Dry Tortugas National Park And More — 3 Historical Key West Tours

If you want to spend some of your vacation in Key West learning about the island, its history, as well as legends, there are plenty of activities that are right up your alley. Key West is an island that is alive with history, natural beauty, and ghoulish mythology.

Whether you want to spend your day at the Western Hemisphere’s largest masonry structure on Dry Tortugas National Park, a palace of presidential history, or looking for ghosts, there are Key West tours tailor made to fit your needs, wants, and desires. Here are 3 historical Key West tours you do not want to miss.

The Giant Of The Keys: Dry Tortugas National Park

70 miles from the coast of Key West sits an abandoned marvel. The Dry Tortugas National Park houses the massive Fort Jefferson, a military ghost town and masonry superstructure. The fort on Dry Tortugas National Park is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere and has a long history.

During the Civil War, the fort was used as a prison. It held Booth’s co-conspirators in the assassination of Lincoln. The massive 16 million brick structure is now the centerpiece of the Dry Tortugas National Park and open to Key West tours year round.

A Presidential Retreat: The Harry S. Truman Little White House

When the strains of leading the world’s most powerful country became too much, many presidents have sought refuge on the sunny shores of the island of Key West. The former naval base was converted into a presidential retreat when President Harry S. Truman came to the island in need of some to recovery time from stress related health issues.

Since then, presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton have all made their way to the “Winter White House” for meetings, family reunions, or to recover and relax in Key West. Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the building. It is one of the perfect Key West tours for seeing how many of our presidents vacationed. The Harry S. Truman Little White House is open to visitors year round, and those who enter will receive a guided tour.

Get Scared Silly Hunting For Ghosts

While ghost stories don’t fit the most conservative definitions of “historical”, their importance as an oral tradition and use as a means to pass down information throughout generations convinces me to let it slide. Ghost stories are an important part of any town or area’s identity and Key West is no different. From pirates to locals, ghosts to the unexplainable, families and ghost hunters of all ages will have a blast hearing the secrets of Key West recounted.

These Key West tours of ghosts and ghouls are so popular, so well known, and so ingrained into the culture and history of the island, they have been featured on the History Channel, Discovery, the Travel Channel, and the BBC. These Key West tours take place in the Old Town neighborhood of Key West. The neighborhood is the site of much history and activity on the island is known for its relaxed pace and wonderful nightlife.

Christine O’Kelly writes for the Key West experts at Best on Key West. They provide information on Key West tours to exciting places like Dry Tortugas National Park.