View of Sonoma from top of cemetery.
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Sonoma Mountain Cemetery

4.9
·11 reviews·Sonoma, United States

A serene historical cemetery with ancient trees, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Sonoma's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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View of Sonoma from top of cemetery.

Sonoma Mountain Cemetery

Best Time

Daytime, weekdays

Peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene historical cemetery with ancient trees, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Sonoma's past.

4.9
(11 reviews)

"A wonderful place to visit and stroll, very peaceful, quiet, and intriguing as you read the headstones."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven; good walking or hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the hilly terrain.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 11 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Gravestones

Historic Gravestones

Throughout the cemetery

Discover centuries-old headstones, including those of early Anglo, German, and Italian settlers.

Captain William Smith's Grave

Captain William Smith's Grave

Specific plot (research needed)

Visit the final resting place of the only known American Revolutionary War veteran buried in California.

Family Plots & Crypts

Family Plots & Crypts

Various sections

Explore family plots, some with wrought iron fencing, and crypts belonging to notable wine families.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Higher elevations

Enjoy pleasant views of the surrounding Sonoma landscape as you ascend the cemetery's hills.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Sonoma Mountain Cemetery is a place of rest and historical significance. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, appreciate the quiet atmosphere, and avoid disturbing the grounds. Many find it a peaceful spot for reflection and photography.

Navigating the Terrain

The cemetery features hills and some steep sections, with paths that can be paved or bare dirt. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential for exploring the grounds comfortably and safely. Be mindful of uneven surfaces.

Best Times

When
Daytime, weekdays
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour lighting
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sketchy Spots 67/100 • Sonoma California 🍷🍇🌾 #sonoma #sonomacounty #norcal #bayarea #bayareacheck #northerncalifornia
@roam360
16.6K likes • 269.8K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven; good walking or hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the hilly terrain. Reddit

Eldridge Asylum: Whispers from Sonoma’s Forgotten Souls #HauntedCalifornia #GhostStories #ParanormalTikTok
@horrortok759
6.1K likes • 62.6K views
Mountain Cemetery. Sonoma. California. #cemetery #cemeteryphotography #grave #graveyards #shots #necropolis #cemeteries #gothic #taphophile #project #gravestone #cemeterywandering #cemeterylovers #death #dead #photography #graveyardphotography #affair #fanatics #tombstone #nation #life #graves #dark #art #taphophilia #bhfyp #urbex #urbanexploration
cryptdoor
11 likes • 193 views

📸 Camera Ready

Many interesting historical markers and scenic spots for photography. Bring extra batteries! Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Shade

Beautiful old-growth trees offer cooling shade, making it pleasant even on warmer days. Reddit

Sonoma Mountain Cemetery 🪦 #cemetery #cemeterylovers
alexachipman
22 likes • 199 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven; good walking or hiking shoes are a must for comfortable exploration. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the hilly terrain. Reddit

📸 Camera Ready

Many interesting historical markers and scenic spots for photography. Bring extra batteries! Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Shade

Beautiful old-growth trees offer cooling shade, making it pleasant even on warmer days. Reddit

🤝 Help Out

Consider bringing a trash bag to help keep the grounds tidy and show respect. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Sonoma Mountain Cemetery to be a peaceful and historically rich place, perfect for quiet strolls and photography. The mature trees offer lovely shade, and the old gravestones provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, including notable figures like Captain William Smith. However, some areas may show signs of neglect, with reports of overgrown grass and out-of-order facilities.

"Just a quick drive or bike ride from the Plaza...this very old and historical cemetery is a wonderful place to visit and stroll. During our time there, we witnessed several locals doing their power walking, as there are some hills and steep sections as you walk around. Very peaceful, quiet, and intriguing as you read the headstones of the locals. Worth your time to visit here for sure. Beautiful old-growth trees keeping you company as you stroll! And all the while... birds sing to you as well."

Richard Ward

"Absolutely amazing and somewhat unbelievable....truly a unique experience... Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery has always been a favorite of mine (still is) but this is right up there with it.

Tips: if you feel like helping out the community and also showing respect to the dead.... I'd bring a trash bag to pick up litter.

I could spend hours and hours out there looking at pieces of history slowly fading away. Bring something to drink..... WEAR GOOD HIKING/WALKING SHOES. BRING BACK UP BATTERIES IF ONE IS TAKING A TON OF PHOTOS"

Rowan Knight

"A great cemetery with beautiful trees, trails, memorials."

James Foreman

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Historic gravestones and stories
Beautiful old-growth trees

What People Dislike

Overgrown grass in areas
Limited/out-of-order facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sonoma Mountain Cemetery is located near Sonoma Plaza. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular spot for power walking and biking from the plaza. Instagram+1

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's generally accessible by car, suggesting some form of parking is available. It's also a common destination for those walking or biking from Sonoma Plaza. Instagram

Yes, many visitors enjoy walking or biking to Sonoma Mountain Cemetery from the nearby Sonoma Plaza, finding it a pleasant route. InstagramReddit

The cemetery has hills and some paved and dirt paths, which may pose challenges for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to be prepared for uneven terrain. Reddit

For photography, consider visiting during the late afternoon for golden hour lighting. The trees provide interesting light and shade. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sonoma Mountain Cemetery is generally open to the public for exploration and does not require tickets for entry. It's a historical site for respectful visits. Instagram+1

Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it is typically accessible during daylight hours for visitors. Instagram

There is no admission fee to visit Sonoma Mountain Cemetery. It's a historical public space. Instagram

While generally accessible during daylight, it's advisable to visit during reasonable hours to ensure a peaceful and respectful experience. Instagram

No specific restrictions are widely advertised, but it's always best to be mindful of the cemetery's nature as a place of rest and visit during daylight hours. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The historic gravestones, family plots with wrought iron fencing, crypts, and the scenic views from higher elevations offer excellent photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Yes, photography is generally welcomed, especially for capturing the historical markers and the serene atmosphere. Instagram+1

The old-growth trees provide natural shade, and late afternoon light can create beautiful, atmospheric shots. Reddit

Many visitors focus on the detailed inscriptions on old gravestones, the unique architecture of crypts, and the overall gothic aesthetic of the cemetery. Instagram+1

Absolutely! If you plan on taking many photos, especially of the detailed historical markers, bringing backup batteries is highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience

It's described as very peaceful, quiet, and intriguing, with beautiful old-growth trees providing company and birdsong. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a popular place for strolling, power walking, and hiking due to its hills and trails. InstagramReddit

Historically, there have been reports of bathrooms being out of order and mold in the main building, so facilities may be limited. [^R] Instagram

Notable burials include early settlers from Sicily, Germany, and England, as well as Captain William Smith, a Revolutionary War veteran. Reddit

While some visitors have noted areas needing upkeep, others report that grass is cut and trash cans are emptied. [^R] Reddit

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