There are numerous things to do in Hollywood, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery stands out among them. It is not the only famous cemetery in the United States: just think of Arlington National Cemetery, the above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans or Salem Cemetery. But the many famous graves found here and its proximity to Paramount Studios make it a definitely worthwhile stop on a Los Angeles itinerary.
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery History
A cemetery that is also one of the most active cultural centers in the area? In Los Angeles of course that is possible! The Hollywood Forever Cemetery not only has hundreds of graves including those of personalities who have made film history and beyond, but also has spaces where concerts, literary events, and outdoor film screenings are held each year.
The cemetery was founded in 1899 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. Also located within the cemetery is an area called Beth Olam Cemetery, dedicated to the Jewish community and established in 1920. In addition to its longevity, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is famous for its many monumental graves and for being the “VIP cemetery.” Here, in fact, Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, Burt Reynolds, Johnny Ramone, Edward Bunker, Harry Cohn, Charlie Chaplin’s son, Chris Cornell, and last but not least the little dog Toto from The Wizard of Oz are buried.
Within the cemetery there are green areas and man-made lakes, so the visit to discover the famous graves is also made enjoyable by the well-kept environment. Since the year 2002, thanks to the partnership with Cinespia, every year from May to September hundreds of people gather to watch the screening of old famous movies on Fairbanks Lawn after sunset. You can also enjoy an Independence Day fireworks display on July 3 and 4.
But it doesn’t end there. In this cemetery, the largest event in honor of Dia de los Muertos in the entire United States takes place. Music, colorful floats, wreaths, masks, and costumes color the cemetery, and the entire community (especially the Hispanic-American community, which is very large in this part of Hollywood) participates in the organization and success of the event. If you are in California between October 28 and November 2, don’t miss these festivities.
How to Get to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
There are several stops on Santa Monica Boulevard if you prefer to get around by public transportation: the 4 bus on the street itself or the Hollywood/Wilshire at the station at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Gower Street.
If you are driving, there are several entrances to access the cemetery and thus numerous parking lots in the area. Near Gower Street you will find the private parking lot The Willow 5 or further south, next to Paramount Studios, Paramount Gower Parking. East of the cemetery, on Lemon Grove Avenue, is Lemon Grove Lot Paramount.
- Read our recommendations on how to get around Los Angeles.
Opening Hours
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is open Monday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. In summer, closing is delayed until 5:30 pm.
Beth Olam Cemetery is, on the other hand, open only Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tours
The cemetery can be visited either on your own or by purchasing tickets for a tour. A map or printed guidebook can be purchased at the flower store to explore the cemetery on your own.
Guided tours last about 2 1/2 hours and cost $25 per person and generally take place on Saturdays at 10:00 am.
If visiting a cemetery at night thrills you more, there are also nighttime guided tours. Remember to bring a flashlight! The cost is $45 per person, they last 2 1/2 hours and are usually on Sundays at 7:00 pm.
Visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery
As anticipated, in this particular cemetery it is not so unusual to stop for a picnic among the graves, perhaps while watching an outdoor cult film or any of the other events that Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s calendar has to offer.
Of course, since you are in one of the most famous and important cemeteries in the United States, I recommend that you go in search of the graves and epitaphs of the movie and music stars present.
Who is Buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery?
Here are some of the graves not to be missed:
- Johnny Ramone, the Ramones guitarist who died in 2004. His grave depicts him with a guitar;
- Dee Dee Ramone, the Ramones’ bassist who died in 2002;
- Hanna Chaplin and Charlie Chaplin Jr., respectively the mother and son of the iconic actor and producer;
- Henry Cohn, the founder of Columbia Pictures Corporation;
- Cecil B. DeMille, the great director who died in 1959;
- Mel Blanc, the voice actor who gave the voices to Bugs Bunny, Duffy Duck, Sylvester Cat, Willy the Coyote, Beep Beep and Speedy Gonzales;
- Rodolfo Valentino, who died in 1926 and for whom no words are needed;
- Tyrone Power, sex symbol actor who died in 1958, father of Romina Power;
- the Clark family’s large mausoleum in the middle of a pond where William Andrews Clark Jr., founder of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, also rests;
- Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden who died in 2017;
- the park is also home to the cenotaph of little Toto, Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz;
These are just a few of the illustrious names featured here. On the museum’s official website you will find the interactive map with the location of the various tombs and mausoleums. Just enter the first and last name of the person you are looking for and the location, date of birth and death, some information and even a link to the flower store to have a floral tribute delivered to the grave appears.
Where to Stay in the Area
Hollywood is a popular neighborhood full of hotels, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals. I recommend you read our in-depth article dedicated to where to stay in Los Angeles where you will find many useful tips about this area as well.
As a visitor on your own is it a free entrance?
Hello. Yes, self guided tours are for free.