Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 100 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The main office of the Department of Cemeteries is located in the Bonaventure Administrative Building at the entrance.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,717 reviews
Excellent
4,803
Very good
1,488
Average
362
Poor
50
Terrible
14
Maria w
7 contributions
Jan. 2023
At first it seems like it is a cemetery that people have forgotten about. It is actually very beautiful and unique. We didn't have time to do a tour that the cemetery offers so we just did our own touring. Next time, we would like to do a tour.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HIS
Reading, PA278 contributions
Jan. 2023
It is worth seeing. My wife found an online commentary that went over the cemetery which was nice as we drove through. You can see sections for various religions.
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meagan S
9 contributions
Jan. 2023
It was a cold day so we were looking for a sunny place to eat our packed lunch as a Girl Scout troop and there was the cemetery with not much shade. We plopped right down in the grass (not on gravestones) and ate. It's beautifully kept and all the history is so fascinating. I live near St. Augustine and they don't let you inside those historic cemeteries so it was awesome to actually walk around.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim H
Houston, TX45 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Didn’t realize we needed reservations and it was sold out! Luckily one couple didn’t show and off we went with our guide Jeff, who was well versed on jokes and stories about the statues and people they represented. The walking tour took 2 hours and was one of my favorite activities.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VGTravelGirl
St. Albert, Canada1,756 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Interesting but not exceptional- cemeteries in Buenos Aries and Italy much more compelling. Maybe I just had too high of expectations. You can definitely spend lots of time wandering around and looking at the stones. I stopped at the building that was supposed to be information as well as tours. I purchased an over-priced map. Lady was not very friendly. Just go straight through to the cemetery (there are washrooms on site at the entry) and basic free maps.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jill P
1 contribution
Dec. 2022 • Family
This cemetery is absolutely beautiful. Very interesting stories and so much history. While walking through I took several pics. I've included one that looks like a blue light figure with something flying above it that is blue and purple. My camera has never done this which leads me to believe it's a spirit.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BeachBumReady2Retire
Haughton, LA288 contributions
Nov. 2022
You can walk or drive thru the cemetery. There are also tours that you can get in as well. I just drive thru and stopped at a few spots. Easy to access.
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sheila M
9 contributions
Nov. 2022
Just stunning monuments. Definitely worth a visit. Takes you to a different place. Best to go when the azaleas are in bloom.
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaryEllenM27
Kalispell, MT17,376 contributions
Nov. 2022
We found Bonaventure Cemetery to be the most truly different place in Savannah. It was a surprise to us...and was very photogenic. There is a lot of history about this cemetery. It has very unique headstones and memorials surrounded by gorgeous mossy Oak trees and other Fall foliage. This serene place is also photogenic..
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Xtine_12
San Diego, CA22 contributions
Nov. 2022
Of course, you should go here if you're in Savannah. It's a little outside of the historic district and I do not believe the tour buses go there, so Uber/Lyft. There is no way to walk to it and the road does not seem safe for a bike.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is it open on Thanksgiving
James W
La Verne, CA97 contributions
It is open everyday, but it is surrounded by a high fence and they lock the gates at 5pm.
BobiTychynskiShimoda
Oakville, Canada275 contributions
Is it a safe bike ride from historic district? Also is there somewhere for a gluten free meal near here? What recommendations do others have for restaurants or grocery stores?
tribemembers
Atlanta, GA43 contributions
I took an Uber from the historic district and we traveled by highway part of the way, so it’s hard to know if there would be a safe bike route that did not include the highway. The neighborhood surrounding the cemetery seemed mostly residential, so probably okay to bike but I did not see many restaurants in the immediate area. Especially with specific dietary concerns, you might want to consider eating in the historic area and then heading to the cemetery with water/snacks. It’s definitey worth the trip! (And bring bug spray!)
Stacy_michelle
77 contributions
Will the tour be cancelled if it rains?
John S
California425 contributions
We bought a map and did a self-guided tour. They have graphics of the well-known and big statues obviously shown on the map, as well as graves of historical interest. However, there's probably some insight in a guided tour that might be interesting.
To answer your question, they only cancel the tours if it's a heavy downpour.
MaggiePerez67
Miami, FL6 contributions
Can you really drink martinis or champagne at this cemetary?
Mjsnmjsn
Guadalajara, Mexico154 contributions
Yes as long as it’s plastic cups and not partying
lworthy1950
Sugar Land, TX50 contributions
There are 4 of us going in a couple of weeks, but 2 members of the group are not big "walkers". Is this a hike, or a stroll? I'm assuming there are plenty of benches and shade trees, but I was wondering if there is a lot of uphill walking. Are there water fountains on the grounds or should we take our own water? Average age of this group is 68. We are in Savannah for 3 days, but from what I can tell, this is a "must see". What do you think?
travelinfool49
Norfolk, VA40 contributions
This is a "long" stroll. "..plenty of benches" is a stretch, but there are a few and it can be driven through as well. Bring water and you will love it. It's very shaded. Enjoy
Haley S
Liverpool, UK44 contributions
Hi!
Where can I learn more about Bonaventure Cemetery as I'd like to tour it alone. Mainly because I'm deaf and can't hear tour guide :)
Jeannine B
rhode island40 contributions
There is a map available at the cemetery. It is also very well marked if you are looking for certain burial sites. I wouldn't use a tour guide. Take a stroll and absorb the great history. I would also try Amazon for specific information aabout the Bonaventure. .
LindaLosAngelesCA
Los Angeles CA87 contributions
Hi Sandy! Is there a charge to enter the cemetery? Can I drive through? How large is it? Thanks!!
Sandy O
Sauk City, WI1,093 contributions
As the others said, there is no charge to drive through.
You can park outside and walk if you wish.
We drove in, and where there were wider sections we got out and walked, came back, and moved the car to the next spot.
We were here in December, so not in the prime tourist season and there were plenty of people here(some walked the entire thing).
Mary B
Madison, AL51 contributions
I was planning a visit in October 2017, will tours be available at that time? My husband is in a moterized wheelchair and is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Eyes well traveled
129 contributions
October is a fine time to visit especially since the weather cools down. There are plenty of tours that are friendly to wheelchairs for this time as well.
rree
Salt Lake City, UT87 contributions
Where is John Mercedes grave
Katraynella
Prague, Czech Republic95 contributions
At the entrance from the Bonaventure Road there is a Visitor's Center. You can get the information and map of the cementary there.
Dee L
Dallas, TX642 contributions
Can you drive through the cemetery? I'm taking my mom and it may be a long walk for her. Thank you.
SunnySideSamurai
Hartford, CT16 contributions
The cemetery is open to cars. However, be respectful in choosing where you park. Many tombstones are located close to the dirt road.
Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah, GA): Hours, Address, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Bonaventure Cemetery
- Bonaventure Cemetery is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Bonaventure Cemetery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 16 Bonaventure Cemetery tours on Tripadvisor
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