Florida
Signature City Key West
Program No. 20902RJ
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Participant Reviews
Based on 69 Reviews
SHOWING
Experience Key West from a totally different perspective. A fun trip in the southern most point in the United States includes history, science, great food and lovely accommodations. Excellent value for the price.
— Review left February 7, 2026
The Key West trip was extra well planned. The activities were varied and we had a good introduction to Key West.
Thanks for the good week.
Betsy and Jim Elliott
— Review left January 14, 2026
This was a well paced program. It included education and enjoyment. We walked about seven miles every day, some with the group and some on our own. We have been to Key West many times, but never really appreciated the history and culture of the island.
— Review left December 20, 2025
This Road Scholar Key West program was outstanding from start to finish. Our hotel, The Marker, was fabulous—beautiful property, excellent service, and an ideal location that made everything easy and enjoyable. Breakfast each morning was delicious, and I loved the outdoor setting overlooking the pool.
The program was extremely well organized, and our guide Craig was excellent—knowledgeable, helpful, and engaging. I especially enjoyed the walking format because we learned so much along the way while also getting great exercise. The headphone system was a big plus, making it easy to follow the commentary and catch so many interesting details and “tidbits” about Key West.
What I enjoyed most was the depth of history and storytelling throughout the trip. I learned far more than I expected about Key West’s maritime past, cultural roots, and the fascinating personal histories of the figures we studied. The instructors were phenomenal—enthusiastic, interesting, and strong presenters. One museum guide in particular was so entertaining and clearly passionate, which made the experience even more memorable. Overall, everything ran smoothly, the pacing felt just right, the restaurants were excellent, and I came home feeling enriched, informed, and grateful I took this trip.
— Review left December 18, 2025
A well-organized and enjoyable week in Key West with a congenial group and an attentive and knowledgeable leader. Walking along picturesque streets to educational attractions was invigorating, and the presentations generally well-done, though sometimes longer than needed. Very good hotel. Enjoyable trip!
— Review left December 13, 2025
Enjoyable way to experience some of the historic sites of Key West.
— Review left November 21, 2025
This is a great program if you're looking for a combination of education, relaxation, pleasant weather and moderate exercise. The site we visited were, with one exception, within easy walking distance from our hotel. Besides exercise, the walking helped us to get a better feel for the city.
— Review left March 19, 2025
The Keys to Unlocking A Lot More Than Just Where the Pie Came From
— Review left March 1, 2025
My first adventure was a great learning experience. I will be joining again.
— Review left February 3, 2025
Key West Signature City Tour was awesome! ! Totally walkable, with so many different museums to enjoy and learn about, even a retired Coast Guard ship! You always get more than expected on a Road Scholar tour!
— Review left December 14, 2024
I decided to go on the Signature Key West for several reasons. One was that I always wanted to visit. The second is that Key West Signature City 2024 paired really well with a trip I went to in Cuba eight years ago. There was the Hemingway connection. I read most of the recommended reading and that added to may understanding of the history of Key West. I look forward to the next trip.
— Review left November 19, 2024
Good morning,
Sorry I took so long to write this review. Being my first time with this company, I did not know what to expect from this trip. Yes a new place to explore and new people to meet, all in a good trip. But what a trip it was! Beginning with the wonderful lady I drove down to Key West with, Judy Colman who's been on numerous trips with you all, to the room that I stayed in, beautiful cannot describe the experience!
I loved every minute of it!
Since I was the only African American on this trip, unfortunately, I expected some prejudice. And since I was looking for it I thought I would find it!
Proudly I state.. Road Scholar, I did not find ANY. Thank you for the most rewarding learning trip I have ever had.
Thanks
Daphne Morgan
— Review left May 1, 2024
Key West is unlike any other city in the United States. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to learn the fascinating history of Key West and to experience what it is like today. Craig is a wonderful group leader.
— Review left March 2, 2024
Signature City - Key West. A great learning experience...Enjoyable & Educational.
— Review left February 20, 2024
Wonderful experience, and great introduction to Key West, which is not like Florida as a whole. Craig was a terrific leader, and the instructors were very interesting and well-prepared. The weather is warm and humid but the terrain is flat. Fascinating history lectures, architecture is beautiful, and the group was congenial.
— Review left January 27, 2024
Well done! Met a lot of interesting people and learned many things I didn't know before I went on the trip. A good overall experience and well worth the money.
— Review left November 22, 2023
This was an excellent program moderated by Craig Wanous. There was however too much walking particularly on the second full day. I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in Key West. Our tour director was very helpful at all times.
— Review left March 19, 2023
I just returned from the Road Scholar Key West trip. Fabulous! The tour was well organized, our group leader was the best, our accommodations were first rate, and the restaurants chosen for us served delicious food. Key West is a beautiful destination and we were given a lot of historic information which contributed to the enjoyment of visits to the sites. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left March 13, 2023
Wonderful accommodations and meals! Key West tours were informative and fun. Johnny Layton is an excellent guide. May do this same tour again next year since it was so much fun and beautiful place to visit!
— Review left March 13, 2023
Wonderful experience. Highly recommend!
— Review left March 13, 2023
This is a fun introduction to Key West.
— Review left March 11, 2023
This is a great trip, but try not to go during "Spring break". Key West is a laid-back town but not while the students are there on break and huge cruise ships dock each day. A little too "touristy" that way.
— Review left March 11, 2023
Signature City Key West - exceeded my expectations, and that does not usually happen!
— Review left March 6, 2023
Join Road Scholar for amazing Signature Key West! You will stay in a luxurious hotel, enjoy great food and walk throughout historical places. My favorite places were the Truman White House, the Hemingway home and the Butterfly exhibit. I toured in February and the weather was perfect! Ruth Ann from Tennessee
— Review left February 18, 2023
Signature City Key West was a very interesting and fascinating program. I learned a lot of new things and the weather was perfect!
— Review left February 16, 2023
What is the history of Key West? Its truly fascinating! This program is enjoyable, enlightening, and teaches gems we may not know. Like the amazing history of the Truman little Whitehouse! of a retired Coast guard ship that spent time in Vietnam, and many other delights!
— Review left February 7, 2023
Road Scholar is a wonderful program. Educational and adventurous, meeting new friends, opening up my eyes to things that I had just taken for granted. Planning on going on another trip.
— Review left February 4, 2023
Road Scholar allowed me to check another item off my bucket list. I loved Key West as seen through the historical and education perspective provided by Road Scholar was a great trip to learn firsthand why the area appealed to President Truman, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and the eclectic citizenry that have chosen the island as home.
— Review left February 4, 2023
My first experience with Road Scholar was a wonderful event! My days were full, but not too full. The tours and lectures were informative and entertaining. The other participants were welcoming and of like mind in gaining insights and information. I will do another Road scholar tour!
— Review left February 4, 2023
Just returned from a delightful Road Scholar trip: Signature City Key West. Enjoyed every moment; accommodations at Opal Key were wonderful and in a great location in Old Town. Informative lectures prepared us well for excursions to interesting sites. Just the right amount of free time. Only complaint: TOO MUCH delicious food at great local restaurants!
— Review left February 4, 2023
My first Road Scolar trip. I was amazed at how much I loved it. I always like to do things randomly when I travel. I didn't think I would like this platform, but I loved it. Can't wait to do another one!
— Review left January 28, 2023
The Key West Signature City program was outstanding. Great group leader, fun & informative activities, and enough free-time to explore on your own! A unique city in the U.S. that was fun to see & explore! Check it out for yourself.
— Review left January 28, 2023
Fantastic Experience! Fabulous food! Amazing speakers and Location! Location! Location!
— Review left December 9, 2022
5 stars for this relaxed visit to the historic sites of Key West led by the fabulous Craig. The hotel is perfectly located right on the water with lovely outdoor seating for a view of the harbor. While the itinerary was slower paced than we expected from the website description, we did enjoy all the sites we visited. Late starts of 9:00am for tour departures or lectures allowed for leisurely mornings. We walked slowly to each location with Craig, who used headphones to narrate each walk. All our tour guides were excellent, and our guest speakers in the hotel meeting room were excellent. A few highlights for us were the butterfly garden, Truman's Little White House, Hemingway's house (and the cats!), Tennessee Williams' home. Plan for humid and warm weather, and bring a bathing suit if you enjoy spending the free afternoon poolside. Lots of history and nature on this pleasant vacation.
— Review left March 27, 2022
This trip was wonderful. Not only do you stay at a lovely resort in a very central location, but you hear from outstanding instructors who really know their subject matter. We visited so many interesting places and ate amazing food. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 26, 2022
This was a great winter break. The program was varied and the city is lovely.
— Review left March 13, 2022
If you like to visit tropical destinations but want more to do than sit on a beach, this is the trip for you. There is so much rich cultural history in Key West that your days will filled with fascinating experiences steps from the fabulous resort that you'll stay in. The food is super fresh and healthy and there is so much variety. The shopping is great if you're interested. Very walkable town as it's flat and convenient to get to places by foot. Lots of things to do during free time. March 2022 visit
— Review left March 12, 2022
This was the second time we enrolled in this program. It was just as fun the second time around!
— Review left March 11, 2022
You may be thinking Key West is a dusty old island with boats, bars serving margaritas, and a place where Hemingway stayed for a while, but not much else. While Key West has those, there's a lot more to it than that. It's full of rich history, a place where artists, entrepreneurs, and presidents have made their home, and full of beautiful scenery. If your even mildly curious, take this short Key West trip and see for yourself. You won't regret it.
— Review left March 5, 2022
When my family and friends ask me how my trip to Key West was, my answer is, "Fabulous!".
Road Scholar provided just the right combination of education, fellowship, and site visits.
— Review left February 21, 2022
Wonderful trip. Hotel and food were amazing. Our group leader, Craig, was so knowledgeable and organized. Learned so much about the culture and history of this beautiful city. Actually thinking about doing this trip again next year!
— Review left February 17, 2022
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Thank special speakers all very informative and interesting.
— Review left February 4, 2022
Beautiful location. Diverse and varied activities. We went down early to explore some of the other Keys.
— Review left January 29, 2022
A great mid-winter getaway in a warm climate offering excellent accommodations in the heart of Key West, great meals at a variety of restaurants, interesting field trips and lectures, with time to explore on your own.
— Review left January 25, 2022
The Road Scholar trip to Key West was fun and informative. I look forward to more adventures with Road Scholarsd!
— Review left January 24, 2022
I highly recommend this program as it provides education, exercise and relaxation. The local speakers are all excellent; walking around Key West to the homes, museums and restaurants is easy and very pleasant as our leader uses the headsets to give us interesting tidbits of information on the way. Craig is an excellent leader giving us all of the information we need to enjoy ourselves and be happy that we came on this trip.
— Review left January 24, 2022
This was a fun and educational program with wonderful accomodations and lots of delicious foods. It is NOT a program for those with mobility issues.
— Review left January 24, 2022
An excellent typical Roadscholar excursion to Key West with well prepared speakers, venues, and appropriate excursions. Key West resident
leader was quite helpful in allowing large group to enjoy the visit of 4 full days. Opal Resort is a comfortable older facility well maintained, with 2 elevators near the entrance so request rooms near the elevator to avoid long hallways. The variety and quality of the restaurants as well as a full breakfast was much appreciated. Multiple opportunities to enjoy Key Lime Pie. Recommend Bagatelle for dinner on your own. One might consider an extra day to take ferry $190 each to Dry Tortugas National Park. The Key West Airport will be replaced in 2024; it is appropriate for a provincial city in a banana republic. There are only 8 "gates" which means you may wait on arrival 30-90 minutes on the plane (we waited 30/others 90). Do not check luggage unless you wish to lose it or wait hours for grossly understaffed baggage facility. We had to wade through a mob of 100s awaiting luggage to get to the front door which was difficult for a spouse pushing a walker. Note peak times 11-2 pm to avoid long security lines (we left at 9 am) Use Lyft/Uber to hotel not overpriced taxis. Truman White House/Hemingway House were highlights of a full introduction to the charms of Key West One might consider a visit on your own to Zachary Taylor State Park entrance $2.50 for pedestrians. The full vibe of Key West especially the spirited bars and famous T shirt shops was fully available on Duval Street. Enjoy and relax!
— Review left January 23, 2022
First time back to Key West in forties years, a great time and learning experience with a great group of people, great escape from the winter weather up north!!
— Review left January 21, 2022
What a wonderful trip. The hosts were fantastic dealing with a larger than normal group. There was a complaint that the fish at the last lunch restaurant was way overcooked and the service was a bit iffy. Otherwise a great trip.
— Review left January 17, 2022
The Key West trip we enjoyed this December was a treat for the pre-holiday rush. Beautiful setting, lovey accommodations, friendly people, great trip leader. We left full of information and stories about Key West that we will love to share with others.
— Review left December 22, 2021
Road Scholar trips are not only interesting and informative, but are a great venue for friends and family members to spend time together in a new experience. Thumbs up!
— Review left November 29, 2021
The Signature City Key West program was just plain fun! The hotel was on the waterfront which gave views of sail boats at breakfast and over-the-water sunsets before dinner. Best of all, nearly all the activities and restaurants were within a comfortable walking distance on scenic and pedestrian-friendly streets. For those who like to stay out late, the night life was hopping with many bars, restaurants, musicians and local talent within easy walking distance. Most of the program time was spent visiting interesting historical Key West houses and museums interspersed with great food and key lime pie at locally owned restaurants. More than half the group was solo travelers and everyone mixed and mingled during events and while dining. There were plenty of other solos to venture forth with during free time and many new friendships were made. Craig, our incredibly organized and knowledgeable guide, made sure that everyone felt included and maximized both the fun and learning of the trip. This was an excellent learning adventure and a program to take if you want to learn, eat, explore and just have fun.
— Review left November 20, 2021
Overall a good program, especially if you like authors
— Review left March 7, 2020
This was a good trip to see the highlights of Key West. We stayed at The Reach hotel in Key West and it was very comfortable.
— Review left February 18, 2020
As a single women I really enjoy Road Scholar programs. I have always met interesting people and I have never felt left behind.
— Review left February 8, 2020
Great program, wonderful hotel and lots of good food. Only issue was the weather which Road Scholar cannot control. Key take away for Road Scholars always bring your base layer even when you go to Key West you never know when it might get cold!
— Review left January 30, 2020
What a great trip! Craig was an awesome group leader and Key West is an awesome town! We saw and learned a lot, and had a wonderful fun time doing it. And the food was incredible. Thanks you RS... It was definitely worth the price.
— Review left January 20, 2020
Great trip you will be happy
— Review left December 13, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first time to Florida. The program was excellent. The group of 15 was a nice size and made it easy to get to know one another. The guide, tours, lectures, food were perfect. I enjoyed my trip and hope to take another RS excursion in the near future.
— Review left December 8, 2019
Excellent program, group was very enjoyable, leader outstanding.
— Review left March 31, 2019
what a great way to experience Key West! I feel like we covered everthing from a variety of foods, museums and culture. You could tell our host, Craig, really knows and loves his home of Key West
— Review left March 25, 2019
This program was varied and always interesting. I learned so much of the history on this small island.
— Review left March 21, 2019
This travel experience is great for those who want to do more than sit around on a beach all day !! Traveling with the group is much easier than doing all the preparations yourself. You find yourself immersed in the experience instead of overwhelmed by the planning.
— Review left March 18, 2019
Like our other two Road Scholar tours, this one to Key West was enjoyable, entertaining and educational. It's the best way to visit anywhere.
— Review left March 18, 2019
A delightful exposure to Key West with diverse visits to Hemingway's House, Mel Fisher Museum, Cultural Center, Tennessee Williams Museum and Coast Guard cutter, The sunset in Mallory Square is not to be believed- worth the trip! Craig was a great leader sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with us.
— Review left February 9, 2019
Mike Fowler our leader on this trip was a gem. What a great leader a keen eye for what everyone was up to. Such care for all. The program was excellent and I have been to Key West 2 times before but not with the program details and excellence as this one.
— Review left January 31, 2019
Key West is a place unlike most other U.S. beach towns. This program hits all the historical highlights (and there are many), and gives additional perspectives on the town, what it's like to live there, and what makes it so special. Quick and active, it's very enjoyable and interesting.
— Review left January 30, 2019
Key West is often thought of as just a party town, truth is, there is much to see and much to learn in this really fun environment. The Truman White House and Butterfly House just two excellent examples!
— Review left January 21, 2019






