Oakland Cemetery
4.7(410)google
4.6(184)yelp
Free
Overview
Established in 1850, this stunning Victorian-style garden cemetery acts as a scenic historical repository containing graves of prominent Civil War soldiers and local authors. Visitors can stroll through historic grand brick mausoleums, mature oaks, and brilliant seasonal botanical plantings.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeOctober is universally the premier window, particularly during late October when the cemetery hosts its famous 'Capturing the Spirit of Oakland' historic evening candlelit tours. For standard visits, target early morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM; morning mist still weaves through the towering oaks and magnificent Victorian-style stone mausoleums, catching crisp morning side-lighting that beautifully outlines the historic marble statues.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned just east of downtown at 248 Oakland Ave SE. The rail network is vastly superior to driving: ride the MARTA Blue or Green line directly to King Memorial Station; from the exit turnstiles, follow clear directional walkway pavement lines east for an easy 3-minute flat walk directly to the historic red-brick main gates. The interior grounds are pedestrian-only and street spots are sparse, making driving highly discouraged.
Travel Tips
- The urban perimeter surrounding the cemetery carries elevated vehicular break-in risks; avoid isolated street parking and utilize the official paid lot at 248 Oakland Ave SE, locking all valuables completely in your trunk.
- This landmark property bans bicycles, skateboards, drone operations, and the physical rubbing of gravestones; pets must be securely leashed at all times and restricted strictly to paved asphalt or brick pathways.
- • 【Time Windows & Photography】Intricate Victorian monuments and family vaults are best photographed within the opening hour or the hour before dusk to avoid stark midday contrast; heavy rains render unpaved grass plots muddy, requiring waterproof footwear.
Reviews
Positive
- As Atlanta's oldest cemetery, the stunning Victorian sculptures and mausoleums deliver great artistic visual impact; its historical heritage is profound and authentic.
- Completely free, its zero-ticket cost yields outstanding value; it is a serene, native spot for strolls, meditation, and visiting 'Gone with the Wind' author Margaret Mitchell's grave.
- Right next to the urban transit station, offering high public transport convenience; the gate features clear digital signs and printed multilingual maps.
- The cemetery preservation team puts extensive effort into maintenance; regular historical nightly cultural activities feature tight order and great safety.
Heads up
- As a 200-year-old cemetery, interior paths are paved with uneven historic bricks and cracked flagstones, making accessible and stroller transit extremely bumpy.
- Due to its vast layout, public restrooms and trash bins are severely insufficient, clustered only near the front visitor center, with remote corners lacking seats.
- During Halloween or special night tours, visitor density explodes; surrounding roads paralyze instantly, and entry queue logistics can occasionally get chaotic.
- Driving here is challenged by very few free street parking stalls at the gate; otherwise, you must use heavily priced private open lots, lowering convenience.