A Self-Guided Tour of Key West's Legends and Sights

Key West , United States

A Self-Guided Tour of Key West's Legends and Sights

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Slip into Jimmy Buffett and Hemingway’s sandals and see iconic island sights on this self-guided audio tour.

Key West’s quirky island lifestyle has attracted larger-than-life characters, including author Ernest Hemingway, singer Jimmy Buffet, and treasure hunter Mel Fisher. On this walking tour, you’ll hear about the legendary people the island has attracted over the years and see where they made history.

Your guide is none other than Frank Everhart, the Schooner Wharf Bar’s very own comedic magician, whose tales are as captivating as the history they’re woven from.

Frank, with his intimate knowledge and personal anecdotes, will show you the museums, bars and often-overlooked corners where treasure hunters, eccentrics, and unforgettable locals left their mark. You’ll even see Jimmy Buffet’s first home and his Key West recording studio, Shrimpboat Sound Studio.

Available options

A Self-Guided Tour of Key West's Legends and Sights

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your journey at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, where tales of sunken treasure and maritime adventures await.

Pass by the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, a historic landmark offering a glimpse into Key West's lush flora and fauna.

Visit Capt Tony’s Saloon, a legendary watering hole where Ernest Hemingway and other colorful characters once raised their glasses.

Marvel at Sloppy Joe's Bar, an iconic Key West institution where the spirit of Hemingway lives on in every sip and story.

Wander past Joe's Tap Room, a local favorite known for its laid-back atmosphere and refreshing libations.

Sip on a cocktail at the Chart Room Cocktail Lounge, a hidden gem beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Catch a glimpse of Two Friends Patio Restaurant, a charming eatery where you can enjoy a leisurely meal amidst the island's tropical ambiance.

Hear tales of Key West's colorful past as you pass by Old City Hall, a historic building with a storied history.

Discover Shots & Giggles, a lively bar known for its eclectic decor and festive atmosphere.

Pass by Shrimpboat Sound Studio, Jimmy Buffett's recording studio, where musical magic has been made for decades.

Stroll along Lazy Way Lane, a picturesque pathway that captures the laid-back charm of Key West's island lifestyle.

End your tour at Schooner Wharf Bar, where you can raise a glass to the island's colourful history and vibrant spirit.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour begins behind the red brick Customs House and next to the water overlooking Sunset Key. This is in the Opal Key Resort & Marina at 245 Front Street.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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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.

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.

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.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

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.