When people think of Savannah, they usually picture oak-lined streets draped in Spanish moss, beautiful historic homes, charming squares, and cobblestone streets along the river. But one of the things that makes Savannah so unique is that some of its most beautiful and peaceful places are its historic cemeteries.

While Savannah is often known for its ghost stories, I always encourage our guests to look beyond the spooky side of the city. These cemeteries are so much more than that. They're outdoor museums filled with incredible sculptures, towering live oaks, fascinating history, and the stories of the people who helped shape Savannah into the city we know and love today.

Whether you're a history lover, photographer, architecture enthusiast, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful places, visiting one (or all!) of Savannah's historic cemeteries is an experience you won't forget.

Bonaventure Cemetery

If I could only recommend one cemetery to someone visiting Savannah, it would be Bonaventure Cemetery.

Located about 15 minutes east of the Historic District, Bonaventure is one of the most photographed cemeteries in the country and once you visit, it's easy to understand why. The massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, winding pathways, intricate Victorian monuments, and peaceful views overlooking the Wilmington River create a setting that's unlike anywhere else.

It's one of those places that somehow feels both grand and incredibly peaceful. Every visit feels a little different depending on the season, the weather, and even the time of day.

Originally part of Bonaventure Plantation, the property became a private cemetery in 1846 before it was purchased by the City of Savannah in 1907. Today, it spans more than 100 acres and continues to be one of Savannah's most treasured historic landmarks.

Must Visit Sites inside Bonaventure:

Gracie Watson's famous marble statue
The beautiful Baldwin Angel monument
Johnny Mercer's gravesite
Poet Conrad Aiken's memorial
The scenic bluff overlooking the Wilmington River
The incredible Victorian sculptures and family monuments throughout the cemetery

Best For

First-time visitors
Photography
History lovers
Nature lovers
A peaceful morning walk

Hosting Savannah Tip: If you can, plan your visit early in the morning. The light filtering through the Spanish moss is absolutely beautiful, the temperatures are cooler, and you'll enjoy a much quieter experience.

If you'd like to learn even more about Bonaventure Cemetery, the Bonaventure Historical Society offers free volunteer-led walking tours on the second weekend of each month. You can find the upcoming tour schedule here.

Prefer to explore at your own pace? Stop by the Visitor Center when you arrive to pick up a cemetery map highlighting many of Bonaventure's most famous monuments and notable graves. You can also download the official self-guided mobile walking tour for just $5.99, which includes narrated stops and fascinating stories about the cemetery's history and notable residents.

Colonial Park Cemetery

If you're staying in Savannah's Historic District, Colonial Park Cemetery is an easy addition to your day.

Dating back to 1750, it's one of the oldest surviving cemeteries in Georgia and offers a fascinating glimpse into Savannah's earliest history. Many of the city's first residents are buried here, including victims of the devastating Yellow Fever epidemic of 1820.

Historic wrought iron fence surrounding Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, with centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss and historic gravestones beyond the gate.

One of the things people often notice are the unusual dates on some of the headstones. During the Civil War, Union troops camped in the cemetery, and many of the headstones were moved, damaged, or reset incorrectly which created some interesting historical quirks that you can still see today.

Weathered historic gravestone at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, showing centuries of age and craftsmanship among the cemetery's peaceful grounds.

Even if you only have 20 or 30 minutes, it's well worth wandering through the shaded pathways while you're exploring downtown.

Hosting Savannah Tip: If you're visiting with kids, don't miss the playground just outside Colonial Park Cemetery. It's one of our favorite little hidden gems downtown and makes this stop especially family-friendly. Wander through the cemetery, then let the kids play while you relax under the shade for a few minutes before continuing your day exploring the Historic District. It's a great way to mix a little Savannah history with some fun for the whole family.

Best For

Visitors staying in the Historic District
Self-guided walking tours
History enthusiasts
A quick stop between Savannah's squares and restaurants

For guests visiting Colonial Park Cemetery downtown, the City of Savannah also provides a downloadable map here.

Child placing a coin on a historic gravestone at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, reflecting on the city's rich history and peaceful cemetery grounds.

Laurel Grove Cemetery

While Bonaventure tends to get most of the attention,Laurel Grove Cemetery is one of Savannah's hidden gems.

Established in the 1850s as Savannah's new municipal cemetery, Laurel Grove is filled with beautiful Victorian monuments, impressive mausoleums, military memorials, and countless stories that reflect the city's rich and complex history.

It also contains important sections dedicated to Savannah's African American community, making it an especially meaningful place to visit for those interested in learning more about the city's past.

Because it's a little farther from the main tourist areas, Laurel Grove is often much quieter than Bonaventure. If you're someone who enjoys exploring places at a slower pace, this may end up being your favorite.

Best For

Returning Savannah visitors
Historic architecture
Photography
A quieter experience away from the crowds

Which Cemetery Should You Visit?

If you're trying to decide which cemetery fits your trip best, here's my recommendation:

If it's your first visit to Savannah: Visit Bonaventure Cemetery. It's iconic, incredibly beautiful, and one of those places you'll remember long after your trip.

If you're short on time: Stop by Colonial Park Cemetery while exploring the Historic District. You can easily combine it with nearby squares, shops, and restaurants.

If you've visited Savannah before: Head to Laurel Grove Cemetery for a quieter experience and a deeper look into Savannah's history.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Tips for Visiting Savannah's Historic Cemeteries

A few things to keep in mind before you visit:

Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely do more walking than you expect.
Bring a bottle of water during the warmer months.
Remember that these are active cemeteries and places of remembrance.
Stay on designated paths and avoid touching or climbing on monuments.
Take your time. Some of the most interesting details are easy to miss if you're rushing.

If you're especially interested in the history behind the monuments, consider taking a guided cemetery tour. Local guides share fascinating stories about Savannah's notable residents, unique symbolism, and the city's history that you might otherwise overlook.

Historic stone obelisk monument surrounded by Spanish moss-covered live oak trees at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, showcasing the cemetery's beautiful Victorian memorials and peaceful landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Savannah's cemeteries free to visit?

Yes! Bonaventure Cemetery, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Laurel Grove Cemetery are all free to visit during their public hours.

Can you take pictures?

Absolutely. These cemeteries are incredibly photogenic and photography is welcome. Just remember to be respectful, stay on the paths, and avoid climbing on monuments or entering private family plots.

Are they worth visiting if you're not interested in ghost stories?

Without question.

In fact, that's exactly why I recommend them. These spaces offer a beautiful look into Savannah's history, architecture, landscape design, and artistry. They're peaceful, educational, and unlike almost anywhere else in the country.

Historic Adler family memorial with classical columns surrounded by Spanish moss-covered live oak trees at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.

A Hosting Savannah Favorite

If I had to choose just one, Bonaventure Cemetery would always be at the top of my list.

There's something incredibly peaceful about walking beneath centuries-old live oaks while looking out over the Wilmington River. Between the incredible monuments, quiet pathways, and sweeping views, it perfectly captures the beauty and history that make Savannah so special.

It's one of those places that reminds you to slow down, take your time, and appreciate the stories that have shaped this city over the last three centuries.

Book a tour with Bonaventure Don, one of the highest rated tour guides

Whether you're visiting Savannah for the first time or the tenth, Bonaventure is a place I think everyone should experience at least once.

Until the next check-in–

Alyssa

Historic Cemeteries Worth Visiting| Three Must see Cemeteries in Savannah, GA