Our Key West guidebook
Food scene
The oldest Cafe in Key West. Steak and seafood. Consistantly delicious! Right around the corner from The Garden House
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Pepe's
806 Caroline StThe oldest Cafe in Key West. Steak and seafood. Consistantly delicious! Right around the corner from The Garden House
Going to Mallory Square for Sunset Celebration? Try El Mason De Pepe! Family owned. Reminiscent of being in Havana Cuba! Enjoy the Cuban jug band and dancing around our Gypsy chickens of Key West lol for real!
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El Meson De Pepe's Restaurant & Bar
410 Wall StGoing to Mallory Square for Sunset Celebration? Try El Mason De Pepe! Family owned. Reminiscent of being in Havana Cuba! Enjoy the Cuban jug band and dancing around our Gypsy chickens of Key West lol for real!
This local hot spot is always a good time!!! Crazy- on going-happy hours. Very affordable. This is ‘bar food’, but GREAT bar food. Always something fun going on here. Be careful as it’s sometimes hard to leave.
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Schooner Wharf Bar
202 William StThis local hot spot is always a good time!!! Crazy- on going-happy hours. Very affordable. This is ‘bar food’, but GREAT bar food. Always something fun going on here. Be careful as it’s sometimes hard to leave.
Delicious. I especially like the brunch. The owners also own 915 on upper Duval. Another fab favorite. Try the lobster Mac n Cheese!
Bagatelle
115 Duval StDelicious. I especially like the brunch. The owners also own 915 on upper Duval. Another fab favorite. Try the lobster Mac n Cheese!
Couples looking for a delicious vibe, say no more! Hand made ravioli with lobster stuffing. Call for reservations
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Nine One Five
915 Duval StCouples looking for a delicious vibe, say no more! Hand made ravioli with lobster stuffing. Call for reservations
Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Key West
926 Simonton StYup! Im blushing
DJ's Clam Shack
629 Duval StPopular On The Food Channel
Blackfin Bistro
918 Duval StSammy's favorite
El Siboney Restaurant
900 Catherine StAmazing - Local Favorite
Gladiators ice cream
407 Front StreetBest in the whole wide world
Sushi Song Key West
925 Duval StreetLate night!!!!
Misohappy Sushi and Thai
504 Southard StreetJust around the corner!
Old Town Bakery
930 Eaton StLatitudes
245 Front St
The Breakfast Club, too
610 Greene StreetBreakfast Fave
You'll most likely find me here.
My favorite: GNOCCHI AL PESTO E GAMBERETTI
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Onlywood Pizzeria
613-1/2 Duval StYou'll most likely find me here.
My favorite: GNOCCHI AL PESTO E GAMBERETTI
Little Pearl
632 Olivia StThumbs way up!
Caroline's Cafe
310 Duval St
Pho King Awesome Sake & Noodle Bar
626 Duval StreetSALUTE! on the beach
1000 Atlantic BlvdKaya Island Eats
628 Rear Duval StBruschetta Francesca
Viva Saloon
903 Duval St Fun bars
The Duval Crawl
This fun bar is partnered with Garbos
Popular On The Food Channel
7 personas locales recomiendan
Hanks Saloon
409 Caroline StThis fun bar is partnered with Garbos
Popular On The Food Channel
Aqua Bar and Nightclub
711 Duval StDRAG!
La Te Da
1125 Duval StLive singing female impersonators!
801 Bourbon Bar
801 Duval StLocals Fun bar downstairs, drag bar cabaret upstairs.
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General Horseplay
423 Caroline StreetFun!
Capt Tony’s Saloon
428 Greene St
Heroes Bar and Liberty Lounge
506 Southard StreetA great place to wait while your friends are getting ready
Sloppy Joe's Bar
201 Duval StIrish Kevin's Bar
211 Duval StBobby's Monkey Bar
900 Simonton StRick's Bar
202 Duval StMary Ellen's Bar & Restaurant
420 Appelrouth Ln
Garden of Eden
224 Duval StreetAqua Bar and Nightclub
711 Duval StKey West Territories & Neighborhoods
Cool areas to check out....
World-famous Duval Street is known as the party epicenter of Key West and is the island's “main drag.” Running north and south, the thoroughfare is lined with bars, pubs, outdoor cafes, shops, galleries, restaurants, and celebrated attractions. It is also where you'll find our waterfront Key West hotel.
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Duval Street
Duval StreetWorld-famous Duval Street is known as the party epicenter of Key West and is the island's “main drag.” Running north and south, the thoroughfare is lined with bars, pubs, outdoor cafes, shops, galleries, restaurants, and celebrated attractions. It is also where you'll find our waterfront Key West hotel.
Higgs Beach Dog Park
100 Atlantic BlvdShopping in Old Town
Earthbound Trading Co
402 Duval StFun Shopping
Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel
604 Duval StreetThe Studios of Key West
533 Eaton StFabulous bookestore
Lost Weekend Liquor Store
427 Caroline StreetNearest Liquor Store
Salty Dog Key West
903 Simonton StreetKWEST Liquors
705 Duval Street
Shipwreck Treasures of the Keys
617 Duval Street
Tucker's Provisions
611 Duval Street
Shipwreck Treasures of the Keys
617 Duval StreetEarthbound Trading Co
402 Duval StArts
Wyland Gallery of the Florida Keys
623 Duval StCustom House
281 Front St
Anna Sweet Studios
Waterfront Playhouse
407 Wall StComedy Key West
218 Whitehead Street
Art On Duval Key West, A Procaccini Gallery
602 Duval Street
Effusion Gallery
701 Duval Street
Zazoo Fine Art Gallery
622 Duval StreetRed Barn Theatre
319 Duval StSightseeing
The Best Place To See The Sunset In Key West
The iconic phrase “See you at Sunset!” has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the nightly event took off in the late 1960s! Beginning two hours before sunset, it’s a celebration and view that has captured the love and astonishment of iconic figures from Mark Twain in the 1800s to Tennessee Williams in the late 20th century! The Key West Sunset Celebration invites everyone to partake in watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The nightly festival hosts visitors from all over the world who come to take part in the magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience. It is a fusion of friends and talents that has captivated tourists and locals alike. This nightly Key West sunset party has everything any local or guest could ever hope to stumble upon. The beauty, sheer history, and pure passion of this event have been immortalized in renowned art, stories, poetry, and photography!
Sunset Celebration Performers
As far back as the early 19th century, the majesty of Key West’s famed sunsets began to be documented into the official record. Naturalist and author John Audubon wrote of them in his inimitable style but, it is said, that playwright and raconteur Tennessee Williams actually established the very first Key West Sunset Celebration by applauding the sun as it sank below the horizon. Today, as it has been for years, Mallory Square is the meeting place for these nightly festivities where locals and visitors alike salute one of nature’s wonders surrounded by performers and vendors in a wonderful show of community. Here’s what you might expect to see at our square on any given day as the sun sets:
Here’s what you might expect to see at our square on any given day as the sun sets:
LIVE MUSIC
Passionate voices strumming and singing songs with an island flair, fledgling singer/songwriters, 6-string aficionados, maybe a one-person band and sometimes a set of bagpipes. This is the soundtrack of the Key West Sunset Celebration.
STUNT PERFORMERS
Gather round, make some room, and check out the multitudes of street performers with their high-wire acts, sword swallowing, unicyclists, jugglers and, if you’re lucky, cats jumping through fiery hoops (totally safe by the way). Yep, this is as Key West as it gets!
COMEDY SHOWS
Professional storytellers, an artform highly regarded down here in the Conch Republic, can also be found here in addition to joke-tellers, comedy troupes, mimes and all manner of performance artists.LOCAL VENDORS
Inspect the handmade wares of the local artist community from jewelry, painting, clothing, souvenirs and a whole lot more.Like Martin and Lewis and bagels and cream cheese, Mallory Square and Key West are virtually one and the same and wouldn’t be as great without the other. Be part of a time-honored Conch Republic tradition by attending the always wonderful Key West Sunset Celebration!
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
420 Wall StreetThe Best Place To See The Sunset In Key West
The iconic phrase “See you at Sunset!” has embodied the spirit and history of Key West since the nightly event took off in the late 1960s! Beginning two hours before sunset, it’s a celebration and view that has captured the love and astonishment of iconic figures from Mark Twain in the 1800s to Tennessee Williams in the late 20th century! The Key West Sunset Celebration invites everyone to partake in watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The nightly festival hosts visitors from all over the world who come to take part in the magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience. It is a fusion of friends and talents that has captivated tourists and locals alike. This nightly Key West sunset party has everything any local or guest could ever hope to stumble upon. The beauty, sheer history, and pure passion of this event have been immortalized in renowned art, stories, poetry, and photography!
Sunset Celebration Performers
As far back as the early 19th century, the majesty of Key West’s famed sunsets began to be documented into the official record. Naturalist and author John Audubon wrote of them in his inimitable style but, it is said, that playwright and raconteur Tennessee Williams actually established the very first Key West Sunset Celebration by applauding the sun as it sank below the horizon. Today, as it has been for years, Mallory Square is the meeting place for these nightly festivities where locals and visitors alike salute one of nature’s wonders surrounded by performers and vendors in a wonderful show of community. Here’s what you might expect to see at our square on any given day as the sun sets:
Here’s what you might expect to see at our square on any given day as the sun sets:
LIVE MUSIC
Passionate voices strumming and singing songs with an island flair, fledgling singer/songwriters, 6-string aficionados, maybe a one-person band and sometimes a set of bagpipes. This is the soundtrack of the Key West Sunset Celebration.
STUNT PERFORMERS
Gather round, make some room, and check out the multitudes of street performers with their high-wire acts, sword swallowing, unicyclists, jugglers and, if you’re lucky, cats jumping through fiery hoops (totally safe by the way). Yep, this is as Key West as it gets!
COMEDY SHOWS
Professional storytellers, an artform highly regarded down here in the Conch Republic, can also be found here in addition to joke-tellers, comedy troupes, mimes and all manner of performance artists.LOCAL VENDORS
Inspect the handmade wares of the local artist community from jewelry, painting, clothing, souvenirs and a whole lot more.Like Martin and Lewis and bagels and cream cheese, Mallory Square and Key West are virtually one and the same and wouldn’t be as great without the other. Be part of a time-honored Conch Republic tradition by attending the always wonderful Key West Sunset Celebration!
LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
If you’re up for a climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Key West and the ocean. The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the many ships entering the port avoid the hazardous reefs. Today, you can climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the tower for a scenic look at what the lighthouse keepers watched over for more than 120 years. Tour the grounds to see the Keeper’s Quarters which have been restored to their original charm and view the displays of nautical artifacts, antique furnishings, maps and vintage photos.
Spanish settlers were the first Europeans to inhabit the Florida Keys, and after discovering a burial mound on one of the southernmost islands, they named it Cayo Hueso, meaning Bone Island. The Spanish name would be anglicized into its present day name of Key West. Spain transferred control of the island to the United States in 1821. That same year, entrepreneur John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000. Having conducted considerable business in Cuba, Simonton recognized that the island would be an important way station on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico trade routes.
The U.S. Navy would even establish a naval base in Key West in 1823. Salvaging goods from sunken and wrecked vessels was a major industry in Key West because of the large number of ruined vessels. It soon became apparent that a lighthouse would be essential for the safety of commercial and military vessels navigating the shallow reef-filled waters around Key West.
History of the Key West Lighthouse
FROM SAMBO KEY TO WHITEHEAD’S POINT
After conducting a survey of the area around Key West in 1822, Commander Matthew Perry submitted a report recommending that four lighthouses be constructed at various points in the Florida Keys. After Congress allocated the funds in 1824, Samuel Lincoln left Boston aboard a ship carrying supplies to build the first lighthouse. When the vessel failed to arrive in Key West, a second ship by the name of George Stodder was dispatched to construct a lighthouse on Sambo Key. When it arrived, the team responsible for the project determined that Sambo Key was not a suitable site. They instead chose Whitehead’s Point, which is the southernmost tip of Key West.
THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE
Completed in 1825, the first lighthouse stood 65 feet tall. It held 15 whale oil lamps housed in 15 reflectors. When the first keeper, Michael Mabrity, died from yellow fever in 1832, his wife Barbara became the head keeper. She would serve in this capacity for the next 32 years. Although the building had survived several previous storms, the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 destroyed the lighthouse and killed 14 people who had taken refuge in the tower before it collapsed, including six of Barbara’s children.
key west lighthouse museumTHE SECOND LIGHTHOUSE
A second 50-foot conical tower was constructed in 1848. Although shorter than the original lighthouse, the second beacon was built further inland on one of the highest points in Key West, which was 15 feet above sea level. It held 13 amps and 21 reflectors. Ten years later, it would receive a third order Fresnel lens, which is still present at the lighthouse today. As the Civil War loomed on the horizon, Barbara was replaced as keeper at the age of 82 because of her vociferous pro-Confederate views. Key West remained in Union hands throughout the war.
Key West Lighthouse EntranceCONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS
In 1887, the keeper’s quarters were built to house the keeper’s family and that of his assistant. Although the building had a communal kitchen and dining room, the families had separate living quarters and entrances. The tower was raised to 100 feet above sea level because trees and construction near the lighthouse began to obscure the view in 1894. Other improvements over the years included adding a balcony, electrifying the light and automating the beacon.
The Key West Lighthouse remained in operation until 1969, when it was declared to be obsolete by the U.S. Coast Guard and deactivated. Three years later, it was transferred to Monroe County, which leased it to the Key West Art and Historical Society for use as a museum.
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Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
938 Whitehead StLIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
If you’re up for a climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Key West and the ocean. The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the many ships entering the port avoid the hazardous reefs. Today, you can climb the 88 iron steps to the top of the tower for a scenic look at what the lighthouse keepers watched over for more than 120 years. Tour the grounds to see the Keeper’s Quarters which have been restored to their original charm and view the displays of nautical artifacts, antique furnishings, maps and vintage photos.
Spanish settlers were the first Europeans to inhabit the Florida Keys, and after discovering a burial mound on one of the southernmost islands, they named it Cayo Hueso, meaning Bone Island. The Spanish name would be anglicized into its present day name of Key West. Spain transferred control of the island to the United States in 1821. That same year, entrepreneur John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000. Having conducted considerable business in Cuba, Simonton recognized that the island would be an important way station on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico trade routes.
The U.S. Navy would even establish a naval base in Key West in 1823. Salvaging goods from sunken and wrecked vessels was a major industry in Key West because of the large number of ruined vessels. It soon became apparent that a lighthouse would be essential for the safety of commercial and military vessels navigating the shallow reef-filled waters around Key West.
History of the Key West Lighthouse
FROM SAMBO KEY TO WHITEHEAD’S POINT
After conducting a survey of the area around Key West in 1822, Commander Matthew Perry submitted a report recommending that four lighthouses be constructed at various points in the Florida Keys. After Congress allocated the funds in 1824, Samuel Lincoln left Boston aboard a ship carrying supplies to build the first lighthouse. When the vessel failed to arrive in Key West, a second ship by the name of George Stodder was dispatched to construct a lighthouse on Sambo Key. When it arrived, the team responsible for the project determined that Sambo Key was not a suitable site. They instead chose Whitehead’s Point, which is the southernmost tip of Key West.
THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE
Completed in 1825, the first lighthouse stood 65 feet tall. It held 15 whale oil lamps housed in 15 reflectors. When the first keeper, Michael Mabrity, died from yellow fever in 1832, his wife Barbara became the head keeper. She would serve in this capacity for the next 32 years. Although the building had survived several previous storms, the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 destroyed the lighthouse and killed 14 people who had taken refuge in the tower before it collapsed, including six of Barbara’s children.
key west lighthouse museumTHE SECOND LIGHTHOUSE
A second 50-foot conical tower was constructed in 1848. Although shorter than the original lighthouse, the second beacon was built further inland on one of the highest points in Key West, which was 15 feet above sea level. It held 13 amps and 21 reflectors. Ten years later, it would receive a third order Fresnel lens, which is still present at the lighthouse today. As the Civil War loomed on the horizon, Barbara was replaced as keeper at the age of 82 because of her vociferous pro-Confederate views. Key West remained in Union hands throughout the war.
Key West Lighthouse EntranceCONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS
In 1887, the keeper’s quarters were built to house the keeper’s family and that of his assistant. Although the building had a communal kitchen and dining room, the families had separate living quarters and entrances. The tower was raised to 100 feet above sea level because trees and construction near the lighthouse began to obscure the view in 1894. Other improvements over the years included adding a balcony, electrifying the light and automating the beacon.
The Key West Lighthouse remained in operation until 1969, when it was declared to be obsolete by the U.S. Coast Guard and deactivated. Three years later, it was transferred to Monroe County, which leased it to the Key West Art and Historical Society for use as a museum.
Tours
Our Tour Rates include a 20-30 minute guided tour
Museum is open daily, 365 days a year
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are only available at our main gate
No Reservations are required
Cash Only for Admission
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La Casa y Museo de Ernest Hemingway
907 Whitehead StTours
Our Tour Rates include a 20-30 minute guided tour
Museum is open daily, 365 days a year
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are only available at our main gate
No Reservations are required
Cash Only for Admission
Conch Train Tour
500 Truman AveLearn the entire island's history here!
Museo Marítimo Mel Fisher
200 Greene StLa Casa y Museo de Ernest Hemingway
907 Whitehead St