Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Step into 19th-century Key West at the Audubon House, featuring historic charm, lush gardens, and John James Audubon's art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into 19th-century Key West at the Audubon House, featuring historic charm, lush gardens, and John James Audubon's art.
"A beautifully restored home with an interesting history and a neat tropical garden."
Don't Miss the Gallery
The attached gallery boasts beautiful Audubon prints, from small pieces to first edition etchings.
Explore Gardens at Your Pace
Wander through the serene tropical gardens after your guided tour to enjoy the orchids and flora.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Audubon House
Main Residence
Step back in time in this beautifully restored 1840s home, once owned by Captain John Geiger.
Tropical Gardens
Exterior Grounds
A serene oasis filled with orchids and diverse flora, offering a peaceful retreat from the Key West sun.
Audubon Art Gallery
Attached Gallery
Admire a stunning collection of John James Audubon's prints, including rare etchings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Garden Delights & House History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Gallery
The attached gallery boasts beautiful Audubon prints, from small pieces to first edition etchings.
Explore Gardens at Your Pace
Wander through the serene tropical gardens after your guided tour to enjoy the orchids and flora.
Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like David are praised for their historical insights and friendly demeanor.
Unique Gift Shop
Discover cool souvenirs and Audubon art in the onsite gift shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Gallery
The attached gallery boasts beautiful Audubon prints, from small pieces to first edition etchings.
Explore Gardens at Your Pace
Wander through the serene tropical gardens after your guided tour to enjoy the orchids and flora.
Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like David are praised for their historical insights and friendly demeanor.
Unique Gift Shop
Discover cool souvenirs and Audubon art in the onsite gift shop.
Perfect Event Venue
The gardens and historic house make a stunning backdrop for weddings and events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens for its beautifully restored historic home, knowledgeable guides, and serene tropical gardens filled with orchids. The onsite art gallery featuring Audubon's prints is a significant highlight, and many find the gift shop offers unique items. It's also noted as a beautiful venue for events.
"Lovely home w/ antiques and Audubon art, cookhouse, restrooms, gardens, etc... The gardens are a sweet little haven out of the sun and craziness with orchids and other flora. The guides were very knowledgeable about it's history & super friendly. It has an amazing gift shop onsite as well!"
cynthia welsh
"We had the opportunity to select the Audubon House and Tropical gardens as our wedding ceremony and reception venue this past June. The gardens and historic house were a perfect backdrop to our event. The Audubon staff not only made planning a breeze but helped to facilitate a seamless event. Highly recommend anyone traveling to Key West visit the Audubon House and anyone think about hosting an event consider this beautiful venue."
Matthew Mcdonald
"Absolutely worth a visit. A beautifully restored home with an interesting history. David the guide did a fantastic job . He was a source of information."
patricia schneider
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is centrally located in Key West, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the historic district. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging in Key West; consider using a ride-share service or public transportation.
Parking directly at the Audubon House is limited. Street parking is available in the surrounding area, but it can be competitive. Many visitors opt to walk or use a taxi/ride-share service to reach the attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but typically include access to the historic house, the tropical gardens, and the art gallery. It's always best to check the official Audubon House website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons in Key West, to ensure entry and potentially save time. Check their website for online booking options.
The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens generally operates daily, but hours can change seasonally. It's advisable to consult their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the house, gardens, and art gallery. If you prefer to linger and absorb the history and beauty, you might allocate a bit more time.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore a beautifully restored 19th-century home filled with period antiques and John James Audubon's artwork, wander through a serene tropical garden with orchids, and visit a gift shop.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. The guides are knowledgeable about the house's history, Captain Geiger, and John James Audubon's connection to the property.
The gardens feature a variety of tropical flora, with a notable collection of orchids. It's designed to be a peaceful and shaded retreat, showcasing the natural beauty of Key West.
Absolutely! The historic house interiors, the vibrant gardens, and the art gallery offer numerous picturesque opportunities for photography.
The gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs, books, and unique items, including reproductions of Audubon's famous bird artwork.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop that may offer small refreshments. Key West has numerous dining options nearby.
It's generally best to consume any food or drinks outside the historic house and gardens to preserve the delicate environment and artifacts. Check for specific policies upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush tropical gardens, the beautifully decorated rooms inside the house, and the detailed Audubon prints in the gallery all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted inside the house, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the historic artifacts and artwork. Always be mindful of signage and any instructions from staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the house and the vibrant plants in the garden. The Audubon art gallery might be more appreciated by older children or those with an interest in art and nature. The guided tour can be a good way to keep younger ones engaged with stories, but be mindful of their attention spans. The onsite gift shop also offers a chance for a small souvenir.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Exploring the historic house together allows for shared discovery of Key West's past. The intimate atmosphere of the house and the peaceful ambiance of the gardens make it an ideal spot for quiet conversation and creating lasting memories. The onsite gift shop also presents opportunities to find a unique memento of your visit.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
The Audubon art gallery is a significant draw, showcasing a collection of prints by the renowned naturalist and artist John James Audubon, potentially including works created on-site. This provides a direct connection to his artistic legacy and the natural history of the region. The combination of historical architecture and significant artwork makes this a rich experience for any aficionado.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Audubon House
Visitors can explore the various rooms, including a particularly striking room on the top floor noted for its maximalist decor. The guided tours are highly praised for their depth of historical information, bringing the stories of the house and its notable residents to life. This historical context is a significant draw for many visitors, making it more than just a beautiful old building.
Beyond the house, the tropical gardens are an integral part of the experience. These serene grounds are a testament to Key West's lush environment, featuring a diverse array of plants, including a beautiful collection of orchids. The gardens provide a peaceful counterpoint to the historical narratives within the house, offering a tranquil space to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty.
John James Audubon's Artistic Legacy
The gallery features a range of Audubon's work, from smaller prints to impressive first-edition etchings. These detailed and lifelike depictions of North American birds are not only artistically significant but also historically valuable, offering insights into the region's biodiversity during that era. The opportunity to see these works in the very place that may have inspired them adds a unique layer to the visit.
For art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Audubon art gallery is a must-see. It provides a tangible link to Audubon's prolific career and his contribution to ornithology and art. The quality and variety of the prints on display are consistently praised by visitors, making it a memorable part of the Audubon House experience.
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