Although Key West is not a large island, and is a mere 3 1/2 miles by 1 1/2 miles, there is so much to do and see that it is well worth taking one of the Old Town Trolley Tours. You cannot miss these large orange and black trolley buses which take visitors on a 90 minute tour of over 100 points of interest. Indeed, when cruise ships arrive at the new ‘Cruise Ship Mole’ these brightly coloured trolley buses are used to ferry passengers to Mallory Square, from the dock.
But one of the best things about these trolleys is that once you have purchased your ticket you can get on and off the trolley at any of the convenient stops on the way, so that you can choose where to linger a little longer. When you have finished shopping, or eating, or visiting one of the many interesting buildings and museums you simply catch the next trolley and rejoin the tour where you left off. However, you can just stay on the trolley for the complete loop, but its flexibility makes it a really great option. Trolleys pass by each stop at approximately 30 minute intervals, so you can do the tour at your own pace, and if something takes your fancy you simply disembark and spend as much time as you like there.
Of course, one of the advantages of taking a guided tour like this is the knowledge imparted by the trained guides on board. They are happy to answer questions, and love to talk about the amazing and varied history of Key West. They even offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
The trolley takes you past many points of interest, including the southernmost point of the USA, where you can take the almost obligatory photo to show everyone back home. The tour starts at Mallory Square, the heart of Key West, with its many museums and fascinating shops. From the historic waterfront you will not only be able to see many famous buildings, but you can gaze at the huge super-liners that visit Key West regularly. The tour circles the whole island, passing close to the coast, with many impressive hotels such as the Wyndhams, the Sheraton and the Hyatt, along Atlantic Boulevard, onto South Roosevelt Boulevard and past the East Martello Fort and Museum, with Key West International Airport on the way.
If you want to include a visit to the Hemmingway House, the Lighthouse museum, or the Key West Butterfly Nature Conservancy then stop off at the Bahama Villlage Market, and you will find them a short walk away. Mel Fisher’s Museum, and the Custom House Museum are to be found near Mallory Square, along with the Key West Aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House, so you could finish off there.
Key West is a very busy and bustling place, so it makes more sense to leave your car and take the trolley ride. Free parking is provided at the Welcome Centre in North Roosevelt Boulevard, where you can simply pick up the trolley.
But one of the best things about these trolleys is that once you have purchased your ticket you can get on and off the trolley at any of the convenient stops on the way, so that you can choose where to linger a little longer. When you have finished shopping, or eating, or visiting one of the many interesting buildings and museums you simply catch the next trolley and rejoin the tour where you left off. However, you can just stay on the trolley for the complete loop, but its flexibility makes it a really great option. Trolleys pass by each stop at approximately 30 minute intervals, so you can do the tour at your own pace, and if something takes your fancy you simply disembark and spend as much time as you like there.
Of course, one of the advantages of taking a guided tour like this is the knowledge imparted by the trained guides on board. They are happy to answer questions, and love to talk about the amazing and varied history of Key West. They even offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
The trolley takes you past many points of interest, including the southernmost point of the USA, where you can take the almost obligatory photo to show everyone back home. The tour starts at Mallory Square, the heart of Key West, with its many museums and fascinating shops. From the historic waterfront you will not only be able to see many famous buildings, but you can gaze at the huge super-liners that visit Key West regularly. The tour circles the whole island, passing close to the coast, with many impressive hotels such as the Wyndhams, the Sheraton and the Hyatt, along Atlantic Boulevard, onto South Roosevelt Boulevard and past the East Martello Fort and Museum, with Key West International Airport on the way.
If you want to include a visit to the Hemmingway House, the Lighthouse museum, or the Key West Butterfly Nature Conservancy then stop off at the Bahama Villlage Market, and you will find them a short walk away. Mel Fisher’s Museum, and the Custom House Museum are to be found near Mallory Square, along with the Key West Aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House, so you could finish off there.
Key West is a very busy and bustling place, so it makes more sense to leave your car and take the trolley ride. Free parking is provided at the Welcome Centre in North Roosevelt Boulevard, where you can simply pick up the trolley.