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Bonaventure Cemetery

Eerily beautiful and strangely calming, this is more than a burial ground. Visit the tranquil garden and admire the impressive sculptures.

Bonaventure Cemetery: Our most recommended tours and activities

Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott

1. Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott

Enjoy a 2-hour cultural and historical tour of Bonaventure, a more than 200-acre land which one can freely wander but better explore with an exceptional guide at the helm.  On this tour with Shannon Scott or one of his incredible guides, you will come to see the important aspects of the cemetery and understand Bonaventure’s many layers, from the 18th-century plantation era, and the Victorian cemetery, to all of the art and traditions of the place. Stroll around the live oak avenues of the Cotton Boom yesteryear and hear about the people that made all of those buildings and squares in town so infamous and colorful.  Some of the characters, such as "Crooner of 1500 Songs" Johnny Mercer and writer Conrad Aiken, are world-renowned, while others you will come to love were famous only in their hometown Savannah. Other characters consist of photographers, painters, scientists, soldiers, industrialists, and duelists. Bonaventure is characterized by great sculpture and here you will see the works of some of the greatest artists of their period.  The cemetery is a visual playground of symbols pertaining to everything from the Masonic Lodge mentioned in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code to the Bible, Ancient Egypt, and everything symbolizing the religious, fraternal, and eternal.  From angels to cherubs to lifelike figures of the people buried there, you'll get to see them all.

Savannah: Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

2. Savannah: Wormsloe Plantation and Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

Your day begins with a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery to learn about the lives of notable inhabitants such as, Academy Award-winning songwriter Johnny Mercer, Georgia’s first governor Edward Telfair, philanthropist Mary Telfair, as well as the tragic tales of poet Conrad Aiken and Gracie Watson. The Cemetery walking tour meanders under moss-draped oaks and along the bluff of the Wilmington River. Bonaventure Cemetery, dating back to 1846, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries. Following the cemetery tour, you will have lunch on your own at a favorite local restaurant. After lunch, the day continues to Wormsloe Historic site. Your visit to Wormsloe includes a breathtaking drive down the famous live oak tree-lined drive. You will take a short walk to see the Plantation Tabby Ruins that date to the 18th Century and visit the museum of the Georgia State Park Historic Site. Finally, a stop is scheduled at the Famous Savannah Byrd Cookie Company headquarters for shopping and tastings of Byrd’s Famous Cookies. Key Lime, Bennie Bits and Cheddar Cheese are just of few of the favorites.

Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery After-Hours Tour

3. Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery After-Hours Tour

Visit Bonaventure Cemetery after hours and discover the mysteries of this place, made famous by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Take a 3-hour guided tour of the cemetery after dark, and explore the stories and the human drama behind the graves at this site. Stroll amongst the Gothic graves, towering oak trees, and trailing Spanish moss, the perfect backdrop for your eerie nighttime tour. Led by an expert storyteller guide, listen to tales of serial killers, root doctors, and doomed love affairs. Learn about freemasonry, and the other secret societies linked to the region.

Savannah: Full Admission Tour Pass for 30+ Tours

4. Savannah: Full Admission Tour Pass for 30+ Tours

Gain full admission to 30+ top Savannah tours, attractions, and historic sites, and save up to 40% or more off of what you would normally pay with this Savannah Tour Pass. Skip the lines and make reservations in advance of your trip. Choose a 1-day pass to get started. You can always upgrade to more days if needed. Take advantage of a 100% digital pass with interactive maps, booking tools, and detailed information. Simply show your digital pass at the ticket window for your chosen tour or attraction. Upon purchase, you will receive a text and email to start using the pass on your smartphone where you can choose from a selection of hand-selected tours, attractions, and historic sites. Get instant access to tours and attractions where full admission is included. Pass Options (multi-day passes can be used on non-consecutive days): • 1-Day Savannah Tour Pass: Choose 2 "Featured tours" + visit unlimited "Standard" attractions for 1 day Featured Tours (requires reservations which can easily be made within the Mobile Pass): • Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour • Savannah Riverboat Cruise • A Walk Through Midnight Walking Tour • America's Most Haunted Walking Tour • Bicycle Guided Historical Tour • Bicycle Rental - All Day • Bonaventure Cemetery Tour • Dolphin Daytime Eco Boat Cruise • Sunset Dolphin Boat Cruise • Carriage Tour • Civil War Walking Tour • Haunted Paranormal Ghost Walking Tour • Haunted Pubs Tour • Pounce Cat Cafe • Savannah Experience Trolley Tour • Savannah Stroll Historic Walking Tour • Savannah Theatre Show Admission Walk-In or Standard Attractions (no reservation required and can be visited anytime during operating hours): • Andrew Low House Museum • Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters • Telfair Academy House Tour • Prohibition Museum • Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace House Museum • Savannah History Museum • Pinpoint Heritage Museum • Old Fort Jackson • Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum • Jepson Center for the Arts • Harper Fowlkes House Tour • Green Meldrim House Tour • Georgia State Railroad • Davenport House Museum • Savannah Square Pops

Savannah Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

5. Savannah Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Grab a Chatham Artiller Punch and explore the darkest corners of this haunted southern city. You'll meet your expert guide at haunted Oglethorpe Square, where Yellow Fever victims still wander the pathways — delirious and zombie-like. From there, you'll visit seven other iconic sites, including four of the city's best pubs. Enjoy beer, wine, or spirits as you hear tales of ghostly cooks, deadly duels, and creepy hotels. By the time you end your night at the Savannah Taphouse, you'll have a nice buzz and plenty of chilling stories to entertain friends and family back home. Are you brave enough to step into the shadows? The spirits are waiting.

Savannah: Best of the City Tour with Wormsloe Historic Site

6. Savannah: Best of the City Tour with Wormsloe Historic Site

Embark on an exciting adventure through the enchanting streets of Savannah with our Best of Savannah Small Group Tour. Led by our knowledgeable local guide, prepare for a journey filled with captivating stories and hidden gems that will leave you spellbound. Your tour will begin with a friendly tour guide picking you up directly from your hotel in downtown Savannah. Your first stop is the Wormsloe Historic Site, a picturesque plantation where Noble Jones built a fortified colonial home. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the lush forest and explore Oak Avenue, with over 400 perfectly aligned oak trees. Your next stop is the riverside fishing village of Isle of Hope. This picturesque location amidst the beautiful marshes of Georgia’s tidewater zone are sure to impress! We then make our way to the world famous Bonaventure Cemetery, a captivating and hauntingly beautiful resting place that exudes history and charm. This renowned 19th-century cemetery boasts breathtaking sculptures, intricate tombstones, and serene moss-draped oak trees that create an evocative and tranquil atmosphere. Its historic significance and captivating aesthetics draw visitors from all over the world, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an enchanting glimpse into the past. Next, embark on a narrated driving tour. Your guide will regale you with captivating stories and historical insights about the city's architectural wonders, including Bull Street, the majestic Cathedral of Saint John, the intriguing Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the historic First African Baptist Church, among others. Our journey ends with a relaxing drive back to your downtown Savannah hotel, where you can reflect on the treasures discovered during this fun-filled tour of Savannah. So join our lively small group and get ready to experience the best of Savannah's charm, history, and unforgettable moments that will leave you with a smile on your face and memories to last a lifetime.

Tombs of Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Experience

7. Tombs of Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Experience

Step onto the worn paths of Bonaventure, a 19th-century cemetery lined with monuments, shaded by oak trees and Spanish moss. Find yourself walking in a time bubble as modern Savannah fades into the background the further you follow your tour guide along the Wilmington River. Walk through one of the most-photographed cemeteries in the world and discover why tourists are drawn in from around the world. Follow your guide through the 100-acre historical site that looks more like an art museum than a burial ground. See famed works like “Little Gracie,” a hauntingly beautiful marble statue that resembles the 6-year-old that was buried here so closely her parents couldn’t bear to look at it. Learn about the lives and deaths of southern icons like the Mercer family who were laid to rest here.

Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

8. Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

Experience a guided walking tour inside this treasured American landmark, preserving over 170 years of history. Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the world's most famous cemeteries, capturing the imaginations of writers, poets, naturalists, photographers, and filmmakers for decades. Immerse yourself in its picturesque landscape, rich legacy, and timeless symbolism, and learn about the captivating lives of its famous inhabitants. It truly is a place where death and beauty meet. The tour begins and ends at our Bonaventure Cemetery Tours Gift Shop, with free parking, private restrooms, and a selection of refreshments and gifts for purchase.

Savannah: Small-Group Guided Historical Tour

9. Savannah: Small-Group Guided Historical Tour

Join your expert guide on a historical sightseeing walking tour in a small-group setting. Visit the historical district town, plus Bonaventure Cemetery. Best of all, pickup and drop-off are included. Visit Savannah’s 22 historical squares where you will see lovely homes, beautiful churches, charming inns, and museums amidst the shade of live oak trees and intimate green space Take a peek at late Victorian and Queen Anne architecture in this lovely historical district, the crown jewel of Savannah’s Antebellum architecture. Take in many grand places of worship on your tour. Stroll to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, an impressive 19th century Roman Catholic cathedral & seat of the Bishop of Savannah Also not to be missed is Christ Church. Established in 1733 with the founding of the colony of Georgia, this church is known as “The Mother Church of Georgia”. Wesley Monumental Church, a 19th century Methodist church dedicated as a monument to John and Charles Wesley, is also on the itinerary for your tour. Last up is Bonaventure Cemetery. located on the site of a former plantation. Hear and see how the cemetery was featured in the novel and film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”.

Bonaventure Cemetery: Private Tour with Shannon Scott

10. Bonaventure Cemetery: Private Tour with Shannon Scott

Join historian and artist Shannon Scott for an insider's view into the fascinating historic cemetery and the famed dead. Embark on a walking tour as you learn about history from the mid-18th century Bonaventure Plantation era. Admire the most sumptuous natural landscapes that you'll ever observe in a cemetery anywhere in the world. Hear about famed figures that have made their mark on Savannah's history, their connections to The Historic District and the world at large.  The tour is particularly focused on symbols and the hidden language of cemeteries. Gain an insight into the world of Freemasonry, which was born in Savannah and led the path for other secret societies to follow. Learn how to decode such objects or truly see them in their proper light.  At heart though, this tour is about storytelling and you'll quickly see that Shannon Scott is well-heeled in the art form and truly brings Bonaventure's dead to life. This private tour will provide access to more locations, more details, and Shannon's expert attention than the group tour.

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What people are saying about Bonaventure Cemetery

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 320 reviews

Our tour guide Dennis wasn’t outstanding. Very personable and full of historical information. I will definitely request him again as a tour guide. Highly recommend the tour.

Paschal was an excellent guide, informative, conversational, and entertaining. His knowledge of the cemetery and it’s history is extensive. Highly recommend.

Our guide was very personable and knowledgeable. I think everyone in the group enjoyed the tour a little more because of him.

Albert was or tour guide and he was very knowledgeable. It was a great tour to see more of Savannah!

It was a wonderful tour from startt to finish. I learned a lot & enjoyed it, too.