Audubon House & Gardens

Step Into a Tropical Time Capsule at Audubon House & Gardens

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By Gus Moore

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If you've ever wished you could travel back to old-school Key West — you know, before the scooters, the loud shirts, and the endless supply of key lime-flavored everything — the Audubon House & Gardens is your chance. This place is part museum, part botanical wonderland, and part “Wait, people actually lived like this?” moment.

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Built in the 1840s, the house was home to the Geiger family and later became legendary thanks to John James Audubon, the bird-obsessed artist who sketched dozens of his famous works right here in Key West. Today, the home is beautifully restored and filled with antiques so nice you’ll instinctively keep your hands behind your back.

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Step inside and you’re greeted with hand-painted floral ceilings, rare first-edition Audubon prints, and a guided intro that gives you the juicy backstory. Then you’re free to wander through the rooms at your own pace — which is perfect if, like me, you prefer to pretend you’re the captain of your own private ship mansion.

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Once you finish inside, the gardens will steal the show. Lush tropical plants, a historically-styled herb garden, and an 1840s nursery setup give you the feeling you’ve stumbled into an old Key West paradise. It’s quiet, shady, and ideal for taking a break from the island sun… or from whoever’s been talking your ear off on vacation.

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Why it’s worth visiting

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• Breathtaking art – See 28 first-edition Audubon works up close.
• Gorgeous gardens – Peaceful, shady, lush… basically the opposite of Duval Street.
• History without the dry lecture – The intro is fun, informative, and brief (bless them).
• Self-guided freedom – Wander at your own pace and soak in what interests you.
• Perfect photo ops – Between the gardens and the interiors, you’ll leave with frame-worthy shots.

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Gus’s take

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I always tell visitors: the Audubon House is one of Key West’s “surprise favorites.” People walk in thinking it’s just another old house — and walk out raving about the art, the gardens, and how downright peaceful it feels. If you want a break from the bustle and a dose of island history mixed with natural beauty, this is one spot I can confidently say is worth every minute.

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Contact information

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Name: Audubon House & Gardens
Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: (305) 294-2116
Website: audubonhouse.com
Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, every day
Directions: Located next to the Tour Bus Stop in Mallory Square.