Laurel Hill East: Philadelphia's Historic Cemetery & Arboretum
Explore Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill East: a serene cemetery, accredited arboretum, and cultural landmark offering tours, events, and stunning landscapes.
Laurel Hill East, founded in 1836, is a 74-acre historic cemetery and accredited arboretum in Philadelphia's East Falls neighborhood. As the second major rural cemetery in the U.S., it offers a serene landscape with winding paths, grand monuments, and diverse trees, serving as a final resting place for prominent figures and a cultural destination for visitors.
A brief summary to Laurel Hill East
- 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, Allegheny West, Pennsylvania, 19132, US
- +1610-668-9900
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Check the Laurel Hill website for upcoming events, including themed tours, concerts, and workshops.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
- Pick up a free map at the Gatehouse or Central Gate entrances to navigate the cemetery's winding paths.
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, but be respectful of those who are grieving.
- Note that parking inside the cemetery may be limited due to construction; free street parking is available nearby.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Center City Philadelphia, take SEPTA bus route 61 (Ridge Avenue Line) from any stop on 9th Street between Walnut and Arch. Get off at the Clearfield Street stop, directly across from the cemetery gatehouse. Alternatively, take any bus, subway, or El line that crosses Allegheny Avenue, then transfer to the Route 60 bus. The Route 60 will take you to Ridge Avenue, from where the cemetery gatehouse is a short one-block walk southward. A one-way bus fare is $2.50.
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Walking
From the intersection of Kelly Drive and Hunting Park Avenue, there is a pedestrian entrance to Laurel Hill East. Follow the path into the cemetery grounds. Be aware that the walk from this entrance to the main gatehouse is considerable, and involves walking on paved roads with some inclines.
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Driving
From I-76, take exit 341 for Ridge Avenue toward Allegheny Avenue. Continue on Ridge Avenue, and the cemetery will be on your left. Note that parking inside the cemetery at the Ridge Avenue entrance is temporarily suspended due to construction. Free on-street parking is available on nearby streets, such as West Indiana Avenue, Shedwick Street, and 35th Street. Parking along Ridge Avenue is discouraged.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hatfield House
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Loudoun Mansion
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Grumblethorpe
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Unmissable attractions to see
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McMichael Park
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Fairmount Park
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East Fairmount Park
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Kelpius Cave
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Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
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Underground Railroad Museum
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Belmont Plateau
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The Cliffs
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Ohio House
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Girard Avenue Bridge
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Please Touch Museum
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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