1. Arlington National Cemetery – No Jogging Allowed
You might expect silence and reverence at Arlington National Cemetery, but did you know even jogging is banned? That’s right—if you’re wearing workout gear and plan to get your steps in, you’ll have to go somewhere else. The cemetery enforces strict decorum rules, which include no running, no music, and no casual strolling. They want to ensure that the mood stays respectful at all times, according to Lonely Planet.
This might sound extreme, but given it’s the final resting place of over 400,000 military veterans and their family members, the strictness makes sense. Still, it’s wild to think you could be reprimanded for simply moving too fast. Even bicycles are banned unless you’re using them to commute directly through. It’s a somber, sacred space—with a surprisingly firm stance on cardio.
2. Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale, CA) – No Picnicking, Seriously
Forest Lawn in Glendale looks more like an art museum than a cemetery, according to Greg Melville from Smithsonian Magazine, with its manicured gardens, sculptures, and stained glass displays. But don’t let the park-like setting fool you—picnicking is strictly prohibited. Despite all the grassy open spaces, you’re not allowed to plop down with a sandwich or even a juice box. Security is quick to stop any such attempts.
This rule feels oddly strict, especially since many cemeteries have shifted toward a more park-like atmosphere in recent decades. But Forest Lawn wants to maintain a sense of decorum and discourage people from treating it like a weekend hangout. It’s a “look but don’t linger” kind of vibe. You can admire the art, but don’t dare break out a charcuterie board.
3. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (New Orleans, LA) – Visitors Must Be Chaperoned
This historic New Orleans cemetery is famous for its above-ground tombs and voodoo lore, including the reputed grave of Marie Laveau. But if you want to visit, you’ll need a licensed tour guide—solo visits have been banned since 2015. The reason? Rampant vandalism and growing concern for preservation forced the Archdiocese to step in.
It’s a bizarre rule on paper, but one rooted in serious issues. Vandals had been painting, chipping, and even trying to break into the crypts. By requiring chaperoned tours, they’ve greatly reduced damage while still allowing people to visit. It’s not every day you’re required to be part of a tour group to enter a cemetery.
4. Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn, NY) – You Can Take a Trolley Tour
This Victorian-era cemetery in Brooklyn is more than just a resting place—it’s also a full-blown historical attraction, according to Noah Sheidlower from Untapped New York. On certain days, you can hop on a vintage-style trolley and get a narrated tour of the grounds. Guides share stories of Civil War generals, artists, and even mobsters buried there. It’s like a ghost story on wheels.
The idea of taking a trolley through a cemetery may sound like something from a Tim Burton film. But Green-Wood leans into its role as a cultural site. They even host art exhibits and walking tours year-round. It’s a cemetery that doubles as a rolling history lesson.
5. Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah, GA) – No Professional Photography Without a Permit
Bonaventure is one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the U.S., thanks to its moss-draped oaks and hauntingly beautiful statues. But if you plan on bringing a pro camera setup or filming anything, you’ll need to get a permit from the city, according to the City of Savannah. Even engagement photos or spooky TikToks require approval. The city charges fees and has guidelines for when and where you can shoot.
This rule might sound like overkill, but it’s about preserving the integrity of the site. Some visitors have staged elaborate photo shoots, even climbing on graves. The permit system helps regulate traffic and discourage disrespectful behavior. So yes, your artsy Halloween reel might need city approval.
6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles, CA) – Yes, You Can Watch a Movie Here
This might sound like the opposite of weird, but Hollywood Forever hosts outdoor movie nights on top of graves. Thousands gather every summer to watch cult classics projected on the side of a mausoleum. People bring blankets, wine, and snacks—it’s like a cemetery picnic and drive-in hybrid. The deceased include Hollywood legends like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.
It’s part party, part memorial, and 100% L.A. While it may sound disrespectful, the events are surprisingly reverent and well-organized. Organizers argue it brings life (and art) to a place full of history. Still, it’s hard not to blink twice the first time you hear, “Let’s catch a movie at the cemetery.”
7. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (Sleepy Hollow, NY) – No Costumes Allowed, Even on Halloween
You’d think a place famous for the Headless Horseman would embrace Halloween with open arms. But not at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where wearing costumes—especially during October—is strictly forbidden. The rule was created to discourage rowdy behavior and ghost-hunting theatrics. Even period attire or cosplay is a no-go.
It’s ironic, given how tied this cemetery is to spooky lore and literature. You can go on candlelight tours, but you have to leave your cloak and lantern at home. Cemetery officials want visitors focused on history, not Halloween hijinks. In the land of Ichabod Crane, the rules are surprisingly square.
8. Key West Cemetery (Key West, FL) – Cheeky Epitaphs Encouraged
Some cemeteries forbid anything too out-of-line on headstones, but Key West? They practically invite it. One of the most famous tombstones there reads, “I Told You I Was Sick.” Another simply says, “I’m Just Resting My Eyes.”
This offbeat tradition fits perfectly with Key West’s quirky, irreverent vibe. The cemetery is a mosaic of tongue-in-cheek humor and sincere tributes. Officials haven’t cracked down on these epitaphs—in fact, they’re part of what draws tourists. Not many cemeteries can claim to make people laugh and cry in equal measure.
9. Boothill Graveyard (Tombstone, AZ) – Fake Graves, Real Weird
Tombstone’s Boothill Graveyard is a Wild West relic that doubles as a tourist trap. While it does contain real graves from the 1800s, several headstones were added later—purely for dramatic effect. Some even have made-up names or invented epitaphs like “Here Lies Lester Moore, Four Slugs from a .44, No Les No More.” Visitors often walk away not realizing some of it’s a show.
This mixing of fact and fiction is deliberate and makes for a surreal experience. The fake graves are part of Tombstone’s broader mythology, which leans heavily into its shootout-at-the-O.K.-Corral past. It’s technically a cemetery, but also a historical theme park. Expect your history served with a side of theatrical flair.
10. Lake View Cemetery (Cleveland, OH) – Don’t Feed the Squirrels
Lake View is known for its ornate Garfield Memorial and peaceful wooded paths. But one rule that catches visitors off guard? Feeding the squirrels is forbidden. Apparently, the local rodent population got a little too comfortable with snack-bearing tourists.
It may sound minor, but the cemetery had to act after multiple reports of aggressive behavior and damage to landscaping. Officials posted signs asking people not to encourage the furry freeloaders. They want to preserve the quiet, natural feel of the grounds—not turn it into a squirrel rave. So, save your peanuts for another park.
11. Congressional Cemetery (Washington, D.C.) – Members-Only Dog Park
Yes, there’s a cemetery in D.C. where locals pay an annual fee so their dogs can run off-leash—on graves. Congressional Cemetery offers a unique dog-walking program where members are allowed to bring their pets into the cemetery as a park alternative. They’ve even installed waste stations and have community rules. It’s both eerie and endearing.
Some might call it disrespectful, but the cemetery encourages it as a way to keep the grounds active and safe. The program has brought in funds and foot traffic, which help with preservation. Still, the mental image of golden retrievers frolicking between tombstones is hard to unsee. It’s like Scooby-Doo meets suburban D.C.
12. Resurrection Cemetery (Justice, IL) – The Home of “Resurrection Mary”
While this Catholic cemetery outside Chicago doesn’t have weird rules, it’s the unwritten ones that make it strange. Locals know it as the home of “Resurrection Mary,” a famous ghost said to hitch rides from unsuspecting drivers. Security reportedly keeps a closer eye out during the anniversary of her supposed death. Staff have been known to get annoyed by people loitering near her rumored grave.
Although the cemetery doesn’t officially ban ghost hunters, they do discourage late-night wandering. The lore around Mary draws thrill-seekers from all over the Midwest. It’s not in the rulebook, but let’s just say hanging out by the front gates at midnight isn’t encouraged. If the ghost doesn’t get you, security probably will.
13. Mountain View Cemetery (Oakland, CA) – Home to a Pyramid
Among the rolling hills and graves of Mountain View Cemetery stands… a full-sized stone pyramid. Built in the 1800s by millionaire William Bourn, it’s meant to evoke Egyptian tombs and eternal life. And yes, the rules prohibit climbing it, no matter how Instagrammable it looks. Guards are known to patrol the area just to stop overzealous explorers.
The pyramid stands out like a sore thumb—and that’s exactly the point. Victorian-era symbolism often included exotic elements, but this takes it to another level. You can admire it, just don’t try to scale it for a selfie. Eternal rest doesn’t come with climbing privileges.
14. Evergreen Cemetery (Gettysburg, PA) – No Metal Detectors Allowed
Given the area’s Civil War history, you might assume relic hunters flock to Gettysburg’s Evergreen Cemetery. And you’d be right—until they’re stopped at the gate. The cemetery has a hard ban on metal detectors, digging tools, or any relic-hunting gear. The rule’s in place to protect the historic grounds from looters.
Even though it’s adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, the cemetery is a separate site with its own preservation guidelines. The temptation to look for old bullets or belt buckles is strong, but officials won’t tolerate it. It’s one of those places where the line between history and grave-robbing is razor-thin. So bring your reverence, not your shovel.
