Montevista | Bay Area Veterans Cemeteries and Resources
Bay Area Veterans Cemeteries and Resources
Bay Area veterans and their families have access to several VA national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and numerous resources to support military families. Understanding local cemetery options, eligibility, and available services helps veterans and families plan ahead and receive all earned benefits.
This guide covers Bay Area veterans cemeteries, local veteran resources, and how to access burial benefits in Northern California.
VA National Cemeteries Serving the Bay Area
Golden Gate National Cemetery (San Bruno)
Location: 1300 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066
Serving: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay
Status: – Closed to in-ground burials (full) – Accepting cremated remains in columbarium niches – One of California’s most historic veterans cemeteries
History: Established 1941
Features: – Beautiful setting with views of San Francisco Bay – Memorial pathway – Committal shelters – Ample visitor parking
Columbarium availability: Limited but still accepting cremated remains
Contact: 650-589-7737
Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Getting there: – 10 minutes south of San Francisco – Easy access from US-101 and I-280 – Public transportation available
San Francisco National Cemetery (Presidio)
Location: Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94129
Status: Closed to new burials except: – Burial in existing family plots – Some exceptions for eligible family members
History: – Established 1884 – Historic cemetery within Presidio national park – Final resting place for veterans from Civil War through present
Features: – Stunning views of San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge – Historic monuments – Beautiful landscaping – Part of Presidio National Park
Access: Open for visitation; no new burials for most veterans
Contact: 650-589-7737 (administered by Golden Gate National Cemetery)
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Dixon)
Location: 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620
Serving: Northern California including Bay Area, Sacramento region
Status: Open for burials
Distance from Bay Area: – 60 miles from San Francisco – 55 miles from Oakland – 50 miles from San Jose – Approximately 1-1.5 hours drive
Established: 2005
Features: – Modern cemetery design – Columbarium for cremated remains – In-ground burial plots – Committal shelters – Beautiful landscaping with native plants
Capacity: Room for many years of burials
Contact: 707-693-2460
Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Directions: Off I-80 between Sacramento and Bay Area
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery (Santa Nella)
Location: 32053 West McCabe Road, Santa Nella, CA 95322
Serving: Central Valley, portions of Bay Area (South Bay, East Bay)
Status: Open for burials
Distance from Bay Area: – 90 miles from San Jose – 95 miles from San Francisco – 85 miles from Oakland – Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive
Established: 2005
Features: – Modern facility – In-ground burial – Columbarium niches – Committal shelters – Peaceful setting
Contact: 209-854-1040
Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Best for: South Bay and East Bay residents willing to travel
California State Veterans Cemeteries
Northern California State Veterans Cemeteries
California operates state veterans cemeteries with benefits similar to national cemeteries.
California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (Seaside) – Location: Monterey County – Serves Central Coast and portions of Bay Area – Contact: CalVet for information
Future Bay Area locations: – California exploring additional state veterans cemetery sites – Check CalVet website for updates
Benefits at State Veterans Cemeteries
Similar to national cemeteries: – Free burial plot – Opening and closing of grave – Perpetual care – Government headstone – Burial for eligible spouses and dependents
Eligibility: – California residency usually required – Similar service requirements to national cemeteries – May have less restrictive policies than federal cemeteries
Contact: California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) at 1-800-952-5626
Private Cemeteries with Veterans Sections
Bay Area Private Cemeteries
Many private Bay Area cemeteries offer veterans sections or accommodate veterans burial with special considerations.
Veterans sections benefits: – Dedicated area for veterans – May offer discounted rates – Accommodate military honors – Can use VA headstone benefit
Private cemetery advantages: – May be closer than national cemeteries – More location options – Flexible policies – Family can choose preferred cemetery
VA benefits still available: – Free government headstone – Military funeral honors – VA burial allowance (if eligible) – Burial flag
Contact local cemeteries to ask about veterans sections and military accommodations
How to Arrange Burial at Bay Area Veterans Cemeteries
Pre-Need Planning
Apply for pre-need determination: – Confirms eligibility before death – Simplifies arrangements for family – Provides peace of mind
Process: 1. Complete VA Form 40-10007 2. Submit with DD-214 3. Receive eligibility letter 4. Keep with important documents
Does NOT reserve specific gravesite—confirms eligibility only
At-Need Arrangements
When veteran passes away:
Step 1: Contact National Cemetery Scheduling Office – Call 1-800-535-1117 – Available Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm ET – Some evening and Saturday hours
Step 2: Provide information – Veteran’s full name and Social Security number – Military service details – Preferred cemetery – DD-214 or service number
Step 3: Cemetery assigns date – Burial typically scheduled within 5-10 days – Coordinate with funeral home
Step 4: Funeral home coordinates – Delivers casket or urn – Arranges timing with cemetery – Ensures military honors
Bay Area Veterans Resources
Veterans Service Organizations
Organizations helping Bay Area veterans:
American Legion: – Multiple Bay Area posts – Assist with benefit claims – Free help with paperwork
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): – Posts throughout Bay Area – Benefits assistance – Community support
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): – Helps with disability claims – Transportation assistance – Benefits counseling
All services free to veterans and families
VA Medical Centers and Clinics
San Francisco VA Medical Center – 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco – Full-service medical center – Benefits counseling available
VA Palo Alto Health Care System – 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto – Serves Peninsula and South Bay
Multiple community-based outpatient clinics: – Oakland – Martinez – San Jose – Santa Rosa – Others throughout Bay Area
Contact: 1-800-827-1000 for nearest facility
CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs)
Bay Area CalVet offices: – Provide state veterans benefits information – Help with federal benefits – Connect veterans to resources
Services: – Benefits counseling – Claim assistance – Information on state cemeteries – Veterans homes information
Contact: 1-800-952-5626 or www.calvet.ca.gov
County Veterans Service Officers
Every Bay Area county has Veterans Service Officer (VSO):
Free services: – Help filing VA claims – Benefits counseling – Burial benefits assistance – Connecting to local resources
Find your county VSO: – Search “[Your County] Veterans Service Officer” – Usually located at county government offices
Funeral Homes Experienced with Veterans
Many Bay Area funeral homes specialize in veterans services: – Coordinate with national cemeteries – Arrange military honors – Help with VA paperwork – File benefit claims
Ask funeral homes: – Do you regularly handle veterans funerals? – Can you coordinate with national cemeteries? – Do you assist with VA burial allowance claims?
Planning Checklist for Bay Area Veterans
Documents to Gather
Essential documents: – DD-214 (discharge papers) – Marriage certificate (for spouse benefits) – Birth certificates (for dependent benefits) – Social Security card – VA benefit information
Store safely and inform family of location
Decisions to Make
Burial location: – National cemetery (which one?) – State veterans cemetery – Private cemetery with veterans section
Burial vs. cremation: – In-ground burial – Cremation with inurn in columbarium – Cremation with scattering
Services: – Graveside only – Full funeral service – Memorial service
Document preferences in funeral planning document
Benefits to Claim
Available benefits: – National cemetery burial (free) – VA burial allowance (if eligible) – Military funeral honors – Free headstone – Burial flag – Presidential Memorial Certificate
Each requires application—don’t miss benefits earned
Transportation Considerations
Distance to National Cemeteries
Bay Area residents face distance trade-offs:
Closer but limited: – Golden Gate (San Bruno): Close but cremation only
More accessible: – Sacramento Valley (Dixon): 1-1.5 hours, open for burials
Farthest: – San Joaquin Valley (Santa Nella): 1.5-2 hours
Consider: – How often will family visit? – Can elderly relatives make the trip? – Is distance worth national cemetery benefits?
Transportation Resources
DAV transportation: – Disabled American Veterans provide rides to VA facilities – May assist with cemetery visits
Ask funeral home: – Coordinate transportation for family – Arrange funeral procession
Common Questions
Which Bay Area national cemetery should I choose? Golden Gate (San Bruno) for cremation only. Sacramento Valley (Dixon) for burial or cremation—closest open cemetery.
Can I be buried at the Presidio? Only in existing family plots. Generally closed to new burials.
How far is the nearest open national cemetery? Sacramento Valley (Dixon) is about 60 miles, 1-1.5 hours from most Bay Area locations.
Are there state veterans cemeteries in the Bay Area? Not directly in Bay Area currently. California may add more in future.
Can I use a private Bay Area cemetery and still get VA benefits? Yes. You can receive VA burial allowance, free headstone, military honors, and burial flag at private cemeteries.
How do I find veterans resources near me? Contact county Veterans Service Officer or call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Key Takeaways
Bay Area veterans cemetery options:
- Golden Gate National Cemetery (San Bruno): Cremation only, closest to SF
- Sacramento Valley (Dixon): Open for burials, 1-1.5 hours from Bay Area
- San Joaquin Valley (Santa Nella): Open for burials, 1.5-2 hours from Bay Area
- SF Presidio: Closed except existing family plots
- State veterans cemeteries: Limited Bay Area options currently
- Private cemeteries: Available throughout Bay Area with VA benefits
- Veterans resources: VFW, American Legion, DAV, county VSOs, CalVet
- Pre-planning recommended: Confirm eligibility and preferences in advance
Bay Area veterans have multiple cemetery options and robust support resources.
Veterans Cemetery and Resources Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens assists Bay Area veterans and families with understanding cemetery options, accessing national and state veterans cemeteries, and connecting with local veterans resources. We coordinate with all Bay Area veterans cemeteries to ensure proper honors.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss veterans cemetery options and local resources for Bay Area military families.