Ultimate Guide To Duval Street Key West

Experience Duval Street Key West with Old Town Trolley Tours

The most convenient and engaging way to explore the heart of Key West is aboard Old Town Trolley Tours. Discover all the attractions located along the famous Duval Street with unlimited hop on hop off privileges and learn some fun history along the way.

Ride with Old Town Trolley Tours on Duval Street

Flexible Stops for Personal Exploration: With hop-on hop-off privileges, you can explore the mile-long Duval Street area without feeling rushed. Step off to browse shops, dine at local eateries, or soak in the street’s lively atmosphere, then hop back on to continue your journey.

• Flexible Stops for Personal Exploration: With hop-on hop-off privileges, you can explore the mile-long Duval Street area without feeling rushed. Step off to browse shops, dine at local eateries, or soak in the street’s lively atmosphere, then hop back on to continue your journey.
• Effortless Sightseeing: The tour is designed to maximize your sightseeing in Key West. You can visit multiple attractions efficiently without worrying about parking, traffic, or navigation, allowing for a stress-free experience.
• Insightful Guided Narration: Knowledgeable conductors provide entertaining stories and historical context as you travel. From local legends to interesting facts about Duval Street’s famous restaurants, pubs, and landmarks, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Key West’s culture.
• Direct Access to Key Attractions: Old Town Trolley connects you directly to the main points of interest along Duval Street and its surroundings. Whether it’s historical landmarks, cultural spots, or iconic photo opportunities, the tour puts you in the center of the action.

Must-See Stops Along and Near Duval Street

• Historic Bars and Restaurants: Hop off to visit legendary spots such as Sloppy Joe’s Bar and other popular eateries along Duval Street.
• Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: A peaceful stop featuring natural beauty and historic significance.
• Key West Aquarium: Conveniently access marine exhibits with tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks.

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History of Duval Street

Named after Florida’s first territorial governor, William Pope Duval, Duval Street Key West has played a central role in the city’s evolution since the early 1800s. Originally developed as part of the Old Town grid, the street reflects the island’s maritime past, literary history and multicultural influences. Over the years, it has become one of the most iconic streets in the Florida Keys, welcoming visitors with its historic architecture and colorful character.

Historic sites along or near the street include the Crowne Plaza La Concha hotel, which once hosted famous figures like Ernest Hemingway and President Truman. Just a short walk away, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum offers further insight into the author’s life on the island. These landmarks, along with many others, make Duval Street Key West one of the most historically significant areas in the city.

Dining

From laid-back cafés to seafood spots and steakhouses, dining on Duval Street Key West offers something for every craving. Popular choices include Caroline’s Cafe for island-inspired American fare, DJ’s Clam Shack for quick and casual bites, and Mangoes for open-air Caribbean dining. Many restaurants source local seafood, adding authentic Key West flavor to the menu.

Nightlife

On the corner of Duval and Front Streets, the Hog’s Breath Saloon is one of those places you just can’t miss while visiting Key West. It’s been more than 25 years since this popular watering hole began catering to locals and visitors with great food, cold drinks, and a daily lineup of local and national bands. Today, you can sit inside or out and enjoy a breeze and a cocktail while digging into an exceptional meal.

Come for a drink, stay for the music. This more-than-100-year-old Key West dive bar, the Green Parrot, is where locals come to kick back, enjoy a few drinks, and hear some of the best touring bands around. Located just off Duval on Whitehead Street, the Green Parrot is a local favorite pub with a casual, come-as-you-are vibe.

Rick’s Bar is another top destination for nightlife on Duval Street Key West. With eight bars under one roof, it features live music, dancing, karaoke, and even a pizza stand. Whether you’re into DJs or dueling pianos, there’s always something happening after dark.

Museums and Attractions

The Key West Aquarium is a true landmark as the island’s oldest attraction, dating back to 1932. It offers a unique and interactive marine experience. Imagine reaching into a touch tank to feel the texture of various sea creatures — a truly engaging activity for all ages. Beyond the tactile experiences, the aquarium provides the rare opportunity to actually pet a shark under the supervision of trained staff, offering an unforgettable and perhaps slightly thrilling encounter. The exhibits extend beyond touch and sharks, featuring alligators, mesmerizing jellyfish displays and a diverse collection of other marine life native to the Florida Keys. The fact that it was conceived during the Great Depression and originally envisioned as an open-air aquarium adds an interesting historical layer to its story, showcasing its resilience and long-standing presence in Key West. It’s a place where education meets hands-on engagement, making it a memorable stop for anyone interested in the underwater world.

Just a short stroll from Duval Street, on Greene Street, lies the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, a treasure trove of maritime history and adventure. This museum is dedicated to the incredible discoveries of Mel Fisher, most notably the unearthing of vast riches from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which sank in 1622. Stepping inside is like entering a world of gold and silver — literally. You can witness millions of dollars’ worth of emeralds, gold bars, silver coins and intricate artifacts recovered from the wreck. The exhibits meticulously detail the decades-long search, the challenges faced and the eventual triumphant discovery, highlighting one of the most significant finds in maritime history. It’s a captivating story of perseverance and the allure of lost treasure, offering a tangible connection to the age of exploration and the perils of the sea. Being located just steps from the lively Duval Street provides a fascinating contrast, allowing visitors to move from the contemporary energy of the street to the historical grandeur of the museum in moments.

Adjacent to the Mel Fisher Museum, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens provide a serene and beautiful escape into Key West’s 19th-century past. Built in the 1840s, this meticulously preserved house was once owned by Captain John Huling Geiger, a prominent harbor pilot and wrecker. Today, it stands as a testament to the island’s architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into the lives of its early residents. As you explore the home, you’ll admire the elegant 19th-century decor and furnishings, providing a sense of stepping back in time. However, the experience extends beyond the house itself. The surrounding tropical gardens are a lush oasis, filled with exotic plants, orchids and tranquil pathways. It’s a place to stroll, breathe in the fragrant air and appreciate the natural beauty of Key West. The connection to John James Audubon, who visited the Geiger family, adds another layer of historical significance, although the house wasn’t owned by him. The combination of the historic home and the vibrant gardens offers a peaceful and culturally enriching experience right in the heart of Old Town, near the bustling Duval Street.

These three locations — the interactive Key West Aquarium, the historically significant Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and the beautiful Audubon House & Tropical Gardens — offer distinct and enriching experiences, all conveniently located along or just off Duval Street Key West, adding significant depth and variety to the attractions available in Key West.

 

Things To Do Nearby

The area surrounding Duval Street Key West is just as captivating, offering a wealth of experiences within a short stroll.

Mallory Square, a stone’s throw from the western end of Duval, is legendary for its nightly Sunset Celebration. As the sun dips below the horizon, the square comes alive with a vibrant mix of street performers — from jugglers and tightrope walkers to musicians and comedians. Local artisans also display their crafts, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere. It’s a quintessential Key West experience, a communal gathering to celebrate the end of the day with breathtaking views and unique entertainment.

A short distance away, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum provides a fascinating look into the island’s intriguing past as a major hub for maritime salvage. Through artifacts and interactive exhibits, visitors can learn about the dangerous but lucrative business of recovering goods from sunken ships that navigated the treacherous Florida Straits. It brings to life the daring tales of wreckers and the fortunes that were made and lost at sea, offering a different perspective on Key West’s history beyond its literary connections.

For a tranquil escape, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory offers a lush tropical environment teeming with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world. Visitors can wander through the enclosed habitat, marveling at the vibrant colors and delicate beauty of these creatures. The conservatory also houses a variety of tropical birds, creating a serene oasis and a chance to connect with nature just a short distance from the bustling energy of Duval Street.

Finally, for those interested in literature and history, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, located a few blocks from Duval, is an unmissable experience. This National Historic Landmark offers a personal glimpse into the life of the iconic author during his prolific years in Key West. Visitors can tour the house, which remains much as it was when Hemingway lived there, complete with original furnishings and personal belongings. Perhaps most famously, the property is home to dozens of six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s original feline companions. Exploring the house and gardens provides a deeper understanding of Hemingway’s connection to the island and complements the historical aspects found along Duval Street itself.

These nearby attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from lively cultural events and historical insights to natural beauty and literary history, all easily accessible while exploring the vibrant heart of Duval Street. They truly enhance a visit to Key West, providing layers of interest beyond the main thoroughfare.

Plan Your Visit

From early morning café stops to late-night music and entertainment, Duval Street Key West offers something at every hour. Exploring on foot allows you to take in every detail, but you can also hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tours® to see even more of the island. It’s one of the most convenient ways to check off the best things to do in Key West.

 

FAQs

What are the top things to do on Duval Street in Key West?

Duval Street Key West offers a diverse range of activities, including famous pubs like Hog’s Breath Saloon and the Green Parrot Bar, visiting the Key West Aquarium, exploring treasures at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, enjoying the multi-bar experience at Rick’s and finding tranquility at the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.

Where is Duval Street located in Key West and what is it known for?

Duval Street Key West runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its historic charm, lively nightlife, famous restaurants and bars, and its proximity to some of the best things to do in Key West.

Are there historical sites or landmarks located on or near Duval Street?

Yes, Duval Street Key West and its surrounding streets are filled with landmarks. Highlights include Sloppy Joe’s Bar (established in 1933), the La Concha hotel, the Hemingway Home, and the Audubon House. These offer a deeper look into Key West’s past and contribute to the long list of things to do in Key West.

What kind of nightlife and entertainment can you find on Duval Street?

From live music at Hog’s Breath to the casual fun of the Green Parrot, Duval Street Key West comes alive at night. Rick’s Bar offers multiple venues in one, making it easy to enjoy different entertainment options in one spot.

How can you best explore Duval Street and its surrounding areas in Key West?

The Old Town Trolley is a great way to navigate Duval Street Key West while exploring the top things to do in Key West. Walking is also a fun option, allowing you to stop in local shops and take your time discovering the area’s history and energy.