The famed Nobel Prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway had a deep love for Key West and it was evident in the many characters and settings he used in his stories. He also called the island paradise his home for close to 30 years and was as casual and friendly as the locals that he fished, dined and spent time with. Take a tour of the home and enjoy the pretty Spanish-style architecture, the grounds and the lovely pool that was the first pool built in a home in Key West. See the furnishings, personal items and artifacts left behind by Hemingway and his family and meet the descendents of his beloved six-toed cat—all 60 of them roam freely on the property. The guided tour will enlighten you on Hemingway’s brilliant career, his life and the era in which he lived in Key West. It’s a worthy visit for everyone.

Another historic landmark on the island, the lighthouse dates back to 1825 and helped guide ships coming into port for more than 120 years. Because of the dangerous reefs off the coast of Key West, many ships wrecked and were lost, never making it to port. Take a tour of the museum and see original artifacts from that time period including maps, photos and documents. See the charming Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters that was restored and holds much of the history within its walls. If you’d like a little adventure, climb to the top of the tower—just 88 steps, and see the picturesque view of the water and the city.

Learn about the graceful creatures that flutter about all over the earth. At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you’ll see hundreds of them bred in captivity and enjoying a thriving tropical garden as their home. You’ll see all shapes and sizes, colors and species and learn more than you can imagine about the butterfly and its natural habitat.

Some say it holds sacred power, others believe it emanates spiritual strength. Find out for yourself what makes the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Grotto Shrine so special. It was built in 1922 on orders of the sisters of the holy name of Jesus and Mary who believed the coral rock shrine would protect Key West from the devastation of hurricanes. After the tragedy of the 1919 hurricane that caused massive destruction and killed hundreds of residents, Sister Louis Gabriel decided a shrine was a necessity. To this day, people from all over the island come to the site to pray when a hurricane threatens. The legend still lives on although Key West has had its share of damaging storms and near misses. Visitors enjoy seeing the historic grotto and catching a little bit of island history and mystery while they’re at it.