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

Key West , United States

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

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(3 reviews)

1h - 3h

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

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

What's included

Audio Guide

Voice Map Audio Tour App

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2 Pass by

This is an optional visit for travelers interested in learning more about Key West's origins as a shipwrecking community.

Stop 3 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.

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.

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 sells Kery Lime Pies, but if you want a frozen treat during your walk, grab a frozen Key Lime Pie Bar on a stick.

Stop 7

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.

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.

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

Stop 10

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

Stop 11

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.

Stop 12

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.

What's not included

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)

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important 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

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.

Important notes

How to access your tour:
1. Download the Voice Map app. This can be done by searching "Voice Map" within the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Create an account with Voice Map
3. Select "Tour Codes" from the bottom menu, then select the "Enter Codes" tab.
4. Enter the code "kw2404s2".
This code is valid for the number of tours that you purchased.
5. Select Download Now.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
• Be sure to ENABLE location services on your smartphone. Failure to do this will make it impossible for the VoiceMap application to locate you on the map.
• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• The download should only take a few minutes to complete. If it takes longer, please cancel the download, go to Account, select Purchased and download the tour from there.
• Remember to bring your own headphones.

About Key West

Key West is a vibrant island city known for its tropical climate, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere. As the southernmost city in the continental U.S., it offers a unique blend of Caribbean and American cultures, stunning beaches, and a thriving arts scene.

Top Attractions

Duval Street

The heart of Key West's nightlife and shopping, Duval Street stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mix of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, costs vary for attractions and dining

Dry Tortugas National Park

A remote and pristine national park accessible only by boat or seaplane, featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Nature Full day trip Ferry: $185-$220, Seaplane: $300-$350, Park entry: $15 per person

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

A lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, offering a serene and educational experience.

Nature 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $12 for children (6-17)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Key Lime Pie

A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, vegetables, and spices, served with a dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Grouper Sandwich

A sandwich featuring fresh local grouper, often blackened or fried, served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tangy sauce.

Lunch Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Paddleboarding Fishing Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the most popular time to visit Key West, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

21-28°C 70-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Key West is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas. Exercise caution and common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments
• Be cautious when using public transportation or taxis, and always use licensed services

Getting there

By air

Key West International Airport • 4 miles from downtown

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with multiple routes serving popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town

Day trips

Dry Tortugas National Park

70 miles by ferry or 30 minutes by seaplane • Full day

A remote and pristine national park featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Big Pine Key

30 miles north of Key West • Half day to full day

A scenic island known for its pine rocklands, wildlife, and the famous Key deer.

Looe Key Reef

5 miles west of Big Pine Key • Half day to full day

A popular snorkeling and diving spot featuring a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life.

Festivals

Fantasy Fest • Late October Key West Food and Wine Festival • Early November Key West Highlight Film Festival • Early November

Pro tips

Visit Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebrations, which feature street performers, local vendors, and stunning views of the sunset.
Explore the island by bike or scooter, as it's a great way to get around and see the sights.
Try key lime pie, a local specialty made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote and pristine island featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.