Hollywood Forever Cemetery Self Guided Tours

Only in Hollywood can a cemetery be a sacred resting space, a tourist attraction, and a venue for cultural events. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which used to be known as Hollywood Memorial Park, is a functioning cemetery that is the final resting place of more of Hollywood’s founders than any other place in the world. It is also one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles.

The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. If you live in the Los Angeles area or plan a trip to Hollywood, visiting Hollywood Forever Cemetery is unique to your itinerary. The cemetery was founded in 1899 on 100 acres. Later, the cemetery sold off some land to Hollywood Paramount Studios, which was built in the back half of the original cemetery property. A portion of the cemetery is set aside as the Beth Olam Cemetery, a dedicated Jewish burial ground, is the final resting place for Hollywood’s Jewish community.

This cemetery was famous for many of Hollywood’s largest studios’ founders, directors, performers, and writers. Hundreds of favorite early Hollywood stars are buried here, including Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, etc. Cecil B. DeMille, the director of the Ten Commandments, is buried here, and his large tomb depicts two matching Egyptian-style sarcophagi. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel is buried in the mausoleum on the cemetery grounds near Paramount Studios.

Johnny Ramone, the guitar player for the Ramones, is buried here, with his grave marker featuring a statue of him rocking out on a guitar from the waist up, a fitting memorial for a punk rock powerhouse. There was a period when the cemetery fell into despair. However, a family from Missouri purchased it in the late 1990s. They renamed the cemetery and worked to restore and refurbish the place. Through their investments, the graveyard was revitalized, and people, once again, came to visit the final resting place of the stars.

People choose to visit the cemetery for a variety of reasons. Family members come to see the resting place of their loved ones, and fans and Hollywood buffs come to see the graves of the town’s stars and starlets. Others come out of curiosity or to find a quiet space in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The cemetery includes large grassy areas, meandering roads, pond features, and mausoleums. Some tombstones are dramatic, featuring ornate detail, pictures, etc.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Events

The cemetery hosts events, including summertime movie showings. Movies are projected on the side of the white marble mausoleum. People bring blankets, lawn chairs, food, and drinks to take in the show. Each movie draws an average of 3,000 people. There are also Dia de Los Muertos festivities in late October/early November, where families artfully decorate the graves and tombs of their deceased relatives. The Masonic Hall also hosts live musical events at the cemetery, often selling out.

Cemetery Ghost Stories

For those of you who like ghost stories, there are many stories of ghostly encounters. One account is that the ghost of William Randolph Hearst is said to visit the grave of Marion Davies, his mistress. Some are visiting the grave of Virginia Rappe, a silent film actress, and report hearing a woman sobbing though no one is around that is crying. These are just a few stories of the paranormal activity occurring at the cemetery.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Parking

Parking is free in the cemetery (events are not), and there is a small shop where you can purchase flowers and gifts. Free street parking can be found nearby. If you plan to visit Hollywood Forever, please remember that this is a cemetery, and you should behave politely. Don’t horseplay, use loud voices, run, or engage in activities that could damage gravesites or markers or disrupt other visitors.

Motion picture historian Karie Bible leads a walking tour through the cemetery, or you can wander around the graveyard for free. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket for weather changes, and water. More information on the tours can be found here.

Where is Hollywood Forever Cemetery

You should plan on spending about one hour at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of Hollywood’s attractions.

Planning your Visit: Hollywood Forever is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, just west of N. Van Ness Avenue in Hollywood. From Highway 101, take the Santa Monica Blvd (SR-2) exit and proceed west. Cemetery hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

Nearby Points of Interest

Take a Hollywood Bus Tour

If you reside in Southern California, you are well aware of the traffic situation when you plan a visit to Los Angeles. These tours allow you to sit back and unwind while the driver navigates through the congestion. Take a break from your routine and appreciate the splendor of Hollywood from the convenience of the bus for a few hours as a tourist.

Visit The Historic Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a prominent center of knowledge situated on the hills of Los Angeles. It provides stunning views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A. It’s like the Hollywood sign of science; you can’t miss it. The observatory was opened to the public on May 14, 1935, and has welcomed over 85 million visitors. That’s a lot of stargazers!

Go Shopping at  Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Olvera Street, or ‘La Placita Olvera,’ is an important part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument for many Latinos. It is considered the birthplace of the City of Angels and was officially designated as a California State Historic Landmark in 1953. The Olvera Street Plaza is well-known for Mexican-style music, dancing, and various holiday celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo, El Dia De Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), and Mexican Independence Day.

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