Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The basics

For an in-depth experience, take a Hollywood Forever Cemetery tour with a film-historian guide, or join a city walking tour or bus tour that passes through (or near) the cemetery. Many such tours take in other Los Angeles sights such as Paramount Pictures Studio and Hollywood Boulevard.

The cemetery doubles as a cultural event center, with programming ranging from film screenings to concerts. On many summer Saturday nights, the Cinespia movie series screens classic films such as Sunset Boulevard on the Fairbanks Lawn for large crowds, and throughout the year, various musical acts perform at the on-site Masonic Lodge.

The cemetery's original owners, San Fernando Valley developers Isaac Lankershim and son-in-law Isaac Van Nuys (a major boulevard in north Hollywood and a town in the northwest valley bear their names), sold much of it in 1920 to Paramount Pictures, RKO Studios, and the Beth Olam Synagogue. As a result, many Hollywood figures—such as Cecil B. DeMille and Peter Lorre—are buried here. It's also the final resting place of as prominent residents of Jewish descent, including gangster Bugsy Siegel.

Things to know before you go

• Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a must-visit for those interested in Tinseltown history.

• While it's free to visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, tickets are required for some special events. 

• You can bring blankets, pillows, low-profile chairs, and alcohol to summer movie screenings.

• The Fairbanks Lawn has a designated wheelchair area with easy access to restrooms.

• Hollywood Forever is a fully functioning cemetery, so tour routes are subject to change if a funeral is taking place.

How to get there

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located right off US 101 (the Hollywood Freeway) on Santa Monica Boulevard, near Paramount Studios. The surrounding neighborhood is a preferential parking district, which prohibits street parking by nonresidents, but on-site parking is available. Ride-hailing services are a good option.

When to get there

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is open daily from morning until late afternoon. The popular Cinespia series takes place on summer Saturday nights. You'll need tickets and should arrive early, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cemetery's annual daylong Dia de los Muertos festival occurs around the end of October.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this iteration of the world-famous Madame Tussauds Hollywood features lifelike wax figures of movie stars and television actors, movie characters such as E.T. and the X-Men, pop stars, athletes, and more. Madame Tussauds also includes a team-based virtual reality experience.

Ways to explore

Hollywood Forever Cemetery doubles as a cultural event center, with programming ranging from film screenings to concerts. In the summer, the Cinespia movie series screens classic films such as Sunset Boulevard on the Fairbanks Lawn for large crowds, and throughout the year, various musical acts perform at the on-site Masonic Lodge.

For an in-depth experience, take a Hollywood Forever Cemetery tour with a film-historian guide, or join a city walking tour or bus tour that passes along the cemetery. Many such tours take in related Los Angeles sights, like Paramount Pictures Studio and Hollywood Boulevard.

Accessibility

The cemetery is accessible, with paved paths and accessible parking.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, hat, camera; for Cinespia screenings, pack blankets or low-profile chairs, pillows, picnic food and beverages

What to wear

Layers for the weather, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Dogs (except service animals), lit candles, barbecues, smoking in most areas, touching or disturbing the headstones

Amenities

Restrooms, parking

Address

Hollywood Forever Cemetery sits at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, in the heart of one of Los Angeles' most iconic neighborhoods (it shares a block with Paramount Studios). It’s easy to get there via car or public transit.

Driving

Get there on Santa Monica Boulevard—there’s free parking onsite, behind the Cathedral Mausoleum.

Public transportation

The nearest bus stop is Santa Monica/Gower, which puts you a short walk from the cemetery. You could also take a taxi or rideshare.

Best times to visit

For peaceful cemetery visits, weekday mornings offer a nice time for contemplation. For Cinespia movie screenings, arrive at least 2 hours before showtime to secure good lawn seating—the best spots fill quickly.

Best days to visit

Weekends attract more visitors, particularly those seeking famous graves and photo opportunities.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit the cemetery. Summer is event season, fall is spooky season, and winter offers still-nice weather (since it’s SoCal) and smaller crowds.

Special events

Cinespia Film Screenings run May to September. Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated at the cemetery in November.