Key West is a place that invites exploration — whether you’re walking past colorful conch cottages, cruising along shimmering waters, or enjoying its quirky legends. Its rich tapestry of history, arts, and even ghost stories makes it a prime destination for guided tours. We especially like visiting the Harry S Truman Little White House, where you can see where the President stayed and worked, and learning about the island’s darker side on a haunted pub crawl. The tours here are unique because they blend local lore with interactive experiences, making your visit memorable beyond just snapping photos.
While Key West is small enough to explore on your own, these guided options add context, stories, and fun that you won’t get wandering aimlessly. From historical visits to ghost stories, there’s something for all’s interest. Whether you want a deep dive into American history, a spooky adventure, or a scenic boat ride, each tour offers a different flavor of Key West. Below is a quick overview of the best options, followed by detailed descriptions to help you decide.
1. Key West: Truman Little White House Guided Tour Ticket
At number one, we recommend the guided tour of the Truman Little White House. Priced at $26 per person, this 1-hour experience offers a close look at the house where President Truman stayed during his presidency. It’s a must for history enthusiasts eager to see where some of America’s most important decisions were made. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories about Truman, Eisenhower, Edison, and the house’s role during WWII.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to step inside a building with real presidential history, including where Eisenhower recuperated from his 1956 heart attack. Visitors rave about the in-depth storytelling — one guide was described as “very knowledgeable and a fun guide,” making history come alive. The tour’s affordability and rich content make it a top choice for those interested in American political history or simply wanting a meaningful stop on their Key West visit.
Bottom Line: If you’re into U.S. history or presidential lore, this tour delivers a captivating hour with excellent value.
2. Key West: Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
For those who enjoy a spooky twist with their evening drinks, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a great pick. At $35 per person, this 2-hour tour combines visiting Key West’s most haunted pubs with chilling stories of the island’s darker past. You’ll hear tales involving demonic dolls, tragic deaths, and paranormal activity — all with a drink in hand.
This tour is perfect for those who want a little thrill with their nightlife, especially if ghost stories give you a thrill. The guide’s storytelling skills are highly praised, with one reviewer calling Bob “very knowledgeable and a fun guide.” The tour explores lesser-known histories while visiting some of the island’s most haunted bars and restaurants, offering a different perspective on Key West’s lively scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers who enjoy ghost stories and a lively atmosphere, with the added fun of visiting historic pubs.
3. Miami: Key West Boat Tour w/ Optional Snorkeling & Open Bar
If you’re looking for a scenic, active day, the boat tour from Miami to Key West offers a memorable experience. Priced at $18, this 18-hour adventure includes a transfer from Miami Beach, with a boat ride featuring an open bar, music, and the chance to snorkel among the coral reefs.
This tour is unique because it combines transportation, entertainment, and snorkeling in one package, perfect if you’re keen to see marine life like loggerhead turtles and barracudas. Reviews note the thrill of snorkeling at the largest coral ecosystem in the mainland U.S., along with coastal views on the cruise. Be aware, the review ratings are modest, so this isn’t a luxury experience, but it offers excellent value for adventurous travelers who want to combine travel with a bit of underwater exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want to make a day of it, combining scenery, marine life, and lively onboard atmosphere.
4. Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State
For travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace, the GPS Audio Tour is a solid option. This 2-hour experience costs $12 and guides you through Old Town Key West with turn-by-turn directions, allowing you to visit landmarks such as the Conch Republic, Jimmy Buffett’s favorite spots, and major sights.
What’s especially nice is that it’s customizable — you can skip parts that don’t interest you or linger at places you love. This tour is perfect for independent travelers comfortable with their smartphones or GPS devices, seeking a flexible way to learn about Key West’s culture and notable sights. It’s a budget-friendly choice that offers a personalized experience, ideal if you’re comfortable self-guiding but want expert commentary.
Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers wanting control over their sightseeing and a rich storybook of local legends.
5. Key West: Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour
If ghost stories are your thing, the Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour haunted walk priced at $25. This tour visits eerie landmarks like River Street Sweets, Robert the Doll’s home, the Hemingway House, and the Artist House. It’s a family-friendly way to discover Key West’s spooky side, with stories that include paranormal activities and grisly murders.
One reviewer called it “extremely enjoyable” and praised the guide’s extensive knowledge. It’s a fun, spooky way to learn about the characters and events that shaped the island’s culture. If you like a bit of fright mixed with history, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or anyone interested in spooky tales with a cultural twist.
6. Key West: Southernmost Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
Rounding out our list, the Southernmost Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour offers a quick hour exploring eight haunted sites, including the hotel that fascinated Ernest Hemingway and the La Concha Hotel. At $27, it’s a shorter, more intense ghost story experience.
While reviews are mixed, with a 3.4-star rating, some travelers appreciated the well-researched stories, and others found it less engaging. It’s best for those who want a quick, ghostly overview of Key West’s haunted history without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors short on time who want a brisk ghost walk with some good spooky tales.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour fits your trip, consider your interests and schedule. If history is your focus, the White House tour offers authentic presidential stories. For a ghostly thrill, the Ghosts of Key West and Southernmost Ghosts tours provide spooky tales in different formats.
Active travelers may prefer the boat snorkeling trip for its combination of adventure and scenery. Those seeking flexibility might enjoy the GPS audio tour, especially if you prefer exploring independently. Budget-conscious visitors can get a lot of value from the self-guided or shorter ghost tours, while those wanting a deeper dive into history will find the White House tour rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Key West offers a wide range of tours that appeal to different interests and schedules. History buffs will appreciate the White House tour, while thrill-seekers should consider the haunted pub crawl or ghost walks. For scenic beauty and marine life, the boat snorkeling trip from Miami is hard to beat.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, so you can secure your preferred time slot. No matter which experience you choose, Key West’s tours provide a chance to see the island from new angles — whether through stories, history, or spooky legends. Happy touring!