Key West Conch and Hemingway Self-Guided Walk

About this tour

What's included

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide
• App and Tour Download

Not included

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Itinerary

1. 1
   Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

   Step into a graceful 19th-century home filled with period furnishings and surrounded by lush tropical gardens alive with native birds and careful landscaping. This peaceful oasis offers a glimpse into Key West’s refined side and artistic past.

   Pass by without stopping
2. 2
   Stop 2

   This vibrant historic neighborhood reflects the island’s deep Bahamian roots through colorful homes, Caribbean influences, and a strong sense of community. Walking here reveals a side of Key West shaped by working families, faith, and culture.

   5 min
3. 3
   Drive-by

   A classic Key West sight, this open-air train has carried visitors through the Old Town for decades. Its cheerful presence is a reminder of how the island transformed local storytelling into a shared visitor experience.

   Pass by without stopping
4. 4
   Duval Street

   The island’s most famous thoroughfare buzzes with music, colorful storefronts, historic bars, and shaded corners. Stretching from the Gulf to the Atlantic, it captures the lively rhythm that defines Key West life.

   5 min
5. 5
   The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

   Set behind a high coral wall, this elegant Spanish Colonial home is where Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most famous works. The peaceful gardens and legendary six-toed cats make this a stop full of quiet inspiration and literary history.

   Pass by without stopping
6. 6
   Green Parrot Bar

   Once a neighborhood grocery, this laid-back bar evolved into a beloved gathering spot for locals and wandering storytellers. Its unpretentious atmosphere reflects the island’s long tradition of conversation, music, and community.

   5 min
7. 7
   Truman Little White House

   This modest residence served as President Harry S. Truman’s winter retreat and working office. It stands today as a fascinating link between small-town Key West and world-shaping decisions.

   Pass by without stopping
8. 8
   Key West Cemetery

   Resting above sea level, this historic cemetery tells the story of storms, shipwrecks, epidemics, and colorful island lives. Humorous and heartfelt epitaphs offer a surprisingly personal window into the island’s past.

   5 min
9. 9
   Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden

   Tucked beside the waterfront, this quiet garden honors writers, pioneers, and leaders connected to the island. Its statues create a reflective space where Key West’s layered history feels close at hand.

   5 min
10. 10
    Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

    Climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for sweeping views over Old Town. Inside, the restored keeper’s home reveals the daily life of those who once guided ships through dangerous coastal waters.

    Pass by without stopping
11. 11
    Mallory Square

    This famous waterfront plaza is where Key West’s sunset celebration comes alive each evening with performers, artists, and ocean views. By day, it’s a relaxed gathering place that captures the island’s playful public spirit.

    5 min
12. 12
    The Oldest House Museum & Garden

    Built in the early 1800s, this restored Conch-style home offers a rare look at domestic life in Key West’s earliest years. Its tropical gardens and shaded porches preserve the quiet charm of frontier island living.

    Pass by without stopping
13. 13
    Stop 13

    Made famous by Ernest Hemingway, this legendary bar has been a lively crossroads for sailors, writers, and travelers for nearly a century. Its bustling energy and historic character make it one of Duval Street’s most iconic stops.

    5 min
14. 14
    Stop 14

    With its distinctive coral-pink exterior, this grand 19th-century mansion stands just steps from the Atlantic. It reflects the wealth and ambition that once flowed through Key West during its maritime heyday.

    5 min
15. 15
    Stop 15

    Originally built for military drills and civic events, this sturdy structure speaks to Key West’s strategic coastal role. Today, it stands as a reminder of the island’s mix of defense, community, and adaptation.

    5 min
16. 16
    Tennessee Williams Museum

    This intimate museum celebrates the playwright’s years of work and reflection on the island. Through artifacts and film, it reveals how Key West shaped his creative voice and personal freedom.

    Pass by without stopping
17. 17
    The Studios of Key West

    Housed in the former island armory, this dynamic arts center showcases rotating exhibitions, performances, and workshops. It continues Key West’s long tradition of supporting bold, independent artistic expression.

    5 min
18. 18
    Stop 18

    This grand seaside resort opened in 1920 as one of the island’s first luxury destinations. Its sweeping grounds and ocean views mark the moment Key West began redefining itself as a tropical retreat.

    5 min
19. 19
    Stop 19

    A quiet, shaded lane named for a local woman of folklore, this street reveals Key West’s softer, more residential charm. Walking here offers a calm contrast to the energy of Duval Street, lined with cottages and island stories.

    5 min

Meeting point and getting there

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time