
Laurel Grove Cemetery
A hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery in Savannah, offering a glimpse into the past with unique architecture and serene landscapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Laurel Grove Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery in Savannah, offering a glimpse into the past with unique architecture and serene landscapes.
"The decaying, sculptural and delicate beauty of it all is otherworldly and truly breathtaking."

Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with local stories and historical insights. Highly recommended!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 25 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Overgrown Victorian Mausoleums
Laurel Grove North
Discover crumbling, sculptural beauty in this atmospheric section, a photographer's dream.

Historic Family Plots
Laurel Grove South
Explore diverse architectural styles and stories of Savannah's prominent families from the 1800s onward.

The Grave Site Locator
Entrance of Laurel Grove South
Easily find ancestors or notable figures with this helpful on-site kiosk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Respect the Peace
Navigating Laurel Grove's Two Sides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with local stories and historical insights. Highly recommended!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Respect the Serenity
This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. 🙏
Photography Opportunities
Capture the decaying beauty and unique monuments. Early morning or late afternoon light is best. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with local stories and historical insights. Highly recommended!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Respect the Serenity
This is a place of remembrance. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. 🙏
Photography Opportunities
Capture the decaying beauty and unique monuments. Early morning or late afternoon light is best. :camerawithflash:
Use the Grave Locator
If you're looking for specific plots, the on-site kiosk is a lifesaver. 💻
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laurel Grove Cemetery for its breathtaking, otherworldly beauty and rich historical significance, often calling it a hidden gem compared to more famous Savannah cemeteries. Many recommend guided tours to fully appreciate its stories and unique atmosphere, though some note the need for respectful exploration and awareness of the grounds.
"I love this cemetery dearly. You must go to find out why, and please book a tour with Shannon Scott Tours. A quick online search will reflect what everyone else is saying -- you won’t regret it! Laurel Grove North is far less trespassed than most tourist areas in Savannah, and therefore, a real gem. The decaying, sculptural and delicate beauty of it all is otherworldly and truly breathtaking. It is a peaceful, mesmerizing place. You could walk around for hours only wishing you had more time, so make it count! Take a tour with someone who can share Savannah's greatest stories, introduce you to her most charming characters, and leave you planning your next trip back! If you like to travel where few others have gone and learn from the best, look no further.
Photography by Alissa Lee Nicholson."
Alissa Lee Nicholson
"I love that this cemetery has a grave site locator on site. You can find it on the right side right after you come through the entrance. I have ancestors buried here and wasn't quite sure where the graves were. I was able to find them on the kiosk. Beautiful cemetery. I didn't notice, but hopefully the city got cameras put up like they said they would do after some vandalism."
Bridget B
"While most know of Bonaventure Cemetary, fewer visit Laurel Grove and that is a huge mistake! Laural Grove is a beautiful place that is rich in history. It was a very peaceful place to explore."
Erin Ferraro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laurel Grove Cemetery is located about 2-3 miles west of downtown Savannah. You can drive there in about 10-15 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a convenient option.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds, particularly in the Laurel Grove South section. It's generally easy to find a spot, especially during weekdays.
While possible, it's a significant walk from most downtown attractions. It's more practical to use a car, ride-share, or public transportation to reach the cemetery.
You can drive between the two sections or walk if you're up for it. Many tours will cover highlights of both.
Check local Savannah transit schedules, as bus routes may service areas near the cemetery. However, ride-sharing is often more direct and convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Laurel Grove Cemetery itself is generally free. However, guided tours often have a fee.
The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official City of Savannah website for any seasonal changes or specific hours.
Tour prices vary depending on the company. Shannon Scott Tours, for example, is highly recommended and their pricing can be found on their website.
Yes, you can explore the cemetery on your own. However, a tour provides invaluable historical context and stories you might otherwise miss.
The main restriction is daylight hours, as the cemetery closes at dusk for safety and preservation reasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the atmospheric, overgrown mausoleums in Laurel Grove North and the historically significant family plots in Laurel Grove South.
Laurel Grove is generally safe, but like any large historic site, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Some reviews mention past vandalism, so sticking to well-trafficked areas or taking a tour is advisable.
Laurel Grove North is older, more wild, and features many crumbling Victorian-era structures. Laurel Grove South is more organized and contains plots from a wider range of dates.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged! The cemetery's beauty, especially its decaying structures, makes for stunning photos.
Restroom facilities may be limited. It's best to use facilities before entering or inquire about their availability upon arrival, especially if taking a tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light, creating a dramatic and atmospheric effect on the monuments and structures.
Many visitors focus on capturing the unique sculptures, ornate mausoleums, and the atmospheric decay of the older sections.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always check with cemetery management if unsure.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of mausoleums, while a prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of sculptures. A tripod can be helpful in low light.
Focus on the interplay of light and shadow, the textures of weathered stone, and the lush, encroaching nature. Consider black and white photography for a dramatic effect.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit