Mallory Square
Possibly one of the busiest areas of the small island, Mallory Square is home to a number of popular local attractions, restaurants, and shops. For nautical and ocean enthusiasts, a stop at either the Key West Aquarium or the Key West Shipwreck Museum. The Key West Museum of Art & History is also conveniently located to the square, located in the iconic red brick building of Mallory Square. Those looking for shopping will find a number of expansive, local markets selling shells, sponge, Mile 0 signs, and other locally inspired souvenirs. Mallory Square is also home to a number of popular local restaurants, including Red Fish Blue Fish, El Meson, and the Rooftop Cafe. Don’t forget to return to the square for the world famous Key West Sunset Celebration!
The Hemingway House
The former home of best-selling and award-winning author Ernest Hemingway is a “must” for avid readers, cat lovers, and history buffs. Located just up the street from the Southernmost Point, the home of the popular author served as his primary residence for most of the 1930’s and served as his studio for many of his popular titles, including The Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. The Cuban styled home is also home to the notorious six-toed cats, many of which still reside at the residence to this day. Guided tours of The Hemingway House offer a complete walk around the residence with educational narrative for a small fee.
The Southernmost Point
Marked by a large red, black, and yellow striped buoy, this point on the island marks the southernmost “extreme point” of the United States. The colorful buoy is located at the corner of Whitehead and South St., only one block over from Duval St. The point also marks one of the closest spots you can stand to our neighbor to the south, officially marking 90 miles to Cuba. If you’re looking to snag a photograph with the island’s most popular buoy, try and show up early as a lengthy line can develop throughout the day.
The Pan Am Headquarters
Known as the first headquarters of the world’s most well known airline, the white office building now serves a new purpose as local restaurant. Those looking for a touch of Pan Am nostalgia should head down to Kelly’s Caribbean Bar, Grill & Brewery. The restaurant, which serves a tantalizing menu of Caribbean and American dishes, offers diners the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the former office space of Pan Am complete with a Pan Am memorabilia display and an airplane themed bar.
One Of The Island’s Bars
After watching the world famous Key West sunset, bar hopping might be the second most popular activity on the island. Many of the islands’ bars, including Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s were frequent stops for some of the island’s famous residents, Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. Along with these two bars, many others, including Hog’s Breath, Bourbon St., Schooner Wharf, and Green Parrot are also frequently patronized by the island’s locals and tourists. Don’t be shocked if you see groups of tourists loudly making their way from bar to bar, instead join in on the Key West bar hopping fun.
Key Lime Pie Stand
Thankfully, the delicious Key Lime Pie isn’t in short supply on this island. When in Key West, it could considered a mortal sin if you leave the island without stopping at one of many Key Lime Pie stands located around Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, or practically any other corner of the island.
