[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Key West

Shopping in Key West offers an array of unique finds, with many small mom-and-pop boutiques. These boutiques are filled with distinctive items from all over the world, such as Fair Trade linens, leather babouches from Marrakech, and more. There are also specialty stores like Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, Key West Cigar Club, Key West Island Books, and the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. 

For those looking for beachwear, there are several swimwear boutiques on the island, such as Ocean Key Boutique and Aqua Beachwear, with options for men and women of all sizes. Additionally, Kino Sandals offers hand-crafted leather shoes, and it’s possible to watch the three generations of “sandaleros” (old-world Cuban sandal makers) hard at work. 

No matter what kind of item you’re looking for, you’ll never have to go far in Key West to find it.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Key West

1. Duval Street

Duval Street is a popular destination on the island, located in the northwest part of the island, right within the city center. It features over a mile of street, offering diverse shops. Many of the buildings on the street are historical, adding some extra charm to the shopping experience.

The variety of goods available on Duval Street is vast, ranging from souvenirs to local handicrafts, apparel, and accessories. The street is a great place to explore and find unique gifts for yourself or others.

2. Clinton Square Market

Clinton Square Market is a family-friendly mall located in an old brick building. It offers a variety of small boutiques with handmade products for all to enjoy. The most popular items include homemade fudge and tropical wines.

Apparel is also a big draw at this mall, with all the gear for swimming, fishing, or relaxing. The sculpture service is a unique feature of the mall, which can produce a miniature replica of you.

Clinton Square Market is conveniently located near the city center, on the island’s northwestern corner.

3. Mallory Square

Mallory Square is the vibrant epicenter of Key West. Situated on the island’s northwestern shore, it is bustling with commercial and social activity. It is home to various unique shops that offer a wide selection of local crafts and fun items. These include custom jewelry from around the world, art galleries, and workspaces. Handicrafts make up much of the merchandise, such as soaps, designer bowls, and toys for children.

4. The Green Pineapple

The Green Pineapple is the perfect destination for those looking to stay on top of the latest wellness trends. It is a part yoga studio, spa, organic café, and boutique. This unique store has a California-cool vibe and a collection of trendy items, such as evil-eye bracelets, to help one feel relaxed and stress-free. Moreover, The Green Pineapple offers exclusive yoga apparel designed specifically for the boutique. So, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for wellness, The Green Pineapple is the place to be!

5. Bésame Mucho

Bésame Mucho is a true gem of a boutique off the tourist path in Little Bahama. The shop stocks diverse finds, from jewelry and leather-bound journals to soaps from Santa Maria Novella and casual clothing. As you browse, you’ll notice a mix of locals (who love it for hostess gifts) and tourists (who will find plenty of trinkets and souvenirs), who find plenty of specialty products worth pocketing. Just set aside enough time to browse the full collection; you’ll thank yourself later.

6. Searstown Shopping Center

Searstown Shopping Center is a great destination for a variety of shopping needs. Located in the northwestern corner of Poinciana Plaza along the island’s northern coast, the center offers apparel, groceries, furniture, and more. Publix supermarket is the central feature, but there are also nail and hair salons for those looking for a more pampering experience.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, including sandwich shops and Chinese restaurants. On the east side of the center, a cinema is available for entertainment. All in all, Searstown Shopping Centre has something for everyone.

7. La Rubia Key West

If you’re a history buff or a hat lover, La Rubia is the perfect place for you. Here, you can buy iconic Panama hats while learning about the centuries-old, UNESCO-heralded tradition of producing them. The owners are passionate about sharing stories of the time and talent required to make these works of art, so make sure you chat with them.

You should also ask to see the Montecristi collection, which includes a stunning handwoven hat worth $3,200. For those looking for something more affordable, there’s also an entry-level model for just $79 that can be custom-fitted to your head.

8. Tucker’s Provisions

Tucker’s Provisions, located on the bustling Duval Street, is an adorable boutique selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories from big-name brands. In addition, the store also has exclusive items with a vintage Americana look and feel. Customers can also find great deals in the store’s sale section. 

For a memorable souvenir from the store, pick up any item with the shop’s iconic rooster logo. This logo is a true symbol of Key West and can be found on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other items.

9. Peppers of Key West

Peppers of Key West is an exciting store with abundant hot sauces. They offer over 1,000 different types of sauces, organized by pepper types, heat levels, and sauce types, such as jerk and barbecue. Furthermore, they have a sampling bar with friendly staff who provide customers with samples of the sauces. 

Visitors can sample until their tongue is numb and purchase their favorite sauces as souvenirs or stocking stuffers. It is important to note, though, that the recipient should be warned beforehand.

10. Key West Island Books

Key West Island Bookshop is the perfect place to visit for reading material. Located city center on Fleming Street between Bahama Street and Duval Street, it is the central bookshop for the town. The bookshop has a vast collection of classic and contemporary books, including local-interest books. It also has sections dedicated to famous authors like Ernest Hemingway.

Local authors also have a major presence in the bookshop. If you’re looking for a reliable perspective on Key West, this is the best place to go. Additionally, those seeking practical knowledge can find cookbooks and wildlife guides. With such a variety, Key West Island Bookshop is a great place to explore for any reader.

11. Key West Sponge Market

The Key West Sponge Market is a unique combination of a market shop and a museum. Located in Mallory Square city center, it offers a variety of sponges for purchase and a fascinating look into the local sponging industry. 

The sponging industry has a rich history in Key West, having been around since the 19th century. In fact, the sponges were once a luxury staple in New York markets, with a 250-boat sponge fleet transporting them from Key West to the mainland. The museum provides an interesting dive into this aspect of Key West’s history. 

The Key West Sponge Market is an interesting and educational experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to learn more about the local culture.

12. Rodriguez Cigar Factory

Rodriguez Cigar Factory is the oldest cigar manufacturer in Key West and is run by the Rodriguez family. The family-owned a tobacco plantation in their native Cuba prior to immigrating to Key West. Visiting the factory is an interesting experience, even for those who have never smoked a cigar. Guests are given a guided tour where they learn how to prepare and wrap their cigars.

The most memorable part of the visit is the chance to chat with Danny, the owner. His passion for sharing his family’s cigar-making heritage and generous spirit will leave an unforgettable impression.