Graveyards in the USA hold remarkable history, art, and quiet natural beauty. This guide ranks twenty of the most fascinating historic cemeteries to visit in 2026, from national landmarks to garden-style grounds. Each one offers striking monuments, famous residents, and peaceful walking paths. Whether you love history, architecture, or serene scenery, there is a site to explore. Many offer guided tours that bring the stories to life. Visit respectfully, keep to the paths, and check tour times before you go.
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How These Cemeteries Were Chosen
Selection focused on cemeteries that are historic, beautiful, and open to respectful visitors. Each pick offers notable history, striking art, or peaceful grounds. Variety guided the order, so curious travelers find a site that fits their interest, from war heroes to garden design.
- Notable history and famous residents
- Striking monuments, sculpture, or architecture
- Peaceful, well-kept grounds open to visitors
- A spread of regions and historic eras
The 20 Best Graveyards in the USA
The cemeteries below blend history, art, and natural beauty, listed by region rather than ranked one above another.
1. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's most revered military cemetery. The Virginia site honors service members and historic figures. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier draws solemn crowds daily. Rolling hills hold rows of simple white headstones. Guided tours explain the grounds and ceremonies. This cemetery suits visitors who want to pay respects and learn the deep history behind one of America's most sacred places.
2. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA
Hollywood Forever is the resting place of many film legends. The Los Angeles cemetery doubles as a cultural venue. Summer movie screenings draw crowds onto the lawns. Concerts and events fill the historic grounds. Famous names rest among the ornate memorials. This California cemetery suits visitors who want a blend of film history, art, and lively events at a uniquely Los Angeles landmark.
3. Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA
Bonaventure Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful Savannah landmark. The Georgia site is famous for its sculptures and live oaks. Spanish moss drapes over winding, atmospheric paths. The grounds gained fame through books and films. Guided tours share the stories behind the stones. This cemetery suits visitors who want southern gothic beauty and a peaceful, photogenic stroll among centuries of history.
4. Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark in Brooklyn. The sprawling grounds feature stunning Gothic architecture. Rolling hills and ponds make it feel like a park. Famous residents and elaborate monuments fill the site. Tours and events welcome curious visitors. This New York cemetery suits travelers who want history, art, and green space within the bustle of the city around it.
5. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is steeped in legend and history. The New York site inspired classic American ghost stories. Famous authors and figures rest among the old stones. Wooded paths add to the eerie, storied mood. Tours explore both the history and the legends. This cemetery suits visitors who want to walk through the setting of one of the country's most famous tales.
6. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, GA
Oakland Cemetery is a garden-style oasis in Atlanta. The historic grounds blend Victorian monuments with green space. Fascinating tours and events bring the history alive. Notable residents rest among the elaborate markers. Gardens and sculpture fill the peaceful paths. This Georgia cemetery suits visitors who want a beautiful, well-kept site that doubles as a living museum of the city's past.
7. Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA
Mount Auburn is recognized as America's first landscaped cemetery. The Massachusetts site set the model for garden cemeteries. Winding paths pass ponds, gardens, and historic monuments. Birdwatchers prize the grounds for their natural beauty. Tours cover both history and horticulture. This cemetery suits visitors who want a peaceful, scenic walk and a glimpse of a landmark that shaped American cemetery design.
8. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, LA
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is famous for its above-ground tombs. The New Orleans site reflects the city's unique burial traditions. The reputed tomb of Marie Laveau draws steady visitors. Whitewashed crypts line narrow, maze-like rows. Tours are required to protect the historic grounds. This Louisiana cemetery suits visitors who want to understand the distinctive culture and history behind the city's iconic cities of the dead.
9. Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA
Laurel Hill is a historic cemetery overlooking a river. The Philadelphia site offers guided tours and scenic views. Elaborate Victorian monuments fill the hillside grounds. The setting above the water adds quiet beauty. Events and walks engage the local community. This Pennsylvania cemetery suits visitors who want history, sculpture, and a peaceful overlook within easy reach of the city center.
10. Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, CA
Forest Lawn is a picturesque resting place near Los Angeles. The Glendale park holds many celebrities and historic figures. Replica artworks and grand architecture fill the grounds. Manicured lawns and statues create a serene setting. The park draws visitors for its art and history. This California cemetery suits travelers who want a peaceful, beautifully designed site with strong ties to Hollywood history.
11. Granary Burying Ground, Boston, MA
Granary Burying Ground is a colonial cemetery in central Boston. The historic site holds many Revolutionary War heroes. Famous patriots rest beneath weathered slate headstones. The grounds sit along the popular Freedom Trail. The setting connects visitors to the founding era. This Massachusetts cemetery suits history lovers who want to stand among the graves of figures central to the American Revolution.
12. Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, OH
Lake View Cemetery is known for the towering Garfield Memorial. The Cleveland site blends history with picturesque gardens. The monument to the former president anchors the grounds. Notable residents rest among the landscaped paths. Tours highlight the art and history. This Ohio cemetery suits visitors who want striking architecture and peaceful scenery in a site often called an outdoor museum.
13. Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY
Woodlawn Cemetery is an expansive landmark in the Bronx. The grounds hold elaborate mausoleums and famous residents. Jazz legends and notable figures rest among the monuments. Tree-lined avenues create a parklike setting. Tours explore the art and history. This New York cemetery suits visitors who want grand architecture and a peaceful escape filled with stories of remarkable lives.
14. Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY
Mount Hope Cemetery holds two giants of American history. The Rochester site is the resting place of Frederick Douglass. Suffragist Susan B. Anthony also lies among the grounds. Visitors often leave tributes at both graves. Wooded, hilly paths add quiet beauty. This New York cemetery suits visitors who want to honor pivotal figures in the fights for freedom and equality.
15. Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
Congressional Cemetery is a historic site in the nation's capital. The grounds hold many notable political figures. Distinctive monuments mark the graves of past leaders. The cemetery also serves as a community green space. Tours share the layered history. This Washington cemetery suits visitors who want a quiet, history-rich stop tied to the people who shaped the country's government.
16. Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY
Cave Hill Cemetery is a beautifully landscaped Louisville landmark. The grounds feature elaborate monuments and mature trees. Famous residents rest among the rolling, gardenlike paths. Ponds and sculpture add to the serene setting. The grounds double as an arboretum. This Kentucky cemetery suits visitors who want peaceful scenery, fine monuments, and a restful walk through a site rich with local history.
17. Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH
Spring Grove is renowned for its gardens and sculpture. The Cincinnati cemetery ranks among the largest in the country. Lush landscaping and ponds fill the historic grounds. Notable monuments dot the parklike setting. The grounds function as a beloved arboretum. This Ohio cemetery suits visitors who want stunning horticulture and art alongside a quiet, reflective place steeped in regional history.
18. Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, Baltimore, MD
Westminster Hall is the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe. The Baltimore site carries deep historic charm. The famous author's grave draws literary pilgrims. Catacombs beneath the old church add intrigue. Tours explore the history and legends. This Maryland cemetery suits visitors who want a literary landmark and a brush with the gothic legacy of one of America's most celebrated writers.
19. Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, IL
Graceland Cemetery is an elegant Chicago landmark. The grounds are known for significant architecture and sculpture. Famous architects and business leaders rest among the monuments. Landscaped paths and a lake create a serene setting. Tours highlight the design and history. This Illinois cemetery suits visitors who want to see remarkable funerary art and the legacy of the people who built the city.
20. Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, San Diego, CA
Pioneer Memorial Cemetery preserves early San Diego history. The historic grounds hold the graves of regional pioneers. Old markers tell the story of California's frontier days. The quiet park setting invites reflection. Plaques share the area's early history. This California cemetery suits visitors who want a peaceful, history-rich stop that connects them to the people who shaped the early West.
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Tips for Visiting Historic Cemeteries
A respectful approach makes a cemetery visit meaningful. Keep to marked paths and avoid leaning on or touching fragile monuments. Check tour schedules and hours ahead, since some historic sites require a guide or limit access to certain areas.
- ✅ Stay on paths and respect graves and mourners
- ✅ Check tour times, as some sites require a guide
- ✅ Photograph respectfully and avoid posing on graves
- ✅ Visit during daylight and posted open hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it appropriate to visit cemeteries as a tourist?
Yes, many historic cemeteries welcome respectful visitors and even offer tours. These sites preserve art, history, and green space for the public. The key is to stay respectful, keep to the paths, and be mindful of mourners and active services. Visiting thoughtfully honors both the history and the people laid to rest there.
Do these cemeteries offer guided tours?
Many do, and tours often bring the history to life. Bonaventure, Green-Wood, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 are known for their guided walks. Some sites, like St. Louis No. 1, require a tour for entry to protect the grounds. Checking each cemetery's website confirms tour times and booking details before you visit.
Which cemetery is best for history lovers?
History lovers have several outstanding choices. Arlington National Cemetery honors military heroes, while Granary Burying Ground holds Revolutionary patriots. Mount Hope contains the graves of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Each site connects visitors to pivotal moments and figures. The best pick depends on the era and stories that interest you most.
Can I take photographs in these cemeteries?
Photography is usually allowed for personal use, though rules vary by site. Always photograph respectfully, avoid posing on or against graves, and never disturb services. Some cemeteries restrict commercial photography or require a permit. Checking the site's guidelines before visiting ensures you capture the beauty while honoring the solemn nature of the grounds.
Are these cemeteries free to visit?
Most historic cemeteries are free to enter during open hours. Guided tours and special events may charge a fee that supports preservation. A few sites request a donation or require a paid tour for access. Checking the website ahead confirms hours, any costs, and whether a tour is needed to enter.
When is the best time to visit a historic cemetery?
Daylight hours during posted open times are best for visiting. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, especially at garden cemeteries. Autumn brings extra interest around Halloween, when many sites host special tours. Visiting on a weekday often means quieter grounds and a more reflective, peaceful experience overall.
Planning your next U.S. getaway? Explore more destination guides, road trips, and travel tips at Vacation Getaways US. Have a question or a spot we should cover? Email us at [email protected].