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Hollywood Cemetery

4.8 (118 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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May-May R.

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.

President John Tyler
Michele F.

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.

James Monroe's tomb
Stephanie G.

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.

inscription on the stone that lists several names of important people
Stephanie N.

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!

Tammi W.

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.

Shannon L.

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.

President Monroe grave
Laura G.

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.

Dani C.

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)

Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond VA
Bruce K.

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.]

Rick T.

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.

The scryer
Dianna B.

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.

Monument to the Confederate War Dead
Eric W.

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)?

Kathleen D.

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.

Dog guarding 2 children. Newfoundland was stolen and when returned his tale was broken off. Was replaced with the wrong tail style.

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This cemetery is beautiful and big. Lots of unique headstones. It's sprawling with lots of hills so wear your walking shoes.

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Review Highlights - Hollywood Cemetery

. Also as your get farther in, the view of the James River emerges making for a particularly beautiful walk

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Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises - Spooky eyes

Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises

(68 reviews)

Downtown

Finally got to experience the Riverfront Canal Cruise for the first time for my birthday! It was a…read morereally fun time and I found the seats to be surprisingly comfy. Our cruise was quite full, so I would recommend getting their around 20 minutes early if you have a preference of where you sit. The ticket prices felt very fair as they were about $15 each for a 45 minute ride. It is in the heart of downtown so its mainly street parking, there is a paid lot slightly further down that is 12 dollars for the day. The cruise itself is fun as you float down the canal and learn more about the history in the area. We went around 3pm which was the perfect time as it wasn't too hot but still sunny enough to enjoy. While I had a great time, I think it was more so a novel experience. The ride felt a bit short with the sights remaining quite consistent since the canal is small/short. I don't think I would do it again as it would feel repetitive, but for the first time canal cruiser I think they would have a great time!

I booked Riverfront Historic Canal Cruises as a team outing for my job since it was a nice week…read moreweather wise outside and we all wanted to get out of the office to unwind after a busy few days. I'm really glad I did since it ended up being a great experience for everyone. The whole ride was really chill, and our tour guide shared some interesting facts about Richmond that I didn't even know after living here for a couple years. Everyone had a good time, and it was a relaxing ride. I definitely recommend it if you're looking to learn a little more about Richmond or just want something low-key and enjoyable to do on a nice day

RVA On Wheels

RVA On Wheels

(55 reviews)

Downtown

Reserved 6 tix on Groupon for the historical tour. Had to change to 4. Groupon assigned the blame…read moreof not being able to get a refund on the vendor. I called RVA on Wheels. They could not have been more accommodating. Hendley Davis was diligent in making sure the right tickets were cancelled and most welcoming to our tour on Saturday. Confidence restored in a small business and a new loyal customer was born.

If you're visiting Richmond or even if you're a local, RVA on Wheels is hands-down one of the best…read moreways to experience the city's charm, history, and hidden gems! From the moment we stepped onto the vintage-style trolley,  we were swept away by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the infectious energy of our guide Daniel Ellis Daniel provided us with the perfect balance of fun and informative -- packed with fascinating stories about Richmond's rich history, from Civil War landmarks to modern revitalization projects. He is incredibly knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor, weaving in personal anecdotes, quirky facts, and local tips that you just wouldn't get anywhere else. What truly made the experience special was how interactive and engaging it felt. The trolley itself was spotless and super comfortable, with great views from every seat. We even got some time to hop off and explore a couple of key spots, which made it feel more like an immersive adventure than a typical tour. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to see the city from a new perspective, RVA on Wheels delivers an unforgettable experience. It's the kind of tour that leaves you saying, "I never knew that! A must-do for all RVA explorers -- can't recommend it enough!

The American Civil War Museum- White House of the Confederacy

The American Civil War Museum- White House of the Confederacy

(93 reviews)

Downtown

I came to Richmond for the week for a work trip and had some free time so I wanted to check out…read moresome Civil War stuff. Richmond is an amazing city with a rich and vibrant history, so you should make your way here! I was too late to go inside but the exterior oozed history. I could picture the South's generals huddled inside trying to plan their next move. It's a bit weird to see this relic in the heart of the medic district but fitting for such A city.

I had no idea this was here until my friend indicated he wanted to come here, so quite a neat find!…read more While you will need the patience of a saint to get the parking down (park in the big hospital lot and get parking validation inside the museum), everything else about this visit was excellent. We had a great tour and a very personalized one since only three guests (including my friend and I) were on the tour. The white house of the confederacy is full of history and our guide provided a ton of background on Jefferson Davis and his family, which was particularly cool since I had recently gone with my parents to the historical naval base where he was held prisoner for several years after the end of the civil war. The furnishings were very beautiful and nicely maintained, amazing how often these estates of antiquity had to sell their things to make ends meet and then organizations have to chase them down later to bring everything back together. Still, very cool to be in the rooms where so much history was made. It's so unusual for such an important part of history to be surrounded by hospital buildings, though that is the nature of Richmond: a whole lot of stories in a relatively compact region. Lucky to have been able to learn a bit more about it here! Overall: 4.5 stars ----- Pros: - Excellent tour guide who clearly had made a study of the many features of the house and its former occupants. - White house and its furniture were in beautiful shape, clearly the organization is doing a great job keeping everything maintained. - Price for the tour wasn't too bad considering you get a personalized tour for it. Cons: - The parking situation here is a pain but doable if you plan ahead.

The John Marshall House - Doorway into living area

The John Marshall House

(14 reviews)

Downtown

This house belonged to John Marshall, one of the nation's founding fathers and former Chief Justice…read moreof the US Supreme Court, where he lived with his family for over forty-five years. The house was built in 1790 and is one of the oldest brick dwellings in the city. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1962. There is metered street parking and commercial parking lots within a reasonable walking distance from teh house. The house and yard appeared to be poorly maintained and in need of some severe TLC. The yard has an Urban Garden Space and its landscaping was severely neglected. You will find some benches in the back yard, on a gravel area, that you can sit. You can do a self guided tour of the yard, using QR codes and informational placards. They also offer guided tours of the yard and home. The tour of the interior lasts about 45 minutes. The home is currently undergoing renovation, but is still open. The home is full of Marshall's furnishings and possessions. During the tour, visitors are treated to views of a a couple of bedrooms, including the master suite. and office and dining area. Prepare to be under-wowed by the furnishings. They barely put a small dent in the large rooms. They regularly host events here including the Black Rebellion in Early America Virtual Program, the Spirit of '76 Family Celebration, and the Polly's Richmond Focus Tour with Shockoe Hill Cemetery. This is not my most favorite landmark that I visited by far. There is not a lot to it. It is, however, still worth visiting if you are into history.

Very cool place and they were kind enough to host a paranormal investigation. I really would love…read moreto come back during the day go learn more of the history. One thing that might make you a little crazy is the sound of recorded birds chirping outside. It is a little weird, until you get used to it! John Marshall had kind of a sad history with (maybe more than one- I can't remember) death of a child in the family. I think the home has a certain sadness about it, but also is an important part of Richmond's history.

Hollywood Cemetery - funeralservices - Updated May 2026

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