Desert Memorial Park
A serene desert resting place for icons like Frank Sinatra, Sonny Bono, and Suzanne Somers, offering a unique glimpse into entertainment history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Desert Memorial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene desert resting place for icons like Frank Sinatra, Sonny Bono, and Suzanne Somers, offering a unique glimpse into entertainment history.
"Discover the final resting place of legends and pay your respects at this iconic desert cemetery."
🎯 Respectful Memento Etiquette
Leave only respectful items. Avoid leaving excessive or inappropriate items.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is spread out; wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frank Sinatra's Final Resting Place
Plot B-8
Pay respects to 'Ol' Blue Eyes' and see his unique grave offerings: cigarettes, Jack Daniels, and dimes.
Sonny Bono's Memorial
Near Frank Sinatra's plot
Visit the resting spot of the singer, actor, and politician Sonny Bono, a significant figure in entertainment and politics.
Suzanne Somers' Grave
Near Frank Sinatra's plot
A final stop for fans of the beloved actress and author Suzanne Somers, known for her iconic roles and positive spirit.
Gabor Sisters' Resting Places
Various plots
Discover the final resting places of the glamorous Gabor sisters, known for their unique personalities and Hollywood careers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits to Celebrity Graves
Navigating Upkeep Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Respectful Memento Etiquette
Leave only respectful items. Avoid leaving excessive or inappropriate items.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is spread out; wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Serenity
Visit during golden hour for beautiful light on the landscape.
🗺️ Locate Graves in Advance
Use online resources or maps to find specific celebrity graves easily.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Respectful Memento Etiquette
Leave only respectful items. Avoid leaving excessive or inappropriate items.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is spread out; wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Capture the Serenity
Visit during golden hour for beautiful light on the landscape.
🗺️ Locate Graves in Advance
Use online resources or maps to find specific celebrity graves easily.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Desert temperatures can be extreme; bring water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Desert Memorial Park offers a unique opportunity to visit the graves of iconic figures like Frank Sinatra, Sonny Bono, and Suzanne Somers. While many appreciate the historical significance and the chance to pay respects, some visitors have noted concerns about the grounds' upkeep, including overgrown areas and visible wear on headstones. The park's serene desert setting is often highlighted as a positive aspect.
"I don't usually write reviews, but my experience here deserves to be shared. The condition of this cemetery is beyond neglectful. The grounds are completely overgrown—tall grass, weeds everywhere, and headstones that have sunken so far into the earth they're barely visible. I’ve had to bring my own tools just to clear the weeds around my loved one’s marker and cut the grass myself. It shouldn’t be my responsibility to maintain what is supposed to be a place of respect and rest.
To make matters worse, the American flag was removed before Wednesday, even though it was supposed to remain in place until then. That’s incredibly disrespectful, especially to the veterans buried here. It feels like no one is paying attention or taking proper care of this sacred ground.
Our loved ones deserve better. This cemetery needs serious attention and accountability.
I included a before and after from what I had to do for my sister's headstone."
Christine Davis-Arden
"Took a trip to Palm Springs and discovered that fellow New Jerseyan “Ol Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra had made his home in Palm Springs for 40 years and is buried here at Desert Memorial Park, Cathedral City, CA. I went and paid my final respects.
He is buried in Plot B-8 easiest to access entering on Ramon Road. Mr. S. was buried in 1998 with a pack of Camel Cigarettes and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s (Black Label was his favorite), plus a roll of Dimes.
Rest in peace, Mr. S, not bad for a skinny, poor kid from Hoboken, NJ."
Maria Elwan
"When we purchased my sons plot and casket, we also paid for life long maintenance of his headstone and gravesite. EverYtime I go to visit, it is unkept
The hard water deposits have complete cover the stone making it impossible to read and they'd chipped the top of marker with their lawnmower."
D. B. Demiraiakian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert Memorial Park is located in Cathedral City, California. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors drive from Palm Springs or surrounding areas.
Public transport options may be limited. It's best to check local bus routes in Cathedral City or Palm Springs for the most up-to-date information.
The park is located at 31-700 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234. It's easily accessible from major freeways in the Coachella Valley.
Yes, there is parking available within the park grounds for visitors.
Yes, using a GPS or navigation app with the address '31-700 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234' will guide you directly to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Desert Memorial Park is a cemetery and generally does not have an entrance fee for visitors wishing to pay respects.
Cemeteries typically have daylight hours. It's advisable to check with the park administration for specific opening and closing times.
No, you do not need to book tickets. Visitors are welcome to visit the graves of public figures during park hours.
Visitors are expected to be respectful of the solemn nature of the location. Adhere to posted hours and general cemetery etiquette.
While the park is generally accessible during daylight hours, it's best to confirm specific operating times to ensure you can visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Reviews indicate varying conditions. Some visitors note overgrown grounds and weeds, while others find it serene. It's recommended to check recent visitor feedback.
Frank Sinatra's grave is in Plot B-8. Sonny Bono and Suzanne Somers are also buried here. Maps or online resources can help locate specific plots.
Visitors often leave mementos. Please be respectful and avoid leaving excessive or inappropriate items.
The park offers scenic desert views and historical significance. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography.
Information on facilities can vary. It's advisable to check with the park administration or look for signs upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset offers beautiful lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of the solemn nature of a cemetery. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during services or private moments.
You can capture the serene desert landscape, historical headstones, and the unique tributes left at celebrity graves.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with park management or observe if others are using them without issue.
The areas around the celebrity graves, particularly Frank Sinatra's, are popular. The expansive desert views also offer picturesque opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and focused on respectful observation. Ensure children understand the solemn nature of the location. It's advisable to bring water and snacks, as facilities might be limited, and the desert climate can be demanding.
🌟 Fans of Classic Hollywood & Music
Take your time to explore the unique tributes left at these gravesites, which often tell a story of enduring admiration. Consider researching the lives of these icons beforehand to enrich your experience and understanding of their impact.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
History buffs can delve into the lives of the notable figures buried here, appreciating the park as a repository of cultural memory. Be mindful of the cemetery's purpose and photograph respectfully, avoiding intrusive shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Frank Sinatra
His plot, B-8, is one of the most visited sections of the cemetery. The unique tributes left at his grave highlight the enduring impact of 'Ol' Blue Eyes' on popular culture. It's a poignant reminder of his journey from a 'skinny, poor kid from Hoboken' to a global icon.
When visiting, remember to approach this area with respect and reverence, acknowledging the significance of the site for both fans and the Sinatra family. The atmosphere around his grave is often one of quiet contemplation and admiration.
Notable Burials and Their Stories
Their presence adds to the park's allure for those interested in entertainment history.The park also honors the glamorous Gabor sisters, with their resting places scattered among the grounds. These figures, each with their unique contributions to Hollywood and public life, draw visitors seeking to connect with the legacies of these personalities.
Each grave tells a story, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals who left an indelible mark on their respective fields. A visit can be a journey through a significant chapter of American entertainment and cultural history.
Visitor Experiences and Park Conditions
There have also been comments about the condition of headstones, with hard water deposits making them difficult to read and instances of damage from lawnmowers. The placement and removal of the American flag have also been noted as inconsistent, which some find disrespectful, particularly to the veterans buried there.
Despite these challenges, the park's desert setting offers a beautiful backdrop, and many visitors still find it a peaceful place to reflect. The unique aspect of visiting the graves of iconic figures continues to draw people to Desert Memorial Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit