It's a truly beautiful cemetery, as strange as that may sound. There's a huge demonstration of socioeconomic disparity across the grounds. And it's profoundly sad to imagine how many of the people laid to rest in these plots haven't been visited in decades. And some, possibly never. For that reason, events such as Illumine, which help fund Oakland Cemetery, are beneficial on a multitude of levels. Though the annual event has ended, the cemetery is rich with local history. Even a visit in the daytime would be worthwhile.

If you love old cemeteries with historical figures and beautiful tombstones and statuary, Oakland does not disappoint! From elaborate family mausoleums, numerous angels to beautiful gardens. My favorite time to visit is in Spring when the Dogwoods, Flowering Cherry and Azalea are in full bloom!

Took my son here for a walk and we spent a little over an hour here. There was also a burial in progress. The ground is lovely and just beautiful laced in history. You can get a great walk out here! Plenty of room for social distancing. You can also park inside along the roads. No public bathrooms.

It is really rich cemetery socioeconomic and architectural wise. So sad some of the graves not taken care of. Good walking spot during lunch time. I saw Kenny Rogers and Bobby Johnson here.

This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries that I have had the pleasure of visiting. I love that they have a gift shop, evening lighted events, and 5k runs. It is so important to put back into the Cemetery, and it’s clear the staff and the community care about this place. Coming from the death industry myself, it is so important to preserve everlasting legacy. I had a great time walking around here.

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful cemeteries out there. Free admission (unless I missed something) and free parking right in front of it. Lots of colorful and at times even exotic plants. Amazing skyline views! You can spend a solid two hours here if you want to explore it all.

Great guided tour. 11/18/23 update. Attended great vendor popup at the Bell Tower today. Enjoyed a walk through the cemetery looking inside some of the crops. Posting some pictures.

This is a old cemetery in the heart of Atlanta. Many parts of this cemetery have plots pre 1900s. It's has an intresting energy as well as some architecture. There are benches around to have a seat and some famous people buried here. You think about if "walls could talk" all the history and stories of the people here, what they would say. There is a free lot near the entrance as well as street parking.

Such an interesting and beautiful place to visit in Atlanta. If you love history, you should visit this place. Also, the map and the information online helps you get around the cemetery, see the important figures, learn about the different sections and learn more about the history of Atlanta. Also, it is just great to go for a walk and take beautiful pictures. Also, free to enter and free parking.

This was the most beautiful cemetery I have been to! Just be careful pulling into the parking lot because it looks wider than it is and I may have hit the curb. This cemetery has different signs with phone numbers you can call to do your own walking tour. They have recorded messages about different people. You could spend hours here seeing everything. The garden throughout is beautiful. There were lots of blooming trees when I came.

We enjoyed an amazing, informative and eye-opening tour this past Saturday, led by Caleb Brown. Caleb really knows his stuff and customized his presentation to the participants, which we all appreciated. This is a must-do activity for anyone who resides in metro Atlanta or for visitors.

Visited during the free Day of the Dead celebration, organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta and the Institute of Mexican Culture. Fun and educational activity suitable for the whole family. Wander around and look at decorated tributes to loved ones, purchase Mexican foods, listen to music or watch dancers. Several guests were fully decked out in costumes. Very popular event so be prepared to park several blocks away or take some other form of transportation.

A very unique experience in Atlanta. Currently the cemetery is being paved so watch your step. Great place to put in some steps without feeling like you're "working out". Bring water and comfy shoes, you'll stay a while. Free to enter with free (for now) parking at the main entrance. There is plenty of parking on the street if the lot is full.

A beautifully maintained piece of local history that is also full of life despite the setting! The landscaping is gorgeous and the graves are well-maintained; there is great dedication to restoration here as well. On a normal day, it's a nice place for a picnic or a walk as there are many places to sit and rest. There are also yearly art installations, festivals, and organized runs. Paid tours are available but there is also an option for free self-guided touring. Parking can be tricky during peak hours but usually not impossible. Entry is free and there is a gift shop on site. There are multiple restaurants just across the street so this is a perfect place to spend the day.

I came to Oakland Cemetery as apart of my final exam for my Humanities class, and I must say I was very shocked at what I found. Not only was everything extremely well-kept, there was also markers with info to guide you through the cemetery. There was a wedding on one side and a funeral just across the lawn, which was something Ive never seen happen simultaneously. The crowd of people throughout the cemetery was well diverse. This is a wonderful historic landmark to visit!!

Terrible ambiance, no zombies, I was very disappointed at the lack of ghosts. 1/10. Wouldn't recommend it.

Love this cemetery

Hands down one of the prettiest cemeteries I have seen; and no I’m not someone who just marches around graves, but yes I have seen my share. There is so much beauty here and many incredible pieces of history. They have free audio tours which I would have enjoy had time not been a constant. I would go back with just me as I am the spooky one of the two of us in a second.

Want a downtown walk outside the hustle and bustle of Atlanta? Try Oakland Cemetery. Beautiful, historic, and pleasant. You’ll find something different with each visit and yet you will not tire of going back.

I definitely like to visit Cemeteries and see the graveyard of important people, this one is huge and very nice to walk and look around. They also have a visitor’s center with available restrooms and things to buy inside. You must wear a mask to go in there and also, there’s a limit of 6 people at a time because it’s a small place.

The most underrated cultural experience in Atlanta. Perfect on a cool morning, ideally with a K9 friend and an SO, to take a long stroll amongst the beautifully manicured plots. Perfect for the history nerd, the nature obsessed, and the urban hiker. Absolutely fantastic. They also host wonderful events, free to the public, throughout the year. My favorite is the holiday fair where you can bring your dog to meet santa and buy wonderful handmade wreaths for your home.

Beautifully maintained. There is always something blooming regardless of the season. The tours are informational and guides are kind.

Can't believe this place doesn't have more reviews. It's one of the most interesting places in Atlanta to visit, and as a local, it functions as a wonderful park to come jogging or walk your dog. It's an absolute gem.

Very nice place for a Sunday walk. Loved it!

Perfect place to spend a nice fall afternoon as the weather is changing. This is actually a very good place for young children (always be respectful of the sites), there are ample walking paths (stroller friendly), places to sit, and sites to see. Remarkable piece of Atlanta history. Some of the lamp posts even have bullet marks from who knows when. Parking is available, but I would advise arriving late morning/early afternoon to assure you get a space. Conveniently located across from “6 Feet Under” restaurant and pub (which is also child friendly).

Visited today 11/5/2023 for the Dia de los muertos festival they hosted!! It was an absolute pleasure and so much fun seeing so many people from all walks of life enjoying our beautiful Mexican culture!!! Can't wait to go back next year again!!

Beautiful and relaxing journey back in time. We were surprised at the number of Jewish graves. Well maintained and the staff was very helpful directing us to some of the upcoming events for the holidays.

If you are in Atlanta , thn this beautiful cemetery should be in your bucket list. It’s so lovely and beautiful built and maintained. No need to worry it’s not spooky or scary at all

This is a lovely and peaceful cemetery/park with historic figures laid here.

Huge!!! Beautiful grounds magnificently kept!

Great place to walk and observe little bits of history. Surrounding area is great for food and a nice stroll. Not necessarily a place to put on ur agenda if you are a tourist but if you live in the area you should definitely check it out!

One of the must see places while in Atlanta, Gorgeous landscapes and historical beauties.

We visited this cemetery on Sunday, June 19, 2022. I booked a reservation on Eventbrite for the free We Shall Overcome Tour. Upon arrival we parked on the street for free adjacent to the gravel lot where the visitor center is. Also the gravel lot parking is free. Our tour guide was Jihan who was very direct, professional, and knowledgeable since she had been a tour guide since 2013. She provided us with the history of Juneteenth and informed that this cemetery still does 15 burials a year. Our first stop was Maynard Jackson’s gravesite which had an immaculate and prestigious headstone which towered over us in all of its four sided glory. He has an immense reputation and legacy in Atlanta as it’s first black mayor. We next ventured to Slave Square where there is a plaque to commemorate the history. This is where blacks were formerly buried before being uprooted for whites to purchase plots and be buried there. Supposedly the cemetery was desegregated in 1963, but there’s only 4-5 blacks buried outside of the African American burial grounds. The only plot we visited in the former Slave Square was of Catherine Holmes, a family servant of the Boystons who was free. Not to mention the family had to ask for her to be buried there since she was black. The rest of our tour was in the formerly neglected, newly reopened African American burial grounds. We viewed the plots of notable figures who transcended Atlanta’s history. Our tour guide enlightened on some very intriguing facts about these black pioneers. The city’s 1st pharmacy was opened by Dr Slater and Dr Butler. Dr Slater also founded the medical organization that would become the National Medical Association. Peyton Allen was a founding member of the Atlanta NAACP which actually helped blacks at that time. Alex Hamilton built the first black YMCA which also helped black policemen who needed to get dressed and couldn’t at the station. Dr Butler’s wife was integral in forming the black PTA and was appointed by Hoover to speak on behalf of the black school system. I found it interesting that a lot of the Victorian era culture considered death to be an eternal sleep. We saw headstone pillows on Dr Slater’s family plot. Jacob McKinley was integral in establishing the Southview cemetery for blacks to be properly buried. Bishop Wesley Gaines founded Big Bethel AME Church the first Atlanta mega church and also where Morris Brown College was born. Antoine Graves is buried in the only mausoleum in the black area of the cemetery. He was the principal of Gate City School the first for blacks in the city. He also was a real estate broker and facilitated the deal on the land where the GA state capitol stands. Carrie Steele Logan’s children’s home is still in existence today and is the oldest in the nation. Her headstone is for her sorority Delta and for being a true elephant taking in children in need. The Ruckers were a prominent family of entrepreneurs who were well educated at HBCU’s. The Tates were the founders of black business in Atlanta with the first grocery store in the city along with other ventures such as black schools. Frank Quarles founded Friendship Baptist Church which birthed Spelman and Morehouse Colleges. Dr Beatrice Thomas created a surgical residency program for black doctors and founded the first pharmacy in Augusta. Marie Woolfolk Taylor co-founded AKA which is still in existence. Rodger Badger was a dentist and the wealthiest black man in a Atlanta worth $10k. This tour and our tour guide were informative and enriching. You can do self guided cell phone tours also. We went to the gift shop after our tour and the white employee was rude, unprofessional, and racist. She didn’t make eye contact nor greet us. Also I asked how much the t-shirts were and she said they’re all the same price. Her behavior was unacceptable so we didn’t buy anything. I feel there is an air of racism which prevails over Oakland as a cemetery and some of its staff members. I would recommend the tour with Jihan, but skip the gift shop if you’re black. This is why the review is 3 stars not 5.

This is a great place. History and so many stories. I was a bit worried about bringing kids but they had fun. This is a classic Victorian cemetery with lots of famous graves and if you love plants, there are some AMAZING plants. Great adventure to get in some walking steps and take in the history!

Beautiful place of respite; lovely to stroll and reflect with friends or just yourself. Great views of downtown ATL and sunsets as well

This place is beautiful and amazing. I have been twice and still have not seen everything. Perfect for a walk, wander, meander, coddiwomple, date, picnic, or event.

Very interesting to see the beautiful tomb stones, next time I'll try a tour.

It’s big and lots of people are buried here.

A fantastic experience and journey through Georgia and southern history. Very knowledgeable staff, well manicured property and beautiful surroundings. They hold various events throughout the year... we especially love “Tunes at the Tombs” in the summer.

I love cemeteries. Cemeteries tell a lot about a culture. This is one of my most favorite cemeteries. It is a lovely place to walk and take in history. They have lots of programs, events and tours. I recommend.

Great place to ride bikes or just enjoy the views.. Also full of historical sites.

Such great history and beauty! I could walk around for hours.

Well keep cemetery in the city. Great walking paths, there in a little incline in the cemetery so be careful and watch your step.

Very nice historic cemetery to visit here in ATL! I really enjoyed the knowledge and tour. Will be back during holidays later in the year!

This historic cemetery has eye-catching monuments, countless stories, lots of landscaping, soldiers, families, and many more things to see, including pretty flowers. There was a bunch of construction happening when we were there. Maybe I will get to visit again in the future when the upkeep and repairs are completed. If you visit Oakland Cemetery, be sure to stop and meet Nancy and Tim at the visitor center. There are unique souvenirs and gift ideas there, too. Here are pictures of some of the flowers that we saw.

Walking through the Oakland Cemetery on a nice day. It was so peaceful and interesting to walk around.

BEWARE: The cemetery is closed for paid events, despite it being a public park. If that happens when you arrive, you can tell them your family is buried there. Make up a name and location - plot 143 or whatever, and you’ll be allowed in. So disappointing to go all the way there to be “closed” for a paid event. I thought the dead wanted to “rest in peace” anyway. Apparently they wanted to have all kinds of events..

ABSOLUTELY LOVE this location. It is just SO BEAUTIFUL. I have been to many a cemeteries throughout the United States over the years, having photographed pretty much most of them, and the Oakland Cemetery ranks right near the top of the list for me. And the staff that work there are BEYOND incredible. Just ... WOW! No matter when you go, they are just UNBELIEVABLE AWESOME! Love Them Too. I am so glad I now live in the Atlanta area so I can go and walk the grounds whenever I get the chance. Just a WONDERFUL experience.

If you want to learn more about your local history-this is a must visit! I highly suggest a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. At the very least, download their app and follow along as you walk the paths. There is so much to learn about our past.

The walk inside Oakland Cemetery is so nice and peaceful with some pretty great views of the city skyline. The aesthetically pleasing memorials, monuments, trees, and garden are what make this cemetery worth the visit. Such a great place to stop by if you're on Memorial Drive.

It’s a peaceful place

Lots of graves

It's a quiet well laid out space. Visitors can take a guided or self guided tour of the historical markers, but it is also a great place to walk the dog.

What a wonderful park! Did you know that is was set up as soon as 1850? It is also a travel through time when slavery existed and communities could not be buried together.

Wonderful place for historians, romantics, nature-lovers, artists, goths, and introverts.

😘⚡🌊🍇

Very nice historic cemetery to visit here in ATL!Attended the halloween tour while visiting family.It was awesome.Absolutely beautiful.

Wow! A stunningly beautiful place! We took a walking tour with Walt and he was incredible! His passion was contagious that there was no way you could walk away from the cemetery not also in love with the place!

Beautiful cemetery with a rich history open to the public. I went on a "Sundays in the Park" day and the cemetery was crowded with extra events and foot traffic. Oh, I also recommend bringing your own water along what with the heat and prices inside.

Very interesting place, we really enjoyed walking around. There is a store which offers drinks, a bathroom and you are able to purchase a tour. We just looked on our own.

The Oakland Cemetery is an impressive way to see Southern history. In a beautiful setting, you can see the crypts of famous families and civic leaders. I recommend seeing the cemetery and city skyline from nearby Six Feet Under brewpub!

(Translated by Google) Amazing place to visit, for late afternoon, free parking. (Original) Increíble lugar para visitar, para tardear , estacionamiento gratis.

Beautiful old cemetery with several gorgeous statues and mausoleums. The staff I spoke to were very friendly and extremely informative. Fantastic place to explore, take photos, or go for a jog. Parts of the cemetery are still going through restoration, which is unusual for many old cemeteries, as once the lots are filled and the city no longer funds it, the cemetery usually goes into ruin. We're very fortunate to have the Historic Oakland Foundation working hard to keep the grounds maintained and also to provide historical tours and information on the cemetery.

Oakland Cemetery is a horticulturist's dream. Atlantans of centuries past took the care and beautification of their loved ones' graves very seriously, and the staff behind it today are clearly just as invested. The variety of native and nonnative plants, and the care taken of the landscape and the graves themselves, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I spent over an hour here admiring the grounds and likely could have spent a full day.

Great place to learn some history

Can easily spend 2 hours here. Very peaceful, historic site and a low-key spot to visit in Atlanta.

It has a feel to it if you know what I mean.I love to visit!!

This historic place is SOOOOO much more than a cemetery. Just make sure to be extra respectful of the gravesites. Make sure to bring your cell phone 📱 and pack your extra battery. Learn about African Americans. 🧒🏾💪🏿Learn about many Atlanta city leaders. Use your phone to dial voice guided tours. Walk around with the grandkids. The grandkids will love Pokémon Go here, they have so many Pokémon stops and gyms. Utilize your phone for so many great pictures with tons of flowers and trees.

Great walking spot with beautifully maintained grounds and lots of history.

BEAUTIFUL! Simply amazingly beautiful! A lot of of hard work by dedicated staff members.

Oakland Cemetery is a special a treasure we have in intown Atlanta. It's beautiful for a run or picnic anytime of year but especially in spring!

Beautiful and easy to walk cemetery. Well with a visit.

What a great escape from the city, could be fun to walk the dogs, kids, or jog!

For a place that one would think gloomy and sad, this was truly a beautiful and delightful tour. The history, of the cemetery, those resting there as well as the visual delight of the beautiful colors of fall today, were indeed a special treat. Tour guide Sarah has to be the best there is! I’m amazed that any one person can retain that amount of information! 😊 I’d go back in a heartbeat for her tour or any of the other special tours she shared.