It's definitely a must visit when you're in Key West. Luscious greeneries all over the property…read more Keep an eye on the six-toe cats all around. Some of them occupy the cat house that looks like the Hemingway house itself. Very cute. The gift shop is at the back. You can find some cats there too. Very friendly and helpful staff

If you're visiting Key West, the Hemingway House is practically a required stop, but your mileage…read moremay vary depending on what brings you here. We went during the off-season, so we didn't have to wait long for our tour to start or stand in any real line to get in. By the time we were leaving, though, we noticed a small line starting to form. Personally, I wouldn't wait more than five minutes to get inside unless you're a die-hard Hemingway scholar. The tour itself is totally fine, you get to walk through his small, modest home (which thankfully has air conditioning) and check out some historical memorabilia from his life and writing career. It's neat, but straightforward. Honestly, it seems like most people visiting are just cat people, and fair enough, the grounds are littered with six-toed cats, and they are indisputably the real star attraction of the property. On a side note: after our visit, Ernest Hemingway actually appeared to me in a dream. He made a direct request, asking if I could bring him some Krispy Kreme doughnuts because he is utterly exhausted from people bringing him Dunkin' Donuts. I told Papa I'd do what I could, but if there's a long line at the drive-thru, he's out of luck, I'm strictly not waiting in lines on this vacation.

If you're really into history, US presidents, or just want to check out a house that is impeccably…read morepreserved from its era, I highly recommend visiting the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West. We opted for the White Glove VIP Tour, and it was hands-down awesome. The VIP package takes the standard visit to a whole new level. We were able to access exclusive areas that regular tour groups couldn't, got to sit inside the actual presidential limo, and went next door to examine rare historic artifacts in the museum foundation's private archives. The entire two-hour tour flew by, largely thanks to our guide, Greg, who was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and top-tier. Now, a word of caution for future visitors... Beware the Hawaiian Shirt Curse. Legend has it that during Truman's post-presidential travels in the Pacific, a local Hawaiian elder bestowed a vibrant, hand-stitched shirt upon him--along with a subtle tiki curse. The spell was woven directly into the fabric: anyone who dons the garment shall be consumed by an insatiable, endless drive to acquire tropical resort wear. During the VIP tour, I was actually permitted to try on one of Truman's original vintage Hawaiian shirts. Ever since that moment, I've been on a full-blown spending spree buying Hawaiian shirts. My closet is overflowing, my bank account is weeping, but my tropical wardrobe has never looked better. Whether the legend is real or I'm just rationalizing my new fashion obsession, this tour was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Don't skip the VIP upgrade!

From 1946 through 1952, President Harry Truman used this house as his winter vacation home, and…read morebecause he spent 175 days of his presidency here, it became known as the Little White House. Originally built by the U.S. Navy in 1890, the Little White House served as naval command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, and also played roles in both World Wars and the Cold War. Since Truman's days, many other presidents have also vacationed here, including Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Today, the Little White House has been restored and turned into a museum. Also, don't forget to check the famous limousine while you are there. The only way to see inside the Truman Little White House in Key West is via a guided tour. But there is a small section near the gift shop that is free for visitors.

The San Carlos institute is a magnificent building on Duvall street, Key West which now operates as…read morean historic Cuban heritage center. The building was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles to support the fight for Cuba's independence from Spain and also had a school on the top floor to educate Cuban children. The entrance is free and the rooms are full of photographs and historical items. It's well worth stopping in. There is also a screening room that plays a 25 minute video. The architecture and design of the building is impressive.

This Institute is truly an honor to have been inside. They are open to the public without asking…read moreyou for cent you get a lot of history specially in conjunction with the US. I even had someone come over and explain with so much passion and detail the stories behind some of the things I could see in the frames on the walls. I recommend you check out this basically free museum and leave a little love behind. a little goes a long way.

A cost neutral GEM of an attraction that many unfortunately miss. Very interesting, informative,…read moreand the staff (Christine & others) are incredibly knowledgeable, polite, and friendly. Enjoy.

A wonderful informative and engaging space in which to learn more about the flora and fauna of the…read moreKeys. The dangers and the ways people can help are fundamental in the posters and placards throughout the museum-like Center. Parking just outside and the Truman Waterfront, playground and splash park are just outside. Entry is free; check opening hours - currently Wednesday through Sunday.

Another beautifully preserved historic property as well as extensive lush gardens. We passed by…read morethe property daily during our brief visit to the keys and admired the well maintained tropical gardens visible from the pathway.

Lovely. Dedicated staff. An unexpected treat in Key West (which turns out to be a thoroughly…read morelikeable town despite the rumor and innuendo). An easy place to have a very nice time.

Tours are not free or have a tour guide as stated in some of these older reviews. It's $10/per…read moreperson now and it's a self walk through/guided tour. It's all self guided. Make sure you read all of the signage - you'll learn a lot. Beautiful gardens out back. Currently under construction as they are building a kitchen for catering of their events. Fun to do if you're looking to kill 30-45 minutes or so.

I really enjoyed this visit. A docent gave us a quick overview of each room in the house then let…read moreus explore the house and grounds at our own pace. The shop was cute as well. It was great to spend time speaking with the docent and curator as well. They had so much knowledge, not just about this house, family, site, etc., but other historic spots and trivia about Key West. Money well spent.

Last day in Key West and we finally made it to the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters…read moreMuseum. So glad we did. It was an excellent visit. The entire site is beautifully maintained. If you go, make sure you climb to the top. The view is spectacular and absolutely worth the steps. The lighthouse keeper's house and surrounding grounds are first rate and give you a real sense of what life was like more than 100 years ago. There are numerous displays explaining both the daily work and the technology required to keep the lighthouse operating. It's informative without feeling overwhelming. A must-visit when you're in Key West.

the only lighthouse in USA entirely within city limits…read more Visitors can climb 88 iron steps, explore the restored Keeper's Quarters, and view maritime artifacts. Originally built in 1825, the current structure was completed in 1848 and raised in 1894 to reach 100 feet. The view from the top is considered one of the best in Key West. One of the highest points in Old Town, the lighthouse offers unmatched panoramic views and the chance to enjoy Key West's legendary sunset in peaceful privacy; far from the crowded Mallory Square

Admission to Fort East Martello Museum was only $10 during our visit because of ongoing…read moreconstruction, which felt like an excellent bargain for a place containing Civil War-era artifacts, haunted history, Robert the Doll, and a Cuban immigrant raft, all under one roof. The museum is a fascinating mash-up of subjects. One moment you're learning about military history, the next you're exploring haunted exhibits, and then suddenly you're standing before Key West's most famous resident: Robert the Doll. Robert comes with a very specific set of etiquette rules. Before taking his photograph, visitors are expected to politely ask his permission--something along the lines of, "Robert, may I take your picture?" You're also supposed to be respectful, avoid mocking him, and refrain from tapping on his glass case. The tradition comes from the many visitors who claim they experienced bad luck after photographing Robert without asking. Some have reported camera malfunctions, strange technical problems, accidents, illness, and other unsettling events after their visit. Many of them later sent Robert apology letters, begging him to forgive them and lift the curse. The museum displays some of these letters, which makes the whole experience even more entertaining and slightly more threatening. Naturally, we followed the rules, except for one friend, who took a picture without asking. He also laughed at Robert, which, in hindsight, was an unnecessarily bold decision. The inside of the fort is unusual, with a tower you can climb filled with strange tin sculptures. It's definitely a weird museum, but in the best possible way. The main attraction is absolutely Robert, who sits silently in his case looking as though he knows exactly what you did last summer. Afterward, our rebellious friend joined us at an all-you-can-eat Mexican restaurant. Within an hour, he began smelling like rotten eggs, making strange noises, and producing mysterious bursts of foul-smelling air from his backside. At first, we feared Robert had possessed him. Then we realized the true curse was probably unlimited beans. We are still waiting for a Russian medium to arrive and perform an exorcism, although the medium has requested that we stop blaming Robert and open a window first. Fort East Martello is an interesting, eccentric, and genuinely memorable museum. Come for the history, stay for the haunted doll, and remember: always ask Robert before taking his picture--or risk being haunted by both supernatural forces and your own digestive decisions.

Interesting Fort. Lots of great things to see in the Fort & Museum…read more The unfortunate part is that is that there isn't a lot of signage on the tour. It is a self guided tour and they give you a map with some description. They had great signage got Robert the Doll and the Count. There are places that were area not allowed to go to due to renovations, but at least they lower the price. I did the Robert the Doll tour the night previous. I think I learned more about the place through the Sloan ghost tour. Also never received my ticket or emailed ticket to get a day ticket as stated when I bought that ticket. Would I go again? Yes. I do recommend visiting. But ask questions and read the map for information.