Bonaventure Cemetery
A hauntingly beautiful Victorian cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, famed for its Spanish moss-draped oaks and rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free history tours available
Bonaventure Cemetery
Best Time
Free history tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful Victorian cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, famed for its Spanish moss-draped oaks and rich history.
"This is hands down the most beautiful cemetery I've ever been to."
🎯 Free History Tours
Join the Bonaventure Historical Society's free tours on the second weekend of each month for insightful history. :information_source:
🚗 Drive and Explore
Drive through the cemetery to see different sections, then park to walk around your favorite spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gracie Watson's Statue
Gracie Perry Watson plot
The life-size marble statue of Gracie Watson, a young girl who died tragically, is a poignant and frequently visited spot.
Johnny Mercer's Grave
Johnny Mercer plot
Visit the final resting place of the renowned lyricist and composer, co-founder of Capitol Records.
Spanish Moss Draped Oaks
Throughout the cemetery
The iconic Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees creates a uniquely atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration is Key
Beat the Heat and Bugs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free History Tours
Join the Bonaventure Historical Society's free tours on the second weekend of each month for insightful history.
🚗 Drive and Explore
Drive through the cemetery to see different sections, then park to walk around your favorite spots.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Savannah can get very hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free History Tours
Join the Bonaventure Historical Society's free tours on the second weekend of each month for insightful history.
🚗 Drive and Explore
Drive through the cemetery to see different sections, then park to walk around your favorite spots.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Savannah can get very hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
🦟 Bug Spray Essential
Mosquitos can be quite prevalent, particularly in shaded, damp areas. Don't forget your repellent!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bonaventure Cemetery for its breathtaking beauty, unique Southern atmosphere, and historical significance. The Spanish moss-draped oaks and ornate architecture create a visually stunning and contemplative environment. While some find paid tours unnecessary, many appreciate the free historical society tours for context. The primary drawback mentioned is the prevalence of mosquitos, making bug spray essential.
"Walks through old cemeteries are always quietly thought provoking and Bonaventure is no exception. Its uniquely southern semitropical environment gives it a very different feeling, moodier than most even in the blazing hot mid morning sun of August. Beautiful stonework throughout with often poignant inscriptions and dates of historical significance. Fewer statuary than I expected but still several really pretty but weathered examples. This cemetery is well worth a visit though I’d opt for going without the ever talking guides."
Thomas Gale
"This cemetery is just breathtaking! Everywhere you look there is beauty, whether it's the ornate headstones and mausoleums or the moss draped trees. My wife and I were married here and most of our photos were taken in the cemetery. You can't find a bad backdrop, no matter how hard you look! We are looking forward to visiting again."
Taylor Magoc
"This is hands down the most beautiful cemetery I've ever been to. Might seem like a strange thing to go to on vacation but this was my favorite tourist spot. It was just so beautiful. I could have walked another hour here except I was the center of the buffet. The mosquitos are horrendous so bathe in bug spray before you come!
I was sure if I was supposed to drive through the gates and park inside or what. But just drive in, stay to the right and drive and then drive straight. If you go to the end, there's a large parking lot by the water. We actually parking in a small area halfway. I saw a golf cart at the lot by the water that gives tours. That would have been a great idea but I was enjoying walking."
Justine Vild
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonaventure Cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors drive directly into the cemetery and find parking spots to explore on foot.
While public transportation options directly to the cemetery are limited, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Savannah and can take you directly to the gates.
Yes, you can drive your car inside Bonaventure Cemetery. It's recommended to drive slowly, stay to the right, and park in designated areas to explore on foot.
The address for Bonaventure Cemetery is 330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404.
Yes, Bonaventure Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Savannah and is relatively easy to find using GPS or by following signs for Bonaventure Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bonaventure Cemetery is free to visit. There is no admission fee to enter and explore the grounds.
Bonaventure Cemetery is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday hours.
You do not need to book tickets to visit Bonaventure Cemetery as it is a public space and free to enter. However, specific guided tours may require reservations.
Yes, the Bonaventure Historical Society offers free history tours on the second weekend of each month. Special fall tours may require reservations. +2
While the cemetery is generally open until 5 PM, some special 'after hours' or 'night tours' might be offered seasonally or by private tour operators. Check for specific event listings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bonaventure Cemetery features stunning Victorian-era architecture, intricate sculptures, historic mausoleums, and the iconic Spanish moss-draped oaks. Notable graves include Gracie Watson and Johnny Mercer.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the cemetery, but you could easily spend longer if you're interested in history or photography.
Yes, Bonaventure Cemetery is generally considered safe to visit during the day, even for solo female travelers, as it's staffed and usually has other visitors.
Yes, free guided history tours are offered by the Bonaventure Historical Society on the second weekend of each month. Private tour companies also offer various types of tours, including walking and golf cart tours.
Photography is permitted in Bonaventure Cemetery. It's a very popular spot for photographers due to its unique atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The moss-draped oaks, ornate mausoleums, and detailed sculptures offer endless photographic opportunities. The area around Gracie Watson's statue and the waterfront are also popular.
Yes, taking photos of gravestones and monuments is generally acceptable, but always be respectful and avoid disturbing the sites.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most dramatic and atmospheric lighting for photography, especially with the Spanish moss.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific rules regarding commercial photography or drone usage. Always prioritize respect for the site.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with cemetery management or tour operators if you plan to use professional equipment like tripods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to be respectful of the grounds and the people resting there. Consider a golf cart tour if little legs get tired, or focus on specific, visually interesting monuments. 📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
The light filtering through the trees, especially during the golden hours of morning and late afternoon, creates a magical atmosphere. 👻 Ghost Story Enthusiasts
While the cemetery is a place of peace, its atmospheric setting and rich history lend themselves to spooky tales, making it a popular spot for those interested in the paranormal. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Haunting Beauty of Bonaventure
+1 The cemetery's unique Victorian-era design features elaborate mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and weathered gravestones that tell stories of Savannah's past. It's a place where history, art, and nature converge, offering a profoundly moving experience for visitors. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Bonaventure is steeped in local legends and ghost stories. The tale of Little Gracie Watson, a young girl who died tragically and whose life-size statue is a focal point, is one of the most enduring. Visitors often report feeling a sense of peace, melancholy, or even encountering unexplained phenomena.
+1 Exploring the winding paths and discovering the stories behind the monuments provides a deep connection to Savannah's rich and sometimes somber history. For those seeking a deeper understanding, the Bonaventure Historical Society offers free history tours on the second weekend of each month. These tours provide valuable context and insights into the lives of those buried here, enriching the visitor experience beyond just admiring the scenery.
+1 It's a reminder that Bonaventure is not just a beautiful landscape but a sacred resting place filled with personal histories. Navigating Bonaventure: Tours and Transportation
+1 These tours often start in the Colonial Monument Gardens section. Beyond the free tours, several private companies offer various Bonaventure Cemetery tours, including walking tours, golf cart tours, and even night tours or ghost tours.
For independent exploration, driving your own vehicle into the cemetery is permitted. Visitors can park and then walk around, or drive through different sections to get a feel for the layout before stopping to explore specific areas of interest.
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