Information
Landmark: Duval StreetCity: Florida Keys
Country: USA Florida
Continent: North America
Duval Street, Florida Keys, USA Florida, North America
Overview
Duval Street, in the heart of Key West, buzzes with music, laughter, and the scent of fresh conch fritters, earning its reputation as a historic and lively icon.It runs about 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, lined with shops, bars, and neon signs, and serves as Key West’s main hub for business and fun.Shops, cafés, bars, art galleries, hotels, and old brick landmarks crowd the street, each offering its own slice of the city to explore.Duval Street takes its name from William Pope Duval, Florida’s first territorial governor, who once walked its dusty stretch under the blazing sun.It started as a narrow, hushed lane where you could hear the scrape of wagon wheels, but by the 19th century, Key West’s rise as a busy port had turned it into a vital thoroughfare.During the Civil War, Key West stood firmly with the Union, its docks busy with the creak of ropes and the bustle of a thriving naval base.In the years that followed, Key West built its reputation on cigar making, sponge fishing, and salt works, each trade helping Duval Street bustle with shops and the smell of fresh tobacco.By the early 1900s, Duval Street buzzed with music and laughter, drawing locals and travelers alike into its lively bars and bright, flag-draped storefronts.On Duval Street, the Southernmost Point Buoy stands out-a bold splash of red, black, and yellow marking the farthest tip of the continental United States.You’ll find it right on the corner of Duval and Whitehead, where tourists often stop to snap a picture in front of its bright, weathered sign.Just a few blocks from Duval Street, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum-where the author lived from 1931 to 1939-stands as a National Historic Landmark, shaded by tall palms swaying in the warm breeze.Step inside the museum and you’ll find a vivid glimpse into Hemingway’s life and work, from his worn leather satchel to stories of his years in Key West.At the north end of Duval Street, Mallory Square draws locals and visitors each evening for the famous Sunset Celebration, where the sky blazes orange over the water as street performers juggle, artisans sell handmade crafts, and food vendors serve up fresh conch fritters.Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a storied spot on Duval Street, once drew Ernest Hemingway in for drinks and laughter during his Key West days.Even now, it’s a favorite hangout for good eats and cold drinks, buzzing with laughter and the scent of fresh lime from its tropical cocktails.Just a few minutes from Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory bursts with color, sheltering hundreds of fluttering butterflies, bright exotic birds, and glossy tropical leaves under its warm indoor air.In the heart of Key West, it’s a peaceful spot where visitors can learn about nature while listening to palm fronds rustle in the breeze.Tucked away on Duval Street, the Red Barn Theatre draws crowds with its cozy stage and a lineup that ranges from lively musicals to sharp, modern plays.It’s the perfect spot for anyone drawn to the performing arts, whether that’s the thrill of a live violin or the glow of stage lights.Duval Street buzzes with life, and when the sun dips low, its bars and cafés spill warm light onto the sidewalk.The street buzzes with bars, cozy restaurants, and pulsing nightclubs, each drawing in a mix of locals and tourists alike.Duval Street has it all-grab a quiet coffee at a sunlit café, linger over a gourmet dinner, or dive straight into a roaring party.Beyond Sloppy Joe’s, Duval Street buzzes with legendary spots like The Green Parrot, Captain Tony’s Saloon, and The Porch-each carrying its own story and charm, from weathered wood bars to walls lined with decades of photos.On Duval Street, you can wander from a laid‑back café dishing out tangy Key lime pie and crisp conch fritters to an elegant restaurant plating fresh‑caught seafood and global flavors.You’ll find local favorites like A&B Lobster House, the cozy La Trattoria, and Jimmy Buffett’s lively Margaritaville.Duval Street bursts to life with festivals that draw crowds from every corner of the globe, from music echoing through the night to parades spilling color into the streets.Every October, Duval Street bursts to life with Fantasy Fest, a week-long celebration that’s become Key West’s signature event, drawing crowds with dazzling costumes, lively parades, late-night parties, and streets humming with music and laughter.Duval Street pulses with energy-bars spill light onto the sidewalks while clubs throw themed parties and fill the night with live music.On New Year’s Eve, Duval Street swells with revelers cheering as midnight nears, and at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a massive pink conch shell slides down a pole in Key West’s own twist on the Times Square ball drop.Every June, Key West bursts with Pride-rainbow flags flutter over Duval Street as the LGBTQ+ community gathers for parades, lively parties, and vibrant events.It’s among the biggest Pride celebrations in Florida, drawing crowds so large you can hear the music blocks away.Drag races and parades light up Duval Street during events like Fantasy Fest, drawing locals and visitors alike into a swirl of music, laughter, and bright feathered costumes.On Duval Street, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise-quirky boutiques, bright art galleries, and souvenir shops spilling over with colorful trinkets.Whether you’re after a sparkling necklace, a hand-painted mug, or a little oddball charm, there’s no shortage of choices.One highlight is the Key West Art Center, where you can linger over bright, salt-weathered paintings by local artists.Mallory Square bustles with shops offering Key West-inspired gifts, bright shells, hand-crafted jewelry, and plenty more.T-shirt shops bursting with quirky designs, plus shelves of one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the breezy, sun-soaked spirit of Key West.The atmosphere on Duval Street crackles with energy, especially once the sun dips and neon signs flicker to life.Music from live bands drifts through the street, mixing with bursts of laughter and the warm hum of voices.People from every corner of life gather here to soak up the warm, salt-scented air, sip cold drinks, and revel in the easygoing yet vibrant spirit that defines Key West.Stroll down Duval Street under the midday sun, feel the warmth on your shoulders, or wander out at dusk to watch the sky turn gold-there’s always something here for everyone.Duval Street sits at the heart of Key West, where history lingers in old wooden porches and the nights hum with music, bright lights, shopping, good food, and rich local culture.If you’re in Key West, you’ve got to stop here-it captures the island’s soul, from lazy afternoons under swaying palms to nights filled with music and laughter.Looking for history, live music, or simply a night of laughter?Duval Street’s got it all.
