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

3 Reviews 4.67 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Key West, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

90 to 180 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Voice Map Audio Tour App
  • Audio Guide
  • Smartphone
  • Headphones
  • OPTIONAL: Admission to Truman Little White House ($22.95)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

10 Mallory Square
Key West, FL 33040, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

1400 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040, USA

The tour ends at the Southernmost Point Bouy at the intersection of Whitehead and South Streets.

What To Expect

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Mallory Square

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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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.
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Capt. Tony's Saloon

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sloppy Joe's

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

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.
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Truman Little White House

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

US 1 Mile Marker 0

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Margaritaville - Key West (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.
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The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

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
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Southernmost Point

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Maritime Village to Micro State: A Self Guided Tour of Key West?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-265273P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.67
3 reviews

Average 4.67 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Voice Map Audio Tour App
  • Audio Guide
  • 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)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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

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