City of Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary, Mausoleum

City of Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary is a historic full-service funeral home, cemetery, and cremation provider that has served the Santa Monica community for over 100 years. Wholly owned and operated by the City of Santa Monica, this serene 26-acre property offers a peaceful respite in the heart of the bustling city. The dedicated and compassionate staff is available 24 hours a day to assist families during their most difficult times, providing comprehensive funeral, burial, and cremation services. Woodlawn is also one of the first public mausoleums in California, featuring stunning Spanish Churrigueresque ornamentation imported from Mexico, with marble and granite from Italy, stained-glass windows, and tapestries by renowned artist Hugo Ballin.

Dating back to 1875, the cemetery was originally known as Ballona Township Cemetery, located within the Mexican rancho La Ballona. The land was owned by Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker, a wealthy Californio landowner and philanthropist often called the "Godmother of Santa Monica." In 1884, she deeded the site to her nephew Juan Carrillo, who in turn donated it to the city in 1897. Carrillo, a former city trustee and police judge, along with his son actor Leo Carrillo of "Cisco Kid" fame, are buried here. Over the decades, Woodlawn has become the final resting place for many notable figures, including astronaut Sally Ride (the first American woman and known LGBTQ astronaut in space), African American cowboy Nat Love ("Deadwood Dick"), real estate developer Abbot Kinney (creator of Venice canals), and pioneering surfer Nick Gabaldon.

Woodlawn offers a range of services to meet diverse needs. As a full-service funeral home, it provides traditional burial, cremation, and green (natural) burial options designed to minimize environmental impact. The facility includes an on-site chapel for services, and the grounds offer a beautiful setting for reflection and celebration of life. The mortuary is wheelchair accessible with on-site parking. Families can access comprehensive and general price lists to make informed decisions. The historic mausoleum, built in 1927 and acquired by the city in 1972, is a significant architectural landmark featuring Spanish Colonial Revival style and exquisite interior artwork by Hugo Ballin, who himself is interred there.

Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary remains a vital community resource, blending rich history with compassionate, modern funeral care. Its staff is dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones in personal and meaningful ways, whether through traditional ceremonies or environmentally conscious interments. The cemetery is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on weekends.