Sunnyside Cemetery
Long Beach's oldest cemetery, Sunnyside offers a peaceful journey through history, rich with pioneer stories and local legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Historical reenactments are active
Sunnyside Cemetery
Best Time
Historical reenactments are active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Long Beach's oldest cemetery, Sunnyside offers a peaceful journey through history, rich with pioneer stories and local legends.
"A beautiful historic landmark filled with stories and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection."
🚗 Drive or Walk Around
Explore by car or on foot to see the diverse gravestones and mausoleums.
📅 Check for Events
Annual historical reenactments and movie nights offer unique experiences.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bessie Baxter's Grave
Sunnyside Cemetery
The poignant resting place of Bessie Baxter, a bride who tragically died before her wedding, fueling local ghost stories.
+1
Historical Reenactments
Sunnyside Cemetery
Annual events in October feature actors portraying historical figures, offering a unique glimpse into Long Beach's past.
+1
Pioneer Gravesites
Sunnyside Cemetery
Discover the final resting places of Long Beach's earliest residents and city founders, offering a tangible connection to history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Historical Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Walk Around
Explore by car or on foot to see the diverse gravestones and mausoleums.
📅 Check for Events
Annual historical reenactments and movie nights offer unique experiences.
👻 Embrace the Lore
Many visitors report paranormal experiences and ghost stories, especially around Bessie Baxter's grave.
🧺 Respectful Picnics
Enjoy a quiet picnic, but always be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Walk Around
Explore by car or on foot to see the diverse gravestones and mausoleums.
📅 Check for Events
Annual historical reenactments and movie nights offer unique experiences.
👻 Embrace the Lore
Many visitors report paranormal experiences and ghost stories, especially around Bessie Baxter's grave.
🧺 Respectful Picnics
Enjoy a quiet picnic, but always be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Sunnyside Cemetery for its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere, with many finding it a beautiful place for reflection. Some are captivated by the local ghost stories and paranormal lore, while others appreciate the efforts to preserve this historic landmark. A few reviews mention the need for better city maintenance, but the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for its unique heritage.
"Love this historic cemetery ( i do believe its haunted 👻 i could see with my 3rd eye a slim young lady in a white dress standing among the graves next to a tree across from Lucille grave site and a little girl next to a child's gravesite Lucille Jackson , north middle area ish ) you can drive your car here and around or just walk around ......its also nearby public transportation too ."
Louise Boilevin
"Extraordinary. One of two vintage cemeteries with gravestones and mausoleums dating as far back as the 1860s. Very peaceful. I visit it to read poetry to the dead. The same title of my book of poetry ©️ 2002. Yet, unlike Municipal, right next door on the same plot of land, this cemetery is not open 24 hours. It's a beautiful place to relax and take a cat nap for a few hours during a hot Summer's midday and waking up to an ice cold whiskey lemonade. It has movie nighttime gatherings in the summer. Come with a picnic basket and call it a wonderful time burning the midnight oil, so to speak. Very leafy. Very quaint. Very peaceful.
Also, for weirdo people who believe in dogmatic folklore and say they have seen hauntings of ghosts and spirits and poltergeists need to be in a padded room for the rest of their natural born lives.
I simply find it so hilarious that people spook themselves, these are the same dingbats who also believe in Nosferatu and necromancers. I put money on it they dress up for Halloween and howl at the moon."
JD Roland Freisler
"I have no family here buried but I drive down willow and see such a beautiful historic landmark that the city of long beach needs to take better care of instead of letting the homeless run the streets, but that's all political reasons and I wont go there on that, but this place is such a piece of history that should not be forgotten!!!!!!!!! Never!!!!!!!!!"
larry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunnyside Cemetery is located in Long Beach, California. It's accessible by car and is also near public transportation routes, making it convenient for visitors.
Yes, it's situated within the city of Long Beach, making it relatively easy to locate. It's often mentioned alongside the Municipal Cemetery, which is right next door.
Visitors can typically drive their cars through the cemetery to explore, suggesting ample parking is available within the grounds.
Yes, the cemetery is noted as being nearby public transportation, offering an alternative to driving.
While specific accessibility details aren't widely publicized, driving through the cemetery is an option, which can aid those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry to Sunnyside Cemetery is usually free for exploration. However, special events like the Historical Cemetery Tour hosted by the Historical Society of Long Beach require tickets.
Unlike the Municipal Cemetery next door, Sunnyside Cemetery is not open 24 hours. It's best to check specific hours, especially if visiting for an event.
The Historical Society of Long Beach hosts its annual Historical Cemetery Tour in October, featuring period actors. This is a prime time to visit for an immersive historical experience.
Yes, the cemetery hosts events like historical reenactments and summer movie nights. Keep an eye on local listings or the Historical Society of Long Beach's schedule.
Exploring the grounds for personal reflection or a quiet visit is typically free. Ticketed events, however, will have associated costs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see historic gravestones and mausoleums dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the famous grave of Bessie Baxter.
Yes, Sunnyside Cemetery is known for its paranormal lore, with many visitors reporting strange experiences and ghost sightings. +1
Some visitors enjoy having respectful picnics in the cemetery, treating it as a peaceful place for reflection.
Bessie Baxter's grave is a focal point due to local legends of her spirit lingering, often associated with a tragic pre-wedding demise.
Sunnyside Cemetery is the resting place for many of Long Beach's earliest residents and pioneers, contributing to its historical significance. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted. Many visitors capture the historic gravestones, mausoleums, and the serene atmosphere.
Look for the intricate details on older gravestones, the architectural styles of mausoleums, and the natural beauty of the grounds, especially Bessie Baxter's grave.
While generally allowed, always be respectful of ongoing services or private family plots. Avoid intrusive photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to maintain peace and respect. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Many visitors focus on historical tombstone photography, capturing the artistry and stories etched in stone, as well as the overall atmospheric beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While exploring, encourage children to look for interesting dates and names on gravestones, turning it into a historical scavenger hunt. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
+1Consider visiting during the evening or participating in organized paranormal investigations if available. Remember to approach such explorations with respect for the site and its inhabitants.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones and mausoleums, which can reveal fascinating details about life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The cemetery's architecture and the stories behind its residents make for a rich historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Bessie Baxter
+2Many visitors and paranormal enthusiasts claim to have experienced unusual phenomena near her resting place, contributing to the cemetery's mystique. The story of Bessie Baxter is a prime example of how personal histories and local legends intertwine to create a compelling narrative around historical sites.
Exploring Bessie Baxter's grave offers a chance to connect with the cemetery's folklore and understand why it's a popular spot for those interested in the supernatural and local ghost stories. It's a reminder of the personal tragedies that are etched into the history of places like Sunnyside Cemetery.
Historical Significance and Preservation
Over the years, Sunnyside Cemetery faced challenges, including financial difficulties that impacted its upkeep. However, in recent times, there have been efforts towards preservation and improvement, with the city of Long Beach acquiring it in 2020, making it a public community cemetery. This transition aims to ensure its continued existence and accessibility for future generations.
Events like the annual Historical Cemetery Tour are crucial for raising awareness and funds for preservation. These tours, featuring period actors portraying historical figures, not only educate the public about Long Beach's past but also highlight the ongoing need to care for these historic grounds.
+2Community and Events
+2Beyond historical reenactments, the cemetery has also been known to host summer movie nights, providing a unique outdoor entertainment option for the community. These events transform the serene grounds into a gathering place, blending history with leisure activities.
The cemetery's transition to a public community cemetery in 2020, after being acquired by the city, signifies a commitment to its role within the Long Beach community. Volunteer efforts and city initiatives are contributing to its preservation and ensuring it remains a valuable historical and cultural asset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit