Key West, Florida GPS Audio Tour
Take a self-guided walking tour of the tropical island that gave rise to the laid-back state of mind that you’re craving. Explore the town’s origin as a fishing and ship salvage village to today’s vacation mecca for island daydreamers.
Stop by iconic bars and restaurants like Sloppy Joe's and Capt. Tony's Saloon
Historic points of interest (Little White House, Hemingway history, Cuban Heritage, etc...)
Stories while you walk (Conch Republic origins, the first Cigar City, birth of Pan Am Airways, and more)
1.5 - 3 hours (depending on stops)
Available when it’s convenient for you
Starts at Mallory Square, the site of the Key West Cruiseport and nightly Sunset Celebration. This audio tour of Key West is the most complete self-guided experience that you will find on the island.
The audio tour is available instantly upon purchase. Audio begins automatically when you arrive at a specific point of interest.
Itinerary
- Mallory Square: Start the tour at Key West’s cultural epicenter. This is a must-visit location and site of the nightly Sunset Celebration. It is also the docking point for cruise ships, making the tour a convenient Key West shore excursion.
- Walk past the Key West Shipwrecking Museum and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum on the way to Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s Saloon.
- Stroll down Caroline Street, where you can see the early Key West conch houses, a simple architectural design through the 19th century. Grab a flight of beer at First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, where Pan Am Airlines sold its first tickets.
- Up next is the Little White House, where President Harry Truman would retreat to escape the hustle and commotion of Washington.
- Grab a selfie at Mile Marker 0, the beginning of US Route 1, the longest north-south road in the US, running all the way to the tip of Maine.
- Duval Street is the commercial hub of Key West. Stop and do some shopping, or grab a drink at Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet’s signature line of restaurants.
- Stop by the Hemingway House, where you will learn of Ernest Hemingway’s time in Key West and his love of six-toed cats.
- Next up is the Key West lighthouse. Walk the grounds as you hear the story of its first light keeper.
What You Should Bring
- Bring along a smartphone to listen to the tour. You may share between people in your group, or use headphones to listen in individually.
- If you have a portable phone charger, bring that along as well.
- There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a bite to eat or a drink, whether it’s a fruity concoction or just a bottle of water.
Best Times for This Excursion
- This tour can be enjoyed whenever is good for you during daylight hours.
- If you would like to enter some of the buildings along the tour, then you will want to check the operating hours of those locations (Separate fees apply).
Frequently Asked
Where does the tour take place?
The tour is conducted within public grounds and areas. We discuss some interior locations, but there may be a separate entrance fee if you would like to access these areas. The Little White House and Hemingway House are examples.
Are there restrooms along the route?
Public restrooms are available at the beginning of the tour in Mallory Square.
Preview the Key West Audio Tour
Capt. Tony's Saloon
Today's the Day!
Key West Lighthouse
Visit the most iconic places in Old Town 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. Along the way, 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.
Our tour starts at Mallory Square, the cultural center of Key West, and the location of the nightly Sunset Celebration. Enjoy some of the street performers in the square before walking to the sculpture garden where the island’s shipwrecking heritage is commemorated. We then head over to Captain Tony’s Saloon and Sloppy Joe’s where you can grab a rum runner and some snacks before continuing. But if you like Key Lime Pie or frozen Key Lime pops, then save room because we will be passing by Kermit’s Key Lime Pie shop shortly.
We continue with a stroll down Caroline Street, one of the oldest streets in town. As we walk, I’ll tell you the origin story of one of America’s most iconic brands, Pan American Airways, which began right here.
Next is the Little White House, where President Harry Truman would escape when he tired of the “Big, White Jail” back in Washington. Afterward, we will walk to Mile Marker Zero, the beginning of US Route 1 for a quick photo-op before turning onto Duval Street, Key West’s main commercial strip.
You probably know that Ernest Hemingway spent several years of his life in Key West. We visit the home where he and his second wife, Pauline, lived for nine years. Tours are available (separate admission) if you want to deep-dive into Hemingway’s history. Right next door is the Key West Lighthouse. Hemingway said that he wanted to live near the lighthouse so he would always be able to find his way home after a night of drinking.
We wrap up the tour at Southernmost Point, which as the name implies, is as south as you can get in the continental US. This is another great spot for a selfie or photo with your travel companions.
Whether you’re on the island for only a day, or calling Key West home for the season, this tour is for anyone who wants to dig into its past and enjoy its present. Allow 2-3 hours to get the most out of this tour. There are a few places to stop along the way in case you’d like some relief from the sun, or to grab a drink or bite to eat.
How It Works
Click the button below and you will be taken to a secure purchase form via my booking vendor. Regardless of the day that you choose on the calendar, you can begin the tour whenever you’d like. You will have unlimited access to the tour.
After purchase, you will receive an automated email with instructions for downloading the Voice Map application through the Apple or Google Play stores, along with a voucher code to access the tour. Further instructions are included in the email, along with my cell number in the event of any technical issues. It’s pretty easy.
**Remember to turn on location services on your smartphone. For most, it’s already enabled.