Mount Auburn Cemetery Boston
A historic arboretum and cemetery offering serene landscapes, stunning monuments, and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Mount Auburn Cemetery Boston
Best Time
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic arboretum and cemetery offering serene landscapes, stunning monuments, and panoramic city views.
"This place is absolutely amazing. While it’s technically a cemetery, it really feels more like a park."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tower Hours
Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Washington Tower Views
Summit of the hill
Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Boston skyline and surrounding landscapes.
Arboretum Collection
Throughout the grounds
Discover a vast collection of champion trees and rare species, making it a living museum of flora.
Historic Monuments
Various sections
Wander among unique and elaborate monuments, including notable sculptures and historic graves.
Serene Ponds and Landscapes
Throughout the cemetery
Find tranquility by the picturesque ponds and beautifully maintained gardens, perfect for reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Arboretum Vibe
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tower Hours
Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Bring Binoculars
It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. :bird:
Get a Map
For a small fee, grab a map at the entrance to help navigate the vast grounds. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
Check Tower Hours
Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Bring Binoculars
It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. :bird:
Get a Map
For a small fee, grab a map at the entrance to help navigate the vast grounds. :world_map:
Respectful Exploration
Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Auburn Cemetery is widely praised as a serene and beautiful 'garden cemetery' that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic monuments. Visitors rave about its tranquil atmosphere, extensive arboretum, and the stunning panoramic views from the Washington Tower. It's considered a peaceful escape from city life and a haven for birdwatchers.
"Mount Auburn Cemetery is a hidden gem for a stroll! The serene paths wind through stunning landscapes and historic graves, some dating back to the 1800s. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we walked, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The blend of nature and history makes it a must-visit spot. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet place to walk in the city! 🌅🌳"
Anusha
"This is probably one of the best kept (not so secret) secrets of greater Boston area!
This place is absolutely amazing. While it’s technically a cemetery, it really feels more like a park. There are ponds, gardens and beautiful architecture throughout the 175 Acres of land here. It also boasts a collection of rare trees from all over the world (around 5000 trees in total) and is a huge draw for birders as it has an impressive variety/ diversity of them (due to the extensive ecosystem from all the rare trees I am guessing). I have literally seen countless rare birds here while not even trying to look.
You can walk around for hours and not run out of new, beautiful things to see.
There is also a tower that one is able to scale to see a pretty sweet 360 panorama of Boston and its surroundings.
Now it is still a cemetery, but one where a lot of the graves and crypts are so beautiful you may forget people are buried here. Speaking of buried people, it turns out that Isabella Stewart Gardner (of the Gardner Museum is buried here - among many other famous folks).
I can’t stress this enough: if you like beauty, alone time and tranquility, you have to check this place out!
Now it is tech"
Dennis Breyt
"This is a great place to come walk around and enjoy the scenery. I've been coming here for over 45 years and have always remarked on how peaceful Mount Auburn Cemetery can be. With all the different water features, trees and vegetation there is so much to see and observe and not to mention all the wildlife that call this place home. And the groundskeepers keep this place looking great!"
Michael Helsmoortel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Auburn Cemetery is easily accessible from Boston. You can take public transportation, with buses from Harvard Square being a common option. Some visitors also opt for a short bike ride from Harvard Square. Driving is also an option, with parking available within the cemetery grounds, though it's advised to park off main roads.
Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is conveniently located near Harvard Square. It's a short bus ride or a pleasant bike ride away, making it a popular destination for those staying in or visiting the Cambridge area.
Yes, you can drive to Mount Auburn Cemetery. There is parking available within the cemetery. Visitors are advised to park off to the side of the roads, not on lined roads, to ensure smooth traffic flow for others.
Public transport options include buses from Harvard Square. This is a convenient way to reach the cemetery without needing a car.
Yes, it is easy to get around Mount Auburn Cemetery without a car, especially if you are comfortable with walking or biking. Public transport options connect it to nearby hubs like Harvard Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Auburn Cemetery is generally free to enter for walking and exploring its grounds. However, for specific events or tours, there might be a fee.
The cemetery is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, the Washington Tower has seasonal hours and is typically closed during winter months. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for general admission to Mount Auburn Cemetery. Visitors can explore the grounds freely.
Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is worth visiting in the winter, though it's less visually vibrant than in spring or summer. The monuments, ponds, and winter scenery offer a unique, peaceful experience. The Washington Tower may be closed, but the grounds are still beautiful, especially after snowfall.
While you can wander freely, guided tours may be available. The visitor center often has pamphlets, and it's worth checking their website or inquiring at the entrance for any scheduled tours.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Scenery
Mount Auburn Cemetery is a renowned arboretum featuring a vast collection of trees, including champion trees and rare species from around the world. You can find everything from giant 'dwarf conifers' planted a century ago to diverse native flora.
Absolutely! Mount Auburn Cemetery is an excellent spot for birdwatching, attracting a diverse array of species due to its rich ecosystem. It's particularly popular during spring migration. Bring binoculars for the best experience!
The landscape is a beautiful blend of rolling hills, serene ponds, and meticulously maintained gardens. It's designed to be a picturesque and tranquil environment, functioning as both a cemetery and a botanical garden.
Yes, the cemetery boasts numerous natural features, including several ponds, a wide variety of trees forming an arboretum, and lush vegetation that supports abundant wildlife and bird populations.
Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a spectacular place to see fall foliage. The diverse collection of trees creates a stunning display of autumn colors, making it a popular destination during the fall season.
📸 📸 Photography
The Washington Tower offers incredible panoramic shots of Boston. The historic monuments, serene ponds, and the diverse arboretum provide endless opportunities for stunning nature and architectural photography. +1
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Mount Auburn Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers capturing the landscape, monuments, and wildlife.
You can capture a wide range of photos, from sweeping cityscapes from the Washington Tower to detailed shots of unique gravestones, lush trees, blooming flowers, and local wildlife. +1
While general photography is permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially near services or private memorials.
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the scenery and monuments. Midday can be harsh, but the shade from trees can help.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for different types of trees, spot birds (bring binoculars if you have them!), and admire the interesting monuments. The Washington Tower, when open, provides an exciting elevated view that children often find fascinating. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior due to the nature of the site.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Peace Seekers
Many visitors find the blend of natural beauty and historical gravitas deeply calming and reflective. It's a perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy a good book under a tree, or simply wander and let your thoughts drift. The lack of typical tourist crowds enhances this sense of personal peace.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Art lovers will appreciate the intricate details of the gravestones and sculptures, many of which are significant works of art in themselves. The landscape design, a blend of naturalistic and formal elements, also offers aesthetic appeal. The panoramic views from the Washington Tower are particularly sought after for capturing striking cityscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Landscape: The Arboretum
Visitors can spend hours exploring the winding paths, discovering everything from ancient oaks to delicate Japanese maples. The landscape design itself is a work of art, with rolling hills, picturesque ponds, and carefully placed monuments that harmonize with the natural environment. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge, offering a unique perspective on both the past and the living world.
The cemetery's commitment to preservation and education means it's a dynamic space. Seasonal changes bring new beauty, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery colors of autumn foliage. Whether you're a botany enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the arboretum aspect of Mount Auburn offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Views from Above: The Washington Tower
It's important to note that the Washington Tower has seasonal operating hours and is typically closed during the winter months. Visitors planning a trip specifically for the views should verify the tower's accessibility in advance, especially if traveling during colder periods. Even when the tower is closed, the area around its base still offers good views, and other elevated spots within the cemetery provide scenic outlooks.
The experience of seeing Boston from this elevated perspective is often described as spectacular, providing a sense of scale and context to the city and its natural surroundings. It's a popular spot for photographers and anyone looking to capture a memorable image of their visit.
A Haven for Wildlife and Birders
Birders often report sightings of numerous species, from common songbirds to rarer visitors. The cemetery's extensive ecosystem, supported by its diverse tree collection, provides ample food and shelter. Many visitors come equipped with binoculars, eager to spot and identify the feathered inhabitants. The presence of friendly birders often adds to the welcoming atmosphere for newcomers to the hobby.
While birds are a major draw, the cemetery also supports other wildlife. The tranquil environment allows for opportunities to observe various small mammals and insects, further enhancing the natural appeal of Mount Auburn. It serves as a crucial green space, offering a refuge for both wildlife and humans seeking a connection with nature within the urban environment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit