Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 100 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The main office of the Department of Cemeteries is located in the Bonaventure Administrative Building at the entrance.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Jill P1 contributionBlue light figureThis cemetery is absolutely beautiful. Very interesting stories and so much history. While walking through I took several pics. I've included one that looks like a blue light figure with something flying above it that is blue and purple. My camera has never done this which leads me to believe it's a spirit.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 28 December 2022
- VGTravelGirlSt. Albert, Canada1,803 contributionsGood visitInteresting but not exceptional- cemeteries in Buenos Aries and Italy much more compelling. Maybe I just had too high of expectations. You can definitely spend lots of time wandering around and looking at the stones. I stopped at the building that was supposed to be information as well as tours. I purchased an over-priced map. Lady was not very friendly. Just go straight through to the cemetery (there are washrooms on site at the entry) and basic free maps.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2023
- Meagan S9 contributionsThe coolest! We ate lunch there ;)It was a cold day so we were looking for a sunny place to eat our packed lunch as a Girl Scout troop and there was the cemetery with not much shade. We plopped right down in the grass (not on gravestones) and ate. It's beautifully kept and all the history is so fascinating. I live near St. Augustine and they don't let you inside those historic cemeteries so it was awesome to actually walk around.Visited January 2023Written 17 January 2023
- teresa p10 contributionsPeaceful and beautifulYou would think a cemetery would not be a great place to visit- however- this cemetery was full of Savannah history and beautiful monuments. The staff at the welcome center was very we nice. There was a hard sell from the tour guide but we drove thru on our own and stopped and walked along the many paths. Located along the river its a place full of animal life and peaceful reflection.Visited February 2023Written 22 February 2023
- Pat S22 contributionsThe best of SavannahToured in an open air cruiser with 6 seats and a wonderful guide (history and English major!) on a Sunday in late March. The best part of a great 3-day weekend!! I asked the valet at the Marshall House what her favorite thing to do was in Savannah and she recommended this before I could finish my sentence!! The combination of the history lesson, the moss laden trees, and the outdoor "art park" aspect made this a most memorable experience. Great for all ages.Visited March 2023Written 29 March 2023
- Chris RVictoria, Canada8 contributionsBeautifulLovely. Pretty, solemn, extravagant. A beautiful place for a walk and thoughts and connection - even my kids loved it. Didn’t super love that a tour guide was telling people to “get on up there and pose with Jesus, he’s been there forever, he don’t care” (on a grave). We almost left Savannah without doing this; so glad we went.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- BakerBlakely, Georgia220 contributionsBeautifulWhile we did not participate in a guided tour, it was absolutely breathtaking to walk around and just absorb all there is to see here. There is just something so grounding about the history this cemetery holds. The cemetery is very well kept and the few people we passed were friendly. Seems strange to say, but this cemetery is beautiful.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2023
- TiffanyjimMarion, Iowa1,122 contributionsLots of history hereWe did not take a tour here, we just decided to walk at our leisure around the grounds of Bonaventure. Well kept cemetery with grounds people out mowing etc. it’s a quiet place to enjoy a day and look at some of the very old ornate headstones. Don’t miss this site in Savannah!Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2023
- Elizabeth LLompoc, California45 contributionsA Savannah history lessonTook a tour to this and Wormsloe Plantation. This is the biggest cemetery in town ,filled with famous people. Tour guide gave lots of interesting info. The cemetery itself could use a clean up.Visited April 2023Written 13 April 2023
- John LFairfield, Connecticut441 contributionsDo not missVisiting a cemetery may sound like a morbid way to spend an hour but Bonaventure is worth the time. Having been to a lot of graveyards (spouse is heavily into ancestry), Bonaventure is near the top for its beauty and distinctiveness. It's a short drive from other Savannah tourist highlights so allow some extra time. The docents onsite are very helpful so stop at the visitor house near the entrance.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,769 reviews
Excellent
4,838
Very good
1,500
Average
366
Poor
51
Terrible
14
Ms S
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Went on a guided tour with friends, and our guy was great! Learned so much, and he was kind of funny too!
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda V
Savannah, GA39 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is a beautiful cemetery. I highly recommend taking a formal tour to learn all the history of this place and about cemeteries in general. We did not take a tour this time as we live in Savannah and have done it several times before. We took out of town visitors there just to take a lovely walk. It's also a nice quiet place to escape all the noise of the city.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tia B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Our visit to Bonaventure was without question one of the highlights of our recent Savannah family gathering. The cemetery is beautiful in every way. There is such a feeling of calm as you wander the endless aisles of family gardens and plots. Beautiful southern scenery and amazing history everywhere you look. And the artisans who carved the sculptures and tombstones! We enjoyed every minute of it. Our tour guide Dawn was a delight. Thank you Bonaventure!
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lita L
100 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The final resting place where one is shaded by lush oak trees cloaked in Spanish moss and fern. We strolled along the a path lined with markers on both sides, imagining how gorgeous it would be in springtime. That means a return visit to Savannah in the spring when the azaleas and trees are abloom!
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan D
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Strongly recommend. Very interesting. Our guide Albert was extremely knowledgeable and friendly he really made the tour. Highly recommend
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol Ann J
Germantown, NY1,762 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Bonaventure is a peaceful and beautiful cemetery on the grounds of a former plantation along the river. There are many magnificent live oak trees on the property as well. The grounds are nice and there is a variety of lovely monuments, statues, and headstones.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ragz4
Frederick, MD95 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We didn't intent to go here, but realized we were nearby so stopped in. It was worth it. Lovely...in that lonely thought-provoking way. We parked and walked around for about 20 minutes.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingBum10
United States2,702 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We visited the cemetery during the afternoon. We pretty much drove the whole thing. They do have a small parking lot all the way in the back close to the water.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl I
Columbus, GA5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Business
They called in advance and said that the tour cancelled due to heat. Heat in September in Georgia, is this a surprise ?? If heat was such a factor the tour perhaps should not have been offered at 2:00 PM. Other tours were seen as we did drive and look around. Disappointed and the lady at the tour desk was not overly friendly
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne W
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
What an amazing addition to your Savannah trip! Most people don't realize that the cemetery is free and open to the public. I would have paid for a tour had I not talked to some locals at one of the restaurants on River street. Unless you want to pay and get some history about the place. My wife and I just enjoyed the peace of walking around.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it open on Thanksgiving
James W
La Verne, CA97 contributions
It is open everyday, but it is surrounded by a high fence and they lock the gates at 5pm.
BobiTychynskiShimoda
Oakville, Canada338 contributions
Is it a safe bike ride from historic district? Also is there somewhere for a gluten free meal near here? What recommendations do others have for restaurants or grocery stores?
tribemembers
Atlanta, GA45 contributions
I took an Uber from the historic district and we traveled by highway part of the way, so it’s hard to know if there would be a safe bike route that did not include the highway. The neighborhood surrounding the cemetery seemed mostly residential, so probably okay to bike but I did not see many restaurants in the immediate area. Especially with specific dietary concerns, you might want to consider eating in the historic area and then heading to the cemetery with water/snacks. It’s definitey worth the trip! (And bring bug spray!)
Stacy_michelle
77 contributions
Will the tour be cancelled if it rains?
John S
California425 contributions
We bought a map and did a self-guided tour. They have graphics of the well-known and big statues obviously shown on the map, as well as graves of historical interest. However, there's probably some insight in a guided tour that might be interesting.
To answer your question, they only cancel the tours if it's a heavy downpour.
MaggiePerez67
Miami, FL6 contributions
Can you really drink martinis or champagne at this cemetary?
Mjsnmjsn
Guadalajara, Mexico154 contributions
Yes as long as it’s plastic cups and not partying
lworthy1950
Sugar Land, TX50 contributions
There are 4 of us going in a couple of weeks, but 2 members of the group are not big "walkers". Is this a hike, or a stroll? I'm assuming there are plenty of benches and shade trees, but I was wondering if there is a lot of uphill walking. Are there water fountains on the grounds or should we take our own water? Average age of this group is 68. We are in Savannah for 3 days, but from what I can tell, this is a "must see". What do you think?
travelinfool49
Norfolk, VA40 contributions
This is a "long" stroll. "..plenty of benches" is a stretch, but there are a few and it can be driven through as well. Bring water and you will love it. It's very shaded. Enjoy
Haley S
Liverpool, UK44 contributions
Hi!
Where can I learn more about Bonaventure Cemetery as I'd like to tour it alone. Mainly because I'm deaf and can't hear tour guide :)
Jeannine B
rhode island40 contributions
There is a map available at the cemetery. It is also very well marked if you are looking for certain burial sites. I wouldn't use a tour guide. Take a stroll and absorb the great history. I would also try Amazon for specific information aabout the Bonaventure. .
LindaLosAngelesCA
Lancaster, CA87 contributions
Hi Sandy! Is there a charge to enter the cemetery? Can I drive through? How large is it? Thanks!!
Sandy O
Sauk City, WI1,159 contributions
As the others said, there is no charge to drive through.
You can park outside and walk if you wish.
We drove in, and where there were wider sections we got out and walked, came back, and moved the car to the next spot.
We were here in December, so not in the prime tourist season and there were plenty of people here(some walked the entire thing).
Mary B
Madison, AL51 contributions
I was planning a visit in October 2017, will tours be available at that time? My husband is in a moterized wheelchair and is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Eyes well traveled
129 contributions
October is a fine time to visit especially since the weather cools down. There are plenty of tours that are friendly to wheelchairs for this time as well.
rree
Salt Lake City, UT87 contributions
Where is John Mercedes grave
Katraynella
Prague, Czech Republic95 contributions
At the entrance from the Bonaventure Road there is a Visitor's Center. You can get the information and map of the cementary there.
Dee L
Dallas, TX643 contributions
Can you drive through the cemetery? I'm taking my mom and it may be a long walk for her. Thank you.
SunnySideSamurai
Hartford, CT16 contributions
The cemetery is open to cars. However, be respectful in choosing where you park. Many tombstones are located close to the dirt road.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bonaventure Cemetery
- Hotels near Bonaventure Cemetery:
- (0.16 km) 5 minutes from Downtown-River Street - 20 minutes from Tybee!
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