Key West Cemetery
Explore Key West's historic cemetery, featuring unique above-ground tombs and fascinating local legends. A must-see for history buffs and the curious.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Key West Cemetery
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Key West's historic cemetery, featuring unique above-ground tombs and fascinating local legends. A must-see for history buffs and the curious.
"A neat cemetery to walk through, with lots of iguanas and chickens living in here."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Florida heat is no joke! Stay hydrated while exploring this historic site.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with historical context and find famous graves easily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'I Told You I Was Sick' Epitaph
B.P. 'Pearl' Roberts' Grave
A famously witty and ironic epitaph on a tombstone, reflecting a unique sense of humor.
Above-Ground Tombs
Throughout the cemetery
Experience the unique above-ground burial style, common in areas prone to flooding, offering a distinct visual.
Carl Tanzler and Elena Hoyos
Specific grave location may vary
Discover the chilling tale of Count Von Cosel and his 'corpse bride,' a local legend that adds a macabre allure.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the cemetery
Keep an eye out for the resident iguanas and chickens that roam freely among the historic headstones.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Navigating the Historic Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Florida heat is no joke! Stay hydrated while exploring this historic site.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with historical context and find famous graves easily.
🚲 Rent a Bicycle
A great way to navigate Key West and reach the cemetery comfortably.
📸 Capture Unique Headstones
Look for the hand-written cement epitaphs and witty inscriptions.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Florida heat is no joke! Stay hydrated while exploring this historic site.
🚶♀️ Consider a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with historical context and find famous graves easily.
🚲 Rent a Bicycle
A great way to navigate Key West and reach the cemetery comfortably.
📸 Capture Unique Headstones
Look for the hand-written cement epitaphs and witty inscriptions.
🐈 Cemetery Cats
You might spot some adorable feline residents lounging among the tombs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Key West Cemetery to be an off-the-beaten-path gem with fascinating history and unique above-ground tombs. While some graves are not very old, the overall experience is memorable, especially with the chance to see local wildlife like iguanas and chickens. It's recommended to bring water and consider a tour for a richer understanding.
"Off the beaten path. Interesting history of the island. Bring water if you are going to be walking, it gets hot, and you won't want to leave once you get moving. Graves go back to the early 1800s. I would recommend taking a tour of available but I have not been able to find one."
S Klimek
"If you have time to visit it's a neat cemetery to walk through. It's divided into sections, there's lots of Iguanas and chickens living in here so don't get spooked. Most graves weren't that old but still worth visiting and memorilizing if you have time."
Luke
"I rented a bicycle for the week to be able to explore Key West and the above Florida Keys, early in the morning to early afternoon. Someone that enjoys walking around Key West suggested that I should visit Key West Cemetery.
Open minded and respecting the Souls of the Dead, I rode my bicycle entering the cemetery. I rode here and there, observing the variety of sizes and heights of the burial plots.
Vhuntermassage LLC"
Veronica Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Key West Cemetery is centrally located in Old Town Key West. Many visitors arrive by bicycle, golf cart, or on foot. Parking can be challenging, so consider leaving your car at your accommodation and using alternative transport.
While there isn't a direct bus route to the cemetery entrance, the main bus lines in Key West can get you close. From there, it's a short walk or bike ride.
Driving is possible, but parking is extremely limited and can be difficult to find, especially during peak season. It's often recommended to avoid driving directly to the cemetery.
Yes, the Key West Cemetery is within walking distance from the southern end of Duval Street, though it's a pleasant stroll.
Numerous bike rental shops are available throughout Key West, making it easy to rent a bike and cycle to the cemetery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Key West Cemetery is generally open to the public and does not require an admission ticket. It's a historic site you can explore freely.
The cemetery is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check local listings or signage upon arrival for the most current hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Key West Cemetery. It's a public space for historical exploration.
While there isn't a formal ticket booth, guided tours are often available. You can inquire locally or look for tour operators that include the cemetery in their Key West itineraries.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the grounds and the deceased. Please refrain from disturbing any graves or monuments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Established in 1847, the Key West Cemetery has a rich history, serving as the final resting place for many of the island's residents. It contains sections for various faiths and ethnicities, reflecting the diverse population of Key West.
Notable graves include B.P. 'Pearl' Roberts with the 'I Told You I Was Sick' epitaph, and the resting places connected to the chilling Carl Tanzler and Elena Hoyos legend.
Finding specific graves can be challenging. While some online resources like Find a Grave exist, a cemetery map or a guided tour can be very helpful.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Given the Florida heat, light, breathable clothing is recommended.
Restroom facilities may be limited or unavailable within the cemetery itself. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Key West Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers due to its unique monuments and atmosphere.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Look for the distinctive above-ground tombs, the 'I Told You I Was Sick' epitaph, and the natural beauty of the cemetery's flora and fauna.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and public historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the tombs, while a standard zoom can capture details of the headstones and inscriptions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider a shorter visit during the cooler parts of the day. Focus on the most visually interesting aspects, like the unique epitaphs and the tomb structures. A self-guided tour with a focus on 'finding the coolest tomb' or 'spotting the most lizards' can turn it into a fun scavenger hunt.
👻 Ghost Enthusiasts
While the cemetery itself is a focal point for ghost stories, nearby locations like Captain Tony's Saloon are also known for paranormal activity and are often included in Key West ghost tours. Exploring the cemetery can be a great prelude or follow-up to a dedicated ghost tour of the island.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
Urban explorers will appreciate the distinctive architecture of the above-ground tombs and the often-unconventional epitaphs. The cemetery provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to trace the lineage of families and understand the historical context of Key West.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Above-Ground Burials
These above-ground vaults are not just functional; they are also works of art, with varying architectural styles and inscriptions. Exploring these structures offers a unique visual experience and a deeper understanding of the historical and environmental challenges faced by Key West residents. The sheer number of these tombs contributes to the cemetery's distinctive and somewhat eerie atmosphere.
When visiting, take time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the stories these tombs tell. They are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people who have called Key West home for generations. The cemetery's layout, with its distinct sections, also highlights the community's historical social structures.
Legends and Lore of Key West Cemetery
Another highlight is the epitaph of B.P. 'Pearl' Roberts, which famously reads, 'I told you I was sick.' This witty and darkly humorous inscription has become a popular stop for visitors, showcasing a unique aspect of Key West's character. Such epitaphs offer a glimpse into the personalities and the often unconventional spirit of the island's past inhabitants.
Beyond these specific tales, the cemetery is often mentioned in discussions about Key West's haunted locations. While not as overtly commercialized as some other haunted spots, the sheer age and history of the cemetery lend themselves to ghost stories and paranormal speculation.
Navigating and Finding Graves
Many visitors recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the cemetery's history and to find notable graves. Tour guides can provide context, share stories, and point out significant headstones that might otherwise be missed. If a guided tour isn't feasible, look for any available brochures or informational signage that might offer a cemetery map or highlight key points of interest.
When exploring, remember that the cemetery is an active, albeit historic, site. Be respectful of the grounds and any ongoing burials or maintenance. The presence of wildlife, such as iguanas and chickens, adds to the unique atmosphere but also means being mindful of your surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit