Aqua Nightclub, on Duval Street

The premier gay nightspot in Key West, Aqua (711 Duval St., 305-294-0555) occupies an attractive space along Duval Street and impresses all with its rousing sound system, engaging drag shows, friendly staff, and great mix of patrons - gays, lesbians, young, old, you name it. The club is also home to the deliciously dishy Aquanettes, a troupe of drag performers that has developed quite a fan base in Key West - The Aquanettes perform their "Reality is a Drag" show every night but Monday, when there's karaoke. Aqua is the sister club to one of the country's best lesbian clubs, Wall Street, in Columbus, Ohio. Other features include a long and festive daily happy hour (from 3 until 8 pm, and 2 till 8 on Sundays).