How to Plan Your Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour

Are you thinking of visiting Key West? Do you enjoy learning about the history and culture of the places you visit? If yes, then don’t miss out on the Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour, an excellent way to explore and know more about the charming Old Town area of the city at your own pace. This tour is designed to let you walk the streets of the old town, accompanied by a tour guide on your smartphone. The tour guides you to different attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems, informing you of their historical significance, and ensures that you don’t miss a thing. You can use the tour as much as you like, and with lifelong access to it, you can revisit the sites virtually even after your trip. If you’re interested in taking this tour but have no idea how to plan it, then this guide is for you. We’ve put together all the essential information, including how to book the tour, what to expect, and what to bring.

Overview

The Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour is a walking tour of the historic Old Town area of the city. This tour offers you an opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, learn about its culture, and see some of its most famous landmarks, all at a leisurely pace. The tour begins from Mallory Square and takes you through the old town’s narrow streets, passing by attractions such as the Little White House and the Lighthouse, before ending at Mile 0, the Southernmost Point of the Continental US.

Tour Highlights

Here are some of the tour highlights that you will get to experience:

• Learn about the history of Key West, once the richest city in the United States in the 1800s
• Visit the Little White House, the winter retreat of President Harry S. Truman
• Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, a National Historic Landmark
• Stroll down Duval Street, Key West’s main avenue, lined with art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops
• Climb the Key West Lighthouse, with breathtaking views of the city and the ocean
• Take a break by the famous Southernmost Beach or the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
• Know how Key West became “The Conch Republic” in the 1900s

The VoiceMap App

The tour uses the VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS. The app tracks your location and provides real-time narrations as you walk through the city. Besides, you can download the audio files in advance to have offline access to them during the tour. The app is a user-friendly and convenient way to follow the guided tour. You can start, pause and resume the tour according to your pace and preferences. Plus, you can use it to access virtual tours of other cities worldwide.

Booking the Tour

Booking the Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour is as easy as one, two, three. All you need to do is visit the Viator website, click on the “Book Now” button, and choose the date and time when you want to take the tour. The cost is $15.99, and you can pay securely online. Book the tour here

What’s Included?

Here’s a list of everything included in the Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour:

• Lifetime access to this self-guided tour in English
• VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
• Offline access to audio maps and geodata
• Smartphone and headphones
• Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
• Food and drinks (not included)

What to Bring

To make the most of your tour, it’s essential to come prepared. Here are some things you should bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
• A bottle of water to avoid dehydration
• A backpack or bag to carry your belongings
• Your smartphone, fully charged and the VoiceMap app installed
• Headphones to listen to the audio guide

Additional Tips

To ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Check the weather forecast before taking the tour as Key West can be hot and humid.
2. Start the tour early in the day to avoid the crowds and the harsh sun.
3. Be respectful of the city’s historic landmarks and take care of them.
4. Carry a map of the city and a compass if possible, as the VoiceMap app drains your phone’s battery quickly.
5. Use the opportunity to taste some local cuisine or visit a museum that you find interesting.
6. Share your experience on social media and with your friends and family.

The Bottom Line

Experiencing Key West’s Old Town Treasures Self-Guided Audio Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the city. The tour is flexible, convenient, and designed to suit all ages and fitness levels. By following this guide, you can plan your tour with ease and make memorable experiences that will stay with you lifelong. Remember to bring your camera, a smile, and an open mind, and enjoy the beautiful city of Key West.

FAQs about Key West

If you’re planning a vacation to Key West, you might have a few questions before you embark on your trip. To help make your planning process easier, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Key West.

1. What is the best time of year to visit Key West?

Key West is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for warm weather and sunshine, the summer months (June-August) are the hottest and most humid. The winter months (December-February) are pleasantly warm and dry, with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Key West?

There are so many things to see and do in Key West, but some of the must-see attractions include:

• Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
• Duval Street
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
• Harry S. Truman Little White House
• Southernmost Point

3. How do I get around Key West?

Key West is a small island, so it’s easy to get around on foot, bike, or scooter. However, if you’re not up for walking, there are also taxis, trolleys, and buses available. Renting a car can be difficult and expensive, so it’s not always the best option.

4. What is the food like in Key West?

Key West is known for its fresh seafood, but there are also plenty of other options available. Some popular local dishes include conch fritters, key lime pie, and Cuban sandwiches. There are also numerous restaurants serving international cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

5. What are the best beaches in Key West?

Some of the best beaches in Key West include:

• Smathers Beach
• Higgs Beach
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Sunset Key Beach

6. Can I swim with dolphins in Key West?

Yes, you can! There are a few different companies that offer dolphin encounters, including Dolphin Research Center and Fury Water Adventures.

7. What should I pack for my trip to Key West?

Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing, as well as plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You’ll also want to bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as a bathing suit and beach towel if you plan to hit the sand. Don’t forget to bring bug spray and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

8. What is the nightlife like in Key West?

Key West is known for its lively nightlife, with countless bars and clubs lining Duval Street. Some popular spots include Sloppy Joe’s, Captain Tony’s Saloon, and the Green Parrot Bar.

9. Are there any annual events in Key West?

Yes, there are several annual events in Key West that are worth checking out, including:

• Fantasy Fest (October)
• Key West Food & Wine Festival (January)
• Hemingway Days (July)
• Key West Songwriters Festival (May)

10. Is Key West expensive?

Key West can be expensive, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are ways to save money, such as staying in a budget-friendly hotel or vacation rental, cooking some meals at home, and taking advantage of free activities like the sunset celebration at Mallory Square.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Key West

Key West is a small island city located in the state of Florida. Being the southernmost point of the continental United States, it has long been a popular tourist destination. With its turquoise waters, a laid-back atmosphere and year-round sunshine, there are plenty of things to do and see for tourists. Here are some of the best things to do as a tourist in Key West.

1. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway is a world-renowned author who lived in Key West for many years. Visiting his home and museum is a must-do activity for any Hemingway fan or literary enthusiast. This beautiful property houses many antiques and original furnishings from the 1930s when Hemingway used to live here. The most famous attractions on the property are the six-toed cats that Hemingway raised, which still inhabit the grounds today.

2. Walk around the Historic Seaport District

The Historic Seaport District is a great place to take a leisurely stroll to take in some of Key West’s most colorful and charming architecture. You can find many street performers lining the harbor and live music to enhance the atmosphere. Historic Seaport District is also one of the best places in Key West to watch the sunset.

3. Take a Ferry Ride

If you want to see some of the surrounding areas, take a ferry ride. Ferry services are available to the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park, which boasts crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches, and Sunset Key Island. The ferry ride alone is a wonderful experience, and you may even spot some dolphins or other sea creatures during the journey.

4. Explore Mallory Square

Mallory Square has long been a gathering place for both locals and tourists. You can find street performers and many local vendors selling a host of wares. Every night, crowds gather here to watch the breathtaking sunset. If you’re lucky, you may even see a street performer swallowing fire or performing other stunts.

5. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is an indoor botanical garden in which there are over 50 species of butterflies. The garden is a great place to relax and unwind, with various tropical plants, flowers, and tranquil waterfalls. In addition to the butterflies, it is a sanctuary for other exotic birds as well.

6. Take a Ghost Tour

Key West is known for its spooky history and ghost sightings. Many guided ghost tours are available, where you’ll visit haunted houses and cemeteries, and learn about the legends and myths of the region’s ghost stories.

7. Enjoy the Beaches

With its warm climate and clear waters, Key West has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The top-rated locations to visit include Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Adventurous tourists can go parasailing or jet skiing or simply sit back and relax in a comfy beach chair with an umbrella in the sand.

Book Your Tour Now

There’s no shortage of fun and exciting activities for tourists in Key West. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just having a good time, there’s always something for everyone. So pack your bags, and head to the southernmost point in the continental United States to explore and experience all that Key West has to offer.