Forest Hills Cemetery Boston
A vast, 275-acre garden cemetery in Boston, renowned for its stunning sculptures, ornate tombs, and tranquil park-like setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Forest Hills Cemetery Boston
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, 275-acre garden cemetery in Boston, renowned for its stunning sculptures, ornate tombs, and tranquil park-like setting.
"This place is a stunning outdoor museum, a spectacular final resting place with so much to see."
🗺️ Get a Map First
Grab a map near the gates (donation box available) to help navigate the vast grounds and find specific graves. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 275 acres, so prioritize comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 71 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Girl in Glass
Near the main gate
A poignant marble statue of a young girl, Gracie Allen, encased in glass, a touching tribute to a life cut short.
The Boy in the Boat
Near the main gate
Louis Mieusset depicted in a small boat, a serene monument to a young life lost to illness.
Sculptural Tombs
Throughout the cemetery
Discover ornate chapels and elaborate sculptures that serve as stunning works of art and final resting places.
Garden Cemetery Design
Throughout the cemetery
Experience the beauty of a 19th-century garden cemetery, designed as a park-like refuge with lush greenery and winding paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Get a Map First
Grab a map near the gates (donation box available) to help navigate the vast grounds and find specific graves. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 275 acres, so prioritize comfort. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Bring Your Camera
The cemetery is a stunning outdoor museum with beautiful sculptures and landscapes. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. 🙏
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Get a Map First
Grab a map near the gates (donation box available) to help navigate the vast grounds and find specific graves. :world_map:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the 275 acres, so prioritize comfort. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Bring Your Camera
The cemetery is a stunning outdoor museum with beautiful sculptures and landscapes. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. 🙏
🚗 Parking & Access
You can park outside or drive through. Driving first helps orient you to the cemetery's size. 🚗
🧺 Picnic Allowed
Families often bring food as offerings; just be sure to take all your trash with you. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Forest Hills Cemetery's beauty, describing it as a vast, well-maintained outdoor museum with stunning sculptures and a peaceful atmosphere. Many appreciate its unique garden cemetery design and the opportunity for quiet reflection. Some wish for more organized tours and events similar to other famous cemeteries.
"On a sunny winter day, when I seek solitude and deep reflection, I venture to the Forest Hills Cemetery. The snow-covered grounds, illuminated by the bright winter sun, sparkle with an ethereal light, giving the cemetery an almost serene, otherworldly beauty. The headstones, wrapped in a blanket of pristine white, cast long shadows that dance gently in the sunlight. Nearby, the ice-covered pond glistens like a jewel, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky and the stark silhouettes of leafless trees. Despite the chill in the air, the sun provides a comforting warmth, inviting contemplation amidst the delicate balance of life and stillness."
Anthony De La Puente
"One of the biggest and most beautiful cemeteries in New England. Unique, well maintained, and plenty to see. Peaceful. I had a long ride to get here, so I was so happy they had a bathroom and it was clean lol. Park outside or drive through. I, too, suggest driving through first to get a feel of the place. It's enormous. Bring your walking shoes and camera. No dogs or bikes, FYI. I will be back and definitely recommend, even just once. There's also an interesting cemetery across the street. So much to see! I was here for over 2 hours and I didn't see everything. For my video visit LUMLifeArt on YouTube or social media!"
Nicole N
"I went for the miniatures and got so much more. The place is a stunning outdoor museum. What a spectacular final resting place. Can’t wait to cover all 275 acres.
I wish they offered a full program of activities like Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn: bus tours of notable graves and important art, concerts, etc."
AC de Varona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forest Hills Cemetery is accessible via public transportation, though it's noted as not the easiest to reach. The Orange Line MBTA train to Forest Hills Station is a good starting point. From there, it's a walk or a short bus ride to the cemetery. Some visitors suggest using ride-sharing services for convenience.
Yes, you can park outside the cemetery or drive through the grounds. It's recommended to drive through first to get a sense of the cemetery's vastness before deciding where to park for your exploration.
While direct bus routes might vary, the Forest Hills MBTA station serves as a hub. From there, you can connect to local buses or walk to the cemetery. The Arnold Arboretum is also within walking distance.
The cemetery is very large (275 acres), so it can be challenging to navigate without a map. While smaller paths are often signposted, larger ones may not be. Using a map from the entrance and cross-referencing with your phone's GPS is advisable.
Many visitors recommend driving through first to get an overview. Then, park and explore on foot with comfortable shoes and a map. The cemetery is designed as a garden cemetery, encouraging leisurely strolls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Forest Hills Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. There is a donation box near the gates for a suggested $1 contribution to help with upkeep.
The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Yes, dogs, bikes, and joggers are not permitted within the cemetery grounds to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Cars are allowed.
Photography is generally welcomed, as the cemetery is considered a beautiful outdoor museum. However, always be respectful of ongoing services or private moments.
While not as extensive as some other famous cemeteries, there are occasional tours or events. It's best to check their official website or local event listings for any scheduled guided tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Girl in Glass' (Gracie Allen) and 'The Boy in the Boat' (Louis Mieusset) statues. Also, explore the many unique sculptural tombs and enjoy the overall garden cemetery design.
Absolutely. It's described as a peaceful and serene place, perfect for solitary reflection or a quiet stroll. The expansive grounds and beautiful landscaping contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.
Yes, there are bathrooms available, and they are noted as being clean, which is appreciated by visitors, especially those planning longer visits.
Established in 1848, Forest Hills Cemetery was designed as a garden cemetery, intended to be a beautiful, park-like refuge for reflection and remembrance, a departure from older, more crowded burial grounds.
While maps are provided, finding specific graves can be challenging due to the cemetery's size. If you have a particular grave in mind, it's best to ask for more precise location details at the office.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors are permitted to bring food into Forest Hills Cemetery. It's common for families to bring food as offerings, and all food should be taken with you when you leave.
The area around Forest Hills/Hyde Park has dining options. For a pub crawl or lively bars, you might need to travel a bit further into Dorchester. Nearby, Third Cliff and Brassica are recommended for meals.
Near Forest Hills Station, you can find various eateries. For coffee and pastries, Third Cliff is a good option. For dinner, Brassica or Tres Gatos are recommended.
While not explicitly advertised as a picnic spot, visitors have mentioned bringing food for offerings and enjoying quiet moments. It's important to be discreet and clean up thoroughly.
No, there are no restaurants located within Forest Hills Cemetery itself. Visitors typically bring their own food or dine in the surrounding neighborhoods.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Forest Hills Cemetery is highly recommended for photography. Its unique sculptures, ornate tombs, and beautiful landscaping make it a stunning outdoor museum.
Focus on the detailed sculptures like the 'Girl in Glass' and 'Boy in the Boat,' as well as the elaborate tomb architecture. The overall garden cemetery aesthetic also provides beautiful shots.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful and respectful of any ongoing funeral services or private moments of mourners.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and soft illumination. Sunny winter days can also offer unique, ethereal lighting.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure peace and safety. It's best to check the cemetery's official policy or contact them directly regarding drone photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit