Pinewood Cemetery
A historic burial ground with unique terraced landscapes, Victorian funerary art, and a story of segregation and desegregation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Pinewood Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic burial ground with unique terraced landscapes, Victorian funerary art, and a story of segregation and desegregation.
"This place is packed with burials and family plots, full of beautiful old funerary art."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be non-existent. Be prepared to find alternative spots nearby or consider ride-sharing.
🚶♀️ Respectful Wander
Tread lightly and observe quietly. This is a historic burial ground, not a park for lounging.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian-Era Artistry
Throughout the cemetery
Discover beautiful old funerary art, unique headstones, crypts, and mausoleums. A visual feast of historical craftsmanship.
Terraced Landscape
Throughout the cemetery
Unlike typical flat graveyards, this cemetery features a unique terraced design with meandering steps and crooked paths.
Historic Coquina Walls
Perimeter of the cemetery
Admire the distinctive coquina walls and archways that surround this historic burial ground, a testament to its past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be non-existent. Be prepared to find alternative spots nearby or consider ride-sharing.
🚶♀️ Respectful Wander
Tread lightly and observe quietly. This is a historic burial ground, not a park for lounging.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document the unique funerary art and historic architecture.
👻 Local Lore
Chat with locals at nearby establishments for fascinating ghost stories and historical insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be non-existent. Be prepared to find alternative spots nearby or consider ride-sharing.
🚶♀️ Respectful Wander
Tread lightly and observe quietly. This is a historic burial ground, not a park for lounging.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document the unique funerary art and historic architecture.
👻 Local Lore
Chat with locals at nearby establishments for fascinating ghost stories and historical insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pinewood Cemetery is a historic and visually unique burial ground, praised for its beautiful old funerary art and distinctive terraced landscape. While some visitors find it peaceful and historically significant, others have noted issues with parking and occasional restrictions on visitor behavior.
""Pinewood Cemetery or Peninsula Cemetery, is one of the oldest burial grounds in the Daytona Beach. The names of many of Daytona’s earliest settlers, including Burgoyne, Jackson, Day and Maley, can be seen.
It is located on property purchased in 1873 by John W. Smith, a settler from Canada. He originally advertised the land as cemetery lots in 1883, but it was not used until 1887 when the first person to be buried there was his own 19-year-old daughter.
“In the early 1900s, the cemetery was taken over by Charles Bingham and Jerome Maley who owned a furniture/undertaking establishment. They formed the original Pinewood Cemetery Corporation. It was at this time that the coquina walls and archways were built.
In 1917, a lot cost $50. All the lots were sold more than 20 years ago (as of 1986), and today, it is difficult to determine who owns the remaining empty lots.
“The Pinewood Cemetery Corporation had a maintenance fund until the Depression when the Merchant’s Bank failed, and the money was lost. Because it is a private burial ground, both the city and the county refuse to assume the cost of its upkeep. However, in 1979, Albert Kingston, who is buried in Pinewood, left money in trust for the cemetery’s maintenance.”
Sept 2022 the cemetery was temporarily closed for repairs.
It is a private cemetery surrounded by a wall. There is also a single drive in and out of the cemetery that loops through, and there is no place to turn a car around. This place is packed with burials and family plots.The cemetery is full of beautiful old funerary art and has some unique headstones, crypts, and mausoleums. The design is also unique for Central Florida which is full of flat, sandy graveyards. This one is terraced and walking through the cemetery includes climbing meandering steps and walking along crooked paths.
The city if Daytona Beach may have taken over the graveyard to control visitation and enforce hours of operation. However, there is no official link on the city website.
Review includes info compiled by Historic Daytona Beach,” published by the Junior League of Daytona Beach in 1986."
KCorn
"Y yes it is very full of energies I had{one of the eldest spirits connect with me and warn me thru sharing her story about a betrayal and danger in my near future thankfully I stopped in that day n ended up sitting for hours in the rain just following what she showed me about her own betrayal when the cemetery was first made and his daughter wasn't the first person buried on that land her and her daughter were killed on that land and buried but there is no record of this but this is what she conveyed to me that day....."
Michele Parker (Shelli)
"I go to this place what I like to know is it a park more than then ten places to sit I stop each time I am in Daytona have enjoyed it many time
But Saturday was put out by a Police officer
For sitting on a bench well I guest tax dollars are no longer needed there
I guess the officer playing on his phone and I walked past him and he did not notice me for 30min does not matter safety first"
Lloyd Lemon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pinewood Cemetery is located in Daytona Beach. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's often accessed by car. Some visitors mention it's across the street from the Boothill Saloon.
Parking is notoriously difficult and often described as non-existent. Visitors may need to find street parking in the surrounding area or consider ride-sharing services.
The cemetery has a single drive-in and out that loops through. There isn't a place to turn a car around, so plan your route accordingly.
Official hours are not always clearly posted, and the cemetery has experienced temporary closures for repairs. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be mindful of any posted signage.
The cemetery features meandering steps and crooked paths due to its terraced design, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pinewood Cemetery is a private burial ground and generally does not require a ticket for entry. However, visitation may be controlled, and hours enforced.
There is typically no admission fee to visit Pinewood Cemetery. It's a place for respectful exploration.
While some visitors are drawn to the 'haunted' aspect, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and respect. Night visits may be discouraged or restricted.
Originally a private burial ground, it was taken over by an undertaking establishment in the early 1900s. Ownership and maintenance have been complex, with a trust fund established for upkeep.
As a private cemetery, visitors are expected to be respectful. One reviewer mentioned being asked to leave for sitting on a bench, suggesting adherence to rules is important.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Absolutely! The cemetery is filled with beautiful old funerary art, unique headstones, crypts, and mausoleums, making it a photographer's dream. The terraced landscape also adds visual interest.
Established in 1853 (or purchased in 1873 and used from 1887), it's one of the oldest burial grounds in the area, holding the remains of many early Daytona settlers. It also has a history of racial segregation and desegregation. 
Yes, the cemetery is the final resting place for many notable residents, including textile pioneer D.A. Tompkin.
The cemetery features unique coquina walls and archways. Its terraced design with meandering steps and crooked paths is also distinctive for the region.
Some visitors report a strong sense of energy and have shared experiences of spiritual connection. Locals may also share ghost stories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Encourage children to observe respectfully and perhaps sketch interesting headstones. Be mindful of the terraced terrain and steps, which might require extra supervision for younger children. 📸 Photographers & Artists
+1 Don't miss the historic coquina walls for striking architectural shots. Remember to be discreet and respectful while capturing the beauty of this historic site. 👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tapestry of History: Elmwood and Pinewood
+1This separation persisted until 1969, when a pivotal movement led by Council Member Fred Alexander successfully achieved the desegregation of the cemeteries. Today, visitors can freely move between the two landscapes, a tangible symbol of progress and unity. Exploring these grounds offers a profound opportunity to connect with Charlotte's past and reflect on the journey towards equality.
+1Beyond its historical narrative, Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery is also recognized for its unique aesthetic. It's not just a flat, sandy graveyard; instead, it boasts a terraced design with meandering steps and crooked paths, offering a visually engaging experience. The presence of beautiful old funerary art, unique headstones, crypts, and mausoleums further enhances its appeal for those interested in historical architecture and art.
Preservation Efforts and Community Involvement
Historically, maintenance funds have been lost due to economic downturns, and as a private burial ground, public funding for upkeep has been limited. However, provisions like a trust fund established by a plot owner have helped ensure some level of ongoing maintenance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit