Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Our most recommended tours and activities

Key West Conch Train Tour

Key West Conch Train Tour

Climb aboard Key West’s conch train for a 60-minute sightseeing tour of the tropical paradise. The train departs from Front Street Depot and loops through the Old Town to end back behind the Depot at Mallory Square. Climb to the top of the observation tower at Key West Shipwreck and Treasures Museum. Travel back in time to the days of hand-rolled cigars at Mallory Square. And stroll through the Cayo Hueso y Habana Historeum. On the conch train, learn about Key West characters, such as Mel Fisher, whose lifelong search for 2 sunken Spanish galleons finally turned up treasure worth USD 450 million. At the end of your tour, enjoy great shopping on Duval Street, and fine dining at restaurants such as Hog's Breath Saloon, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville or the Hard Rock Café. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary ticket to the Sails to Rails Museum for a comprehensive overview of the Florida Keys and Key West history. It is one of Key West's top attractions and located within walking distance of the starting point of the Conch Train.

From Miami: Key West Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus

From Miami: Key West Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus

Embark on a full-day tour of Key West from Miami. Feel the Caribbean atmosphere of the Florida Keys and explore at your own pace. See important sites, including Hemingway’s House, or opt to swim in the sea. Start with a 4-hour drive across 43 bridges and 31 islands to America's “Caribbean Islands,” the Florida Keys. The string of islands and islets, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, leads to Key West, the only frost-free city in the continental United States! Once in Key West, experience a Caribbean atmosphere complete with friendly street artists, lively outdoor cafés, and alfresco restaurants. Spend some time exploring Key West on your own. Book lovers might like to visit Ernest Hemingway’s House to see the former home of the famous author. Or, if you prefer, you can go to the southernmost point of the continental United States at the famous "90 miles to Cuba" Monument. Explore museums, such as the Mel Fisher Museum, the Light House Museum, or Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum (tickets not included). Feel the pulse of Key West at Mallory Square next to the cruise ship port. You may also choose to add one of our most popular adventure activities, such as a snorkeling trip to see tropical fish, a ride in a glass-bottom boat, or the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing trolley bus (tickets not included in the price). Depart Key West at 5:30 PM for the drive back over the bridges and islands.

Key West: Guided Bicycle Tour with Key Lime Pie

Key West: Guided Bicycle Tour with Key Lime Pie

Meet your friendly guide at the local partner’s office and get kitted out with your bike gear. After a short safety briefing it's time to head out on your island paradise adventure to see the very best that Key West has to offer. The first stop of the tour is the iconic Mallory Square, home to a popular nightly sunset celebration. Here, learn about the island’s history of smuggling and the shipwrecks that have crashed on the nearby reef. Next, pass by the presidential gates that lead to Harry Truman’s Little White House, which is known to have been his favorite vacation spot. Continue the tour onto Mile Marker Zero, which is quite literally the end of the road in the USA, then stop outside Ernest Hemingway’s former home where the famous writer penned many of his treasured novels. Head to the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA for a photo opportunity, then complete your circuit of the island as you ride past Higgs Beach, the White Street Pier, the Key West Cemetery, and the historic Seaport. At the end of an unforgettable 3-hour tour, enjoy a well-deserved rest and a slice of traditional key lime pie, an absolute must for any visitor to the island.

The Dark Side of Key West Adults Only Walking Tour

The Dark Side of Key West Adults Only Walking Tour

Explore the spooky side of Key West on this ghost-themed adults-only walking tour that visits the city’s popular haunted spots. Become a history buff after learning about the historic events and figures that helped shape the unique culture of Key West. On this adult’s only option that focuses on Key West’s dark and salacious past, you'll discuss Count Von Cosel, Robert the Doll, and The Hemingway House. Hear all about the grisly murders, suicides, demonic deeds, and learn about the fascinating hauntings at each place. Find out the true stories behind these locations and more from a guide who is an expert on the dark, haunted history of Key West.

Key West: History and Culture Southernmost Walking Tour

Key West: History and Culture Southernmost Walking Tour

Start your journey at the famous Kino Sandals Plaza, where you will meet with your local guide. On your walk listen to stories about how Key West became one of the wealthiest cities in the mid-1800s. Learn about the island’s shipwrecking industry, sponge harvesting, and cigar manufacturing.  The end of the tour will end at a buoy showing the Southernmost Point of the continental U.S. Here, your guide will give you free maps so that you can continue to explore the various shops,  museums, and other points of interest along this section of the island.

Key West: Insider's Hemingway Experience

Key West: Insider's Hemingway Experience

The Hemingway Experience celebrates Key West’s most infamous author, Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, on a historical journey retracing his steps around Old Town. Our 4-hour guided experience stops at (6) locations, all aiding in telling Hemingway’s story in Key West & Cuba. Each ticket includes guided entrance into his famed Key West home where you can pet the property’s six-toed cats and see where he wrote some of his most iconic works. Then eat, drink, and explore the island through “Papa’s eyes”, feasting on the Cuban cuisine (and boozy beverages) that he fell in love with while your knowledgeable local guide impresses with interesting stories and amazing fun facts. The adventure takes you behind the scenes of a 3rd generation family run cigar rolling factory, and into the newly remodeled Social Club at Hemingway Rum Co. for his favorite drink made with his family company’s premium rum. Then finish with a slice of our famous key lime pie! After the tour, explore Old Town with confidence and take advantage of recommendations on restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and cultural offerings. You’ll also receive a collection of exclusive recipes, ensuring that you can enjoy memories from this tour for many years to come!

Key West: Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour

Key West: Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour

Explore the spooky side of Key West on this ghost-themed walking tour. See the city’s most popular haunted spots and hear fascinating stories about the ghosts of its past. Hear about Robert the Doll, the haunted doll with supernatural powers who sits in the city's East Martello Museum. Stop by the La Concha Hotel and learn about the ghostly legends contained within. See fascinating locations like the Hemingway House and the Artist House. Stroll the city's streets with a guide who is an expert on its dark, haunted history. Become a history buff after learning about the historic events and figures that helped shape the unique culture of Key West

Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami

Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami

Planning a private tour to Key West can be a wonderful experience, as it allows you to explore the island's unique charm at your own pace. The drive takes about 3-4 hours from Miami. With us you can make as many stops as you like while we drive you along the scenic Overseas Highway (US-1), which connects the mainland to Key West. Unique attractions of key west: • Southernmost Point Buoy: Take a photo at the iconic buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental U.S., just 90 miles from Cuba. • Duval Street: Stroll along Duval Street, Key West's main thoroughfare, known for its lively bars, shops, and restaurants. It's the heart of the city's nightlife and entertainment. • Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of Key West and visit the museum to learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers. Cultural Experiences : • Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: Every evening, locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset and enjoy street performances, local art, and food vendors. It's a must-see event in Key West. • Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Walk through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds. It's a peaceful and magical experience. • The Studios of Key West: Explore local art at this cultural hub, which hosts rotating art exhibits, performances, and workshops. Historical Sites : • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Visit the famous home where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote for almost a decade. The house is filled with history, and you can meet the descendants of his six-toed cats. • Harry S. Truman Little White House: Explore the winter White House used by President Truman. This historic site offers a glimpse into the life of the 33rd U.S. president during his time in Key West. • Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: This Civil War-era fort offers both history and a beautiful beach. Take a guided tour to learn about its role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Culinary Experiences • Key Lime Pie: Don't leave Key West without trying its famous Key Lime Pie, available at many local bakeries and restaurants. • Seafood: Enjoy fresh seafood at local spots like Conch Republic Seafood Company or Eaton Street Seafood Market. Key West is known for its conch fritters, stone crab claws, and spiny lobster. • Rum Distilleries: Visit a local rum distillery, like Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, to learn about the rum-making process and enjoy tastings. In short, with our private tour you are in control at all times and you can choose what time to return so that you have time to get to know Key West to the fullest.

Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State

Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State

Key West is famous as mainland America’s Caribbean resort town. Here, time slows down as the island vibes take over. But, as you’ll soon find out on this walking tour, there’s more to this island than umbrella drinks and warm breezes. The tour starts in Mallory Square, the cultural center of Key West, and ends at Southernmost Point which, as the name implies, is as south as you can get in the continental US. Along the way, I’ll share stories of some of the island’s more famous residents, along with some lesser-known tales that have given Key West its unique place in American culture and history. I’ll tell you about Key West’s incredible history, from its origins as a maritime village that profited heavily from salvaging wrecked ships along the Great Florida Reef, to the hilarious creation of the ‘Conch Republic’. You’ll also find out how, soon after its creation, this micro-state declared war on the United States for a full minute. On this two-hour tour, you’ll visit the island’s major landmarks and its lesser-known treasures too, stopping for refreshments along the way at many of its signature restaurants and bars, including Captain Tony’s Saloon and Sloppy Joe’s Bar. On this Key West tour, you’ll have a chance to: • Stop for conch fritters near Mallory Square or grab a signature drink at one of Key West's legendary restaurants • Seize the moment like Mel Fisher while learning about his “Today’s the day” mantra, which fueled the 16-year search for the sunken Nuestra Señora de Atocha galleon ship • Chill out with favorites like key lime pie or frozen key lime pops from Kermit’s Key Lime Shop • Stroll down Caroline Street, one of the oldest streets in town • Hear the origin story of one of America’s most iconic brands, Pan American Airways • Pass by the Little White House, where President Harry Truman would escape when he tired of the ”Big, White Jail” back in Washington • Stop by the Mile Marker Zero (the beginning of US Route 1) for a quick photo-op • Take in the Key West Lighthouse, next door to the Hemingway Home and Museum where Ernest Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, lived for nine years so that the author would be able to find his way home after a night of drinking Join me for a fun and amusing walk through the island packed full of charm, quirky stories, and buried treasures.

Key West: Hemingway's Life and Local Food Walking Tour

Key West: Hemingway's Life and Local Food Walking Tour

Discover the life of Ernest Hemingway while he lived in Key West on this guided walking tour. Uncover where the author lived, worked, and played. Stop to try three different samples of Key West cuisine as you walk.  Meet your guide at the front gate of the elegant residence where the author lived during the 1930s, Hemingway House. Make your way to get some local treats to help energize you for your walking tour. Try some delectable food like grilled chicken caeser wrap, bean salad with mango poppy seed dressing, and Kermit's famous key lime pie. Find out where he watched and refereed boxing matches. See where he kept his boat the Pilar. Capture pictures of the bookstore where his books were sold. Stroll by his first apartment in Key West where he finished writing “A Farewell to Arms.” Make another stop visiting where the author used to catch the train. Observe where he used to fish and charter boats. Finally, head to Sloppy Joes which was a favorite watering hole for the writer. 

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What people are saying about Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Overall rating

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2
4.2 out of 5 stars
(419 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely amazing tour with so much to learn about the history of Key West, the guide was very knowledgeable and fun, the tour covered so much and he made some good recommendations a must do

5 out of 5 stars

a day to do absolutely we have time to see everything in 6 hours and the 3h30 drive passes quite easily in the end as for the best place it is on the right side of the window according to me

5 out of 5 stars

I was able to get Ms. History as our guide, he was fantastic, if you can wait for his bus to arrive, totally worth it !

5 out of 5 stars

Jimmy was the best! Stand up comic/best local tour guide ever. Epic.

5 out of 5 stars

Loved it all! Guide was very knowledgeable and informative!