat with a US Coast Guard-certified captain
10-Minute Private Helicopter Tour in Key West
See Key West landmarks from above on a 10-minute private helicopter flight
90-Minute Key West Tiki Sunset Cruise
Cruise Key West Harbor on a tiki boat at sunset