Classic Haunted Pub Crawl

Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour runs through Ghost City Tours of Key West. Rated 4.4 across 112 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $34.99.

Overview

This is a two-hour evening walk through Key West's darker corners, built around stories rather than scares alone. Guides lead groups of up to 20 travellers between a series of stops, mixing ghost tales with the island's rougher history, from murders to madness to the history of its bars. The route begins near Shots & Giggles on Ann Street and finishes at Capt Tony's Saloon on Greene Street, so the night ends at one of the town's drinking spots with plenty of lore attached, including the hanging tree and gravestones reviewers mention.

Drinks are not included, and this is strictly a 21-and-over tour. Travellers buy their own beverages at the stops that serve them. Reviews are largely enthusiastic about the guides, several of whom are praised for making the tales vivid and for knowing the history of the bars, the hanging tree and the graves connected to Capt Tony's. One reviewer felt the ghost element was thinner than expected and closer to a history walk, so anyone wanting pure paranormal theatrics should calibrate accordingly.

It suits adults who like their local history with a drink in hand and who don't mind being on their feet. Wear comfortable shoes, bring cash or a card for drinks and tips, and plan for the walk rather than a bus, since no hotel pickup is provided.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Shots & GigglesThe tour gathers across the street from Shots & Giggles at 201 Ann Street, in the open area in front of the Key West Chamber of Commerce. Start time is 20:00.
2. Shots & Giggles, 20 minutesThe first stop lasts 20 minutes, with free admission to the venue.
3. Artist House B&B, 20 minutesA 20-minute stop at the bed and breakfast. Admission to the property itself is not included.
4. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 20 minutesAnother 20-minute stop. Entry to the church is not included.
5. Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, 20 minutesThe walk continues to the funeral home for a 20-minute stop. Admission is not included.
6. La Concha, 20 minutesA 20-minute stop at La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection. Admission is not included.
7. Capt Tony's Saloon, 20 minutesThe final 20-minute stop, with free admission, and the end point of the tour at 428 Greene Street. Reviewers mention the hanging tree, gravestones and the haunted bathroom here.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most out of this walk.

• Bring ID and money. The tour is only for guests age 21 and over, so bring valid identification. Drinks are not included in the price, and gratuities for the guide are not either.
• Wear walking shoes. This is a walking tour across downtown Key West. One reviewer advised coming ready to walk and learn.
• Expect history. Many reviewers describe learning a lot about the island's twisted history and the stories behind its bars. One traveller who had visited Key West many times still came away with new information.
• Guides vary. Guides rotate, and reviewers name different ones with praise for their knowledge and storytelling. The experience depends heavily on who leads the group that night.
• Dress for warmth. One reviewer noted the pub stops are well timed on a warm summer evening. Light clothing is a sensible choice for a summer evening walk.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 20 travellers, so expect to share the walk with a group of that scale.

Common issues. Drinks, entry fees and gratuities are all extra, and the tour is limited to travellers 21 and over. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers. The operator requires a minimum number of bookings to run, and the experience needs good weather; if it is cancelled for either reason, guests are offered a different date or a full refund. A couple of reviewers reported disappointing nights, including one who felt the stops and stories were underwhelming and another who described a guide who seemed unwell, so experiences can vary by night. One reviewer also mentioned a mismatch between a promised free T-shirt at booking and what the guide knew about it, worth checking on the booking page before paying.

What To Sort Out Before You Book