Duval Street in Key West, Florida, is the vibrant heart of this island city, a must-visit destination brimming with attractions, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unique shopping experiences. This bustling 1.25-mile stretch is a constant hive of activity, alive with live music spilling from open doorways, cyclists weaving through the crowds, pedicabs offering rides, and even local characters with parrots perched on their shoulders. Duval Street is also renowned for offering some of the best people-watching in the Florida Keys.
Uniquely, Duval Street is one of the few streets globally that spans the distance between two distinct bodies of water. At its northern end, a popular spot for tourists and cruise ship visitors, Duval Street gracefully meets the warm, inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Conversely, its southern end, located near the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy – a perpetually photographed landmark – merges into the stunning turquoise expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
This famous street is a captivating blend of art, culture, history, and spirited celebrations, seasoned with a touch of Key West’s legendary laissez-faire attitude. The bars here keep the energy flowing until the early hours, with over 100 watering holes packed within a mere 15 blocks. It’s no surprise that the Duval Crawl is as synonymous with Key West as the destination itself.
However, as daylight breaks, the captivating charm of Duval Street’s Victorian ‘Conch’ style homes and buildings emerges. Duval Street proudly displays its deep cultural connections to both the Bahamas and Cuba, influences that are clearly visible in its distinctive architecture. The vibrant red blossoms of native Poinciana trees add splashes of color against the Spanish-style facades, providing welcome shade for those enjoying sidewalk dining and drinks, often accompanied by the sounds of live music.
Throughout the year, Duval Street is the epicenter of festivals and events, offering endless reasons to celebrate. These lively gatherings draw visitors from across the globe and include renowned events such as Conch Republic Days, Hemingway Days, the Key West Songwriters Festival, the Poker Run, and the famously flamboyant week-long spectacle of Fantasy Fest.
Imagine if live webcams existed a century ago; one positioned above Sloppy Joe’s bar today would likely have been streaming from the same spot. Back then, it would have captured the sights of early American automobiles rolling by and post-Prohibition revelers enjoying affordable whiskey. Today, while drinks might cost a bit more, visitors willingly indulge, knowing that experiencing Duval Street is a bucket-list worthy adventure for many.
Experience Duval Street. Live. Via Webcam.
