The Hemingway Home and Museum
About
The Hemingway Home and Museum offers a unique blend of literary history and feline fun that captivates kids of all ages. Children are enchanted by the 40-60 six-toed cats that freely roam the lush tropical gardens and historic Spanish Colonial mansion, making this more than just a house tour,it's an interactive animal encounter experience. The beautifully maintained grounds provide plenty of space for kids to explore while learning about the famous author's fascinating life in Key West.
Highlights
- ✓Meeting and petting the famous six-toed cats that roam freely throughout the property
- ✓Exploring the beautiful tropical gardens with peacocks, lush vegetation, and hidden pathways
- ✓Seeing the pool where Hemingway's second wife Pauline installed one of Key West's first
- ✓Learning quirky facts about the cats' names (all named after famous people)
- ✓Discovering the writing studio where Hemingway created some of his most famous works
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit in the morning right when they open at 9 AM for smaller crowds and more active cats before the midday heat
- 2.Bring a camera,kids love taking photos of the cats, and staff can point out where specific cats like to nap
- 3.Park at the nearby city parking garage on Grinnell Street (2 blocks away) as street parking is very limited
- 4.Pick up the scavenger hunt sheet at the entrance to keep younger kids engaged during the guided tour
- 5.Don't rush,allow kids time after the 30-minute guided tour to explore the gardens and find their favorite cats
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) are ideal for avoiding cruise ship crowds and experiencing cooler temperatures. The cats are most active in the morning, and you'll have a more intimate tour experience with fewer visitors competing for the guide's attention.
What to Know
Admission is $17 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6-12), and free for kids 5 and under. Visits include a 30-minute guided tour followed by self-guided exploration of the grounds. The property is not stroller-friendly due to stairs and gravel paths.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months (June-September) can be very hot and humid, so morning visits are especially recommended. The outdoor nature of the attraction means occasional closures during severe weather or hurricanes (September-October hurricane season).
Nearby Eats
Blue Heaven (2 blocks away) offers a kid-friendly menu in a quirky outdoor garden setting, or grab sandwiches and ice cream at the nearby Key West Key Lime Pie Company for a quick family-friendly bite.
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