Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Step into Hemingway’s Key West years inside a beautifully preserved 1851 home he and Pauline Pfeiffer restored after moving here in 1931. It’s intimate, a little eccentric, and very much alive—thanks to the legendary six‑toed cats that have become part of the lore.
What You’ll See
- Rooms furnished much as the Hemingways kept them, including hunting trophies and Pauline’s décor choices.
- The detached carriage house that became his writing studio (you view it through a screen).
- Lush gardens—and the island’s first swimming pool, a 24×60‑foot stunner that famously cost more than the house itself.
Why It Matters
While living here (1931–1939), Hemingway turned out major works like Green Hills of Africa, To Have and Have Not, and short stories such as The Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. The house later became a museum (1964) and is now a National Historic Landmark (designated November 24, 1968).
Tours & Tickets
Open daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Guided tours last about 20–30 minutes and start every 15 minutes (first around 9:15 a.m.). Tickets are sold at the gate only. Adult $19; children 6–12 $7; ages 5 and under free. Card/mobile payments add a small fee—bring cash if you want to avoid it.
The Cats
Expect to meet 50+ resident cats, many polydactyl and said to descend from Hemingway’s original pet. They wander the house and gardens and are a big part of the experience (photography is encouraged).
Logistics
There’s no museum lot—street spaces and paid lots in Old Town fill fast. Many visitors simply walk or use rideshare. It can be warm inside on hot days; bring water and take advantage of the shaded grounds and frequent tour starts.
Pair It Well
It sits across from the Key West Lighthouse, making an easy two‑stop history hour before you head toward Duval Street.
Best Time to Visit
Go right at opening on weekdays for lighter crowds and cooler temps. Midday (roughly 11 a.m.–2 p.m.) is the peak. Late afternoon after 3 p.m. also eases. Morning light is soft for garden and porch photos; interiors photograph best before the rush.
Pros
- Short, frequent guided tours packed with stories
- Famous colony of six‑toed cats roaming the grounds
- Photogenic historic home and gardens
Cons
- No dedicated parking nearby
- Hemingway’s writing studio is view‑only through a screen
- Midday crowds can feel jammed
Tips
- Arrive at 9 a.m. to beat the heat and the tour crowds.
- Tours start every ~15 minutes—join the next one rather than waiting.
- Bring cash to avoid the small card/mobile payment fee at the gate.
- Skip the parking hunt and walk or use rideshare in Old Town.
- Pair it with the Lighthouse across the street for a tidy history hour.
