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.

1. 1

   Mallory Square

   5 min

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   Capt. Tony's Saloon

   20 min

   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.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20 min

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

6. 6

   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.

7. 7

   Truman Little White House

   10 min

   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.

8. 8

   US 1 Mile Marker 0

   5 min

   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.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   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.

10. 10

    The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

    10 min

    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

11. 11

    Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

    15 min

    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.

12. 12

    Southernmost Point

    15 min

    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.

• 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

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