Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Key West: Hours, Address, Audubon House & Tropical Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The home of Capt. John H. Geiger, harbor pilot and master wrecker, was built between 1846 and 1849. Slated for destruction in 1958, it was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, a nonprofit educational institution. This large scale restoration was the first of its kind in Key West, thus sparking the restoration movement in Key West.Antique enthusiasts will appreciate the unique quality of the furnishings displayed in the Audubon House Museum. All furnishings reflect the elegance and comfortable living enjoyed for a wealthy family in Key West during the mid-1800’s. 31 of the original hand colored Antique engravings of the 22 birds J.J. Audubon painted in the Florida Keys during his 6 week visit in 1832 can be seen throughout the House. In addition to informative reading panels, an introduction to the property and its history will be given by your guide, and then you will roam the house and gardens at your leisure. Varieties of orchids and bromeliads emerge from the foliage and trees to surprise you with their vibrant blooms. Native plants and exotics provide an environment that is reminiscent of old Key West. Trees and plants are labeled with their common names, Latin names, and country of origin. This is the finest tropical garden in the Florida Keys. You may even catch a glimpse of some of our local birds! The garden tour also includes a self-guided visit to the Cook House. Houses of the period in the Florida Keys did not have inside kitchens as they were sources of heat and of course, fire hazards. A visit to the Audubon Gallery of Fine Arts will take you through the wonderful world of original Audubon Antique hand painted lithographs. The original Antique prints of some of J.J. Audubon’s contemporaries are also available for sale.The Museum Shop offers a wide selection of unique one-of-a-kind gifts, home décor, Antiques and educational materials.Our lush tropical gardens can be the site of your event:, whether you are planning a wedding or a corporate event. Let us make your event happen.
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
693 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
243
Average
84
Poor
17
Terrible
6
Mako13Man
Dameron, MD628 contributions
My Mom and I went here, as we had been to Key West before, but never to see this place. Entry will cost ya $13.00 per person. Restrooms located outside of the building/gift store where you pay to enter. Walking through the gardens here was peaceful and all vegetation have markers explaining about each flower, plant, tree, etc. The interior of the house had many artifacts left over from the time when Captain John Geiger lived here, also many of the plates from J.J. Audubon's early bird publications. Enjoyable.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for reviewing our property! We hope you had a wonderful time in Key West and we see you back soon!
Written April 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
weekendbeacherNC
Washington, NC168 contributions
Couples
This is the place to visit when you are tired of the crowds and just want to relax in the shade. The Audubon house contains beautiful reproductions for view all throughout the home. Our guide in the home relayed the history of the home and of the Geiger family and then we were allowed to tour the home at our own pace. The gardens are magnificent with a wide variety of flora. Definitely a must see.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yes, our gardens are a surprising break from the hectic area that surrounds us! Thank you so much for leaving a great review and we hope to see you in Key West againg!
Written June 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonacker10
Huntington, NY22 contributions
We always enjoy touring historic homes while traveling and seeing Audubon's beautiful bird prints are an added bonus. The rooms are interpreted for the mid-1800's and highlight the life of the original owner as well as local Key West history. The gift shop is chock full of beautiful things and the adjacent gallery is filled with some original Audubon prints. The tour of the homes and gardens is a lovely way to spend some relaxing down time in Key West.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kirsten N
3 contributions
Couples
We found out too late that the price was $15 per person. We would have much rather spent the money on a place across the street that explained the history of Key West. The house was pretty! The gardens were beautiful! Learning about the family who lived there? Not super important. Audubon the painter didn’t even for sure go to the house. The gallery had wonderful paintings, so bird enthusiasts and or time period buffs may enjoy it. For travelers just looking to fill an afternoon, spend your money elsewhere.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are sorry that the property and experience did not meet your expectations, although I'm a bit confused about your comment "We found out too late that the price was $15"? It is good to hear that you enjoyed the gardens and found the house pretty, but we are unhappy to hear you didn't think the property, including the introduction, didn't give you a glimpse into Key West history that you were looking for in a tour. We hope you had a great vacation and hope to see you back in Key West!
Written June 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BobbyMac710
Fernandina Beach, FL33 contributions
Couples
We visited the house twice. We met Joanne at the gift shop who gave us an overall layout of the grounds and Informed us of what the gift shop offered.
The gentleman inside of the house was very knowledgeable and gave us a short presentation of what we were to experience on the self-guided tour. Needless to say the gardens and the house were remarkable.
Three days later we returned and Mark and Dave were able to help us beyond that with a purchase of some beautiful artwork. Mark couldn’t have been more helpful and volunteered to have it shipped our purchase shipped to our home which just made everything so easy.
An A+ experience!!! Don’t miss it!!
The gentleman inside of the house was very knowledgeable and gave us a short presentation of what we were to experience on the self-guided tour. Needless to say the gardens and the house were remarkable.
Three days later we returned and Mark and Dave were able to help us beyond that with a purchase of some beautiful artwork. Mark couldn’t have been more helpful and volunteered to have it shipped our purchase shipped to our home which just made everything so easy.
An A+ experience!!! Don’t miss it!!
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
shvarz
New York City, NY233 contributions
Given that there's hardly any history associated with Audubon, it seems outrageous that they charge 15 bucks for entrance and a 5-minute story about why locals at some point started calling this place the Audubon House. It's just a house. They do have some old-time copies ("original" copies of Audubon drawings made for publication back in 19th century), but that's pretty much the only interesting thing about this place. Not worth the visit IMO.
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are sorry that you found your experience in the property lacking, as all of our literature about the house online and in print contains the "connection" to Audubon. We do have original Havell, hand painted antique images throughout the property, as well as for sale in the gallery. To see Audubon paintings that were done with his own hands, you would have to visit the New York Historical Society. What we show on property are what is seen famously auctioned at Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonham's and more. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip!
Written April 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CaribMark
Charleston, SC120 contributions
Couples
This beautifully restored home of a ship wrecker from the 19th century is for the most part, beautifully done. The guide before the self tour was informative. However, the only relationship to Audubon is that it was determined that leaves from a tree in the gardens were used in one of his paintings. Two trees are out by the roadside still. There's a few prints hanging and one valuable lithograph. Otherwise, there are 6 reconditioned and recreated rooms from the family who once lived there which was nice, and the gardens are pretty. The weirdest thing is a room on the 3rd floor that's supposed to be a tribute to Audubon but it's bizarre. Tropical wallpaper, smaller prints, artificial vines and images of hummingbirds on the ceiling and two taxidermied birds in cages behind partial, pink, plexiglass walls. There's weird bird noises and a serpentine, modern, green couch in the middle. As cannibus rules are loose in Florida, perhaps it would either be a cool experience or freak you out in there. Bottom line, the owners who beautifully restored this house have used the Audubon name, with minimal connection to him.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Auburnlisa Z
Gainesville, GA14 contributions
We very much enjoyed the tour of this home. As others have pointed out, legend has warped the relationship of John Audubon to this exact home, but the story of the home and family that lived here are fascinating in and of itself. And the property has several original Audubon drawings/paintings and how those items were produced was extremely interesting. The host of the home gives an overview then you are free to proceed yourself. His presentation was very good and his knowledge enhanced the tour. There is a lot of reading so this is not recommended for restless kids or teens -- they will be bored silly. Staff at the store was also very friendly and accommodating.
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We appreciate that you took the time to leave a great review for the house and shop! Thank you and we hope to see you again if you come back to Key West!
Written April 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cathy M
Rockville, MD53 contributions
We came across the Audubon House by accident. It's a peaceful gardens and historical house from the 1800s. Bird drawings and prints by James Audubon based on his time here were impressive to see, and the old house was lovely, restored with period furniture.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LORI M
5 contributions
The beautiful artwork, the amazing gift store and the iguana lounging in the patio, the beautiful plants and trees. I am an artist, and loved seeing the beautiful artwork. I ordinarily don't like to even look in gift stores, but I found a gorgeous little book with Audubon's beautifully drawn birds, a very creative and beautiful kitchen towel by artist Sue Coccia and some gorgeous paper napkins, all of which fit in my tiny suitcase. The manager has a great love for beautiful things.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas L
Atlantic City1 contribution
Is there parking available if we come for a wedding?
Rhonda123itsme
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico361 contributions
Street parking only as the house is in a residential area.
PeteZ2112
New York9 contributions
Hi I am Mickey Wolfson's Niece - Valerie A. Levin , and I will be attending a Wolfson Family Dinner there on March 31st at 7pm I believe is the time. I will be staying at the Heron House Court at 412 Frances Street. Is this about a half mile walk to the Audubon House? I am used to NYC walking, so this is not too far from my hotel, correct? Also, I understand the party is too be held in the garden....is they any more information you can share with me? Ie. the Average temperature there around 3/31? LOL Thank you VERY much for your help. Can you please respond back to zucklevin on aol ? Thank you so much for your time!
Warm wishes,
Valerie A. Levin - Zucker (graundaughter of Phillip and Nora Wolfson)
ctgama
Simsbury, CT68 contributions
Hi Valerie!
I'm so excited for you. This was my first trip to Key West and I loved every minute. There are so many things to do. Most are walking distance which shouldn't be a problem if you are used to NYC walking. Remember to bring comfortable shoes. Blisters seem to find their way to your feet.
If you have time, I suggest you go to the Key West Butterfly conservatory - you can get there by one of the on & off buses. The Key West southernmost buoy is near the Butterfly place - it was disappointing but I can say I saw it. At Hemingway's house, you can see all of the cats but the treat is the property and his "tree house" writing room. My favorite was the Truman White House. I was fascinated by it how it was preserved and you really do step back in time. The area by the Truman place is like you are in another world. It's quite and beautiful. Enjoy and I'm like you, I love to discover where and how my ancestors lived. You will have to post how it went. Best, Toni
LarrySeaman
Fort Mohave, Arizona
How much does it cost? ?
AudubonHouse
Key West
Our admission rate is $12.00 for adults, $7.50 for students and $5.00 for children. Admission is free for children 6 and under.
Frequently Asked Questions about Audubon House & Tropical Gardens
- Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Audubon House & Tropical Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Audubon House & Tropical Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Audubon House & Tropical Gardens:
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour (From $26.82)
- The Dark Side of Key West Ghost Tour (From $34.99)
- The Original Key West Ghost Hunt (From $28.00)
- Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour (From $39.99)
- Highlights and Stories of Key West - Small Group Walking Tour (From $49.00)
- Hotels near Audubon House & Tropical Gardens:
- (0.03 mi) “LOCATION”
- (0.12 mi) Amsterdam's Curry Mansion Inn
- (0.08 mi) Opal Key Resort & Marina
- (0.15 mi) Rose Lane Villas
- (0.17 mi) Casa 325
- Restaurants near Audubon House & Tropical Gardens:
- (0.02 mi) Key Lime Pie Bakery
- (0.03 mi) Blue Gecko Key Lime Pie & Ice
- (0.03 mi) Tropical Vibes Cones & Bowls
- (0.03 mi) Little Whitehouse Subs
- (0.04 mi) Bruschetta Francesca