Key West Audio Tour: Explore Hemingway's Paradise

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Key West with this self-guided audio tour. Discover Hemingway’s paradise, hear stories of pirates and shipwrecks, and explore the vibrant culture of this unique island.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. - See that big red buoy straight ahead? It’s hard to miss, as it’s the last thing you’ll see before the ocean. This marks the southernmost point in the Continental United States! Well, sort of. Let me explain.

NOTE: This 2.3+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Florida Key West in 1 hour.

  • Historic Cedar House - The Historic Cedar House is coming up on our right. It’s pretty hard to miss, given the name! Why do they call it the Cedar House? Take a look at the house and the fence surrounding it. That’s right, they’re both made out of cedar. This is one of the only homes in Key West made entirely out of cedar.

  • The Kapok Tree - Ahead on the left we can see the famous Kapok Tree. It’s the big one with wide branches spreading straight out from the trunk. Kapok trees are some of the largest flowering trees in the world, reaching heights of over 200 feet tall. They’re found in warm tropical climates, and considered sacred by many cultures.

  • Zero Mile Art - The intersection ahead marks the beginning of US Highway One. Mile marker zero stands just ahead on our left. We’ll be approaching from the back of the sign, so make sure you walk around to the front for a better look.

  • Key West Pirates Well - If you’d like to take a quick detour to a piratical attraction, turn right onto Caroline Street. This will take you to the Captain George Carey house, home to the Pirates Well. The well is just out in front of the house.

  • Captain George Carey House - On our right stands the Captain George Carey House! Have you ever heard of the “Wreck of the German Brides?” It’s a real thing! A ship wrecked near here in the 1800s and five German women survived. All of them were single, and every one of them ended up marrying a man from Key West!

  • Truman Little White House - Take a look to the left. See the sign for Truman’s “Little” Whitehouse? It’s a short walk from here, so if you’d like to check it out, you can follow the signs. But if you don’t, just keep heading down Whitehead Street while I tell you a little about it.

  • Audubon House & Tropical Gardens - On our right stands the Audubon House and its surrounding tropical gardens. You can’t miss it! Constructed in 1849, this used to be the home of Captain John Geiger, one of Key West’s wealthiest men.

  • Capt. Tony’s Saloon - We’re approaching Greene Street, home to a very special Key West landmark: Captain Tony’s Saloon! The barstools in this establishment bear the names of celebrities who’ve stopped for a drink there. Want to drink at the same bar where Robert DeNiro, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Clint Eastwood once tossed a few back? This is your place.

  • Sloppy Joe’s - On our left stands the new location of Sloppy Joe’s. Time to set the history straight once and for all. As I mentioned, this isn’t the original Sloppy Joe’s. But did you know that neither was Captain Tony’s Saloon? So where was the original?

  • The Oldest House Museum & Garden - Believe it or not, that white house with the porch on our right is the oldest house on the island! Built in 1829, it was home to the prominent wrecker, Captain Fracis Watlington, who lived there with his wife and nine daughters. Yes, you heard that right: Nine!

  • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - Notice the large white church to our left? That’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, one of the area’s most beautiful buildings. You wouldn’t know it by looking, but the church has seen its fair share of tragedy and disasters over the years.

  • San Carlos Institute - Remember the fire of 1886? The white building with three archways on our right is the San Carlos Institute, and it’s where that fire began! These days it’s a museum, library, theater, and school. Oh, and an art gallery. It’s also been recognized as one of Florida’s most beautiful landmarks.

  • Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory - Just ahead on our right stands the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Here, you can see over 50 butterfly species from around the world, as well as gardens replete with flowering plants, exotic birds, and cascading waterfalls. Sort of a paradise inside of paradise.

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Explore beautiful coastlines, wild history, and fascinating wildlife with this self-guided walking tour of Key West. Get to know famed author Ernest Hemingway and the island’s influence on his work. Hear stories of pirates, shipwrecks, and disasters and marvel at lush tropical gardens and coastline. Then stroll along Duval Street, the bustling heart of Key West, and savor the rich culture of this one-of-a-kind island.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Location
1400 Duval St
Duval Street
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Darron_p
May 13, 2024
Enjoyed it! - Self Tour app worked great. Loved all of the information. Kept up with you whether you were walking or driving a golf cart.
Review provided by Viator
Sightsee59660915960
Mar 7, 2024
Wonderful walking tour - Very easy to use app. The narrator kept our attention with stories and highlights all along the route. If we stoped to eat/shop, as soon as we started to walk again, he would pick up where he left off. We felt as if we had our own personal tour guide giving us the history of Key West. We would highly recommend using this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Galet31
Dec 25, 2023
Xmas cruise - Easy to use. Fun info and a pleasure to walk along and have the story begin. 100 characters is a lot to write. Merry Christmas
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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