Nightlife in Key West can be a wild change from the laid back days in the Keys. Key West is the home of the annual Fantasy Fest celebration and numerous other festivals that draw large crowds, but even when there are no festivals there are still plenty of places to party. From local favorites like Schooner wharf to tourist must stop bars like Sloppy Joe's and Captain Tony's. If you are in your 20s, or want to feel like it, then some time at Ricks Durty Harrys might be for you.

There are dozens of great bars and clubs in Key West. It would be almost impossible to hit them all in one trip, but there have been a few to try. The main strip through Key West is Duval Street, and has been appropriately nicknamed the "Duval Crawl." The side of Duval near the Gulf of Mexico is the most active and at night comes alive with a blend of sailors, college students, street performers, honeymooners, and locals all mixing to create a unique and exciting atmosphere.

The best way to experience the Duval Crawl is put on your walking shoes and hit the street. Key West is so laid back that any bar worth visiting has a relaxed dress code. Some are so relaxed that you don't even have to wear clothes like the Bull and Whistle that is very proud of its clothing optional rooftop bar. For most places flip flops and T-shirts are fine for the day. At night most will get a little more dressed up - but not much. If you arrive in Key West from Miami you will immediately notice the difference. Miami is for people that are beautiful on the outside and Key West is for folks with beautiful souls - no matter what's on the surface.