Maritime Village to Micro State: A Self Guided Tour of Key West

Climb the 88 stairs to the top of the Key West Lighthouse.

Learn about Key West's maritime salvage history at the Shipwrecker's Memorial

Don't forget to purchase some conch fritters near the beginning of the tour

Kermit's Key Lime shop has traditional slices and frozen pie on a stick, amongst other goodies. All are delicious.

Voice Map tracks your walk along the route, automatically starting each audio track. It's like having a tour guide in your pocket.

Explore President Truman's time in Key West during his administration at the Little White House

It's always 5 o'clock in Margaritaville. We walk past this iconic landmark on Duval Street

The first Pan Am ticket office is no longer. But you can get a "flight" of beers at First Flight Brewery

The Truman Annex has the Little White House along with one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Key West

Visit the Hemingway House and get up close to some of the 59 cats on the premises. Most are polydactyl, six-toed felines descended from Hemingway's original pet.

The Southernmost Point buoy is a great place for a selfie.

Duration1h 30m - 3h

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Key West is famous as mainland America's Caribbean resort town. Here, time slows down as the island vibes take over. But there is more to this island than umbrella drinks and warm breezes.

Key West has an incredible history, from its origins as a maritime village that profited heavily from salvaging wrecked ships and crews along the Great Florida Reef a few miles offshore, to the creation of the micro-state known as the Conch Republic. While in Key West, you will want to visit many of the sites that make the island distinct such as the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway House, the Little White House, and Southernmost Point.

On this tour, you will visit all of these and more, stopping for refreshments along the way at many of the island's signature restaurants and bars. You will hear stories of some of the island's more famous residents along with some lesser-known tales that have given Key West its unique place in American culture and history.

What's included

Audio Guide
Voice Map Audio Tour App

Smartphone
Headphones
OPTIONAL: Admission to Truman Little White House ($22.95)
OPTIONAL: Admission to Hemingway Home and Museum ($18.00)
OPTIONAL: Admission to Key West Lighthouse ($15.50)

What to expect

Mallory Square
5m

This is the starting location for the tour. Here, you can enjoy street performers and visit the shops before starting the tour. If you are starting your tour in the morning, then coffee is available at nearby Cuban Coffee Queen.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Pass by

This is an optional visit for travelers interested in learning more about Key West's origins as a shipwrecking community.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Pass by

We discuss treasure hunter Mel Fisher during the audio tour and for those who want to learn more, the museum has artifacts and a detailed account of Mel's story.
Capt. Tony's Saloon
20m

Stop in for a drink, appetizer, or lunch and see some of the named barstools that have supported the backsides of famous customers, or the tree growing in the middle of the saloon as discussed in the tour.
20m

This optional stop is one of Key West's most famous restaurants. Stop in and check out some live entertainment and some food/drink.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Pass by

Kermit's sells Kery Lime Pies, but if you want a frozen treat during your walk, grab a frozen Key Lime Pie Bar on a stick.
Truman Little White House
10m · Admission ticket not included

We discuss the Little White House as a presidential retreat during the Truman Administration. Tours are available for those who want to learn more about this location.
US 1 Mile Marker 0
5m

Pass by the beginning of the longest north-south road in the nation, starting here in Key West and running to the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine.

This location is a great opportunity for a selfie or group photo.
Pass by

Optional stop for Parrotheads who want to visit the first Margaritaville store/restaurant that started a business empire for singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
10m · Admission ticket not included

Visit the home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived here for nine years, writing several famous works inside these walls. The house has many six-toed cats descended from Hemingway's original pet that visitors can interact with.

We discuss Hemingway's time on Key West during our walk, but tours of the home are available for those interested in learning more
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
15m · Admission ticket not included

Walk the grounds of the lighthouse and learn about its first light keeper during our walk. Separate admission is available if you want to view the interior of the keeper's house and climb the 88 steps to the top for a bird's eye view of Key West and the Gulf of Mexico.

Admission is free for active military.
Southernmost Point
15m

This is the end point of our tour. The Southernmost Point Bouy is another great location for a selfie or group photo to commemorate your time in Key West.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at the Florida Keys Historical Military Memorial in Mallory Square. Look for the US flagpole surrounded by a semicircle of stone pedestals.

End point

The tour ends at the Southernmost Point Bouy at the intersection of Whitehead and South Streets.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There are several museums located along the tour route. We will pass by the exteriors, describing them briefly. If you wish to learn more, you may purchase a separate admission from the museum directly.
Travel time is included in the duration of the tour

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

3.8 (4)