8 Ways to Enjoy Historic Oakland Cemetery this Spring
There are so many ways to enjoy Oakland Cemetery any time of year, but we think spring is extra special. Here are eight ways to enjoy Oakland this spring:
Picnic like the Victorians
Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest green space. Do like the Victorians and spend an afternoon in the park, enjoying this island of tranquility in the heart of the city. North Public Grounds, near the main gate on Oakland Avenue, Lion Square in the middle of the cemetery, and Potter’s Field on the eastern edge are the largest open spaces for visitors to enjoy, but you’ll find plenty of smaller, secluded spots around the grounds as you explore.
Walk your dog
With miles of roads and walkways traversing historic Oakland Cemetery’s beautiful and ornate Victorian gardens, dog walkers enjoy Oakland Cemetery every day. While you’re meandering the grounds, just remember to pick up after your four-legged friend (bags are available at the gates and inside the grounds) and to keep your pups on their leash.
Take a romantic stroll
The gates of Oakland are open from sunrise to sunset. Whether you enjoy history, art, horticulture, or just getting a little exercise in a city park, come and enjoy Oakland on foot. Take a stroll through our 48 acres and stop at the Visitors Center to pick up a self-guided map or souvenir to remember your visit. Remember to be careful on our historic roads, paths, and gutters!
Pause for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Whatever time of day you’re here visiting Oakland, make sure you stop for a bite to eat in one of the many fantastic neighborhood restaurants around us. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of Cabbagetown (Carroll Street Café, Little’s, Agave, or Petit Chou), enjoying north Grant Park (Six Feet Under, Tin Lizzy’s, Ria’s Bluebird, FirePit, or Doc Chey’s Grant Park), or exploring the emerging Memorial Drive Greenway Park (Augustines, YourPie, or Farm Burger), there is something for everyone to truly make a day of it.
Ride a bike
The gentle, rolling hills of Oakland are perfect for cyclists of all levels looking to get a few extra miles into a longer ride (the Atlanta Beltline is only a short distance away to our east). Or peddle around the grounds and explore from a different vantage point. If you’re not an avid cyclist but enjoy an occasional ride, you can collect one of the city’s Relay Bike Share bikes at the King Memorial MARTA station, near Revelator Coffee, or outside Doc Chey’s Grant Park for a casual spin.
Celebrate a birthday, wedding, or party
Celebrate your next special occasion in Atlanta’s most historic (and beautiful) park. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding, a small party for ten, or a large gathering for 150, Oakland has the spaces for you: The Beaumont Allen Greenhouse provides a beautiful venue for a wedding ceremony or cocktail party, and the Bobby Jones Room in the 1899 Bell Tower Building seats up to 40 and offers a view of the Atlanta skyline. The grounds themselves are able to host variously sized celebrations throughout. Contact us today to find out how we can help you celebrate in style at historic Oakland Cemetery.
Take a tour
If you’re looking for a deep dive into some aspect of Oakland’s history, take one of our walking tours that are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Our 90-minute overview tour, “Sights, Symbols, and Stories,” is offered at 10:00, 2:00, and 4:00 on Saturdays and Sundays during most of the year. Special Topic Tours (see a full list here) are offered at 6:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. If your group is interested in a private tour just let us know and we can schedule that with you.
Attend a special event or program
There is always something happening at Oakland to help you explore the Cemetery’s history and beauty in new and distinct ways. Whether it’s a Malts & Vaults beer tour, a flashlight tour, Illumine light and art experience, or Tunes from the Tombs music festival, check out Historic Oakland Foundation’s calendar to see what is happening and how you can experience Oakland Cemetery in unique ways.
