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

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.

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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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Key West Shipwreck Museum

This is an optional visit for travelers interested in learning more about Key West’s origins as a shipwrecking community.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sloppy Joe’s Bar

This optional stop is one of Key West’s most famous restaurants. Stop in and check out some live entertainment and some food/drink.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
• Admission Ticket Free

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.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Margaritaville – Key West

Optional stop for Parrotheads who want to visit the first Margaritaville store/restaurant that started a business empire for singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett.
• Admission Ticket Free

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
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Highlight

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
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
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Include

Audio Guide
Voice Map Audio Tour App

Exclude

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)

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