About this experience
Embark on a self-guided audio adventure through Key West's storied Old Town, where the sun-soaked streets echo with the daring tales of pirates, treasure hunters, and fearless 'wreckers'.
Led by the eccentric Captain William Shade, the ghost of an 1800s pirate, you'll navigate from Mallory Square to the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Duck into El Meson de Pepe's for rum-fueled revelry (drinks are not included in the price of the tour), explore Capt Tony's Saloon's ghostly history, visit the Oldest House Museum, and dive into Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum for tales of daring underwater heists. Encounter the wild past at Audubon House, and stand before the Custom House where customs agents once tamed the Key West tides. This is no ordinary stroll; it's a spirited awakening of history, where every step reveals the legends that shaped this island city.
Best times for the tour are either early mornings or just before sunset, where the temperature can be a bit more pleasant.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr–1 hr 15 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr–1 hr 15 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Old Town Key West Guide for Tourists
Beneath Old Town Key West’s pastel charm lies a perfect first-day plan, but one stop can make or break your entire visit.
What is included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
- Tickets to optional attractions en route
Itinerary and highlights
Pass by El Meson de Pepe's Restaurant and Bar, where the rum flows freely, and the salsa never stops. While not a required stop, it offers a riotous throwback to the days of pirate code and treasure hunts.
Move through the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, learning about Captain David Porter's transformation of the fishing village into a thriving naval station. While not a designated stop, this area provides historical context for Key West's evolution.
Stumble into Capt Tony's Saloon, where spirits aren't only in the bottles, and grim tales of the departed linger. While not dwelling inside, this infamous saloon holds a dark history, including a hanging tree and ghostly tales.
Pass by the Oldest House, now a museum, and delve into the history of wreckers who turned "finders keepers" into a treasure hunt for rum or a ship full of gold.
Admire Captain George Carey's House, transformed into a local hub in the 1900s, hosting prominent figures like Gloria Swanson, Tennessee Williams, and the Hemingways. While not entering, it adds cultural richness to your journey.
Explore Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, a gateway to Key West's untamed past. While not entering, this site reflects the wild history of the city.
Pass by Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum, a treasure trove for armchair buccaneers, hearing about daring underwater heists that prove the adage, "fortune favors the bold."
Pass the old Custom House, where customs agents once attempted to tame the wild tides of Key West. While not entering, it adds historical depth to your stroll.
End your tour in front of the Key West Shipwreck Museum, where you'll have met legendary characters who left their mark on this island city. While not entering, this final stop allows you to reflect on the awakening of Key West's vibrant history.
Meeting and pickup information
- The tour begins on the southern end of Mallory Square (420 Wall St, Key West).
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- Spanish — Audio
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
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What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
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