Hollywood Forever Cemetery Self-Guided Tours: Stars’ Graves, & Events

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Day Trip

Only in Hollywood can a working cemetery double as a major tourist draw and a lively cultural venue. Hollywood Forever Cemetery (formerly Hollywood Memorial Park), founded in 1899, stands as one of Los Angeles’ oldest burial grounds and the final resting place of more early Hollywood founders, directors, performers, and writers than anywhere else. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its roughly 60 acres of lawns, ponds, mausoleums, and winding paths sit right next to Paramount Studios. Whether you come to pay respects, hunt for stars’ graves, or enjoy a quiet green space amid the city, a self-guided visit offers a distinctive look at Hollywood’s history.

History and Restoration

The cemetery began in 1899 on about 100 acres as a rural burial ground in what was then a small agricultural community. As the film industry grew, the property evolved. In the 1920s, the owners sold a large, unused southern section to what would become Paramount Pictures, which still operates there today. The owners also established a dedicated Jewish section, Beth Olam Cemetery, on the grounds.

By the late 20th century, the property had fallen into disrepair. In the late 1990s, a Missouri family (the Cassity brothers) purchased it, renamed it Hollywood Forever, and invested heavily in restoration. The revitalized grounds once again drew visitors interested in the final resting places of Hollywood’s early figures, and the site expanded its role as a cultural gathering place.

Famous Residents and Self-Guided Highlights

Hundreds of notable film industry figures are interred here. A self-guided walk works best with a map—pick one up at the on-site flower shop near the entrance (inexpensive printed maps are available, and the official site also offers an interactive cemetery map). Key stops include:

Rudolph Valentino rests in the Cathedral Mausoleum. Fans have gathered near his crypt for decades, including an annual memorial service. Douglas Fairbanks has a large, dramatic memorial with a reflecting pool. Cecil B. DeMille’s tomb features Egyptian-style sarcophagi, a fitting nod to his epic The Ten Commandments.

Jayne Mansfield is buried here, and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel lies in a mausoleum near the Paramount side of the grounds. Johnny Ramone’s marker includes a distinctive statue of him playing guitar. Mel Blanc’s simple headstone carries the epitaph “That’s All, Folks!” Judy Garland was relocated here in 2017 and now rests in the Judy Garland Pavilion. Mickey Rooney is nearby. Hattie McDaniel, the first African American Oscar winner (for Gone with the Wind), could not be buried on the grounds due to segregation policies of her era; a cenotaph was erected in her honor in 1999 overlooking the lake.

Other notable figures include Marion Davies, Tyrone Power, and many silent-film and Golden Age names. The grounds also hold peacocks that roam freely and a colony of cats cared for by volunteers—details that add to the site’s unusual character. Dramatic monuments, ornate markers, and the mix of outdoor lawns with indoor mausoleums make the walk visually interesting. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring.

Cultural Events and Gatherings

Hollywood Forever functions as an active cultural venue. Since the early 2000s, Cinespia has screened classic films outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn during the summer (typically May through September). Films are projected onto the side of a white marble mausoleum. Attendees bring blankets, low chairs, picnics, and drinks; pre-show DJs and occasional themed elements draw large crowds. Check the cemetery’s event calendar or Cinespia’s site for the current lineup—Halloween-season screenings often continue into October.

The annual Día de los Muertos festival ranks among the largest in the United States. Families decorate graves and tombs, while the grounds host altars, Aztec dancers, multiple music stages, arts and crafts, and a procession. It draws tens of thousands of visitors throughout the day (in recent years, programming has extended into the evening). The historic Masonic Lodge (opened in 1927) hosts concerts, author events, podcast tapings, and other programs year-round, many of which sell out. Outdoor concerts also take place on the lawns in warmer months.

Atmosphere, Stories, and Etiquette

The grounds offer open grassy areas, ponds, and quieter corners that feel removed from surrounding traffic. Some visitors report atmospheric stories—accounts of a woman sobbing near the grave of silent-film actress Virginia Rappe, or claims that William Randolph Hearst’s spirit visits Marion Davies. These remain anecdotal. The site is still an active cemetery, so funerals and families may be present.

Behave respectfully: keep voices down, stay on paths, do not climb or touch monuments, and give space during any services. Personal photography is generally fine; commercial use requires permission. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes. Weather can change, so bring a light layer.

Planning Your Visit

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, just west of North Van Ness Avenue in Hollywood. From the 101 Freeway, take the Santa Monica Boulevard (SR-2) exit and head west. Grounds hours are typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with summer hours extending to about 5:30 p.m. (call ahead, as hours can change). Beth Olam sections and certain buildings are closed on Saturdays. Admission for self-guided visits is free.

Parking is free inside the cemetery for regular daytime visits (event parking is separate and often paid). Street parking exists nearby but can be limited. The flower shop sells maps, flowers, and small gifts. Motion picture historian Karie Bible has long led public walking tours (details and schedules at cemeterytour.com; recent pricing around $35 for a roughly 2.5-hour daytime tour). Night tours and private options are sometimes available. An official walking guide is also sold on the cemetery’s site.

Plan for one to two hours on a standard visit so you can continue exploring other Hollywood attractions afterward.

Nearby Points of Interest

A Hollywood bus tour lets you cover more ground without navigating traffic yourself. The Griffith Observatory, open since 1935, offers science exhibits, planetarium shows, and sweeping views across the city and the Hollywood sign. Olvera Street, part of the historic El Pueblo area considered the birthplace of Los Angeles, features Mexican-style shops, music, and cultural celebrations.

Hollywood Forever remains a working cemetery and a living piece of Hollywood history. A self-guided walk lets you move at your own pace among the monuments, lawns, and stories of the people who helped shape the film industry, while the calendar of screenings, music, and festivals keeps the grounds connected to the present day.

FAQ: Visiting Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Is admission free?
Yes. Self-guided visits to the grounds are free. Special events such as Cinespia screenings and the Día de los Muertos festival require tickets.

What are the hours?
The grounds are generally open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (summer hours often extend to 5:30 p.m.). Beth Olam is closed on Saturdays. Always confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need a map?
A map is highly recommended. Inexpensive printed maps are available at the flower shop near the entrance, and the official website offers an interactive map. The grounds are large, and many notable graves are not immediately obvious.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Motion picture historian Karie Bible leads public walking tours on scheduled dates (see cemeterytour.com). Night tours and private options are also available. You can also explore completely on your own for free.

Is parking free?
Yes, for regular daytime visits inside the cemetery. Event parking is separate and usually paid. Street parking is available nearby but not guaranteed.

Can I take photos?
Personal photography is generally allowed. Commercial photography requires prior approval. Please be respectful around graves and during any ongoing services.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
Paved paths and roads make much of the grounds accessible, though some areas involve grass or uneven terrain. Contact the office in advance if you have specific needs.

Experience the Magic: A Hollywood Day Trip Guide