Colma: Discover Cemetery Culture and the Arboretum

Colma combines cemetery culture, Californian history, and designed landscapes in an unusual way. Those who want to combine a trip with cultural discoveries and experiences in nature will find several different focal points here: historic cemeteries, museums, tree and garden landscapes, and a unique local history. When choosing a vacation rental in Colma, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider which of these themes should shape your trip.

Cemetery Culture and Local History

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery was the first cemetery to open in Colma, in 1887. The Colma Historical Museum presents the history of the town’s 16 active cemeteries—from Holy Cross, which opened in 1887, to Pet’s Rest. This makes it possible to trace Colma’s development through specific places and institutions rather than learning about it only through individual dates.

Cypress Lawn also encompasses several historical layers. The East Campus is the most historic area of the grounds and was the first part of the cemetery to open in the 19th century. Cypress Lawn is also considered the largest non-denominational cemetery in Colma and covers 148 acres on both sides of El Camino Real. Cypress Lawn’s original columbarium was the first columbarium in the United States to be built on cemetery grounds.

Another unusual stop is Molloy’s Tavern. It is Colma’s oldest continuously operating commercial establishment and displays an extensive collection of historic photographs. Those interested in the town’s development and everyday history will find a different perspective here than at the museum or cemetery grounds.

Arboretum, Paths, and Designed Landscapes

Cypress Lawn offers not only historical connections but also an extensive garden and tree landscape. The Cypress Lawn Arboretum preserves almost 3,000 trees in a 300-acre conservation area. The living collection includes trees native to every continent except Antarctica. This diversity makes the arboretum a destination in its own right for visitors who want to explore plants and landscapes.

Cypress Lawn’s 47-acre East Campus was designed with hilly terrain, broad paths, hundreds of trees, and landscaped lakes. At the Cypress Lawn Heritage Museum, you can rediscover California’s history, walk among the trees, and see works of art and historical exhibitions. Cypress Lawn also offers docent-led trolley tours through the Memorial Park. Depending on your interests, you can therefore include a self-guided walk, a museum visit, or a guided tour in your plans.

Colma as a Starting Point for Different Days of Travel

For families and other travel groups, Colma’s appeal lies in the combination of different reasons to visit. One day can focus on historic cemetery culture and exhibitions, while on another occasion the trees, lakes, and paths of the Cypress Lawn Arboretum can take center stage. The reconstructed blacksmith’s workshop at the Colma Historical Museum also explains how blacksmith shops evolved into auto repair shops, adding insight into craftsmanship and technological changes to the town’s history.

The town’s history also includes the Colma BART station, which opened for passenger service in February 1996. Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park is also a place where families can come together to remember their loved ones. This aspect is respectfully part of the site’s significance today.

More Places to Consider

If you would like to compare other places with Colma for your travel planning, you can find Atherton, Burlingame, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Pacifica, San Bruno, Belmont and Millbrae here.

To the higher-level travel overview: San Mateo.