Hollywood Cemetery

This is one of the most beautiful and historical cemeteries in the country. It is a great place to visit and reflect upon our short time here on this earth. People today do not talk or even think about death and their own mortality. A person has a much better perspective on life if they do. I would highly recommend visiting this special cemetery and appreciate the beautiful mausoleums and tombstones throughout the hillside.

Google maps directed us through some weird streets but finally got us there. Located on the banks of the James River with hills, valleys and large trees, this garden cemetery is a beautiful and serene place to walk around. Various tours are offered here, but self guided tours can be taken by downloading a map or getting a map from the visitor center for $1. This is the burial place of two Presidents of the United States and 6 Governors of Virginia. There are many headstones that are works of art. We also came across some animal statues beside a few headstones.

Me and my family love it here one of the most beautiful sights in all of Richmond by far being that there are so many sights to see and it gets better every season due to leaf changes

If there is only one historical cemetery you ever visit in your lifetime, it must be this one! It is vast, extensively, beautifully landscaped, and tended to meticulously. Park-like in its atmosphere, it feels more like an outdoor museum of sorts, as people walk the myriad paths for exercise as well as to browse the many headstones, monuments, and mausoleums, old to newer. The views of Richmond are picturesque, and you can drive thru the cemetery if you don't wish to walk. It is immense, so my folks and I drove along and stopped where we chose to get out and view graves as we went. This place is a must see!

This place is absolutely killer. Went with my family last week and I am dying to go back. Anyone who leaves a one star review here is making a grave mistake. We had a guide show us around and his jokes absolutely killed me. I’m dead serious when I say this was one of the greatest places I’ve ever been. They should rename this place “American Beauty” because these dead are certainly grateful.

James sure knows his stuff! Not only was he able to arrange and personally dig the grave plot himself, he also killed my aunt for me so I didn’t have to do any dirty work!!! WOW! What spectacular service! Thanks James! Just for you I’ll give you a little bonus!

Simply serene. Beautiful riverside cemetery that has lots to contemplate. It is welcoming but invites personal exploration and contemplation. Dogs are welcome.

Hollywood Cemetery is beautiful and well-maintained. It only has one entrance/exit that wasn't locked, which didn't register in Google when we were trying to exit. If you're going to walk here, bring a water bottle. It's very interesting to see people that were important to Richmond's history, the gravestones are mostly clear and legible, and the walking path is smooth. It's a little hilly, which looks lovely, but keep it in mind if you've got poor knees. You're able to drive the whole park if walking it isn't an option for you.

I can't believe it's taken me 13 years to visit this place! It's gorgeous (especially in the fall with all the fall foliage) and full of history. We passed several small groups walking (or golf carting) with a guide. We used a map to find our way around and my favorite was walking between the cemetery and the river. Wear comfy shoes, use the restroom before you arrive (although they do have a single restroom at the entrance) and be mindful that you are allowed to drive in a majority of the cemetery so be aware of your surroundings so they can pass around you. Dog friendly. Lots of hills.

This is a peaceful and historic place with beautiful grounds and stunning views. It's a quiet, reflective spot that offers a meaningful connection to the city's history. A must-visit for those interested in Richmond's past.

I visited the cemetery today, primarily to see the grave sites of Presidents Monroe and Tyler, but was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the site and all the great views from it. I was lucky enough to find parking in the cemetery and headed off on my walk. It was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed seeing the many tombstones and views of Richmond and the James River. There is so much history here and I was amazed at the number of people enjoying the views, painting, and walking with their dogs. It's a huge cemetery so you'll need some comfortable shoes if you choose to walk rather than drive through it. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the Richmond area.

It seems weird to review a cemetery, but it is a historical site, and it's a significant one that is worth visiting. Although the website says maps are available in the office, the office is closed on weekends. There are bathrooms there though, so that's nice. The PDF map is available on phones though. The map marks significant figures, and for the most part the roads are marked (not all though.) Some roads are wider than others, so it's tricky to drive and pull over in some place and there are some streets I was praying no one was coming the other way because it was so narrow. But in other places it's easier to park or pull over. It's an old cemetery so it wasn't designed for 2 way car traffic. And it is so big especially on a hot day that driving is a must. The part new the James River is really an amazing view. There were a lot of people there walking their dogs, so it's also just a quiet place to enjoy nature.

From the road it looks small, but when you're actually there it's huge; it goes on and on. When you first enter the cemetery, you can park in front where the office is. Or you can drive your car around the cemetery and check the cemetery around there. Or, you can drive deep into the cemetery, park on the side, and then explore from there. There are two American presidents that are buried here. John Tyler and James Monroe, and as the only Confederate States President, Jefferson Davis. There's a lot of famous people here. There's even families that are buried together from the early 1900's. Cool to see the different tombstones and statues. It makes you wonder the history behind each person. The Hollywood Cemetery is also known for the famous vampire, whether that's a myth or not, that's buried here. It attracts a lot of visitors. When I was there, it was well-kept. I saw the grass being cut. The walkways were nicely paved. I highly recommend checking out the Hollywood Cemetery. It's a popular destination for tourists and history buffs, and you won't regret it!

Beautiful cemetery. Two presidents are buried here. Tons of military and the confederate pyramid. So sad and powerful. Would be nice if there was a grounds map on the website.

A beautiful, serene cemetery. We took the tour with a tour company and our guide was extremely knowledgeable. Presidential tomb of Monroe is here on a bluff overlooking the James river. I particularly was moved by the confederate soldiers' gravestones. The unnamed ones are not because they are unknown. Family has to request a named headstone for an ancestor. Our guide has research all of them and all graves are known. Made me want to research my own ancestry and see if I have relatives who served in the Civil war who might be buried in Virginia. The Hollywood trees are stunning and I was unfamiliar with this type of tree. Very lush.

Absolutely stunning and we got to see sooooo many influential figures from the civil war! We spent half the day here. Wish we would have had time to do one of the tours. Hollywood Cemetery The holly trees here gave the cemetery it's name. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler are buried here, along with Confederate president Jefferson Davis. Other Southern notables are Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Gen. George E. Pickett. Dimmock's Pyramid: this 90ft stone pyramid-designed by Charles Henry Dimmock, was built with stacked blocks of James River granite (with no bonding between them), and dedicated on November 8, 1869 as memorial to the 18,000 Confederate War Dead buried in close proximity. The bodies of the soldiers were brought from numerous battlefields, including many from Gettysburg. Of the 18,000 soldiers, 11,000 remain unidentified. The Iron Dog: In February of 1862, a two-year old girl named Florence Rees died of Scarlet Fever. There are 2 conflicting stories for its presence. The 1sr, an anonymous shopkeeper, remembering how much Florence had loved the dog in front of his store, decided to bequeath the statue as a testament to Florence's kind heart. The 2nd, Florence's father, Thomas, installed the dog statue at his daughter's grave to prevent it from being melted down for bullets during the War. "Grief": William Worthington was only 29 when he died. The statue was commissioned by his step father to commemorate his death and his mother's deep sadness. "It is a story of a woman's grief--the grief of a mother over the death of her son, symbolized in a kneeling female figure, with arms folded and head bowed in the utter abandonment of self-communion." President John Tyler: the 10th president of the US, was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in 1862. His death was the only one in presidential history to not be officially recognized in Washington D.C. due to his allegiance to the Confederate States of America. Tyler requested a simple burial, but Confederate President Jefferson Davis hosted a grand event, complete with a Confederate flag draped over the coffin. "Some 18,000 noble sons sleep here within these grounds, now quiet are their mighty guns which once roared thunderous sounds. Their flags no longer catch the wind, their drums no charge will start, no bayonets will need defend the warrior's silent heart." - Bill Ward (I Stroll the Hills of Hollywood)

the cemetery was an amazing place. beautiful landscape and an experience i would recommend for anyone coming by richmond. the only issue i has was with the staff. a security guard stopped us and asked us if we had permissions to do what we were doing in a very rude tone. as if we didn't belong. there was a lady at the front who kept asking us to move after we were trying to figure out our transportation, but wouldn't listen to the situation. we felt like we were kicked out and didn't belong, while we made time and money to come here. the staff needs to be more open and respectful with people who come to see the cemetery.

I've toured a few cemeteries including Cimetiere du Père Lachaise in Paris and the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. Several others which were not as historic as Hollywood including Albany Rural Cemetery and Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale. Hollywood definitely gets points for history and a beautifully landscaped grounds. Solumn and grand. The cemetery has an organized walking tour that I attended. We had a great two hour hike through the property where the tour guide pointed out notables and other details on headstones that we might have missed otherwise. President's Circle where James Monroe (POTUS #5) and John Tyler (POTUS #10) as well as many Civil War era dead, including President Jefferson Davis and many officers and soldiers. The giant pyramid that is the monument of Confederate War dead. The roads in the cemetery are driveable and smooth enough for wheelchairs. Respectful, of course, but it is a garden and historic place. Well worth the time to tour and visit. [Review 11763 overall, 1545 of 2019.]

I've always been a person who enjoys visiting historical sites throughout our country. This one was well worth the early morning visit we arrived minutes before the gate opened to start our journey. An hour or two is really all you need when visiting this beautiful site. Parking outside the entrance was free although it was very limited that day. But if you like exploring Richmond and getting some miles in before lunch this would be the place to visit in November.

This was literally the most beautiful cemetery I've ever been to. I've never seen such a gorgeous place as Hollywood Cemetery and I didn't come here for the Presidential draw as others might. My friends know I'm a cemetery fan and a photography buff, so they thought this might be a place for me, and they couldn't have been more right. Upon entering, we started seeing things I needed to stop and take pictures of. The monuments called to me. I could have spent DAYS exploring and searching through the headstones here. It is so peaceful and comfortable here, especially down near the James River.

Dang, another cemetery. So, if you are Richmond, VA, there are a lot of things to do. And maybe the idea of walking through a cemetery is not your idea of how to spend a couple hours, but... It's a beautiful cemetery and there is quite a bit of history here. Noteworthy things to see (from https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/visit/things-to-see ): "President James Monroe's Tomb Nicknamed "The Birdcage", this architectural masterpiece was designed in an ornate Gothic Revival style by architect Albert Lybrock in 1859. It contains the remains of President James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, who was reinterred in Hollywood Cemetery in 1858. His tomb was added to the National Historic Landmark Registry in 1971. President John Tyler's monument John Tyler, the tenth president of the United States, was buried at Hollywood Cemetery in 1862. His death was the only one in presidential history to not be officially recognized in Washington D.C. because of his allegiance to the Confederate States of America. He requested a simple burial, but Confederate President Jefferson Davis hosted a grand event, complete with a Confederate flag draped over the coffin. His monument stands not far from President James Monroe's in Presidents Circle. Davis Circle The only president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis was buried in Hollywood Cemetery beneath a life-sized statue. His family is also buried nearby. Monument to the Confederate War Dead This famed 90-foot pyramid stands as a monument to the 18,000 Confederate soldiers buried in Hollywood Cemetery. It was created through the efforts of the women of the Hollywood Memorial Association, who tended the graves of the Confederate dead after the Civil War. They worked together to raise over $18,000 and commissioned the help of engineer Charles Henry Dimmock to design the pyramid. View of the James River The oldest feature of Hollywood is the James River that for eons has carried away tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains to create tidewater Virginia. It has been a source of pride as well as power in Richmond for many years. The river can be viewed from many spots in Hollywood Cemetery, but some of the best views are from the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum and Presidents Circle. The Iron Dog One of the most well-known monuments in Hollywood Cemetery is a cast-iron Newfoundland dog. The statue stands guard over the grave of a little girl who died in 1862." If you can't make it to the cemetery, but are still curious, there is a virtual tour at the URL. Also in this cemetery is the first time I saw the new version of the Confederate flag. Hopefully the picture will attach with this review. Edit: Well it's not the best picture. I'm working on finding a better one. In fact this flag, pictured, may not be what I think it is. Bottom line: What's with the campers in the woods (southwest corner)?

Beautiful cemetery. Definitely on of the top three I have considered. The privately available plots are reasonably priced. The only problem is that the cemetery website lists an email address, but they never reply to any message you send them. Personally, I find that insulting. The implication is that somehow my email was not good enough to warrant a reply. Most likely, they just have an overworked staff, or an irresponsible administrator, or both. In any case, the lack of response is sufficiently unpleasant to make me hesitate to call them.

A colleague is showing me around Richmond and it's historical areas. It was windy & cold, so we didn't stay too long. If a cemetery can be breathtakingly beautiful- this one is it! I have every intention on returning when the weather is a little cooler & spend the day exploring all the interesting & intriguing history contained there. Worth the trip to Richmond!

What an interesting cemetery. The grounds are beautiful with lots of hills and trees. Very interesting head stones. If you can take the tour, do it. Lots of interesting g facts.

I took this tour through Junket. New company I think. Anyway, Tim, our tour guide, was awesome. He knew so much about the cemetery from its start and how it almost didn't get approved from the Whigs who controlled Richmond at the time, to today and how it is still an active Cemetery today. Our favorite was the urban legend of the Vampire at WW Pool's gravesite.

If you visit Hollywood Cemetery: 1. Make sure you don't need to use the restroom. Actually, even if you don't feel like you have to -- use theirs anyway. 2. Drive around. Don't try to walk it unless you really want to get your steps in and have hours to kill. 3. Take advantage of the detailed grounds map on their website. Needless to say: I got lost -- which locals tell me is normal. Unfortunately I also needed a toilet STAT. A true joy, indeed. That place is like a maze with roads weaving inexplicably through the graves all over the place. I'm so glad I drove in -- but I do wish they had markers and maybe even some sort of directions that would easily help folks enter and exit the grounds...and also find Presidents Circle. They did have little red arrows that seemed to direct visitors somewhere...but eventually one just pointed at a grave. Not sure what that was about. At one point I was standing in front of the hauntingly beautiful Masoleum overlooking the serene James River. That's when I noticed how close I was to the presidential section. Got back in my car and easily found it from there. Also passed by the life-size Jefferson Davis statue on the way. He's buried under it. Kind of neat. Slightly eerie also. Aside from Davis, Presidents John Tyler and James Monroe are buried in the cemetery. I happened to visit when the blossoms were in peak bloom so Monroe's tomb looked especially ornate. Meanwhile, I walked by John Tyler's monument several times before figuring out it belonged to him. Eventually, after visiting the presidents, I somehow figured out how to exit the grounds and used their public restroom -- which was thankfully clean and stocked well! Seriously: Use it ahead of time. That is all. Additionally, I had some trouble finding the actual cemetery entrance. My GPS took me to a dead end. If yours does that, go up about half a block, then look to your left -- it's a weird entrance and hard to see if you're driving away from it. Beyond its confusing layout, I'd say Hollywood is a must-see in Richmond. It's a gorgeous cemetery and surely rivals Savannah's Bonaventure.

Obviously I have done my own research & don't believe the hog wash that is currently taught in schools. I enjoyed seeing the history of the south in their honors to recognize what the south went through prevent government taking total control. I wouldn't be surprised if states succeed from the union AGAIN -to get away from government control. And for some less than intelligent person to call confederates "traitors" - well that speaks volumes of the current brain washing the media & government have going on. Many soldiers are buried here (BLACK & white soldiers fought!) Spanish soldiers fought as well. If you thought Lincoln was the savior of slaves then you weren't paying attention. Anyway. This is a fantastic place to see history. I'm fascinated by the many graves of soldiers & their families. The presidents & their families. Even the dog standing guard over a grave (which I want to look into further). It's so sad to see many many children & infant graves from the 1800's. It was the same way at Arlington cemetery. (Btw has confederates too as well as slaves! ) I really wish I had paper & chalk to make rubbings because some of the really old markers were not legible they were so worn. Since I am only 3rd generation in USA- none of my fathers ancestors were here before 1940. I am still a true southerner. And I want to see the true history of the south. My husbands family is all from Louisiana on his father aside (Sons of confederacy) and he has 2 presidents on his mothers side. This is truly a walk back through time. Beautiful grounds & an honor to stand next to our former presidents resting places.

It is hard to count the number of times I've visited this quintessential, historic Southern cemetery, probably more than a dozen times. I've been a Civil War buff most of my life, and have visited almost all of the iconic Southern Cemeteries - Arlington, Bonaventure in Savannah, Oakland in Atlanta, Fredericksburg National Cemetery, the Gateway Walk and Magnolia in Charleston, St Louis No. 1 and Metairie in New Orleans, the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Oakwood in Raleigh, Oakdale in Wilmington, Nashville City Cemetery & Mount Olivet in Nashville, Elmwood in Memphis, Cedar Grove in Norfolk, and many more smaller ones. But none of these match the solemn majesty, tranquility, or beauty of Hollywood. Hollywood Cemetery was opened in 1849, and is the second most visited cemetery in the United States, behind Arlington National. It the final resting place for two American presidents (Monroe & Tyler), six Virginia governors, two Supreme Court justices, twenty-two Confederate generals (including "Jeb" Stuart & George Pickett) and thousands of Confederate soldiers, of all ranks, many in unmarked graves, including a number who were recovered from the Gettysburg battlefields, years after the war ended. Also buried here Jefferson Davis and his second wife,Varina; Douglas Southall Freeman (R E Lee's biographer); Lt Gen'l James Longstreet's 3 children who died in 1862 of scarlet fever, and more. On a personal note, I have 2 great, great grandfathers buried here in the CSA Soldier Section - both died during the war. It is a huge place, so if you want to explore it you should get a detailed map from the cemetery's main office. You can drive through out the cemetery, but a good amount of walking is called for to really explore it well

Super neat place that really says it all in the name. Hollywood cemetery is home to a number of famous figures both political (former presidents and families) and historic pioneers that we have all learned about. Admission is free, and while you can drive around just fine I would definitely recommend walking to read some of the information alongside the stone heads. Beautiful views of Belle Isle from the cemetery too. Of course, be respectful and mindful because even though it is an attraction, it's still a cemetery!

I never thought I'd be like OMG I LOVE GOING TO THE CEMETERY, but here I am. Hollywood Cemetery is such a special place with so much rich history and some seriously incredible views of the city. It makes for a lovely walk (or run!). Make sure you make your way all the way to the top by the river if you want a truly spectacular view of the city and river.

It's magical at Hollywood. One of the few places within the busy city that you can walk through history, see beautiful landscaping and just enjoy the silence. Amazing views of the River. You can also bring your pup, but don't forget the doggie bags and be respectful. History is sleeping here.

This place was not scary. Where are the zombies? The only vampirism I experienced was from all the mosquitos giving me corona virus. The deer? They are fucking scary as shit, literally thought some bone men were coming to take me to hell. After watching some hooligans urinate on the corpses of the confederate soldiers, vehicles began driving all around the perimeter of where we were seated. Haunted BMWs driving around aggressively letting their engines rev high. It was pitch black on the ground, but the light pollution ensured we could see as if it were daylight. I kept tripping over weird beer bottles someone had left out. When running for my life to the fence I had used to gain entry, I heard the soft moaning people report coming from the big galactic pyramid monument. After the groans sent ASMR-like chills up my lil back, I realized that ghosts really are real! I hopped the fence, contracted tetanus from the rusty fence and I could see ripped fabric from someone's pants hanging from one of the metal, frayed knots. Well, at least they cleared the fence. Then someone slowly drove by and stuck their tongue out at me. My hands are covered in dirt. Dark, cold, moist, dank and crawling critters galore.

Friends of Hollywood Annual Picnic. We came here today for their annual picnic. It seems that they do an annual picnic right at the cemetery. There was music. They had chairs. And there was a hot dog and ice cream truck at the location. What a great day. The weather was real nice. Had to make sure we got a good spot in the shade. Make sure you bring something to sit on. Some people brought blankets, chairs, tables, coolers, and plenty of food. The people in front of us had all this Tupperware full of great food. There was a band that played most of the time that we were there. Between the 2 sets the band played there were about 3 women who sang some show tunes. Very nice. The hot dogs water and ice cream were free. You heard me FREE. that was so cool. The only thing the asked was for an email to RSVP how many people were going so they had enough supplies. I'm sure they don't promote it or encourage it but there were some people drinking. A group of people had a cooler in the bed of their pick up and another group was drinking wine by the glass. There were some red solo cups. I would recommend being discrete. All in all a good day.

I loved this historical cemetery. There are tons of confederate graves and a couple of presidents buried here. Most notables buried here are US presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, plus Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Fast fact - 10th President John Tyler has 2 grandsons still alive today. Read about it. It's interesting. Lastly, the views are amazing of the river. Enjoy!

This place breathes history through the trees. It's beautiful! Just go explore, maybe drive slowly through the cemetery because it would take days to walk it all, the property is HUGE! Every tombstone is beautiful, everywhere you look there's beauty. On one end of the cemetery you can overlook the water and the city, gorgeous! Presidents are buried here, families are buried here, loved ones as recent as 2018 from what we could see. It's well kept, and respected. I really appreciated this beautiful place. Not eerie or creepy in the slightest, just pure beauty. I suggest going on a tour if you want the real history behind everything. I can't wait to go back to explore more. Keep this landmark clean people, and if you see litter for goodness sakes pick it up!!! I was so irritated finding beer cans INSIDE some of the monuments. How rude some people are.

The Hollywood Cemetery was designed back in 1847 by John Notman of Pennsylvania, which has been operating since 1849. There are 135 acres of valleys, over hills, trees, monuments, statues, buildings, tombs, and the final resting places of some of the American presidents, governors, Supreme Court justices, Confederate generals, and Confederate soldiers. They have walking tours available, or you can just mosey right in, do a self-guided tour, or drive around in your car. Just be careful in following the arrow signs, as some cars tend to ignore those and the paths might be a tight squeeze. +walking tours available +self-guided tour

Hollywood Cemetery is a must see for both locals and tourists. Stunning views of the James River and the city of Richmond are to be found from the historic grounds, as well final resting place of two US Presidents among other notable locals. You can take a self guided tour, trolly tour, or join in on the walking tours offered April through November.

This one of the places I really wanted to see on my trip to Virginia from Seattle. When you start doing family genealogy you tend to look at cemeteries in a different way... This is more than just a place for the deceased it is a place where the living can go in commemorate fallen soldiers, past presidents, and those family members of ours that have come before us to pave the way. The Hollywood Cemetery wasn't listed on a couple of the apps or mapping features as a local attraction and I definitely think it should be. The craftsmanship in the statues and the artwork are phenomenal. I did not plan well enough to locate my family members gravesites prior to my arrival, it's difficult to maneuver through all the little roadways without a map so be sure and take a map.

Very interesting place to take a walk in Richmond that holds its own against other options like Maymont, Monument Avenue and Belle Isle. Two US Presidents are buried here (Monroe & Tyler), as is Jefferson Davis and a number of famous VA governors, statesmen, etc. It's very large - took about a half hour to make a beeline for Jefferson Davis' grave at the far side of the cemetery - but it is well maintained and fairly well labelled. As with all cemeteries the best part is what you stumble upon. Also as your get farther in, the view of the James River emerges making for a particularly beautiful walk. It wouldn't be my first stop in Richmond but if you have a few days or want some time outside, it's a good choice.

You sit on a bench and read Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado. You like that Hollywood Cemetery feels cooler than anywhere else in the city. It has hills and trees for shade, and no concrete buildings compressing heat around you. Someone in one of your English classes mentioned that cities used to design cemeteries with the idea people would go and picnic and rest among the headstones. You like that idea. The idea of a cemetery as eerie feels wrong to you. You see something beautiful in them that does not exist elsewhere, but you can not put your finger on it. Remembrance is complicated and diverges into discomfort, but forgetting seems worse. You think about your friend who put leaves by the headstones of all the child graves they found. You do not know if that is what remembrance is but you found it lovely all the same. a. If you feel like remembering go to the VMFA (https://www.yelp.com/biz/virginia-museum-of-fine-arts-richmond?osq=vmfa) b. If you feel like forgetting go to Garnett's Cafe (https://www.yelp.com/biz/garnetts-caf%C3%A9-richmond-2)

A VERY cool historic cemetery that almost doubles as a large park. Only downside is that a lot of those interred are Confederate soldiers and generals. At any rate, they're all dead and you can enjoy the cemetery for the history it offers. Many tombstones date back to the 1700s.

A grave yard for tourist spot? Yes, a must see place when visiting Richmond as there is a lot of history here and is definitely worth a visit ... There is no admission charge but they do solicit donations. Once in the cemetery, you can drive to access different parts but you'll need to be careful of other cars and tourists as some parts are very narrow, not to mention a lot of locals jog, walk or bike through the cemetery. It is a large, hilly and meandering place; therefore, you will walk a lot and need a fair amount of time to really see everything, at minimum 2 - 3 hrs. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I've visited here a number of times and spring time is usually the prettiest.

"Did you think that we'd cry tonight? "Oh, did you think we'd cry?" --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Quick Review™: I don't think so. Abe don't play that. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- I've been here. Check the check-ins. My personal experience in a sentence: I visited Hollywood Cemetery and did not leave with the same glowing impression as did others that have posted reviews. Guess I'll be that guy. The one who couldn't cry. Note: worry not! The massive amount of five-star ratings will hold strong and remain unaffected by my rating. Flag anyway because you're offended, of course. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- I saw the Jefferson Davis (and spouse) resting place. There were Daughters of the Confederacy or something there to celebrate (heh, celebrate) some anniversary of someone or something. They were in town for a large convention/gathering. Gathering .... Anyway, they asked if we could take a picture of them. We -- a pair of minority 'patrons' of this establishment -- looked at each other. How is this all going to turn out? At the Davis plot -- if you can call it that (more like a memorial with cul-de-sac and all -- was a huge, clearly expensive, floral arrangement of gorgeous roses in the perfect, large (meter by meter perhaps) recreation of the Confederate Battle Flag. That must've cost more than a couple Abrahams. There, we were lectured on how people don't get the history right and it was never a Civil War and instead Northern Aggression. Mind you: we did not illicit this 'lesson.' My buddy was asked if he knew how many Confederate flag versions there were. He answered correctly and named them off. (I started to wonder how he knew so much about it and why he suggested we come here. I figured I would be getting lynched soon.) --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Additionally, there is the gigantic pyramid in tribute to the fallen traitors ... I mean Confederates. No: I mean traitors. There are ten thousand or so Traitor Battle Flags in this cemetery as well. I digress. The Pyramid An impressive sight until one puts thought into how it was built. I am not Historian of Virginia; however, I have my doubts that the Jefferson Davis or Robert E. Lee families toiled in the heat to move and put these boulders together. Back to the ten thousand flags. I figured I would not see a single American flag in this entire cemetery until we ventured beyond the dog tombstone and there were some recent veterans who had flags on their plots. And here I thought we were in America the whole time. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- In conclusion, I am leaving this review so that all reading can benefit from the thoughts of someone who did not leave these historical landmark thinking it is a five-star experience. Below is my rating. --------------------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­----------------------- Rating: One-star, "Eek! Methinks not."

I have lived in Richmond my entire life and somehow have not ever been here which is crazy. Extremely beautiful and well kept, as it should be of course. Staff was very knowledgable and nice. The majority of the sites are extravagant and jaw dropping. The only drawback is that using the map is not easy, its like a poorly designed scavenger hunt.

This was quite the place if you really enjoy a historical adventure. I recently heard about two presidents being here and saw their memorials. President John Tyler, our 10th president. President James Monroe, our 5th president. It was beautiful and also you'll see CSA graves as well. Including, George Pickett and the infamous Jefferson Davis himself. I suggest you take a peek!

Lying right on the banks of the James River, the Hollywood Cemetery is a must see when visiting Richmond. The history is amazing. I loved several of the presidential grave sites, and the mausoleum too. It was truly gorgeous. We drove through but on a cooler day, it'd be great for a stroll. It was so peaceful and the river and city views were cool, or as my wife's 12 year old cousin in Richmond would say "it was lit". Would love to revisit in cooler weather and spend some quality time here.

This is the coolest cemetery I've ever been in. Overlooking the poo-brown James River, this place is huge, creepy and filled with crypts and gravestones to serve every gauche taste. They say nobody wants to be the richest corpse in the graveyard and that you can't take your money with you when you die, but these people certainly tried. Every crypt and angel tries to outdo the previous one. James Monroe's corpse is such a threat that his grave is surrounded by a huge, black bird cage. This is a great place to spend a few hours. No, seriously, we got really lost in here.

I'm letting my friends here on a little secret. One of my sick pleasures in life is visiting cemeteries, especially those that are old and filled with gems of headstones, mixed in with some history. I've been to a number of countries, always managing to find time to visit at least one during my time there. While Hollywood is not among the oldest I've visited, it does have plenty of history and beautiful (and unique) headstones, placed in a setting that even God would love. It's hilly, tree filled setting on the banks of the James River make it a spectacular and peaceful way to spend a nice Fall afternoon, away from the madness of everyday life. As such, I will return, but without the mask of secrecy that once was mine.

Hollywood Cemetery is an eerily beautiful resting place for many of our former presidents and Civil War officers and veterans. It overlooks the James River and is characterized with winding hills and strolling paths. We walked through the manicured grounds early on a Saturday morning and saw gravesites for Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart and other monuments and tributes to American heroes. I was particularly fascinated with the structure dedicated to the Civil War Widows.

This is going to sound strange, but it's the coolest cemetery I've ever been in. And the creepiest. If you like going to haunted places, you'll love Hollywood Cemetery. It is genuinely unsettling, with its winding roads and pathways and row after row of headstones. There are quite a lot of notable people buried here (you can find a complete list on its wikipedia page) but the most notable are: 1. Jefferson Davis 2. James Monroe 3. Gen. George Pickett 4. John Randolph 5. John Tyler There are also a monument to the soldiers of the confederacy and there are a good number of confederate soldiers buried here. I'd recommend driving around the cemetery because it is so large, but you can walk it as well if you don't mind the hills. Walking truly is the best way to go if you want to get creeped out - I always felt we were being watched, and I would describe the energy in the cemetery as mostly peaceful but a little uneasy. I highly recommend if you love history or haunted places.

Despite being a cemetery, this place offers amazing history and landscapes. You can explore the history and the unique grave markers, as well as see the surprising diversity among the confederate war graves. Several US presidents and important US historical figures are buried throughout, and it is very peaceful overlooking the river. So many hidden treasures can be found, and the place is rarely busy, making it a calm and serene experience. I have visited every time I am in Richmond, and I always discover and learn something new. I highly recommend stopping by.

It is not often that you visit a city and make a mad dash to visit a cemetery, but if you are a history buff then this is well worth a visit. You can purchase a map for one dollar or if that is too rich for your blood then take a picture of the large map at the entrance to use to guide you. The cemetery is conveniently laid out with a blue path to follow by car or foot that will take you by the most historical tombs. The further in you venture, the more massive you realize this place is. There are six Virginia governors buried here. The highlights to see are Confederate President Jefferson Davis and U.S.A. presidents James Monroe and John Tyler.

Love this place! I have been here a few times, but the most recent was the best. I brought my husband and we went "hiking" around. It was beautiful out and it is such a gorgeous and educational place to visit! A lot of the mausoleums and headstones are so beautiful! This is a must PLUS it's free so why not?

Very pretty place to walk despite being a cemetery. Some very interesting graves and history here.

WOW. How have I never been here before yet come so close? You know when you finally go somewhere and you wonder how you missed it? Well, at least I didn't procrastinate any longer. Did you know that James Monroe and John Tyler are casually buried in Oregon Hill? Pretty cool! Did you know you can drive around this winding cemetery and that there's places to park and walk around should you choose to grab a closer vantage point? Okay, well I didn't. I spontaneously drove around the cemetery and enjoyed the views from the hill. I parked my car in a designated little area along the road, and walked over to Presidents' Way where John Tyler and James Monroe are laid to rest. Honestly, this cemetery is just beautiful. I want to come back and walk around frequently. Since the cemetery has been actively burying people since 1849, there's a ton of history here, and it's free! More than other cemeteries I've walked around, including Pere Lachaise in Paris, there's a lot of beautiful angels covering graves and just unique structures. Come here and bring a friend so you don't get lost!

Stopped by Hollywood Cemetery while visiting the area. Really enjoyed it, the grounds were nicely kept, the public bathrooms were very clean. No tours going on right now with COVID so I don't know about those. Enjoyed walking it and looking at the old graves and all the history.

Spooky! What a great historic site, well maintained and easy to find. Just follow the blue line on the road and drive around. Plenty to see, graves and views. Check out the James River below to see a great view of downtown. Can't pass up the famous ones (Tyler and Monroe).