Colma’s story is shaped by a history in which cemeteries hold a special cultural significance. Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery was the first cemetery to open in Colma, in 1887. This date provides a clear starting point in time; local cemetery history, California history, and designed landscapes offer different perspectives on the area. Visitors to Colma can focus on historical stories, landscapes, or tree diversity.

Colma’s Cemetery History

The Colma Historical Museum presents the history of Colma’s 16 active cemeteries, from Holy Cross to Pet’s Rest. Its focus is therefore on the development of multiple cemeteries rather than a single site. In the museum, a reconstructed blacksmith shop explains how blacksmith shops evolved into auto repair shops. This exhibit adds a glimpse into the transformation of another trade to the story of the cemeteries.

Parkland and Arboretum

Cypress Lawn is Colma’s largest non-denominational cemetery, covering 148 acres on both sides of El Camino Real. Its 47-acre East Campus features rolling terrain, wide paths, hundreds of trees, and landscaped lakes. It is also the most historic part of the grounds and the first section of the cemetery to open in the 19th century. The acreage figures therefore refer to different areas: the cemetery and its named East Campus.

The Cypress Lawn Arboretum offers another perspective: its living collection includes trees native to every continent except Antarctica. Its botanical focus is on the trees’ origins, while the East Campus is defined by its design and early cemetery history. This distinction helps visitors appreciate the landscape and historical development as separate aspects of Colma.

Museums and Guided Tours

At the Cypress Lawn Heritage Museum, visitors can rediscover California’s history, walk among the trees, and see works of art and historical exhibits. Its focus differs from that of the Colma Historical Museum, which centers on the local cemeteries. By considering the two museums’ themes, visitors can choose between local cemetery history and a broader look at California.

Cypress Lawn also offers docent-led trolley tours through the Memorial Park. The tours are distinguished by their guided format; schedules and availability vary. Check these details before including a tour in your plans.

More Historical Perspectives

Molloy’s Tavern is Colma’s oldest continuously operating business and features an extensive collection of historical photographs. Check its current operating status separately before planning a visit. The photographs add another perspective on local history to the cemetery and museum themes.

The original Cypress Lawn Columbarium is also part of the area’s history: it was the first columbarium in the United States to be built on cemetery grounds. The building is currently closed to the public. Its historical significance and current access restriction should both be taken into account when planning a trip.

Explore more destinations: South San Francisco, San Mateo, Pacifica, Redwood City, Millbrae, Half Moon Bay, San Bruno, Atherton.

Go to the parent travel overview: San Mateo.