The Los Angeles National Cemetery is operated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Soldiers from wars as early as the Civil War are buried here. It originally opened as part of the Pacific Branch of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteers, now the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, which is located on the other side of the 405 freeway. The few structures on the site include the administration building/chapel, an indoor columbarium and several monuments. The administration building, just inside the gates, offers maps and information to visitors. There is also a computer kiosk for locating gravesites. Notable gravesites here include two dogs and more than 100 Buffalo Soldiers from the Civil War. The cemetery is currently closed to new interments.
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is so much more than the final resting place for countless celebrities and show business bigwigs. It is also a popular spot for community events and live performances, and even hosts an outdoor movie screening series every summer. If your idea of a fun time is sipping wine while watching a campy flick and strolling amongst celebrities – or at least their tombstones - then this is the place for you.
Parking and public transportation at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Parking is free onsite for visits to the cemetery grounds, but sometimes there is a parking fee for special events. Additional event parking is located around the corner at the Paramount Studios parking structure at 801 N. Gower as well as several other small lots near the cemetery entrance. Street parking in the adjacent neighborhood is discouraged. Eliminate parking hassles by taking the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood/Vine station and walking one mile to the cemetery or transferring to the southbound Metro Local 210 bus to Santa Monica Boulevard.
Best and worst time to go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The cemetery is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during normal visiting hours. Special events draw huge crowds, though, and it's advisable to line-up early for the film screenings in order to get a good seat on the lawn.
Admission to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
There is no fee to visit the cemetery to pay your respects. Onsite special events usually require tickets, which range in price from a few dollars to $35 or more. Outside vendors offer guided tours of the cemetery in the $15-$20 range.
Must see/do at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The cemetery grounds are beautiful and a couple of hours can be passed admiring the graves of celebrities such as Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino and Johnny Ramone. Grab a six-pack of your favorite brew, a blanket and your best friend for one of the popular Cinespia film screenings in the summer months, or enjoy a full day of food and entertainment at the annual Dia de los Muertos festival in the fall.
Other places to visit near the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
About a mile away is the famous Hollywood and Vine intersection, the epicenter of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a perfect place to photograph the Capitol Records building. For a fun and delicious dinner try Palms Thai Restaurant where they serve up both Thai cuisine and nightly performances of the famous Thai Elvis impersonator.
Insider tip for visitors to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Don't be alarmed by the strange, loud caws you hear echoing through the grounds. Those are just the peacocks. Normally kept in an enclosed area on the north side of the cemetery, these handsome guys can sometimes be seen wandering around the tombstones and posing for pictures with tourists like true Hollywood celebrities.
Author's bio: Amy Clites is a Los Angeles writer, content creator and actor who thinks there's nothing better than Yellow Curry with a side of Thai Elvis. She is also an avid gardener, cook and traveler and writes regularly about these topics and more on her blog ZeitClites and on Twitter at @AmyClites.
Servicing all of the Jewish cemeteries in the area and with funeral directors available 24 hours a day, Chevra Kadisha Mortuary is a calming place to go to in your time of need. Tahara and shmira are available to all those who require them. Washing, dressing and a person who stays with the deceased and recites Psalms are just a few of the specialties found at this mortuary. Cremation and embalming services not available at this location since both are prohibited by Jewish law.
Choosing a cemetery is the first step that needs to be taken care of for the deceased and Chevra Kadisha will gladly help you with this decision. You may then choose the items and services that you desire. However, all funeral arrangements include a basic service charge and all costs must be paid in full prior to services.
