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

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

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.

City: Key West

Fri 16 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

Fri 16 May

Starting at $11.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Audio Guide

Voice Map Audio Tour App

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

Mallory Square

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

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

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

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.

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe

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

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

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.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

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

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

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.

Show 7 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Reviews (2)

leannesR9240SZ

May 2024

Full disclosure, I haven't been to Key West but it's on my list of places to see. I really enjoyed this audio tour, especially the parts about Ernest Hemingway. It was helpful and entertaining to have the history of Key West peppered into the tour and the storytelling was perfect. I felt like I was really there. Highly recommend!

Curious64102754284

May 2024

We had one day to explore Key West while on a cruise. This tour took us around to all the highlights in Old Town Key West. It’s a choose your own adventure tour, stopping in at the places that interest you the most, and passing by the places that do not. We made stops at Capt. Tony’s, Sloppy Joes (of course), Kermit’s Key Lime Pie (delicious), First Flight Brewery, San Carlos Institute (free admission), and the Hemingway House (the cats!). Unlike other audio tours, this one has stories and dialogue as you walk and doesn’t just talk about the various points of interest, so it’s interesting the whole time. I do recommend headphones, though. There’s a lot going on in the streets of Key West, and it can get a bit noisy.