Duval Street

Duval Street is a main thoroughfare in Key West and runs about one mile from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Shops, restaurants and bars line both sides, many of them housed in low wooden buildings with verandas.

The street was named after the first territorial governor of Florida and began to develop in the 19th century. Eighteen buildings were later classified as historically valuable and placed under protection.

The San Carlos Institute takes its name from a Cuban independence hero and displays a pale yellow facade with arched openings. Visitors can step inside to see exhibitions about the Cuban community and sometimes hear Spanish spoken during public events.

The street is easy to explore on foot and many shops remain open until late in the evening. Those who prefer quieter moments should come in the morning before cruise passengers arrive.

Kino Sandals has been making handmade leather sandals in the street since the sixties using traditional methods. Visitors can watch through the window as leather is cut and worked with hand tools.