
Oakland Cemetery
A historic Victorian garden cemetery in Atlanta, offering a beautiful park, rich history, and vibrant community events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Oakland Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Victorian garden cemetery in Atlanta, offering a beautiful park, rich history, and vibrant community events.
"A stunning example of Victorian garden cemetery design, it's a peaceful park and a captivating historical journey."

🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the 48 acres.
📸 Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Oakland Cemetery is a dream for photographers, especially for moody, gothic shots.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Mausoleums
Various locations
Marvel at the intricate Gothic Revival and other architectural styles of historic mausoleums, like the striking Richards Mausoleum.

Unique Gravestone Symbolism
Throughout the cemetery
Discover fascinating grave markers, including pillow-shaped stones symbolizing eternal rest and tree stump designs.

Notable Burials
Various sections
Pay respects to famous figures like author Margaret Mitchell and golfer Bobby Jones, among other notable locals.

Beautiful Garden Setting
Throughout the cemetery
Enjoy the serene beauty of ancient oaks, magnolias, and lush landscaping, making it a peaceful public park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Victorian Charm
Events & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the 48 acres.
📸 Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Oakland Cemetery is a dream for photographers, especially for moody, gothic shots.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss out on special events like Halloween tours or art festivals. Book tickets in advance!
🧺 Picnic Friendly
It's a public park too! Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst the historic surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the 48 acres.
📸 Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Oakland Cemetery is a dream for photographers, especially for moody, gothic shots.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss out on special events like Halloween tours or art festivals. Book tickets in advance!
🧺 Picnic Friendly
It's a public park too! Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst the historic surroundings.
🗺️ Self-Guided Tours
Grab a map or use an app for a self-guided tour to learn about the history and notable figures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Oakland Cemetery for its beautiful, well-maintained park-like setting and rich historical significance. The Victorian architecture and unique grave markers are frequently highlighted as points of interest. However, some visitors have reported issues with items being removed from graves, and clarity on weekend access policies has been questioned.
"I’ve put 4 hanging baskets on my family’s grave and they were all gone. This is a on going issue. The past 2 Christmas’s my nephew stuff has been removed. Don’t know what sick mind is doing this but god has a special place for people like this! Maybe the city ought to put in cameras since they can’t afford to have running water!"
Jeannie Herold
"Beautiful park like setting. Very well maintained by The City of Sandusky cemetery maintenance staff.
A cemetery with beautiful and some historical monuments of our passed citizens.
Some of the best property in the area."
John Samko
"The Facility Manager was extremely helpful in explaining the details necessary to put our minds at ease in establishing our accommodations for our eventual resting place."
Robert Burns
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oakland Cemetery is located in Atlanta's Grant Park neighborhood. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available. Parking is often recommended near the visitor center.
Yes, parking is available. It's highly recommended to park directly next to the visitor center for easy access.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach Oakland Cemetery, especially if you're coming from downtown Atlanta.
While specific bus routes may vary, checking MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) schedules for routes serving the Grant Park area is advisable.
A self-guided tour is popular, with maps available at the visitor center. Many visitors also enjoy simply wandering and discovering its beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oakland Cemetery is generally free to explore as a public park during its operating hours. However, special events and guided tours may require tickets.
Oakland Cemetery is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, especially around holidays.
Yes, for popular events like the 'Capturing the Spirit of Oakland' Halloween tours, tickets are required and often sell out quickly, so booking in advance is crucial.
Generally, yes, you can visit graves on the weekend as it functions as a public park. However, specific restrictions might apply during major events.
Information on guided tours, including historical tours and special themed tours, can be found on the official Oakland Cemetery website.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is widely encouraged at Oakland Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers seeking gothic and historical aesthetics.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be respectful of the site and other visitors. Professional or commercial shoots might require permits.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful, soft light. Overcast days can enhance the moody, gothic atmosphere.
Drone usage may be restricted or require special permission. It's best to check with cemetery management before flying a drone.
Visitors often capture architectural details, unique gravestones, the lush landscaping, and the overall gothic ambiance. Portrait sessions are also common.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic grounds, admire Victorian architecture, learn about notable figures, enjoy the park-like setting, and attend events.
Absolutely! Oakland Cemetery is a public park and welcomes visitors to have picnics on its grounds.
Yes, Oakland Cemetery offers various guided tours, including historical tours and special themed tours, which provide in-depth insights.
They host a variety of events, including festivals like 'Sundays in the Park,' Halloween-themed tours, art markets, and cultural celebrations like Día de los Muertos.
Yes, it can be a fascinating educational experience for families, offering a glimpse into history and unique art. However, it's important to maintain respectful behavior.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, Oakland Cemetery typically has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and items related to the cemetery's history and events.
While there might not be a full-service restaurant, food vendors are often present during special events and festivals. Otherwise, it's recommended to bring your own food for picnics.
The gift shop often carries items related to famous individuals buried there, such as Margaret Mitchell, and general cemetery history.
The cemetery is located in the Grant Park area of Atlanta, which has several restaurants and cafes nearby offering various dining options.
Expect to find books on Atlanta history, cemetery lore, unique art pieces, and Oakland Cemetery branded merchandise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a family-friendly event like the pumpkin patch or 'Sundays in the Park' for a more engaging experience. Remember to emphasize respectful behavior and keep an eye on children, as it is a place of remembrance. Packing a picnic can make the visit more enjoyable for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the intricate details of mausoleums, the symbolism on gravestones, and the play of light through the ancient trees. Early morning or late afternoon light will provide the most dramatic and moody shots. Be prepared to spend several hours exploring different angles and compositions.
👻 History Buffs & Ghost Tour Fans
If you enjoy a bit of the macabre, the cemetery's popular Halloween tours offer a thrilling way to learn about its more spectral legends and historical mysteries. Booking these popular tours in advance is highly recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Victorian Garden Cemetery
The cemetery's layout encourages exploration, with diverse sections reflecting different historical periods and architectural styles. Visitors can wander through areas featuring elaborate Victorian monuments, ornate mausoleums, and unique gravestone symbolism, offering a rich visual and historical experience. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge, making it a compelling destination for those interested in historical preservation and landscape design.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Oakland Cemetery serves as a vital historical archive. It's the final resting place for over 70,000 individuals, including prominent Atlantans like author Margaret Mitchell, golfer Bobby Jones, and even members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. Exploring the cemetery offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to learn about the lives and legacies of those who shaped Atlanta and beyond.
Events and Community Engagement
The cemetery is particularly renowned for its Halloween-themed events, such as the 'Capturing the Spirit of Oakland' tours. These popular events offer a unique and spooky way to experience the cemetery's history and atmosphere, often selling out quickly and requiring advance ticket purchases. Other events include cultural celebrations like Día de los Muertos, highlighting the diverse heritage of Atlanta.
These events not only provide entertainment but also serve as crucial fundraisers for the cemetery's ongoing preservation efforts. By engaging the community through these lively occasions, Oakland Cemetery ensures its continued maintenance and its role as a cherished landmark for generations to come.
Photography and Artistic Inspiration
Many visitors come specifically for portrait photography, utilizing the gothic and moody backdrop for fashion shoots, engagement photos, or even Halloween-themed sessions. The cemetery's natural beauty, with its lush landscaping and seasonal changes, also makes it a popular spot for landscape and nature photography.
While photography is generally welcomed, it's important to be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and the privacy of other visitors. Professional or commercial photography may require permits, so it's advisable to check with cemetery management for specific guidelines.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit