Shopping
So here is the ultimate road map to the shops. We describe our favorite shops by category (Bookstores, Clothing & Jewelry, Home Decor, and Gift & Specialty Shops) and location within each category. Be sure to scope out the Arts & Culture chapter for descriptions of galleries selling creative works, many by local artists. And turn to our Specialty Foods, Cafes & Markets chapter to find piscatory treasures and other palate pleasers.
Many of our shops are open daily until 9 p.m., especially in Key West, but many close on Sunday. Some close on different days, so it is best to call before venturing out, as hours and days of operation can vary from season to season.
1. Key West Island Bookstore
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 294-2904
Address: 513 Fleming St.
Insider Pick:
Description: This shop sells everything from the classics to the bestsellers, along with topical nonfiction and the works of Florida Keys and Key West writers. The store is especially supportive of Florida authors and often hosts book-signing events that generate lots of local excitement and a party atmosphere. Carl Hiaasen, James Hall, Jimmy Buffett, Philip Caputo, James Dickey, and Thomas McGuane have all signed books here. Be sure to check the rare-book room in the back.
2. Milk And Honey
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 304-9107
Address: MM 82.2 Oceanside, Keys Plaza, Islamorad
Description: This sweet jewelry store sells select designer pieces that will make you feel very special. Known for unique styles that are feminine and fun to wear, they also carry handbags and shearling boots to boot!
Name: no value!
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
4. Sandal Factory Outlet
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 453-9644
Address: MM 102.4 Oceanside, Key Largo
Description: The Sandal Factory Outlet allows you to fit yourself. Pick from a copious sea of ladies’ sandals—strappy, sport, and utilitarian. Men and children can be accommodated here, too. You won’t find every style in every size, but you can choose from hundreds of designs. A second location is at MM 82 Oceanside in Islamorada (305-664-9700).
5. Key Bana Resort Apparel
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 289-1161
Address: MM 53.5 Oceanside, Key Colony Beach Caus
Description: Ladies, you are sure to find a new swimsuit or tropical cotton item here that you can’t pass up. And Key Bana has a roomful of shorts and shirts for men, too. Check out suits by Miraclesuit, Nautica, and Guess for the ladies and Beer-Can Island for the gentlemen.
6. Keyker’S Boutique & Gallery
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 743-0107
Address: MM 50.3 Oceanside, 67 53rd St., Marathon
Description: Keyker and other local clothing designers create custom island clothing for women and children, unusual yet flattering styles using exquisitely fine cottons. You’ll find them displayed at this elegant establishment, along with interesting jewelry, accessories, craft items, and paintings.
7. Abaco Gold
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 296-0086
Address: 418 Front St.
Description: A honeymoon voyage to the Abaco Islands prompted owners John and Angela to dub their store Abaco Gold. The jewelry line here is exclusive—like no other in the Florida Keys, or elsewhere for that matter. Abaco Gold specializes in unique nautical designs featuring mermaids, dolphins, and tropical themes. If you love jewelry, you’ll love this store.
8. Assortment, Inc.
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 294-4066
Address: 514 Fleming St.
Insider Pick:
Description: This chic men’s clothing store, just a few steps off Duval Street, carries the latest in men’s casual fashions with a dressy flair. Handsome jackets, shirts, slacks, and shoes are tastefully displayed. Polo by Ralph Lauren, Barry Bricken, and Cole-Haan shoes are just a few of the lines you’ll find here. Assortment, Inc., also offers great-looking gifts and accessories for that special guy in your life.
9. The Beach House Swimwear
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 292-9300
Address: 714 Duval St.
Description: You can spend your whole vacation in this shop just trying on bathing suits, because they have more than 4,000 from which to choose. This tiny shop with the big selection has been on Duval since 1977. At the Beach House Swimwear, you will find designer and name brands for women, men, and kids.
10. Besame Mucho
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 294-1928
Address: 315 Petronia St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Step into this tastefully decorated shop, and you will feel as though you have stepped back in time. The shelves are filled with items that look as though they belong on a movie set, ca. 1940. Here you’ll find an assortment of picture frames, desk accessories, tableware, lucky tokens, tropical cards and books, baskets, and Tahitian bath oils—in short, what the owners lovingly refer to as “essential island provisions.”
11. Birkenstock Of Old Town
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 294-8318 or (800) 330-24
Address: 612 Duval St.
Description: With sandals being essential apparel for island life, it makes good sense for Birkenstock to have a large, full-service store right in the middle of it all. Although Birkenstocks don’t come cheap, the shoes are exceptionally durable and comfortable. You can sometimes get a pretty good deal here on discontinued styles. This store also does in-house repairs.
12. Commotion
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 292-3364
Address: 800 Caroline St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Stylish island separates that are as fun to wear as they are practical to own await you here. These natural, washable linen and flax fabrics will help you keep your cool—a definite must in the Florida Keys. Best of all, unlike some island designs that look out of place outside the Tropics, these will look just as great when you get back home.
13. In One Era
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 293-0208
Address: 1118 White St.
Description: This tiny shop has a large selection of delightful estate jewelry, old period costumes (great for Fantasy Fest), vintage lighting, chandeliers, and small antiques. Their inventory also includes Cuban and Key West memorabilia.
14. Isle Style
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 292-4000
Address: 1204 Simonton St.
Description: Step inside this airy boutique packed with designs from artisans all over the world, and meet an owner who is a “stylist.” The stock changes frequently, so one visit may not fill your shopping bag. Also on the property is a spa where you can get a manicure and pedicure. So, you can shop till you drop, be revived, and do it all over again.
15. Jimmy Buffett’S Margaritaville Store
City: Florida Keys, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 296-9089 or (800) 262-68
Address: 500 Duval St.
Description: Everything here is tuned to one thing: the works of Key West’s favorite son, Jimmy Buffett. All his albums are available here, along with tons of shirts, books, photos, and other Parrothead paraphernalia. Spend some time perusing the walls—they’re packed with photos and memorabilia related to events in the life of the man from Margaritaville. This place is a must-stop for Buffett fans old and new.