I don't know what impact AIDS has on Key West these days but there is this AIDS memorial to recognize people that have passed away to AIDS that have lived here, worked here or visited here. It's located directly along the path into the White Street Pier; not very large but its worth taking notice, not because it's overly impressive but to recognize these victims of this terrible disease. There are many many names etched into the granite memorial and if you know of someone that you feel deserves to be added, you can submit a name for nomination. They add names yearly. read more

It's a very stressful experience to visit the Key West AIDS Memorial. It's a gorgeous looking memorial but looking at all those names of the deceased, for the most part young, a few of whom I knew, brought tears to my eyes. Worse it remains unfinished as HIV victims are still dying. The memorial has been enlarged twice and names are still been added. The Key West AIDS Memorial was built with private funds and donated to the City of Key West in 1997. At that time not only was Key West battling an epidemic few people understood, but it was also becoming a refuge for hundreds of people who were diagnosed elsewhere but felt they could not remain at home in what many considered to be hostile environments. So they moved to Key West, which drove the "real" numbers much higher and put an overwhelming strain on the medical resources of the tiny island community. I might add that the Key West AIDS Memorial was the first municipal memorial to AIDS victims in the world. read more

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So, don't get you expectations up too high. This is literally just a monument. For those of us who lived through the mid 80s through mid 90s when PWA were vilified and politically marginalized, and those of us who had friends and loved ones that didn't survive, this is an important and moving memorial. For kids it just seems to be a wall to climb on. read more

At the east end of Higgs Beach is this black covered AIDS memorial. The shapes of the walls and concrete slabs with names on them are moving to see. Parking is free, right in front. read more

Not often I visit a city that has an AIDS Memorial my friend told me to check this out since it wasn't far from his place and I needed things to check out on my own. Located near the beach away from them main part of downtown KW. Little quieter and it was nice to walk through a different residential area than I had been walking on the way to downtown. Beautiful quotes in stone and long list of names at the memorial very emotional. Beautiful view of the water. read more

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We were in Key West as my husband participated in the Smart Ride, a 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West. When the riders arrive, they gather at the high school and then proceed in mass through town to the AIDS Memorial for the closing ceremony on the pier. I arrived well ahead of the rides to send some time exploring and photographing the memorial prior to the 400+ riders and volunteers. The memorial is a mix on materials with a concrete wall poured in to seats on one side, dotted with beautiful quotes. The other side is Zimbabwe marble etched with names of those lost to AIDS. On the walkway, the Zimbabwe marble continues with block containing more names, more quotes and some lighting on the walkway as well as what I'd have to assume is relief of the Florida Keys. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of over 1,000 people who loved and lived, worked or vacationed in the Keys. It's a beautiful, quiet place to reflect on the devastation and the people we have lost. read more

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This pier is nice - mostly empty during the day though. But there's seating, markings on the floor for the AIDS memorial, and at the end of the pier there's a large square in the ocean. Kinda odd, but it works! Great spot to see the sunset, better than Mallory Square since the sun won't go down from behind an island. The square has a compass on the floor so you'll have an idea of where's north, south, east, and west. read more

Having visited here many times, I'm happy to say my latest visit last night validated that the City of Key West has been doing a wonderful job keeping up with maintaining this beautiful memorial. The good and not so good news... There have been some new additions this past year which includes a whole second upright tier of black granite for additional names to be added. The entire display is tastefully done. (see pics) The Key West AIDS Memorial is located at the entrance to the White Street Pier at the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Blvd. There is limited parking along the right side by Higgs Beach. Biking or walking (if in the area), is your best means of transportation to this destination point. You can then continue your stroll along the pier, or to the African Cemetery and West Martello Museum to the right. read more

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Beautiful memorial with a pier that jets out into the ocean. Great place to catch a sunset!

We rented bikes and made our way to this memorial. This memorial is simple nut very moving. Take some time to walk around and read the quotes and names. Walk out on the pier and enjoy the beauty around it. We spent about a half hour there just wandering around. read more

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This was a moving memorial for both us although we are not connected to this community. The founders did a nice job in deciding this location. There are 1,286 people honored as of 1 Jan 2021 with 10 people added in 2020. read more

What a fantastic memorial. You stand living life and excited to be on vacation in such a paradise, take a moment to remember the men and women who have died from this terrible disease. We have lost a generation of scholars, linguists, scientists, moms, dads, chefs, construction workers, peers, mentors..... *sigh* Sometimes I wish for a big brother to guide me on my way, sadly, this terrible plague has struck that generation down. Lets make sure we don't forget how toxic this disease is. read more

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A beautiful memorial to those who have passed away from the brutal disease known as AIDS. Sleek, black marble granite features are chiseled with quotes from various artists. It's a short walk from both Higgs Beach and West Martello so if you're in the area you should stop by to see it. Unfortunately while we were there it looks like part of the marble had come loose or was missing. It does affect the quality and aesthetic of the memorial, but hopefully will be fixed in the near future. read more

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Very well done. Nice area to walk and watch the colors at sunset. I wish they had spent the money on AIDS research, but none the less, the pier and view is excellent. I would be careful late at night due to the number of bums here. read more

This is a gorgeous memorial and well worth a visit. The pier itself is not somewhere you want to be at high noon but I would recommend a visit in the morning or evening. Depending on the day the tide can be high enough to cause the waves to come crashing over the pier. I was down there one day where the waves were crashing and soaking people on the area near the compass. Funny to watch! The next day I was there it was calm and the ocean was as still as glass. The compass at the end is a great photo spot as is most of the pier. It is one of the best places on the island to see a completely unobstructed view of the sunset. There are benches all along the pier for a place to rest your tired feet and watch the gentle sway of the palm trees in the breeze. A good place to take in the beauty of Key West. read more

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Well oraganized and well decorated. You can feel The memorial has sentimental value for all those victoms. read more

Key West AIDS Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Key West, Florida

This is a very pretty part of Key West and very serene. the AIDS memorial is beautiful. I have a wonderful picture of part of the memorial and a red rose someone had placed on it. We happened upon it by accident but I was glad we did. read more

A beautiful memorial for those who have died. It has a map of the keys, quotes, names and leads onto a pier. The view from the pier is great n all directions. It is a quiet alternative to Malory square for sun set read more

Great Pier to relax and enjoy the view, especially while drink some good coffee from Sandy's Cafe. A routine my wife and I enjoyed for the years we lived in Key West. read more

Interesting spot and a somewhat random find. Names etched in black marble memorialize those who have died to AIDS, and Key West has apparently been hit especially bad. There's usually some kind of memory left by a name (flowers, beads, etc.), so it's clear that those passionately connected to this cause and to someone specific visit often. read more

The pier is very nice, the long strip is perfect for morning and evening walks. The end of the pier has a very pretty compass floor that's worth a picture or two. I will say that most of the reviews are correct about the homeless. It's become more of a problem over the last few years (economy and all), but most are harmless drunks. One big tip is when you park your car nearby, lock your doors and hide your valuables. Cars get broken into a lot here but local PD seem to be getting a handle on it as of late. read more

My husband and I visited the Memorial last month in honor of our son whose name was engraved there this past December. It was so beautiful and moving and of course we shed many a tear. We have so many great memories of us all together in Key West sharing laughter and love. The Memorial is in a beautiful spot near the ocean and pier and I so hope this spot will be maintained with dignity and love for many many years. read more