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Sunnyside Cemetery

4.3

·26 reviews·Long Beach, United States

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

October afternoons

Historical reenactments are active

CrowdMedium

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Sunnyside Cemetery

Best Time

October afternoons

Historical reenactments are active

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Long Beach's oldest cemetery, Sunnyside offers a peaceful journey through history, rich with pioneer stories and local legends.

4.3

(26 reviews)

"A beautiful historic landmark filled with stories and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection."

TIP

🚗 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.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 26 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Address

1095 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

♿ Wheelchair accessible

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.

Historical Reenactments

Sunnyside Cemetery

Annual events in October feature actors portraying historical figures, offering a unique glimpse into Long Beach's past.

Pioneer Gravesites

Sunnyside Cemetery

Discover the final resting places of Long Beach's earliest residents and city founders, offering a tangible connection to history.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Sunnyside Cemetery is a historic landmark, so tread lightly and respectfully. While some visitors enjoy picnics, remember it's a place of rest. Check for special events like historical reenactments, which are popular in October.

Historical Significance

Established in 1906, Sunnyside Cemetery is the oldest in Long Beach, home to many of the city's pioneers. The Historical Society of Long Beach often hosts tours and events here, bringing history to life.

Best Times

When

October afternoons

Why

Historical reenactments are active

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Peaceful exploration

Crowd

Low

When

Summer evenings

Why

Movie nights and cool air

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Ghost of Sunnyside Cemetery: Long Beach’s Whispering Grounds #SunnysideCemetery #HauntedPlaces #GhostStories #ParanormalTikTok

@horrortok759

42 likes • 340 views

🚗 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. +1

Take a scroll thru SunnySide cemetery located in Long Beach, CA. Sunnyside is the oldest cemetery within the city of Long Beach. A lot of history to be shared, so much so that every year in the month of October near Halloween they do a live reenactment of the residents who reside amongst the grounds, they tell stories about their lives and final days. Featuring @☠️🦇The Morbid Traveler🦇☠️ and Oa...

@themorbidtravelers_wife

67 likes • 2.7K views

Sunnyside Cemetery holds many secrets. Bessie Baxter is one of them.

longbeachclassic_

3.5K likes • 62.5K views

👻 Embrace the Lore

Many visitors report paranormal experiences and ghost stories, especially around Bessie Baxter's grave. +1

🧺 Respectful Picnics

Enjoy a quiet picnic, but always be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.

The beautiful faces of Sunnyside Cemetery & Evergreen Cemetery in SoCal ❤️ #fyp #cemetery #graveyard #taphophile #portraits

graveswithgrace

9.7K likes • 295.2K views

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. +1

👻 Embrace the Lore

Many visitors report paranormal experiences and ghost stories, especially around Bessie Baxter's grave. +1

🧺 Respectful Picnics

Enjoy a quiet picnic, but always be mindful and respectful of the surroundings.

What Travellers Say

4.3

(26 reviews)

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

Historic landmark

Peaceful atmosphere

Ghost stories

What People Dislike

Maintenance concerns

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. +1

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. +2

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. +1

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. +2

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. +2

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.