Tacoma Cemetery
A serene and historic resting place in Tacoma, known for its mature trees, peaceful atmosphere, and as a popular spot for dog walks and quiet reflecti...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Tacoma Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene and historic resting place in Tacoma, known for its mature trees, peaceful atmosphere, and as a popular spot for dog walks and quiet reflection.
"Beautiful place to visit and see all the locals of Tacoma. 10/10 would love to stay forever and haunt the place. "
🚗 Practice Driving Spot
Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gravesites
Various sections
Discover the final resting places of Tacoma's early residents and notable figures, offering a glimpse into local history.
Mature Tree Canopy
Throughout the cemetery
Enjoy the serene atmosphere under the shade of mature trees, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful natural surroundings.
Pauper Section
Specific area
A poignant reminder of the city's past, this section offers a unique perspective on the lives of early Tacoma residents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation Hours
Navigating and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Practice Driving Spot
Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. :dog:
🕰️ Respect Closing Times
Be aware of closing hours to avoid any issues with staff. :clock:
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Capture stunning photos during the golden hour for beautiful lighting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Practice Driving Spot
Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. :dog:
🕰️ Respect Closing Times
Be aware of closing hours to avoid any issues with staff. :clock:
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Capture stunning photos during the golden hour for beautiful lighting.
🧹 Headstone Cleaning
Professional headstone cleaning services are available in the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Tacoma Cemetery for its beautiful, shaded grounds and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for dog walking and quiet reflection. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the cemetery's upkeep in certain areas and a past incident involving aggressive staff behavior after closing hours.
"DON'T VISIT HERE. I was just aggressively and frighteningly chased around the cemetery in a car by the supposed "caretaker" of this cemetery. He was speeding around after me honking, yelling, and waving his hands outside his vehicle at me. There was absolutely nothing on the vehicle to indicate that he was connected to the cemetery in any way. Turns out, the cemetery closes at 8pm--my bad, I thought I read "dusk" on the entry sign. Regardless, this does not justify this gentleman's behavior. As a single female, I had no way of knowing that I wasn't being pursued by someone experiencing mental health issues, under the influence of drugs, or just bent on ill intent. I have been to this cemetery name, many times before and greatly enjoyed it's peace and beauty. I've also been approached before, near dusk (AFTER 8pm, I might add), by a very friendly younger man who kindly waved me down and told me he was closing up. This cemetery is no longer a peaceful place for me. They should consider a personnel change, imo."
Jessica Loving
"Beautiful place to visit and see all the locals of Tacoma. 10/10 would love to stay forever and haunt the place."
Megan Dykeman
"Very sad to see one of the oldest Cemeteries in such bad shape. I laid my hubby to rest near his mother's site as he wanted. It is owned by New Tacoma Cemetery but it has been left to be cared by family members. The same branches from last year are still laying all over. I see one lone truck sometimes trying to pick up debris. They need a full crew to go in and clean it up like the one in lakewood. Breaks my heart."
Debra Cross
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tacoma Cemetery is accessible by car and is located within Tacoma, WA. Specific public transport routes may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Tacoma, WA. You can use GPS navigation to find its exact location.
Some visitors have found quieter sections of the cemetery suitable for practicing driving due to fewer cars and gentle hills.
While not always formally advertised, local history enthusiasts and tour groups sometimes offer insights into the cemetery's past. Keep an eye out for local event listings or specialized tours.
The Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery is a separate, historic landmark established in 1950, dedicated to pets and featuring a community art mural.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tacoma Cemetery is generally free to enter and visit. However, it's crucial to be aware of their operating hours, as staying past closing can lead to issues.
The cemetery typically closes around dusk or 8 PM. It's advisable to confirm exact hours before your visit to ensure you don't overstay.
Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is open on weekends, offering a peaceful escape for visitors. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
No, tickets are not required for entry into Tacoma Cemetery as it is a public space.
The primary restriction is respecting the closing time. Visitors are expected to leave the premises before the cemetery closes for the night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gravesites, admire mature trees and landscaping, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Some visitors enjoy finding specific gravesites of local figures.
Absolutely! It's a beautiful place for walking, with slight hills and shaded paths, making it ideal for exercise or a leisurely stroll.
Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is a popular and dog-friendly location for walks, allowing your pet to get some exercise. :dog:
While some areas are well-maintained, other parts, particularly older sections, can be in disrepair with fallen branches.
Visitors have noted the gravesite of local musician Rockin' Robin Roberts and a unique gravestone surrounded by two massive cedars.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the cemetery offers beautiful scenery, especially during the golden hour, making it a great spot for photography.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides stunning light for photography. Early mornings can also offer a peaceful, atmospheric setting.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the location and any specific cemetery rules.
You can photograph historic headstones, mature trees, landscaping, and the overall serene atmosphere of the cemetery.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to maintain peace and respect. It's best to check with cemetery management for any specific policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Solitude Seekers & Photographers
It's an ideal location for capturing atmospheric shots and appreciating the subtle beauty of historical resting places.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legacy of Tacoma Cemeteries
Beyond the historical significance, these cemeteries often feature beautiful landscaping and mature trees, creating serene environments. They are places where families connect with their ancestors and where the community can find peace and reflection. Some cemeteries, like the Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery, also serve unique community purposes, celebrating the bond between humans and their animal companions.
The ongoing efforts in headstone cleaning and maintenance underscore the community's commitment to preserving these important historical sites. For those interested in local lore, tales of hauntings and mysteries are sometimes associated with older cemeteries. For example, the story of the ship Andelana and its supposed haunting in Tacoma adds a layer of intrigue to the region's history, though this is more folklore than directly tied to cemetery grounds.
Navigating Tacoma's Unique Underground Network
These underground passages, remnants of Tacoma's past, hint at a hidden world beneath the bustling streets. They speak to the ingenuity of early city planners and the evolving infrastructure that shaped Tacoma. Understanding this aspect of the city can provide a broader context for appreciating its historical sites, including its cemeteries, which are often situated on the very land that was shaped by such developments.
While the tunnels themselves are not typically open for public exploration, their existence is a fascinating piece of Tacoma's history. It's a reminder that beneath the surface of everyday life, there are often layers of history waiting to be discovered, much like the stories held within the quiet grounds of its cemeteries.
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