Some of the things to do in Key West will be obvious and you already probably read about it. But I would like to add few more places that many bloggers didn’t mention. So here are my take on top 7 places to visit in Key West That Hemingway used to visit.
My Short Story on Ernest Hemingway
Growing up in Korea, Ernest Hemingway was one of the requirement books you had to read in middle school.
Before I went down to Key West I read that book, Old Man and the Sea, and it was such a good read.
I don’t know why it was so hard to read it when I was young. But reading it now, it was an easy read and weirdly nostalgic.
I think it would be more interesting when you go to Key West if you do read one of his books.
Erneest Hemingway House and Museum
So when I arrived in Key West and first went to Ernest Hemingway house and museum, it was full of surprise.
Not because of his great legacy, but all the affairs and his REAL life.
I was hesitant at first to even go to Ernest Hemingway house because it seemed a bit expensive to just look around the house.
fyi. The house opens from 9:00 – 17:00 and the entrance fee is 16 dollars.
- Erneest Hemingway House and Museum Location: 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
To be honest, if you do not know the history behind the rooms and the stories, it would be boring.
Luckily every 30 minutes, there is a free guide who explains everything. AND THAT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
I went in with a huge doubt and left the Hemingway house like I watched a good Youtube Vox episode.
By the way, if you want to watch my vlog about Key West, you can find it below.
It is all in Korea, but if you really really want to watch it, I will put on a subtitle just for you! Leave a comment below 🙂
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
If you go to the Hemingway house you learn that he was a cheater, player and a drinker.
Basically the fuck boy of the 1900s.
Of course, he drank a lot in Cuba, but also loved partying at Key West’s Sloppy Joes.
You will be able to see the bar very easily on Duval St.
It is one of the best places to visit in Key West for drinks but not food.
There are so much better seafood restaurants in Key West, and I listed the best ones if you want some good seafood.
Related Post:
One thing many people don’t know is that Sloppy Joe’s have moved to a bigger location because it became so popular.
Sloppy Joes’ bar opens from 9:00 till you are drunk.
- Slppy Joe’s Adress: 201 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
But the original location is call Captain Tony’s Saloon across from Sloppy Joes.
If you can handle some drink why not go to both bars!
Drink on Duval Street
Of course, since you are on Duval st, this is where all the parties happen.
Related Post: Best Area to Stay in Key West (feat. NOT ON DUVAL ST)
I don’t know if Hemingway partied here, but since Sloppy Joe’s is here, let’s assume that he partied his eyebrows off here.
I got not much to say but after Margaritaville, I do not remember much lol.
Enjoy Some Cuban Coffee
Because Key West is so close to Cuba, it has a strong Cuban influence.
Ernest Hemingway also was a frequent traveler to Cuba from Key West.
So when you are in Key West, you should try some Cuban food and coffee.
Key West is know to make the best cafe con leche.
There are many famous places, but it seems like most people go to Cuban Coffee Queen of the Five Borthers and El Meson de Pepe.
I went to Cuban Coffee Queen for breakfast sandwich and a coffee.
I am sure all three of them are excellent as Tripadvisor, Google, Yelp reviews are fantastic. If you happen to try all of it please let us know below comment!
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven used to be where Ernest Hemingway went to referee a boxing match (There is a long story, but if you go to the Hemmingway house, they tell you, so I’ll save it for you).
Now it is a restaurant called Blue Heaven, and it is where most travelers go for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Related Post: Best Seafood Restaurants in Key West According to Seafood Lover
To be honest, I didn’t go. The wait was painfully long, and there were many other good places for key lime pie (Also for food).
If they have taken reservation, I might have gone. Blue Heaven only take reservations during off peak, and no reservations during peak time.
There are many good key lime pie shops you can try (Miami Herald List is good) instead of Blue Heaven. I went to Old Town Bakery as it was close to my bnb.
Robbies
Did you know that Ernest Hemingway loved fishing?
This article is really interesting showing the love of Hemingway’s fishing, and briefly he talks about tarpon.
There is actually a place where you can feed the tarpons (Not catch it like Hemingway though).
The place is called Robbies, and I don’t know… It was one of the funnest thing I’ve done in Key West lol.
The fish is huge and looks scary but definitely a good fun.
The only problem is you can only do if you are driving down to Key West from Miami.
It is inbetween Miami and Key West.
Adress: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States
If you are doing a road trip down to Key West from Miami, I would definetely recommend stopping by at Robbies.
There are few other places to visit in Key West that I didn’t mention.
- Truman’s Little White House
- Hang Out at Fort Zachary Beach
- Go to the Southernmost Point in America
I think it is worth a visit, but not necessary.
Especially the Southermost Point Buoy was too crowded and didn’t see a point going there (unless your hotel is near there or want to take an instagram picture).
