Tacoma Cemetery - Image 1
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Tacoma Cemetery

4.2
·21 reviews·Tacoma, United States

A serene and historic resting place in Tacoma, known for its mature trees, peaceful atmosphere, and as a popular spot for dog walks and quiet reflecti...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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Tacoma Cemetery - Image 1

Tacoma Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene and historic resting place in Tacoma, known for its mature trees, peaceful atmosphere, and as a popular spot for dog walks and quiet reflection.

4.2
(21 reviews)

"Beautiful place to visit and see all the locals of Tacoma. 10/10 would love to stay forever and haunt the place. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Practice Driving Spot

Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. 🐕

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 21 reviews

Type

Cemetery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Gravesites

Historic Gravesites

Various sections

Discover the final resting places of Tacoma's early residents and notable figures, offering a glimpse into local history.

Mature Tree Canopy

Mature Tree Canopy

Throughout the cemetery

Enjoy the serene atmosphere under the shade of mature trees, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful natural surroundings.

Pauper Section

Pauper Section

Specific area

A poignant reminder of the city's past, this section offers a unique perspective on the lives of early Tacoma residents.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation Hours

Tacoma Cemetery has specific operating hours, often closing around dusk or 8 PM. Be mindful of these times to avoid any misunderstandings with staff, as one visitor experienced a frightening encounter when staying past closing. Reddit

Navigating and Parking

While generally peaceful, some areas of the cemetery can be in disrepair. Parking is available, and some visitors find it a great spot for dog walking or even practicing driving in quieter sections. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Beautiful golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Andelana, a ship that disappeared in 1899 continues to haunt Tacoma. #ghost #mystery #haunting #ghoststory #prettygrittytours #tour #explorewa #tacoma #fyp
@prettygrittytours
45.3K likes • 381.2K views

🚗 Practice Driving Spot

Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. Reddit 🐕

#greenscreen It’s Monkeyshine season! Get ready for the treasure hunt of your life. Every lunar new year here in Tacoma, Washington over 2000 beautiful pieces of glass art are hidden throughout the city and are free for the taking… if you can find them. ##fyp##treasure##treasurehunt##History##trivia##explore##wa##knowyourwa##discoverwa##monkeyshines##lunarnewyear##yearoftherabbit2023##prettygritty...
@prettygrittytours
20.7K likes • 159.7K views
Today's #fallforcostume is Misty Memories so I'm throwing it back a few years to our second visit to the Old Tacoma Cemetery, where I was trying to pose to get the beautiful golden hour light just right. I hope we have good weather and light for our visit there this year too! We're going Oct 29th at 4pm if you want to join us! #goldenhour #oldtacomacemetery #bustle #bustledress #Victorian #1870s ...
ladyrebeccafashions
470 likes • 6.7K views

🕰️ Respect Closing Times

Be aware of closing hours to avoid any issues with staff. Reddit 🕐

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Capture stunning photos during the golden hour for beautiful lighting. Instagram :camerawithflash:

Pauper section at the Tacoma Cemetery
arcymark
133 likes • 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Practice Driving Spot

Consider this cemetery for driving practice; it's quiet and has gentle hills. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A fantastic place to walk your dog and let them run around. Reddit 🐕

🕰️ Respect Closing Times

Be aware of closing hours to avoid any issues with staff. Reddit 🕐

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Capture stunning photos during the golden hour for beautiful lighting. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🧹 Headstone Cleaning

Professional headstone cleaning services are available in the area. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise Tacoma Cemetery for its beautiful, shaded grounds and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for dog walking and quiet reflection. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the cemetery's upkeep in certain areas and a past incident involving aggressive staff behavior after closing hours. Reddit

"DON'T VISIT HERE. I was just aggressively and frighteningly chased around the cemetery in a car by the supposed "caretaker" of this cemetery. He was speeding around after me honking, yelling, and waving his hands outside his vehicle at me. There was absolutely nothing on the vehicle to indicate that he was connected to the cemetery in any way. Turns out, the cemetery closes at 8pm--my bad, I thought I read "dusk" on the entry sign. Regardless, this does not justify this gentleman's behavior. As a single female, I had no way of knowing that I wasn't being pursued by someone experiencing mental health issues, under the influence of drugs, or just bent on ill intent. I have been to this cemetery name, many times before and greatly enjoyed it's peace and beauty. I've also been approached before, near dusk (AFTER 8pm, I might add), by a very friendly younger man who kindly waved me down and told me he was closing up. This cemetery is no longer a peaceful place for me. They should consider a personnel change, imo."

Jessica Loving

"Beautiful place to visit and see all the locals of Tacoma. 10/10 would love to stay forever and haunt the place."

Megan Dykeman

"Very sad to see one of the oldest Cemeteries in such bad shape. I laid my hubby to rest near his mother's site as he wanted. It is owned by New Tacoma Cemetery but it has been left to be cared by family members. The same branches from last year are still laying all over. I see one lone truck sometimes trying to pick up debris. They need a full crew to go in and clean it up like the one in lakewood. Breaks my heart."

Debra Cross

What People Like

Beautiful shaded grounds
Peaceful atmosphere
Dog-friendly walking

What People Dislike

Maintenance issues
Past staff incident

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tacoma Cemetery is accessible by car and is located within Tacoma, WA. Specific public transport routes may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules. Parking is available on-site. Reddit

Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Tacoma, WA. You can use GPS navigation to find its exact location. Reddit

Some visitors have found quieter sections of the cemetery suitable for practicing driving due to fewer cars and gentle hills. Reddit

While not always formally advertised, local history enthusiasts and tour groups sometimes offer insights into the cemetery's past. Keep an eye out for local event listings or specialized tours. TikTok

The Seattle-Tacoma Pet Cemetery is a separate, historic landmark established in 1950, dedicated to pets and featuring a community art mural. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tacoma Cemetery is generally free to enter and visit. However, it's crucial to be aware of their operating hours, as staying past closing can lead to issues. Reddit

The cemetery typically closes around dusk or 8 PM. It's advisable to confirm exact hours before your visit to ensure you don't overstay. Reddit

Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is open on weekends, offering a peaceful escape for visitors. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for entry into Tacoma Cemetery as it is a public space. Reddit

The primary restriction is respecting the closing time. Visitors are expected to leave the premises before the cemetery closes for the night. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore historic gravesites, admire mature trees and landscaping, and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Some visitors enjoy finding specific gravesites of local figures. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a beautiful place for walking, with slight hills and shaded paths, making it ideal for exercise or a leisurely stroll. Reddit

Yes, Tacoma Cemetery is a popular and dog-friendly location for walks, allowing your pet to get some exercise. Reddit 🐕

While some areas are well-maintained, other parts, particularly older sections, can be in disrepair with fallen branches. Reddit

Visitors have noted the gravesite of local musician Rockin' Robin Roberts and a unique gravestone surrounded by two massive cedars. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the cemetery offers beautiful scenery, especially during the golden hour, making it a great spot for photography. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides stunning light for photography. Early mornings can also offer a peaceful, atmospheric setting. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the location and any specific cemetery rules. Instagram

You can photograph historic headstones, mature trees, landscaping, and the overall serene atmosphere of the cemetery. InstagramReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to maintain peace and respect. It's best to check with cemetery management for any specific policies. Instagram

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