Coast-to-Coast Duval Street

All great cities have famous thoroughfares. In Paris, it's the Champs Elysses. In New York - Broadway. Key West is known around the world for Duval Street. Only in Key West can you watch the sun come up over the Atlantic Ocean, then take all day to stroll the street's mile and a quarter length - exploring each block as you go - just to watch the sun set with its occasional elusive flash of green into the Gulf of Mexico. And you'll never leave Duval Street!

The street's history is as old as the city's. Beginning in the 1820's, it was a major commercial thoroughfare in the area around the docks. Though named for Florida's first provisional governor, William P. Duval, the street was flanked by those named for two of Key West's owner/developers, John Simonton and John Whitehead. In the soon-to-be two centuries since the street was created, its been traveled along by horse drawn trolleys and city buses, by bicycles and automobiles. And its seen lots of great parades.

Each block of Duval Street is an adventure. From attractions to historical homes, from specialty shops to funky bars and unique restaurants, there's something wonderful to see everywhere you look. Here's something a little different - a look back at Duval Street through the decades. We'll show you what used to be there and what's there now with our unique "Then and Now" photographs. Then, when you visit our island, you'll be prepared to take your own wonderful walk along Duval.