Duval Street, Key West (must see)
Duval Street is the most famous and most traveled street in all of Key West. Designated a "Great Street" in 2012 by the American Planning Association, it runs north-south through the entire length of the island, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, and is the main thoroughfare of the city, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historic buildings, and an array of unique shops and restaurants.
The street is named after William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. It was originally a sandy path that linked Fort Zachary Taylor (in the south) to Mallory Square (in the north). As the city grew, more businesses were established on the street, and thus it became a bustling commercial hub.
In the 1800s, Duval Street was home to many of Key West's wealthiest residents. The street was lined with elegant mansions, many of which have been preserved and turned into museums or bed-and-breakfasts. During the early 20th century, it grew popular with sailors and fishermen, who frequented the numerous local eateries and watering holes.
The north (lower) end of Duval (or 鈥渨ild鈥� side) accommodates the majority of bars and tourist attractions and is where most of the carousing takes place until all hours of the night (and early morning!). The south (upper) end of Duval (the "quiet" side) houses the Southernmost Point, with a mix of early Key West Victorian mansions and bungalows dotting the neighborhood. Although it is more residential and less filled with tourists, the sidewalks still bustle with activity due to the art galleries, boutiques, inns, and bodegas lining them.
On Duval Street, you will find the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar, which used to be a favorite haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway. The street is also known for its colorful characters and street performers, such as the "Cat Man" (performing with his trained cats), and the annual Fantasy Fest celebration, a 10-day event featuring costume contests, street parties, and other festivities.
Overall, Duval Street offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Key West.
The street is named after William Pope Duval, the first territorial governor of Florida. It was originally a sandy path that linked Fort Zachary Taylor (in the south) to Mallory Square (in the north). As the city grew, more businesses were established on the street, and thus it became a bustling commercial hub.
In the 1800s, Duval Street was home to many of Key West's wealthiest residents. The street was lined with elegant mansions, many of which have been preserved and turned into museums or bed-and-breakfasts. During the early 20th century, it grew popular with sailors and fishermen, who frequented the numerous local eateries and watering holes.
The north (lower) end of Duval (or 鈥渨ild鈥� side) accommodates the majority of bars and tourist attractions and is where most of the carousing takes place until all hours of the night (and early morning!). The south (upper) end of Duval (the "quiet" side) houses the Southernmost Point, with a mix of early Key West Victorian mansions and bungalows dotting the neighborhood. Although it is more residential and less filled with tourists, the sidewalks still bustle with activity due to the art galleries, boutiques, inns, and bodegas lining them.
On Duval Street, you will find the famous Sloppy Joe's Bar, which used to be a favorite haunt of writer Ernest Hemingway. The street is also known for its colorful characters and street performers, such as the "Cat Man" (performing with his trained cats), and the annual Fantasy Fest celebration, a 10-day event featuring costume contests, street parties, and other festivities.
Overall, Duval Street offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Key West.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Key West. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Duval Street on Map
Sight Name: Duval Street
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Key West, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Key West
Creating your own self-guided walk in Key West is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Key West Bar Hopping
Key West, Florida is often referred to as "an amusement park for adults fueled with alcohol" and is widely renowned for its diverse and vibrant bar scene. Blessed with a tropical climate and stunning ocean views, the city enjoys a relaxed, anything-goes attitude which after dusk transforms into lively nightlife centered around the many watering holes and clubs lining the streets of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Key West Introduction Walking Tour
For the historically curious as well as for party-goers or laid-back drifters, Key West is a small paradise at the end of U.S. Route 1, on the southernmost tip of the continental United States, in the Florida Keys archipelago. The installed here Southernmost Point landmark reminds of this fact and is a popular spot for photos and selfies.
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida
Drinking is a way of life in Key West. Whether you want a perfectly poured Guinness or would rather sip frozen rum runners while watching the sun set, the Southern Most City has everything to offer. This guide will help you find the most popular bars and hidden local favorites on Duval Street and...