The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is one of the most famous stops in Key West. It’s the house where Hemingway lived and wrote in the 1930s, and today it’s home to dozens of six-toed cats. I finally toured it on my Fantasy Fest trip this October. Here’s my honest take, what it costs and who should go.
The Short Answer
The Hemingway House is worth it if you’re a Hemingway fan. For everyone else, it’s a nice hour but a bit pricey. Tickets are $19 for adults and $7 for kids 6–12, with an optional guided tour included. Plan on about an hour. The highlight for me was the grounds, which feel like a tropical jungle in the middle of Old Town.
Hemingway House at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 907 Whitehead Street, Key West |
| Hours | Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Adults | $19 |
| Kids 6–12 | $7 (5 and under free) |
| Guided tour | Included, about 30 minutes |
| Time needed | About an hour |
My Visit: What It’s Really Like
I spent about an hour here, and you can go at your own pace. Wander the house and grounds on your own, or join one of the guided tours, which run throughout the day with several different guides. If you want the history and the stories about Hemingway’s life in Key West, the tour is the way to go.
The Grounds Feel Like a Tropical Jungle
My favorite part was walking the outside grounds. With all the different trees and plants, it feels like a tropical jungle tucked into Old Town. The grounds are surprisingly big for Key West, so even with a good number of people there, it never felt crowded outside.
The Six-Toed Cats
The cats are the real stars. Around 50 to 60 cats live on the property, and many of them are polydactyl, with six toes, descended from Hemingway’s own cat. You’ll find them napping on furniture, in the gardens and on the porches. Kids love this part.
The House and Hemingway’s History
Hemingway lived here from 1931 to 1939 and wrote some of his best-known work in Key West. Inside, you’ll see his rooms and furnishings, his writing studio, and the backyard pool, which was the largest private pool in the Florida Keys at the time.
Is the Hemingway House Worth It?
Danny’s Verdict
Honestly, I think $19 is a bit high for about an hour, but this is Key West, so keep that in mind. If you’re a Hemingway fan, it’s a must-do. If you’re not that into Hemingway, it’s an easy one to leave off a short trip and spend that time elsewhere in Key West.
Tips for Visiting
- Join a guided tour if you want the history. It’s included in your ticket.
- Go early if you want fewer people inside the house.
- Take your time outside. The gardens are the most relaxing part of the visit.
- Don’t pick up the cats. They’re friendly, but let them come to you.
- Walk it with nearby sights. The Key West Lighthouse is right across the street, and the Southernmost Point is a short walk away.
Want More Hemingway? Take the Food & Walking Tour
If the house leaves you wanting more, the Hemingway Food & Walking Tour starts right at the Hemingway House and takes you to the real places he lived, worked and played around Key West. You’ll see where he refereed boxing matches, where he kept his boat the Pilar, the bookstore that sold his books, his first Key West apartment where he finished A Farewell to Arms, and the original Sloppy Joe’s, where he spent plenty of time drinking.
- Price: from about $99 per person
- Food: three tastings, including a slice of key lime pie
- Route: starts at the Hemingway House and ends at Capt. Tony’s Saloon
- Group size: up to 15, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Rating: 4.7 from 111 Viator reviews
Check dates for the Hemingway Food & Walking Tour
Getting There and Where to Stay Nearby
The house is in Old Town, a short walk from Duval Street. If you’d rather ride than walk, the Key West hop-on hop-off trolley is an easy way to get around Old Town. Driving in? See my Key West parking hacks.
Want to stay close by? The Lighthouse Hotel sits right on Whitehead Street. I’ve stayed at the Southernmost Inn and the Authors of Key West guesthouse, both an easy walk to Old Town. On a budget? Here’s the cheapest place to stay in Key West.
Keep Planning
- Best Things to Do in Key West
- Key West Itinerary Planner
- Key West Fantasy Fest Guide
- Florida Keys Road Trip Guide
I paid for my own ticket. The food and walking tour details come from Viator, and I haven’t taken that tour myself. Prices and hours were checked in October 2026 and can change. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hemingway House FAQ
How much does it cost to visit the Hemingway House in Key West?
Admission is $19 for adults and $7 for children ages 6 to 12, and kids 5 and under are free. The guided tour is included in the ticket.
How long do you need at the Hemingway House?
Plan on about an hour. You can explore at your own pace, and the optional guided tour takes about 30 minutes.
Is the Hemingway House worth it?
If you’re a Hemingway fan, it’s a must-do in Key West. If you’re not, it’s a pleasant hour in a lush garden setting, but the ticket price is a bit high for what you get.
How many cats live at the Hemingway House?
Around 50 to 60 cats live on the property, and many of them are six-toed (polydactyl) cats descended from Hemingway’s own cat.
What are the Hemingway House hours?
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum at 907 Whitehead Street is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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