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Mount Auburn Cemetery Boston

4.8
·340 reviews·Cambridge, United States

A historic arboretum and cemetery offering serene landscapes, stunning monuments, and panoramic city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps

CrowdLow
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Washington Tower

Mount Auburn Cemetery Boston

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic arboretum and cemetery offering serene landscapes, stunning monuments, and panoramic city views.

4.8
(340 reviews)

"This place is absolutely amazing. While it’s technically a cemetery, it really feels more like a park."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Check Tower Hours

Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 355 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Washington Tower Views

Washington Tower Views

Summit of the hill

Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Boston skyline and surrounding landscapes.

Reddit+1
Arboretum Collection

Arboretum Collection

Throughout the grounds

Discover a vast collection of champion trees and rare species, making it a living museum of flora.

Reddit
Historic Monuments

Historic Monuments

Various sections

Wander among unique and elaborate monuments, including notable sculptures and historic graves.

Reddit
Serene Ponds and Landscapes

Serene Ponds and Landscapes

Throughout the cemetery

Find tranquility by the picturesque ponds and beautifully maintained gardens, perfect for reflection.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Arboretum Vibe

More than just a cemetery, Mount Auburn is a stunning arboretum. Plan for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the diverse trees and landscapes. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring its hilly terrain and winding paths. Reddit

Timing is Key for Views

The Washington Tower offers panoramic Boston views, but it's seasonal. Check operating hours before your visit, especially if you're traveling in cooler months. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant foliage & pleasant temps
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
After snowfall
Why
Magical winter wonderland
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

crazy that this is only half an hour from the city! #boston #Hiking #travel
@arknobite
106.3K likes • 1.1M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Check Tower Hours

Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1: Reddit

Exploring the city of Boston was a fun experience (just dont forget an umbrella)! #bostonactivities #bostontiktok #bostonma #bostonfoodies #bostoncollege #harvard #MIT #thingstodoinboston #exploringboston #placestovisitinboston #bostoncommon #bostonpublicgarden #bostonpubliclibrary #freedomtrail #freedomtrailboston #newburystreet #newburystreetboston #bostontiktok #isabellastewartgardnermuseum #us...
@sonia_1788
34.1K likes • 988.7K views
One of the best places to see fall foliage in the Boston area is Mount Auburn Cemetery, yes a cemetery. Cemeteries and fall just go together. The Boston area is blessed to have a number of garden cemeteries filled with spectacular trees, ponds and ornate tombs and graves. Mount Auburn rightfully gets all the attention with its can’t miss Japanese threadleaf trees sprinkled throughout, wonderful v...
jackdarylphotography
784 likes • 16.8K views

Bring Binoculars

It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. 🐦 Reddit

Get a Map

For a small fee, grab a map at the entrance to help navigate the vast grounds. :world_map: Reddit

Who said visiting a cemetery has to be sad? 🌳At Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, we can stroll peacefully, admire the careful landscaping, and even enjoy a view at the top of Washington Tower. It is worth stopping by this beautiful place 😃 @mountauburncemetery #boston #cambridge
lilidemoraes
4 likes • 226 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are hilly and expansive; good walking shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Check Tower Hours

Washington Tower offers amazing views but has seasonal hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1: Reddit

Bring Binoculars

It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. 🐦 Reddit

Get a Map

For a small fee, grab a map at the entrance to help navigate the vast grounds. :world_map: Reddit

Respectful Exploration

Remember it's a cemetery; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during your visit. 🙏

What Travellers Say

4.8
(340 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mount Auburn Cemetery is widely praised as a serene and beautiful 'garden cemetery' that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic monuments. Visitors rave about its tranquil atmosphere, extensive arboretum, and the stunning panoramic views from the Washington Tower. It's considered a peaceful escape from city life and a haven for birdwatchers.

"Mount Auburn Cemetery is a hidden gem for a stroll! The serene paths wind through stunning landscapes and historic graves, some dating back to the 1800s. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we walked, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The blend of nature and history makes it a must-visit spot. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet place to walk in the city! 🌅🌳"

Anusha

"This is probably one of the best kept (not so secret) secrets of greater Boston area!

This place is absolutely amazing. While it’s technically a cemetery, it really feels more like a park. There are ponds, gardens and beautiful architecture throughout the 175 Acres of land here. It also boasts a collection of rare trees from all over the world (around 5000 trees in total) and is a huge draw for birders as it has an impressive variety/ diversity of them (due to the extensive ecosystem from all the rare trees I am guessing). I have literally seen countless rare birds here while not even trying to look.
You can walk around for hours and not run out of new, beautiful things to see.
There is also a tower that one is able to scale to see a pretty sweet 360 panorama of Boston and its surroundings.
Now it is still a cemetery, but one where a lot of the graves and crypts are so beautiful you may forget people are buried here. Speaking of buried people, it turns out that Isabella Stewart Gardner (of the Gardner Museum is buried here - among many other famous folks).

I can’t stress this enough: if you like beauty, alone time and tranquility, you have to check this place out!
Now it is tech"

Dennis Breyt

"This is a great place to come walk around and enjoy the scenery. I've been coming here for over 45 years and have always remarked on how peaceful Mount Auburn Cemetery can be. With all the different water features, trees and vegetation there is so much to see and observe and not to mention all the wildlife that call this place home. And the groundskeepers keep this place looking great!"

Michael Helsmoortel

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Impressive arboretum

What People Dislike

Washington Tower seasonal closure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mount Auburn Cemetery is easily accessible from Boston. You can take public transportation, with buses from Harvard Square being a common option. Some visitors also opt for a short bike ride from Harvard Square. Driving is also an option, with parking available within the cemetery grounds, though it's advised to park off main roads. TikTokReddit

Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is conveniently located near Harvard Square. It's a short bus ride or a pleasant bike ride away, making it a popular destination for those staying in or visiting the Cambridge area. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Mount Auburn Cemetery. There is parking available within the cemetery. Visitors are advised to park off to the side of the roads, not on lined roads, to ensure smooth traffic flow for others. Reddit

Public transport options include buses from Harvard Square. This is a convenient way to reach the cemetery without needing a car. Reddit

Yes, it is easy to get around Mount Auburn Cemetery without a car, especially if you are comfortable with walking or biking. Public transport options connect it to nearby hubs like Harvard Square. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mount Auburn Cemetery is generally free to enter for walking and exploring its grounds. However, for specific events or tours, there might be a fee. Reddit

The cemetery is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, the Washington Tower has seasonal hours and is typically closed during winter months. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

Typically, there is no entrance fee for general admission to Mount Auburn Cemetery. Visitors can explore the grounds freely. Reddit

Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is worth visiting in the winter, though it's less visually vibrant than in spring or summer. The monuments, ponds, and winter scenery offer a unique, peaceful experience. The Washington Tower may be closed, but the grounds are still beautiful, especially after snowfall. Reddit

While you can wander freely, guided tours may be available. The visitor center often has pamphlets, and it's worth checking their website or inquiring at the entrance for any scheduled tours. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nature & Scenery

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a renowned arboretum featuring a vast collection of trees, including champion trees and rare species from around the world. You can find everything from giant 'dwarf conifers' planted a century ago to diverse native flora. Reddit

Absolutely! Mount Auburn Cemetery is an excellent spot for birdwatching, attracting a diverse array of species due to its rich ecosystem. It's particularly popular during spring migration. Bring binoculars for the best experience! TikTokReddit

The landscape is a beautiful blend of rolling hills, serene ponds, and meticulously maintained gardens. It's designed to be a picturesque and tranquil environment, functioning as both a cemetery and a botanical garden. Reddit

Yes, the cemetery boasts numerous natural features, including several ponds, a wide variety of trees forming an arboretum, and lush vegetation that supports abundant wildlife and bird populations. Reddit

Yes, Mount Auburn Cemetery is a spectacular place to see fall foliage. The diverse collection of trees creates a stunning display of autumn colors, making it a popular destination during the fall season. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Washington Tower offers incredible panoramic shots of Boston. The historic monuments, serene ponds, and the diverse arboretum provide endless opportunities for stunning nature and architectural photography. Reddit+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Mount Auburn Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers capturing the landscape, monuments, and wildlife. Reddit

You can capture a wide range of photos, from sweeping cityscapes from the Washington Tower to detailed shots of unique gravestones, lush trees, blooming flowers, and local wildlife. Reddit+1

While general photography is permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially near services or private memorials. Reddit

The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the scenery and monuments. Midday can be harsh, but the shade from trees can help. Reddit

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