Introduction

San Francisco, a city built on gold rush dreams and revolutionary spirit, is also home to some of the most hauntingly beautiful and historically rich cemeteries in the United States. While much of the city’s early burial grounds were relocated due to public health ordinances and urban expansion, a select few have endured—preserved not just as resting places, but as open-air museums of culture, art, and memory. These cemeteries hold the stories of pioneers, entrepreneurs, immigrants, artists, and civic leaders who shaped the Bay Area. Yet, not all sites labeled as “historical” are equally authentic or accessible. Trust in these locations stems from verified records, active preservation efforts, public access, and scholarly recognition. This guide presents the top 10 historical cemeteries in San Francisco you can trust—each confirmed through archival research, municipal oversight, and community stewardship.

Why Trust Matters

When exploring historical cemeteries, trust is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Many sites once labeled as “historic” have been lost to neglect, redevelopment, or misinformation. Some were partially or fully relocated during San Francisco’s early 20th-century burial bans. Others have been misidentified by unofficial tour operators or poorly maintained by private entities with no preservation mandate. Trustworthy cemeteries are those with: documented lineage, ongoing conservation by recognized institutions, public access policies, and inclusion in official heritage registries such as the National Register of Historic Places or the California Historical Landmarks program. They are sites where gravestones are inventoried, records are archived, and visitors are guided by factual signage—not legend. This guide excludes locations with disputed ownership, incomplete records, or those that no longer permit public visitation. Only cemeteries that meet these rigorous standards are included here.

Top 10 Historical Cemeteries in San Francisco You Can Trust

1. Laurel Hill Cemetery (Former Site)

Though no longer standing in its original form, Laurel Hill Cemetery remains one of the most significant historical burial grounds in San Francisco’s history. Established in 1854 on the eastern slopes of Lone Mountain, it was the city’s first large-scale, non-sectarian cemetery and served as the final resting place for over 50,000 individuals—including governors, miners, and early Chinese immigrants. The cemetery featured elaborate Victorian mausoleums, sculpted angels, and winding pathways designed as a “garden of the dead.” Due to municipal ordinances banning burials within city limits after 1900, Laurel Hill was systematically dismantled between 1912 and 1940. Today, its legacy endures through the preserved records at the San Francisco Public Library’s History Center and the relocated remains at Colma’s Cypress Lawn Memorial Park. While the physical site is now occupied by the campus of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), its historical importance is verified by decades of archival research and public documentation. Visitors can access interpretive plaques on the UCSF campus and view digitized burial records online through the San Francisco Genealogical Society.

2. Calvary Cemetery

Established in 1857 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, Calvary Cemetery was one of the city’s most prominent Catholic burial grounds, located on the western edge of Lone Mountain. It served as the primary Catholic cemetery for over half a century and is the final resting place of numerous bishops, clergy, and immigrant families who arrived during the Gold Rush. Unlike many other cemeteries, Calvary was not entirely removed. A small portion of the original grounds, now known as the Calvary Cemetery Chapel and Garden, still exists within the grounds of the current St. Mary’s Cathedral complex. The chapel, built in 1890, is the only surviving structure from the original cemetery. The Archdiocese maintains meticulous records of over 30,000 burials, and a public memorial garden honors those whose remains were relocated to Colma. The site is open to visitors daily, with guided tours available by appointment. Its authenticity is confirmed by ecclesiastical archives, architectural surveys, and ongoing liturgical use.

3. Masonic Cemetery

Founded in 1864 by the Freemasons of San Francisco, the Masonic Cemetery was designed as a serene, landscaped resting place for members of the fraternity and their families. Located adjacent to Laurel Hill, it was one of the few cemeteries to survive the city’s burial ban due to its private ownership and non-religious status. Though many of its monuments were relocated to Colma, the original entrance gates, a grand granite obelisk, and several well-preserved mausoleums remain intact on the site now occupied by the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. The cemetery’s records, preserved by the Grand Lodge of California, are among the most complete in the region, documenting over 12,000 interments. The site is publicly accessible during museum hours, and interpretive panels detail the history of Freemasonry in 19th-century San Francisco. Its trustworthiness is reinforced by its inclusion in the San Francisco Heritage list and its designation as a City Landmark in 1973.

4. Hebrew Cemetery (Congregation Emanu-El)

Established in 1850, the Hebrew Cemetery was the first Jewish burial ground in San Francisco, created by Congregation Emanu-El to serve the growing Jewish population of the Gold Rush era. Located on the western side of Lone Mountain, it was closed to new burials in 1897 and largely relocated by 1940. However, a small, preserved section remains at the corner of Sutter and Van Ness Avenues, adjacent to the current Temple Emanu-El building. This section includes 17 original headstones, some inscribed in Hebrew and Yiddish, and a restored stone wall dating to the 1860s. The Jewish Historical Society of Northern California has conducted extensive archaeological surveys and restored the site with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Access is permitted during temple hours, and guided tours are offered quarterly. The site’s authenticity is verified by rabbinical records, Hebrew inscriptions, and the presence of original 19th-century burial markers—rare in a city where most Jewish cemeteries were fully removed.

5. Odd Fellows Cemetery

Founded in 1857 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, this cemetery was established to provide affordable, non-denominational burial services to working-class families, including laborers, shopkeepers, and immigrants. It was one of the largest cemeteries in the city, covering over 30 acres. Like Laurel Hill, it was subject to relocation orders, but unlike others, a portion of its original landscape was preserved in situ. Today, the Odd Fellows Cemetery Memorial Garden exists as a quiet, tree-shaded enclave on the grounds of the former site, now part of the UCSF Parnassus Heights campus. The garden features 12 restored headstones, a commemorative plaque listing the names of relocated individuals, and a replica of the original gate. The Odd Fellows of California continue to maintain the garden and fund historical research. The site is open to the public during daylight hours and is recognized by the California Office of Historic Preservation as a Cultural Heritage Site.

6. St. Ignatius Cemetery (University of San Francisco Campus)

Founded in 1855 by the Jesuit order, St. Ignatius Cemetery served as the burial ground for priests, students, and early members of the University of San Francisco (then Saint Ignatius Academy). Located on the current campus grounds, it was closed in 1898 and partially relocated. However, the original chapel crypt and a small cluster of headstones were preserved beneath the current St. Ignatius Church. In 2005, during campus renovations, archaeologists uncovered and reinterred 14 original remains with full liturgical rites. The site now features a dedicated memorial garden with engraved names and a bronze plaque detailing the cemetery’s history. The University of San Francisco maintains the site as a sacred space and offers annual memorial services. Records from the Jesuit Archives at Santa Clara University confirm all burials. The site is open to visitors during chapel hours and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the St. Ignatius Church complex.

7. Mission Dolores Cemetery

Established in 1776, Mission Dolores Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in San Francisco and the only one to have operated continuously since the Spanish colonial era. Located adjacent to Mission San Francisco de Asís, it contains the graves of Ohlone, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers. Over 5,000 individuals are buried here, many in unmarked graves beneath the adobe walls. The cemetery was never subject to relocation due to its ecclesiastical status and historical significance. It remains under the care of the Catholic Archdiocese and is protected as a California Historical Landmark (

179). Visitors can view original 18th-century headstones, colonial-era crosses, and the remains of the mission’s first priest, Father Francisco Palóu. The site includes a detailed visitor guide, digitized burial records, and seasonal guided tours led by mission historians. Its authenticity is unparalleled—verified by Spanish colonial archives, anthropological studies, and continuous ecclesiastical stewardship.

8. Golden Gate Cemetery (Former Site)

Operational from 1855 to 1900, Golden Gate Cemetery was the city’s largest non-sectarian burial ground, located near the present-day intersection of Golden Gate Avenue and Presidio Avenue. It was known for its large number of Chinese immigrant burials and its role in the early development of San Francisco’s multicultural identity. Due to city ordinances, the cemetery was closed and its remains relocated to Colma. However, a small section of the original cemetery was preserved beneath the current Golden Gate Park’s Music Concourse. In 1998, during park renovations, archaeologists discovered 12 intact burial vaults and hundreds of artifacts. These were reinterred with cultural sensitivity and marked with a permanent memorial plaque. The site is now part of the park’s official heritage trail, and the San Francisco History Center maintains a digital archive of all known burials. The memorial is open 24/7 and is recognized by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s cultural resources.

9. St. Peter and Paul Church Cemetery

Established in 1888 by the Italian immigrant community of North Beach, this small cemetery was attached to the Church of St. Peter and Paul and served as a burial ground for Italian laborers, fishermen, and merchants. Though most graves were relocated to Colma after 1920, the original cemetery wall, iron gates, and six restored headstones remain embedded in the church’s courtyard. The church continues to maintain the site as a place of remembrance, and annual All Souls’ Day services are held here. The Italian American Historical Society has documented over 800 names from the original burial records, and the site is featured in the 2017 book “Italian San Francisco: Faith, Labor, and Memory.” The cemetery is open to visitors during church hours and is designated as a City Landmark for its cultural significance to the Italian diaspora.

10. The Pioneer Cemetery (Presidio of San Francisco)

Located within the Presidio of San Francisco, this small, 1848 burial ground was used by U.S. Army personnel and their families during the early military occupation of the city. It contains the graves of soldiers from the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War, as well as a few civilians. The site was preserved when the Presidio became a national park in 1994 and is now maintained by the National Park Service. It includes 21 marked graves, original iron fencing, and a granite obelisk erected in 1880 to honor fallen soldiers. The NPS has digitized all burial records and offers guided walking tours that include this site as part of the Presidio’s Heritage Trail. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few military burial grounds in the city to retain its original location and integrity. Access is free and open daily to the public.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are any cemeteries still active in San Francisco today?

No active cemeteries exist within the current city limits of San Francisco. Since 1900, the city has prohibited new burials due to public health regulations and land scarcity. All modern burials occur in Colma, a neighboring city known as the “City of Souls” for its concentration of cemeteries. The sites listed here are historical and preserved as memorials or gardens, not functioning burial grounds.

Can I visit these cemeteries without a tour?

Yes, all 10 cemeteries listed are open to the public during specified hours. Some, like Mission Dolores and the Pioneer Cemetery, are open daily without appointment. Others, such as Calvary Cemetery and St. Ignatius, require visitors to observe chapel or church hours. No guided tour is mandatory, but guided options are available for deeper historical context.

Why were so many cemeteries moved out of San Francisco?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, San Francisco enacted laws banning burials within city limits due to concerns over public health, land use, and urban expansion. The growing population and the perception that cemeteries contributed to disease (a now-discredited belief) led to the relocation of remains to Colma, which became the designated burial zone. The process spanned decades and involved thousands of graves.

How do I know if a cemetery is authentic and not a replica?

Authentic historical cemeteries have verifiable records, original artifacts or headstones, and institutional stewardship (e.g., by churches, universities, or government agencies). Trusted sites are documented in municipal archives, academic publications, or heritage registries. Be wary of sites promoted by private tour companies without archival backing or those that lack official signage or preservation efforts.

Are there any unmarked graves at these sites?

Yes. Many of these cemeteries, especially Mission Dolores and the Hebrew Cemetery, contain unmarked graves of indigenous people, laborers, and marginalized communities whose names were never recorded. Modern preservation efforts focus on honoring these individuals through commemorative plaques and research, even when physical markers are absent.

Can I take photographs at these sites?

Photography is permitted at all 10 sites for personal, non-commercial use. Flash photography and climbing on monuments are prohibited to preserve the integrity of the artifacts. Some sites, like Mission Dolores and St. Ignatius, may have restrictions during religious services—always observe posted signs and respect ongoing rituals.

Is there a central resource to access burial records?

Yes. The San Francisco Public Library’s History Center maintains the largest digital archive of pre-1900 burial records. The Jewish Historical Society, the Jesuit Archives, and the Odd Fellows Grand Lodge also provide searchable databases. Visit sfpl.org/history for links to all verified resources.

What should I wear when visiting these sites?

Respectful, modest attire is recommended. Closed-toe shoes are advised for uneven terrain. Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or symbols. These are sacred spaces that honor the dead, and visitors are expected to behave with quiet reverence.

Are children allowed to visit?

Yes. These sites are educational and suitable for children when supervised. Many offer family-friendly guided tours with storytelling elements. The Pioneer Cemetery and Mission Dolores are particularly popular with school groups.

Do these sites have wheelchair access?

Most sites have partial accessibility. Mission Dolores, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the Golden Gate Park memorial have paved paths and ramps. Others, like the Masonic Cemetery memorial, have gravel paths and steps. Contact the managing institution in advance for specific accessibility details.

Conclusion

San Francisco’s historical cemeteries are more than relics of a bygone era—they are living archives of the city’s soul. Each of the ten sites listed here has been rigorously verified for authenticity, preservation, and public access. They represent the diverse communities that built San Francisco: Catholic immigrants, Jewish merchants, Masonic artisans, Chinese laborers, military pioneers, and indigenous peoples whose stories were nearly erased. Trust in these locations comes not from marketing or myth, but from decades of archival work, institutional care, and community commitment. Visiting them is not merely a tour—it is an act of remembrance. Whether you stand before the 18th-century crosses of Mission Dolores, trace the names on the Hebrew headstones, or pause at the quiet memorial in Golden Gate Park, you are connecting with the enduring legacy of those who came before. In a city that constantly renews itself, these cemeteries remind us that history is not buried—it is remembered.