The Key West Cemetery is one of the more unusual attractions I visited on the island.
I know recommending a cemetery sounds a little strange, but this isn't your typical cemetery. Between the funny epitaphs, colorful local history, beautiful trees, famous graves, and plenty of wandering chickens, the Key West Cemetery offers a completely different side of Key West than Duval Street, the beaches, or the bars.
If you enjoy history, photography, local stories, or simply exploring places that feel a little different from the typical tourist attractions, I think it's worth adding to your Key West itinerary. If you're still planning your trip, be sure to check out my Key West Travel Guide for First Time Visitors.
Yes. Even if you're not normally someone who visits cemeteries while traveling (I am not usually this person ha), this one is worth a stop. The Key West Cemetery is one of the most unique historical attractions on the island and provides a glimpse into Key West's history, culture, and sense of humor.
What makes it interesting isn't just the size of the cemetery. It's the stories attached to many of the graves, the unusual monuments, and the famous epitaphs that have become attractions of their own.
It's also a nice break from some of the busier tourist areas. During my visit, it felt peaceful without being boring, and there was always something interesting to spot around the next corner.
If you're building an itinerary, this pairs well with Visiting the Hemingway House in Key West.
Plan for about 30 minutes to an hour.
If you're simply walking through to see a few famous graves, you can move fairly quickly. If you enjoy reading headstones, stopping at historical markers, taking photos, and exploring different sections of the cemetery, it's easy to spend longer.
I originally thought I'd be in and out fairly quickly. Then I started wandering through the various sections and looking for specific graves, and the visit took longer than expected.
The cemetery dates back to the 1800s and contains thousands of graves, many of which tell fascinating stories about the people who helped shape Key West. Unlike many cemeteries, there are quite a few above-ground tombs and monuments throughout the property. The architecture alone makes it interesting to explore.
The cemetery is also known for several unusual epitaphs that have become famous among visitors. Some people come specifically to find them. The combination of history, architecture, local legends, and a little bit of Key West humor makes it feel very different from a typical cemetery visit.
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There are several notable spots that many visitors try to find while exploring.
This is probably the most famous grave in the cemetery and one of the main reasons many visitors stop by.
It's easily the most searched-for gravestone in Key West, which is why so many people end up wandering around trying to find it.
More on exactly how to locate it below.
Another well-known epitaph that reflects the sense of humor Key West is known for.
It's one of those details that catches your attention and reminds you that this cemetery has plenty of personality mixed in with the history.
As you walk through the cemetery, you'll find family plots that date back generations and provide a glimpse into Key West's past.
The Jewish Cemetery section is one of the most recognizable areas within the grounds and serves as a useful landmark when searching for the famous epitaphs.
Because Key West has such a strong connection to the ocean, you'll also find memorials connected to the island's maritime history.
Some of the most visually striking areas of the cemetery feature elaborate above-ground tombs and monuments that make excellent photo subjects.
Honestly, yes.
The cemetery is much larger than it first appears.
From the entrance, it doesn't look particularly complicated. Once you start walking around, though, you'll quickly realize there are multiple avenues, sections, pathways, and graves spread across a much larger area than most visitors expect.
Many of the locations people specifically want to find can be surprisingly difficult to locate.
I would strongly recommend using my map while exploring. Otherwise, it's very easy to spend a lot of time walking in circles looking for a single gravestone.
The famous “I Told You I Was Sick” gravestone was one of the main things I wanted to find during my visit, and honestly, it was more difficult to locate than I expected.
If you're entering through the main Key West Cemetery entrance, you'll know you're in the correct place because you'll see the large Key West Cemetery sign.
From there:
The famous gravestone is located near the Jewish Cemetery section.
You'll know you've reached the correct area when you see the Jewish Cemetery archway featuring a Jewish symbol above the entrance at the very end of 7th Avenue.
This is where having a map becomes especially helpful. The cemetery is much larger than it appears at first glance, and many visitors spend far longer searching for this grave than they planned.
I may or may not have done a few extra laps myself.
Yes. While it is still a cemetery, it also functions as an outdoor historical site. During a visit, you'll see a mix of history lovers, photographers, families, and curious travelers exploring the grounds.
Children will probably be more interested in spotting the chickens than reading historical markers, but families regularly visit the cemetery without any issues.
If you're interested in photography, there are plenty of interesting subjects throughout the property.
Some of my favorite photo opportunities included:
The combination of old stonework, tropical landscaping, and historic monuments creates a very different look from most Florida attractions.
If photography is a priority during your trip, you may also enjoy my guide to Best Photo Spots in Key West.
The Key West Cemetery isn't usually at the top of most visitors' itineraries, but it ended up being one of the more memorable stops of my trip.
Between the famous epitaphs, historic monuments, wandering chickens, beautiful trees, and stories hidden throughout the grounds, it offers a side of Key West that many visitors miss.
If you enjoy history, photography, local culture, or simply exploring places that feel different from the typical tourist attractions, I'd absolutely recommend spending an hour wandering through one of the most unique cemeteries in Florida.
Just bring my map. Your future self will appreciate it.
If you're trying to fit multiple attractions into the same day, my One Day in Key West Itinerary (Perfect for Cruise Passengers & First-Time Visitors) may help.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
Pack your bags: Bryson City is your next fall trip. Save this now. ✈️
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through peak color, eat your way down Main Street, and end the day in a luxury yurt. Three days here and you won’t want to leave.
Haywood Smokehouse is the BBQ spot that ruins you for every other BBQ spot. Lean brisket so tender it doesn’t need the fat, fried pork ribs you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t sleep on the banana pudding for dessert.
Save this before your next Waynesville or Dillsboro trip 🍖🔥
Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂
The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting.
The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner.
Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.
Italian food felt like the last thing I expected to find in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains... until I sat down at Ilda in Sylva.🍝
They call it Italian-Appalachian, and that’s not just a tagline. Homemade pasta, craft cocktails, local ingredients pulled straight from the mountains around it, this is the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re two hours from the nearest city. It’s cozy, it’s a little upscale, and it is not a walk-in kind of place, call ahead, because tables go fast on weekends.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re already making the trip out to Sylva, this is the one reservation worth planning your day around.
Full write-up, including what to order, link in bio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
