
South-View Cemetery
Historic African American cemetery in Atlanta, founded in 1886, rich with 19th-century funerary art and the resting place of civil rights leaders.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful

South-View Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic African American cemetery in Atlanta, founded in 1886, rich with 19th-century funerary art and the resting place of civil rights leaders.
"There is a tremendous amount of history and much to learn just by walking around in this cemetery. It is very peaceful."

🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing gravesites. Treat this historic place with reverence.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but avoid intrusive poses. Cemeteries are places of remembrance, not just photo ops.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic African American Burial Ground
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1886 by formerly enslaved African Americans, this site is rich with history and symbolism.

Gravesites of Notable Figures
Various sections
Final resting place for many city and civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s parents.

19th Century Funerary Art
Throughout the cemetery
Explore diverse gravestone materials and intricate 19th-century funerary art and symbolism.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Uncover Hidden History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing gravesites. Treat this historic place with reverence.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but avoid intrusive poses. Cemeteries are places of remembrance, not just photo ops.
🗺️ Explore the History
Take time to read the headstones and learn about the lives of those buried here.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk with Respect
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing gravesites. Treat this historic place with reverence.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but avoid intrusive poses. Cemeteries are places of remembrance, not just photo ops.
🗺️ Explore the History
Take time to read the headstones and learn about the lives of those buried here.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
South-View Cemetery is praised for its significant history and peaceful atmosphere, with many appreciating its well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to learn about notable figures. However, some visitors have encountered poor customer service from specific staff members, impacting their overall experience.
"I must have visited South-View on the wrong day. I was greeted with a friendly smile with the young lady at the front desk, but when she turn me over to Catrin her attitude was horrible. She has no personality at all and was not very help. Show me a grave and it was almost like take it or leave it. I will used their services again but I prefer she didn’t wait on me."
Edward Nash
"Poor communication skills and expectations were not met. They move at their own pace and not the pace that was agreed upon."
Amanda Kelley
"Excellent customer service towards grieving families
They went above and beyond their call of duty to ensure my mother was placed in a lot right next to her husband."
Leslie Howard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South-View Cemetery is located on Jonesboro Road in Atlanta. Driving is the most common way to access it. Public transportation options may be limited, so check local transit schedules if you plan to use them.
Yes, there is typically parking available within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, to secure a spot.
Depending on your starting point in Atlanta, walking might be an option, but it's a significant distance for most. Consider ride-sharing services or public transport if not driving.
While not always formally advertised, community-led explorations like 'Drift the Map' have occurred, offering insights into the cemetery's history and environs. Keep an eye out for local historical society events.
A map of the cemetery can be helpful for locating specific graves. Many visitors enjoy simply wandering and discovering the history at their own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, South-View Cemetery is free to enter and explore. However, specific events or services might incur fees. It's always best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information.
Cemetery hours can vary. It's recommended to check the official South-View Cemetery website or call ahead to confirm their operating hours before your visit.
Typically, cemeteries have set closing times for safety and security reasons. Visiting after dark is usually not permitted.
For general visitation, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to attend a special event or guided tour, it's wise to book in advance.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the grounds and the deceased. Rules often include staying on paths, not disturbing graves, and adhering to closing times.
📸 📸 Photography & Etiquette
Photography is generally allowed, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid intrusive poses or using the cemetery as a backdrop for inappropriate photos.
Be mindful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the site. Do not climb on headstones or disturb any part of the gravesites.
Drone usage is often restricted in cemeteries and historical sites. It's best to check with cemetery management or local regulations before flying a drone.
Disrespectful behavior includes loud noise, littering, damaging property, or treating the cemetery as a playground. Always remember it's a place of remembrance.
While not always explicitly marked, be sensitive to private family plots or areas undergoing maintenance. When in doubt, refrain from photographing.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Many visitors describe South-View Cemetery as peaceful and serene, offering a quiet space for reflection and historical discovery.
Reviews indicate that the cemetery is generally well-maintained and clean, with efforts made to preserve its historical integrity.
The terrain can be uneven, with grass, dirt paths, and some slopes. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Information on restroom facilities is not widely available. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit or be prepared for limited amenities.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to avoid picnicking in cemeteries. Bringing water is usually acceptable, but dispose of all trash properly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to be quiet and observant, and perhaps focus on finding interesting gravestone designs or learning about notable individuals. Ensure they wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and bring water. Discuss cemetery etiquette beforehand to ensure a respectful visit for everyone.
📸 Photographers and History Buffs
It's recommended to visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best natural light. Remember to always practice respectful photography, avoiding intrusive poses and ensuring you do not disturb the grounds. Consider researching prominent individuals beforehand to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site.
🚶 Solo Explorers
Take your time to wander through the different sections, read the inscriptions on the headstones, and absorb the stories of the past. It's a chance to connect with Atlanta's African American heritage on a personal level. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of the cemetery's operating hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of South-View Cemetery
The landscape of South-View reflects the 19th-century funerary art and symbolism prevalent at the time. Visitors can observe a variety of gravestone materials and intricate designs, each telling a story of the lives interred within. It's a living museum of history, art, and culture, offering a profound connection to the past.
Beyond its architectural and artistic merit, South-View Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous noteworthy city and civil rights leaders. This includes the parents of Martin Luther King Jr., and MLK himself was temporarily interred here before his permanent relocation. Exploring these graves offers a tangible link to the figures who shaped the Civil Rights Movement and Atlanta's history.
Navigating and Experiencing South-View Cemetery
When exploring, comfortable footwear is essential as the terrain can be uneven, featuring grass, dirt paths, and occasional slopes. While maps can be helpful for locating specific graves, many visitors enjoy the serendipity of wandering and uncovering the stories etched into the headstones.
For those interested in deeper engagement, community-led initiatives like 'Drift the Map' have offered unique ways to experience the cemetery and its surroundings, sometimes even exploring adjacent areas like train tracks that hold their own historical significance. This highlights the potential for discovering hidden aspects of Atlanta's history connected to the cemetery.
Photography Etiquette at Historic Cemeteries
This means refraining from intrusive poses, using the cemetery as a backdrop for inappropriate photos, or treating it as a casual photo studio. Avoid climbing on headstones or disturbing any part of the gravesites. The goal is to capture the beauty and history of the place respectfully, not to create sensational content.
Furthermore, be aware of other visitors and maintain a quiet demeanor. Drone usage is often restricted in such sensitive locations, so it's advisable to check local regulations and cemetery management policies before flying. Ultimately, the best approach is to approach your photography with the same respect you would show at any memorial site.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit