Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Historical Tours & Attractions in Key West, FL
Founded in the early 1970s, Historic Tours Of America has dedicated itself to preserving and showcasing America's architectural heritage through immersive vacation experiences. Our journey began with a passion for historic buildings and a mission to transport guests into the rich narratives of nine iconic American cities. Over decades, we've expanded to offer trolley tours, street trains, high-speed ferries, and themed retail experiences, all designed to bring history to life. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring every guest's experience is memorable.With awards like TripAdvisor Travelers Choice and recognition as a Certified Autism Center, we blend historical education with modern accessibility. Our team, many of whom have served the company for decades, actively contributes to community development through initiatives like the Key West Montessori Children's School and the Florida Keys Assisted Care Coalition. From the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, we combine entertainment, education, and preservation to create unparalleled historical journeys.
Services
Trolley Tours
Ferry Excursions
Museum Visits
Private Charters
Festival Marketplaces
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of expertise in historical tourism across nine iconic American cities.
- Our 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures exceptional service quality and guest experience.
- Award-winning operations including TripAdvisor Travelers Choice and Sustainability District recognition.
- Community-focused approach with local preservation projects and educational field trips.
- Diverse portfolio combines transportation, museums, and events for comprehensive historical experiences.
What people say
Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Winner
Certified Autism Center
Best of St. Augustine Awards
Sustainability District Recognition
Historical Preservation Excellence
Services
Trolley Tours
Our trolley tours combine transportation and education across nine historic cities. Each narrated journey explores architectural heritage, cultural landmarks, and local stories. Professional guides enhance experiences with historical context while maintaining engaging, family-friendly formats that balance entertainment with educational value.
Ferry Excursions
High-speed ferry services transport guests to remote historical sites like Dry Tortugas National Park. These excursions include guided tours of maritime landmarks, underwater archaeology insights, and opportunities to explore protected natural and historical resources in Florida's coastal regions.
Museum Operations
We manage specialized history museums including the American Prohibition Museum and Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Exhibits feature authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs that explore specific historical periods and their societal impacts.
Private Charters
Customizable private charters accommodate weddings, corporate events, and group tours. Our services include venue access to historical locations like the Truman Little White House, transportation logistics using vintage vehicles, and tailored itinerary planning for special occasions.
Festival Marketplaces
Themed retail and event spaces combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in historic settings. These marketplaces feature local artisans, seasonal festivals, and interactive experiences that showcase regional heritage while supporting community economic development.
People
Christopher C. Belland
Chief Executive Officer
Founder and CEO with lifelong ties to Key West. Combines passion for history with business leadership. Established Key West Attractions Association and actively contributes to local education and preservation initiatives through company resources.
Edwin O. Swift, III
President
Co-founder with photography industry background. Served as Monroe County Commissioner and community development leader. Focuses on historical preservation and workforce housing initiatives while maintaining operational oversight across all locations.
Charlie Brazil
Chief Operating Officer
25-year veteran of the company with operational experience in four cities. Oversees daily operations while maintaining active roles in Savannah tourism organizations. Combines legal expertise with hands-on management of guest experiences.
Piper L. Smith
Vice President of Marketing
30-year marketing leader with expertise in tourism promotion. Serves on Monroe County Tourist Development Council and previously held leadership roles with Key West Attractions Association. Specializes in destination branding and community engagement.
Clinton Curry
Director of Operations Key West
35-year company veteran with progression from retail operations to museum leadership. Manages Key West attractions while serving as Executive Director for the Truman Foundation. Seventh-generation Key West native with deep local historical knowledge.
Questions
What cities do Historic Tours of America operate in?
We operate in nine historic American cities: Boston, Charleston, Key West, Nashville, San Antonio, San Diego, Savannah, St. Augustine, and Washington DC.
Do you offer group discounts or private charters?
Yes, all our tours and venues are available for private charters. We accommodate groups from family reunions to corporate events with customized transportation and experiences.
Are your tours accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Our website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards, and we offer accessible transportation options. Specific accessibility details are available for each location.
What historical attractions do you operate besides trolley tours?
We manage museums like the Key West Aquarium and American Prohibition Museum, ferry services to Dry Tortugas National Park, and themed retail marketplaces.
Do you provide educational field trip options?
Yes, we offer interactive educational tours for students with fully narrated experiences covering history, architecture, and cultural heritage in our operating cities.
