Mountain View Cemetery
A historic hilltop cemetery offering stunning bay views, unique architecture, and peaceful grounds for exploration and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mountain View Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic hilltop cemetery offering stunning bay views, unique architecture, and peaceful grounds for exploration and reflection.
"It's beautiful, everything there is just so amazing. The grounds are taken good care of."
Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited, often closing by 4:30 PM. Confirm before your visit! :clock1:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and unique architecture. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Bay Views
Hilltop areas
Breathtaking vistas of the San Francisco Bay and East Bay skyline. Perfect for a peaceful moment or a stunning sunset.
Architectural Mausoleums
Various sections
Explore grand mausoleums and unique historical architecture, including the final resting place of notable figures.
Lush Landscaping & Wildlife
Throughout the grounds
Discover beautifully maintained grounds, diverse trees, and a surprising amount of wildlife, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Historical Figures' Gravesites
Designated sections
Stumble upon the graves of influential figures, like the first senator of California, adding a layer of historical discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore with Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited, often closing by 4:30 PM. Confirm before your visit! :clock1:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and unique architecture. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors find it a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch. :sandwich:
Respectful Exploration
Be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Keep noise levels down. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited, often closing by 4:30 PM. Confirm before your visit! :clock1:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast grounds and unique architecture. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! Many visitors find it a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch. :sandwich:
Respectful Exploration
Be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors. Keep noise levels down. :pray:
Capture the Views
The cemetery offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunset. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mountain View Cemetery for its stunning beauty, well-maintained grounds, and breathtaking bay views, making it a peaceful place for reflection and recreation. While some note limited hours and occasional construction, the historical architecture and serene atmosphere are major draws.
"This place is always my favorite go to place, for a place full of dead ppl there is still so much life lol. It's beautiful everything there is just so amazing. The grounds are taken good care of, the level of care and respect for the grounds is just lovely. So many different fun animals you come across is so enjoyable. The history you can stumble upon is so fun, I mean I stumbled across the first senator of California and I was like oh wow so cool. I feel so at ease and at peace there, I feel safe and the animals feel that too. The place is so big u keep finding new things so it's always a real treat to come back because it's always different but then u also have the comforts of things being the same as well."
Milan Perales
"Beautiful cemetery with easily walkable and drivable sections. Worth a visit just to see the older mausoleums and other unique architecture. During the week there wasn't a lot of people walking around. Weekends are likely more busy. A significant section of the place was under construction. A must see in the area."
Chris Sotraidis
"A beautiful cemetery in the middle of Oakland. It’s easily walkable and drivable, well maintained, and is a great place to spend time taking in the views of the bay and appreciating some beautiful trees. Just be sure to check their opening hours - recently they’ve only been open Wednesday afternoon and Saturday until 4:30pm."
Michael Greenberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mountain View Cemetery is located in Oakland, California. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options include bus routes that stop nearby. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and explore the grounds by car, especially given its size.
Yes, Mountain View Cemetery is open to the public for visitation. However, it's important to check their operating hours as they can be limited, often closing by 4:30 PM.
Parking is generally available within the cemetery grounds. Visitors can drive through the cemetery to access different sections and find parking spots.
Absolutely! Biking and walking are popular activities at Mountain View Cemetery. The grounds are extensive and offer scenic routes for exploration.
The cemetery is generally walkable and drivable, with many sections accessible by car. However, due to its hilly terrain and historical nature, some areas might be challenging. It's advisable to check with the cemetery directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Mountain View Cemetery. It is open to the public for visitation.
Operating hours can vary, but the cemetery typically closes by 4:30 PM. It's crucial to verify the current hours before your visit, as they may have specific days with limited access.
The main restriction is the closing time. Visitors are expected to leave the grounds by the designated closing hour. Some areas might also be temporarily closed due to construction or events.
Yes, you can visit on weekends, but expect it to be busier than on weekdays. Weekends are popular for picnics and leisurely strolls.
There are main entrances to the cemetery. Driving through the main gates will lead you to the administrative offices and the start of the main thoroughfares within the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the beautiful scenery, architecture, and historical gravestones. However, be respectful of ongoing services and private family plots.
Mountain View Cemetery is the resting place of many notable individuals, including Henry J. Kaiser and the first senator of California. It's a great place to discover local history.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the cemetery's historical significance and unique architecture make self-guided exploration rewarding. You can often find historical markers and information within the grounds.
The mausoleums at Mountain View Cemetery are significant for their architectural diversity and as the final resting places for prominent families and individuals. They showcase a range of historical styles.
A cemetery map can be very helpful for navigating the vast grounds and finding specific graves or points of interest. You may be able to obtain one at the administrative office or find online resources.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Popular activities include walking, biking, picnicking, and photography. It's a peaceful place to enjoy nature, history, and scenic views of the bay.
Yes, visitors often report seeing various animals, adding to the lively yet peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery.
Mountain View Cemetery is generally considered safe for visitors, especially during operating hours. It's a well-maintained public space.
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography and stunning sunset views over the bay.
Be mindful of the cemetery's purpose as a place of rest. Avoid loud noises, respect private plots, and be aware of the closing times. Some areas might be under construction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look for interesting gravestones or mausoleums, turning the visit into a gentle scavenger hunt. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior in a cemetery environment. Pack a picnic to make it a fun outing, and be mindful of the closing times to ensure you leave before the gates are locked.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1Delve into the lives of the notable figures buried here, such as Henry J. Kaiser, and explore the historical context of the cemetery's design by Frederick Law Olmsted. The sheer scale and historical depth make it a compelling subject for both casual snapshots and serious historical documentation.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Peace Seekers
Solo visitors can freely explore at their own pace, discovering hidden pathways and unique monuments. The sense of history and the natural surroundings create a calming environment, allowing for reflection and a break from the urban bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Mountain View Cemetery
The Mountain View Mausoleum is a particularly striking feature, showcasing impressive architecture and serving as the final resting place for prominent families. The sheer scale of the cemetery, with its rolling hills and diverse landscaping, contributes to its serene and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors often remark on the unexpected sense of life and beauty found within its grounds, a testament to its thoughtful design and ongoing care.
While the primary purpose is remembrance, the cemetery has also been a site for various cultural and historical events. Its expansive grounds and historical significance have made it a popular spot for photography, historical exploration, and even quiet recreation like biking and picnicking, all while maintaining a deep respect for its solemn purpose.
Exploring the Grounds: What to See and Do
Beyond the grand structures, the lush landscaping and abundant wildlife contribute to the cemetery's peaceful ambiance. You might encounter various birds, squirrels, and other small animals as you wander through the well-maintained grounds. For those who enjoy active exploration, biking and walking are highly recommended, allowing you to cover more ground and discover hidden corners. Many visitors also find it a perfect spot for a picnic, enjoying a meal amidst the serene surroundings.
It's worth noting that parts of the cemetery may be under construction, so be prepared for potential detours. Always be mindful of the cemetery's operating hours, as they typically close in the late afternoon. The combination of natural beauty, historical depth, and recreational opportunities makes Mountain View Cemetery a unique and rewarding destination.
Community Insights: Visiting Mountain View Cemetery
Several visitors mention stumbling upon historical gravesites, such as that of the first senator of California, finding it a fascinating aspect of exploring the cemetery. The architectural grandeur of the mausoleums also receives frequent praise, with many recommending a visit to these impressive structures. The stunning views of the bay are consistently cited as a major attraction, making it a popular spot for photography, especially during golden hour.
Some practical advice from the community includes checking the limited operating hours before visiting, as the cemetery often closes by 4:30 PM, and wearing comfortable shoes due to the extensive grounds. Weekends tend to be busier, so a weekday visit is suggested for a more peaceful experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit