Mallory Square is a plaza located on the waterfront in Key West’s historic Old Town, adjacent to the cruise ship port. It is just west of the northern end of famous Duval Street, facing the Gulf of Mexico. Mallory Square runs the entire length of Wall Street. Adjacent to the square are the Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum, Key West Aquarium and the Old Post Office and Customs House. Our first acquaintance with Mallory Square occurred at its Conch Train stop.
Mallory Square is one of the best places that we visited during our vacation to the Florida Keys. Attractions clustered along Mallory Square Key West give a taste of local history, cultures, and people who have passed through the island over the centuries. The Cayo Hueso y Habana Historeum honors the heritage of the region’s Spanish roots. Cuba is only 90 miles away, and the islands share a cultural heritage. Visitors can shop the bodega, watch cigars rolled by hand, sample Cuban food, and enjoy the rhythms of the music.
A short walk from the Conch Train stop at Mallory Square took us to the Sponge Market, which has exhibits and videos detailing the tradition of gathering and using these gifts from the sea. The gift shop is well-stocked with souvenirs, Key West collectibles, and jewelry made from items salvaged from shipwrecks. Several other shops found along Mallory Square also are worth a look.
The Shell Warehouse, located in one of the oldest buildings in Key West, has been welcoming visitors since 1950. The Shell Warehouse lives up to its name; the shop and museum are filled with shells from around the world, many made into art and jewelry.
Mallory Square has another entrance from the waterfront. The museums and shops are just a few of the attractions found along Mallory Square. Travelers can peek into a colorful world when they explore the Key West Aquarium and the Shipwreck Historeum.
Here is the Key West Florida Keys Historical Military Memorial at Mallory Square.
Cruise Ships make regular stops at the harbor adjacent to Mallory Square.
Sunset Key Island looks mysterious from Mallory Square.
We watched many birds gathered in the harbor, while waiting for the sunset.
Mallory Square is the location of the “Sunset Celebration”, which is considered one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The “Sunset Celebration” involves hundreds of tourists who arrive each night to view the sunset. The celebration includes arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts. It begins two hours before sunset, every day of the year.
The street performers in Key West are known world-wide. There are jugglers, mimes, living statues, psychics, you name it, at the Mallory Square Dock every night. The performances begin 90 minutes before sunset. We watched the various performances there and then enjoyed the beautiful sunset Key West is famous for. Mallory Square at night is a big part of Key West’s culture.
Dale the Sword Swallower. It was different watching Dale as he was sticking his sword down his throat. I don’t know how he does it…
Jeep and Cleo. Vaudevillian Jeep and his dog Cleo perform ridiculous stunts such as balloon sword swallowing with a grand finale of dog Mo walking a tight rope! It was so cute watching the dog collecting the money from the spectators, who tipped him out generously.
Two hours before dark, the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square begins. With an array of events, vendors, craft fairs, and street performances, the celebration is always something special, even though it happens every night.
Of course, the centerpiece of the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square is the sun sinking below the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
