Considered a gem of the restoration movement in Key West, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens located at 205 Whitehead Street would have been demolished in 1958 had it not been for the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation.

The home was constructed in the American Classical Revival architectural style of the mid-1800’s by Captain John Geiger, Key West’s first harbor pilot.

Beside the one acre of lush tropical foliage, the house is best known for naturalist John James Audubon, who visited Key West and the Dry Tortugas in 1832.

Housing over 28 first edition works by Audubon, the naturalist sighted 18 new bird species for his “Birds of America” portfolio. One painting of particular significance is of a white-crowned pigeon that features the large Geiger tree in the front yard. See many of his paintings along with other artists in the adjacent Audubon House Gallery.

Filled with unique, quality furnishing purchased mostly in Europe, these furnishings were typical of higher class Key West homes in the 1800’s and represent the ideal of elegance and comfortable living in 19^th century Key West.

The other top attraction of the Audubon House is the one acre, lush tropical gardens. Share the brick paths with many scattering geckos while taking in the orchids and bromeliads. The 1840’s style nursery provides a historic glimpse of gardening in old Key West.

So during your stay at the quaint Tropical Inn Bed & Breakfast, take the short stroll to the Audubon House, which can be easily rented for any type of event.