The largest final resting place of the famous in Los Angeles is the 300-acre Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Along with dozens of celebrity gravesites, including those of Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor and Errol Flynn, visitors can view sometimes larger-than-life reproductions of famous artwork, as well as several chapels, including a replica of Rudyard Kipling's church. (The smaller Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood is a short drive from the Glendale location.)
Parking and Public Transportation at Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Free parking is available along the roads that wind through the cemetery. Using public transportation, take the Metrolink Ventura County Line to the Glendale station, about half a mile away—but it's preferable to get here by car, since the cemetery is so large and hilly.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Forest Lawn Memorial Park
The best time to go is on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, when special programs honor those buried here. The worst time to go is during or shortly after a rainstorm, because the grassy hills become very slippery.
Admission to Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Admission to Forest Lawn is free.
Must See/Do at Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Visitors should pick up a map at the information booth near the entrance to ensure they don't get lost. However, unlike more tourist-friendly cemeteries like Hollywood Forever, the Forest Lawn map doesn't indicate where to find celebrities' graves.
The Great Mausoleum contains a 30-foot-long, stained-glass replica of "The Last Supper." This is also Michael Jackson's final resting place, but his tomb is off-limits to visitors.
The Court of Freedom, at the northeast corner of the park, includes a mosaic of "The Signing of the Declaration of Independence," and a 13-foot-tall statue of George Washington.
Other Places to Visit Near Forest Lawn Memorial Park
More celebrity gravesites, including those of Lucille Ball and Bette Davis, can be viewed at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is less than 5 miles away. Nature lovers can take a hike along one of the many trails in Griffith Park.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Forest Lawn Memorial Park
The Forest Lawn staff is not fond of lookie loos and will not give directions to the graves of celebrities. So before visiting, consult a website like seeing-stars.com to determine the location of these gravesites.
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and native Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.