Historic Inn Tours Return to Key West, Boost Seasonal Tourism

Key West’s Holiday Historic Inn Tours will return this December with two evening events that invite residents and visitors to explore the island’s historic hospitality properties. On Friday December 12 and Friday December 19 guests will be able to take self guided tours from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and experience seasonal decorations, light sweet and savory holiday bites, and festive beverages across multiple locations.

The December 12 circuit includes The Gardens Hotel, Island City House, Key West Cooking Show, and the Lighthouse Hotel. The December 19 circuit features the Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Southernmost House, Wicker Guesthouse, and The Mermaid and the Alligator. In total eight properties will participate, representing a cross section of Key West’s lodging and historic preservation community.

Advance tickets are recommended and will be available for pick up beginning at 5:30 p.m. at each evening’s first tour location. On December 12 that pick up point is The Gardens Hotel, and on December 19 it is the Key West Butterfly Conservatory. If tickets are not sold out in advance, walk up tickets will be offered on the night of each tour at the first destination only. Tickets can be purchased through KeyStix.

The tours are presented by Key West Historic Inns, The Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West, and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. That combination of private innkeepers and the county tourism agency highlights the event’s role as both a cultural showcase and a tourism initiative aimed at concentrating visitor activity in Old Town and nearby areas during the holiday period.

For Monroe County the tours are likely to have several local impacts. Participating inns and nearby businesses can expect incremental revenue from ticket holders who may also dine, shop, or book future stays. The event provides seasonal employment and promotional visibility for small lodging operators and cultural venues that rely on high season and shoulder season business. The self guided format and staggered pick up points help manage pedestrian flows through historic neighborhoods, but residents should be aware of increased foot traffic and short term parking demand on the evenings of December 12 and December 19.

The Holiday Historic Inn Tours combine heritage preservation with tourism marketing and community engagement. For attendees the draw is the chance to see restored and well kept properties up close while supporting local businesses. For the broader Monroe County economy the events represent a modest but targeted push to capture holiday visitor spending and to reinforce Key West’s reputation as a year round destination for cultural and culinary experiences.