Quick Answer
Hollywood Cemetery is a 135-acre garden cemetery along the James River in Richmond, established in 1847 and free to visit. Public visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, extended to 6 p.m. while Daylight Saving Time is in effect, and daylight saving ends this year on Sunday, November 1. You can explore on foot or by car with a map, or join a guided tour. It is one of the best quiet fall outings in the city, as long as you remember it is still an active burial ground.
Why a Cemetery Belongs on a Richmond Fall List
It may sound unusual to recommend a cemetery as a neighborhood outing, but Hollywood Cemetery was designed as a park as much as a burial ground. The garden cemetery style that became popular in the nineteenth century treated burial grounds as landscapes for walking, reflection and public enjoyment. Hollywood’s rolling hills, mature trees and river views still deliver that experience. In October and November, when leaves turn and the light gets low and golden, it is hard to find a more atmospheric place in Richmond for a free afternoon.
If you are new to the city, a visit also tells you something about Richmond’s history in a way that a museum cannot. Every visitor leaves with a different impression, and many come back in different seasons. This guide covers the verified basics from the cemetery itself, practical planning tips and how to make the visit respectful and enjoyable.
Hollywood Cemetery at a Glance
| Item | Details from the cemetery |
|---|---|
| Address | 412 South Cherry Street, Richmond, VA 23220 |
| Established | 1847 |
| Size | 135 acres of valleys, hills and trees along the James River |
| Design | Garden cemetery designed by Philadelphia architect John Notman |
| Public visiting hours | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time |
| Office hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Admission | Free; donations are encouraged to support preservation and education |
| Phone | (804) 648-8501 |
Everything above comes from the cemetery’s official visitor information. Confirm hours and any special closures at hollywoodcemetery.org before you go, especially around holidays and weather.
What You Will See
The landscape
The cemetery was designed in the garden style, with winding paths that follow the land, plantings that change through the seasons and overlooks toward the river. The cemetery is registered as an arboretum, so trees are part of the attraction. Fall color here can be spectacular, and the quiet makes it easy to notice the details.
Presidents Circle
Two American presidents are buried in Presidents Circle: James Monroe, the fifth president, and John Tyler, the tenth. Monroe’s cast iron canopy, known as the Birdcage, was registered as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1968. The cemetery is also the resting place of six Virginia governors, two Supreme Court justices, writers and suffragists, according to the cemetery’s own history. In 1953 the board designated an official list of 49 notable individuals who influenced the course of history.
The river views
Because the property sits along the James River, some of the best moments are the overlooks. Bring a camera for personal photos, and remember that professional photo shoots need written permission, as described below.
Ways to Visit
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Self-guided on foot | Free to enter; maps are available for a small fee, listed by the cemetery as $1 |
| Self-guided by car | Drive slowly on the cemetery roads and pull aside so others can pass |
| Walking tour | A 90-minute Saturday morning tour is offered through The Valentine |
| Segway tour | Groups of 4 to 20 through Segway of Richmond |
| Trolley tour | A two-hour tour through RVA Trolley |
| Tuk tuk tour | Custom tours of two to three hours through RVATukTuk |
| Virtual tour | Available online if you cannot visit in person |
If this is your first visit, a guided tour gives context you will not get from a map, and walking gives you the slowest, quietest view. Tour schedules and booking details change, so check each provider before you plan.
Visitor Etiquette and Rules
Hollywood Cemetery is an operational cemetery, so families may be visiting graves or attending a service. The cemetery asks visitors to follow a few guidelines:
- No skateboards or one-wheels.
- Dogs must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.
- Photo shoots require written permission. Personal scenery photos are allowed.
- Respect other visitors and the grounds. Keep voices low, stay on paths and do not touch or lean on monuments, which can be fragile.
- Pause for services. If you see a graveside gathering, give people space and quiet.
Parking and Getting There
The cemetery lists designated parking near its office. For exploring, it suggests using the gravel area near the Glade. On-street parking is available, and the cemetery asks visitors to avoid the lot outside the gates. Guests with mobility needs should call the office for guidance. If you live nearby, walking is a pleasant option. The cemetery sits close to Oregon Hill, and our Oregon Hill guide describes the surrounding neighborhood. For other ways to get around the city without driving, see our guide to getting around Richmond without a car.
Planning Your Visit Around the Season
Daylight and hours
The public closing time moves from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. when Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Sunsets arrive earlier in November, so plan a late-afternoon visit with extra time to walk back to your car before closing.
Weather and footing
Paths can be uneven and wet after rain, and hills can be steep. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. If the ground is slick, stay on paved roads.
Crowds
Weekends in October draw more visitors than weekdays. If you want solitude, go on a weekday morning. If you want a guided experience, Saturday mornings are when the walking tour is offered.
Pair it with another outing
Fall in Richmond rewards stacking plans. Our fall 2026 guide lists events worth planning around, our guide to fall and winter trails suggests nearby walks, and our look at fall foliage and scenic drives covers longer outings.
A Short Checklist for a Good Visit
- Check the official site for hours and any closures.
- Grab a $1 map or plan a guided tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Bring water and a charged phone for photos.
- Keep dogs leashed, and skip skateboards and one-wheels.
- Park where the cemetery recommends.
- Plan to be out by closing time.
- Consider a donation to support preservation.
Making It a Good Outing for Everyone
A cemetery visit can work for many kinds of groups if you set expectations first. A few ideas:
- With children. Explain ahead of time that this is a place for quiet voices and walking feet. Many children enjoy a simple scavenger hunt, such as finding the oldest date, an interesting tree or a river view.
- With visiting family or friends. Pairing a morning walk with lunch nearby makes an easy half day. It is a good option when guests want something quintessentially Richmond that does not cost anything.
- Alone. The paths are good for reflection, sketching or photography. Remember that photography for personal use is allowed, but professional shoots need permission.
- With a dog. Keep the leash short, stay on the road or path and carry bags. Be especially mindful of other visitors who may be grieving.
- With mobility concerns. The hills can be steep. Driving the cemetery roads, or calling the office ahead of time, can make the visit easier.
Why This Matters If You Rent Nearby
Living near a large green space changes how a neighborhood feels. Quiet evening walks, tree cover and open sightlines are part of why people choose homes near the river and the older parts of the city. If you are touring rentals in this part of Richmond, ask about parking, noise and how the neighborhood changes on busy weekends. Visit at different times of day and take a walk to the cemetery gates so you can judge the surroundings for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollywood Cemetery free to visit?
Yes. The cemetery states that it is free to visit, and it encourages donations to support preservation and educational programs.
What are the visiting hours?
Public visiting runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or until 6 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time. Always check the official site for any changes.
Where is Hollywood Cemetery?
412 South Cherry Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, along the James River.
Which presidents are buried there?
James Monroe and John Tyler are buried in Presidents Circle.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash and owners must clean up after them.
Can I take photographs?
Personal scenery photos are allowed. Photo shoots require written permission from the cemetery.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Options include a Saturday morning walking tour through The Valentine, as well as Segway, trolley, tuk tuk and virtual tours.
Talk to Mission Realty
If a quiet walk near the river sounds like your idea of a good neighborhood, we can help you find a home that fits your routine. Browse current listings on our Richmond homes for rent page, explore tools on our resident page, or contact our team to talk about what you are looking for.
Hours, rules and tour options can change. Confirm details with Hollywood Cemetery before your visit.
