Wandering through the Key West Cemetery provides a highly unique, surprisingly humorous, and deeply historical look into the island’s eccentric past. Established in 1847 in the center of Old Town, this 19-acre cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 100,000 residents, a number far exceeding the island's current living population. Because of the island's high water table, many of the tombs are built above-ground as whitewashed concrete vaults, creating a striking, historic landscape that reflects the diverse Cuban, Bahamian, and American heritage of the community.
What makes a visit here so memorable is the distinct, self-deprecating Key West humor etched directly into the gravestones. Strolling along the quiet pathways, visitors can spot legendary, quirky epitaphs that showcase the island’s rebellious spirit and refusal to take life too seriously. Shaded by flowering plumeria trees and old palms, the cemetery is also home to a massive population of lazy green iguanas, making it a peaceful, highly photogenic sanctuary filled with local history and unexpected wildlife.
One fun fact people love:
The cemetery features the world-famous gravestone of local resident B.P. "Pearl" Roberts, which famously bears the humorous, complaining inscription: "I told you I was sick."
Where in Key West is it?
Located in the heart of Old Town, bordered by Angela, Frances, and Margaret Streets.
How to reach:
Easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from anywhere in Old Town, located just a short, five-block walk east from Duval Street.
Best time to visit:
November to March to enjoy the outdoor stroll in comfortable, dry winter temperatures.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 8:30 AM to enjoy a cool, quiet walk before the intense Florida sun and midday heat set in.
Entry fee:
Completely free to enter and explore during daylight hours.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; the cemetery grounds feature wide, flat, and paved pathways that are fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The cemetery is a major sanctuary for giant exotic green iguanas; you will likely see hundreds of them sunning themselves on top of the historic tombs.
- Make sure to stop by the small gatehouse at the Margaret Street entrance first to pick up a free self-guided walking map, which points out the location of the most famous and funny gravestones.
- There is almost no shade over the graves, so wearing a wide-brimmed hat, carrying water, and applying plenty of sunscreen is highly recommended even for a short visit.
