Planning Your Visit

Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts welcomes visitors year-round to explore one of America’s oldest and most beautiful garden cemeteries. Established in 1848, Forest Hills is known for its historic landscape, nationally recognized memorial sculpture, and peaceful grounds designed for reflection, learning, and quiet exploration.

Whether you are visiting a loved one, planning your first visit, or exploring the grounds, the information below will help you feel prepared and welcome.

Rules & Etiquette

Maps, Tours, & Resources

Photography Policy

For current seasonal closing times or questions, please call 617-524-0128.

Hours, Gates & Office Information

Forest Hills Cemetery
95 Forest Hills Ave, Boston, MA 02130
  • Main Entrance (Forest Hills Avenue)
    Opens daily at 8:00 am; closing times vary seasonally.
  • Walk Hill Gate (Southwest / “Back Gate”)
    Open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm year-round.
  • Tower Street Pedestrian Gate
    Opens daily at 8:30 am; closing times vary seasonally.

  • The Cemetery Office is located next to the Main Entrance Gate and is open:

    • Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
    • Saturday: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
    • Closed on major holidays, except Memorial Day (8:30 am – 1:00 pm)

Visitor Rules & Etiquette

Forest Hills Cemetery is an active burial ground and a place of remembrance. To help preserve a respectful and peaceful environment for all visitors, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:

  • Dog-walking, bicycling, and jogging are not permitted
  • Please be mindful of funerals and cemetery services in progress
  • Do not disturb wildlife or natural plantings
  • Avoid climbing on monuments, trees, or structures
  • Please do not lean on monuments for support

These guidelines help maintain the dignity and tranquility of the cemetery. Visitors who do not comply may be asked to leave the grounds.

Maps, Tours & Visitor Resources

A detailed map of the cemetery grounds is available at the Cemetery Office. A full-color Visitor’s Guide, featuring more than 60 points of interest and recommended self-guided tours, is available at the Visitor’s Kiosk inside the Main Gate for a suggested $1 donation to the Forest Hills Educational Trust.

Visitors interested in learning more about the cemetery’s history may also purchase the following publications at the Cemetery Office:

  • Garden of Memories by Susan Wilson — a guidebook featuring six self-guided tours

  • Forest Hills Cemetery by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco — a photographic history spanning more than 170 years

Photography Overview

Visitors are welcome to photograph the cemetery’s architecture, landscape, wildlife, and sculpture. To protect the privacy of families, photography of headstones is not permitted unless conducted by the deceased’s next-of-kin or lot owner.

Photography may require advance permission or a permit. All photographers must check in at the Cemetery Office during visiting hours.

For complete photography guidelines and permit information, please download our Photography Policies document.

Visitors wishing to leave floral tributes
at graveside are welcome to do so.

Florist deliveries are accepted; florists should deliver arrangements to the Cemetery Office with the name of the deceased, and cemetery staff will ensure flowers are delivered to the appropriate gravesite.