Went recently and thought it was a very good experience for a sad occasion. Staff was very helpful and friendly going above and beyond. Small details like help with parking or a vase for flowers. Beautiful views of the Golden Gate bridge. Premium lots and well kept lawns and gardens. Tons of space - lots open. A beautiful resting place like this I think is helpful for those left behind. Lovely service and some closure. I recently lost another friend without any service with family in another country and it made me realize how important all this is. read more

Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - El Cerrito, California

See all

20 years ago i gave 5 stars all workers were friendly, helpful & 7 yard workers were cool. now? Shows more & more lawn damaged by excavator's crawler tracks drove directly across from one side to other side of the road, even on wet wet days, took lawn & mud away, digging deep into the ground left multiple tranches damaged here there with no repair actions, no respect to the dead. Today, I consider reserved my recommendation. read more

See all

Our dear mother passed away recently after a long convalescence. A few days prior to her passing, we started the dreadful search for a mortuary service. After doing our due diligence in the internet, and reading all the warnings and cautionary tales there, we decided to go with Sunset View Mortuary in El Cerrito. We had friends buried there, and knew that the grounds are beautifully maintained, that the view of the bay is spectacular, and felt that our Mom would be happy to rest here. When we contacted Sunset View, we had the good fortune of meeting Ms. Linda McCloud, who with genuine empathy for our impending loss, showing kindness, lots of patience and without applying pressure, guided us through the process of choosing and finding what we desired. Everything from beginning to end including cremation and burial went beautifully and we are thankful to Sunset view and in particular to Ms. McCloud for making this experience easier. read more

Beautiful grounds. My grandma is here and she's in a location where you see a view of the Bay. It's so beautiful that a family friend who came for her funeral looked around and said, "I want to be buried here." A few years later, he was. The staff is very kind and every time I come for a funeral here, they are always helpful and know how to gently lead you from one phase of the funeral to the other. I remember this one time after my cousin died, going out back as we watched his coffin get rolled into the fire for his cremation. Never thought I'd see that. read more

Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary - Visiting grandma - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - El Cerrito, California

The staff are warm and efficient. The grounds are so well kept. The chapels are just and clean and peaceful. This place has the best views if you're lucky enough to get one or even just walk through it. I know it's not the most popular place anyone wants to talk about or visit. However this is one of the most beautiful cemeteries around. read more

Update on Sunset View Mortuary I wanted to take a moment to share some encouraging news about Sunset View Mortuary. After addressing concerns regarding the service we received during the burial of Marcus D. Oliver on November 14, 2025, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Scott Pennington, who is dedicated to improving the quality of care for families. I'm pleased to report that Sunset View Mortuary is committed to making positive changes, including enhanced staff training and a focus on providing compassionate care for all families, especially those of color. If you're considering their services, I can confidently say they are stepping up to ensure a better experience moving forward. Thank you, Sunset View Mortuary, for your commitment to growth and improvement! AW read more

Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary - Headstone coming soon. Rest on Cousin Marcus! - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Everyone was was so nice and respectful of the traditional cultural funeral ceremony. The Colosseum is absolutely breathtaking. The plot is beautiful also, overlooking the ocean and golden gate. Photograpahy by: KABOO Photography read more

See all

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Even though mortality has been especially prevalent this year, I cannot speak to the funeral or mortuary services offered here as I am but a passing stranger on their impeccably maintained grounds and have spent a meditative moment or two at their grand mausoleum. I even found actor Robert Culp's gravesite. Even the wild deer, geese, and turkeys look comfortable roaming the expanse of hillside green. Their testimonials should really attest to the quality of this memorial park more than any praise I can heap on it personally. I just find it relaxing to walk along their paved roads to get back and forth through the El Cerrito Hills. RELATED - Exploring El Cerrito? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18 read more

See all

My mom suddenly passed in August and so I had her funeral service here. Taryn was amazing in helping me navigate what the next steps were and made sure that we went at my own pace. The day of the funeral, she made sure everything was perfect, made sure my mother looked nice and was there for us throughout the whole service. Thank you Taryn for being amazing and so kind hearted. I would have given this place 5 stars; however, an employee there named Bruce left a bitter taste in my mouth. Being young and having a parent pass away unexpectedly is hard. When I called the mortuary I was speaking with Bruce to ask how I can pay for my mother's funeral. His response was so rude, insensitive and uncaring which is not what I expected from someone who works at a mortuary and has to be there for families like myself who has lost a loved one. He told me and I quote, "Usually people prepare for this kind of thing".... So do people put money aside to help pay for their loved ones funeral expenses? Sometimes people like my mother passes away suddenly and families are at a loss of what to do because of their grief. I loved working with Taryn and her team, but Bruce needs to go to sensitivity training or something because he left me in disbelief with his responses. read more

WORST place ever. I've deal with few agents/employees/cemeteries throughout these few years. When one of my family members passed I urgently need some helps that was why I picked SunsetView, but one of the sales ladies(not gonna disclose her name), she could lie in front of my face, being pushy, and never ever do what she said after we bought everything as needed. I know she is still working in SunsetView Couple years after, I was lucky to meet with another salesman. ONLY Charles (Chuck) can say something that human should say, did what he said, explained every single details that based on my need. Even tho he is retired but he is friendly, understandable, willing to listen and explain what you need exactly. Now, whenever I call the cemetery for certain reason, those ladies over the phone always in a bad mood, have me repeat n repeat the same thing. Not to mention their service or quality, they are impolite whenever it's not something related to sales. Yes prices are cheaper than other cemetery but doesn't mean they can't provide better services, especially they are not cheap tho!!! Having families and friends passed is extremely heavy for us. I truly hope your employees can be more understandable, don't used to what they see and do everyday, and be more polite to their alive/dead customers!!! read more

Thank you Sunset & definitely thank you Tom for being so accommodating for me & my family during my difficult time. If you decide to do business with them I say ask for Tom! He was very prompt with my mom services & very nice! Awesome Personality! Also to the front desk associates, Thank you for showing me where my grandmother & Great Grands were buried. read more

See all

I came to the Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary in El Cerrito 2 years ago to attend my cousin's funeral.......unfortunate for me, I was only able to attend the funeral service, but wasn't able to stay and attend the funeral interment in the ensuing days. 2 years have passed since I last came to the bay area, and the 1st thing that came to my mind when I was back on the mainland, was to pay my respects to my cousin. When I arrived at Sunset View Cemetery, I parked my rental car in their parking lot, then I headed straight for the office to get some help from the staff in locating my cousin. The process was pretty easy, as all I had to do was give them a name, then I gave them the year in which my cousin was buried here. I must say the staff was pretty friendly, and they were very helpful in giving me a map of the park, and marking off the location on where my cousin was buried. I was so happy to be able to find my cousin's final resting spot, and I must say the view from the resting spot was spectacular! The park is well maintained, and green. On a clear day, you will be treated to spectacular views of the SF Bridge & Bay Bridge..........just so beautiful! read more

See all

My family and I have been caregiving for my mother for over a decade and it truly shattered our lives when she passed. I would like to give a special shout out to Darren C. Our family highly recommends Darren. He is incredibly kind, and we feel it was truly meant to be that he was our Funeral Director. He made the difficult process planning my mother's memorial so easy. He is simply amazing and truly treated us like family. He also gave us priceless advice and ideas that were so helpful. We will never forget Darrens unwavering kindness and are eternally grateful for him. Also, all interactions we had with the staff were lovely. The person working the front desk jumped out of their chair to help open the door, so I can carry flowers out. My family will continue to use Sunset Cemetary. And my family thanks Sunset for helping honor my mother so beautifully yesterday. read more

Not going to lie - it's odd to say I have a favorite cemetery. However with the passing of my grandparents within 3 mos. of each other this year, my family has had more than our share of funeral arranging for this year. While it is always tough to think about such a deep issue as planning for a family death, I hope this quick review puts your mind at ease when deciding on a resting place for your loved one. {HIGHLIGHTS} + Efficient funeral arrangements (all services held within a week of family member's passing). You just have to stop by a few days beforehand and fill out necessary paperwork to arrange the funeral. + Staff was friendly, organized, and helpful in leading funeral attendees up the mountain in a caravan-style car train. + Ample seating for elderly during outside services. The seats were stable and did not sink down in the grassy hills. + Death certificates received in mail 2-3 weeks after service + Quick notification of social services (SSI, MediCal, etc.) about your loved one's passing, which saves you the hassle of making that phone call yourself later. + Beautiful grounds (I'm happy to say my grandparents' final resting spot overlooks a gorgeous view of The Bay). The grass on the hills look to be well-maintained when I went to visit for Qing Ming Jie (Chinese holiday in spring where you visit the deceased). I personally love the calming effect of the scenery. {THINGS TO NOTE} - No burial services held on weekends (something about the union preventing this?). You can still have a memorial service and they'll dig the hole on a weekday. - Bring a couple layers when you visit because you're high up in the hills, where it can still get foggy/windy in the warmer months. read more

Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary - View of The Bay from atop the hills - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - El Cerrito, California

We have had Sunset cremate a lot of my family: my grandpa, grandma, uncle and most recently my mom. They are so kind and very quick at replying to your emails. They made a difficult situation (my mom passing) much easier than I expected. My mom dealt with my grandpa, grandma and uncle, so my dad and I handled my mom's final wishes. They even posted her obituary on their site, it was very beautiful. The view from my grandpa's grave is so beautiful. My parents have plots right next to my grandparents but we are keeping my mom's ashes at home, for now, and holding off on burial. Never would I have thought dealing with a mortuary would be a pleasurable occasion, but they made it as easy and stress free as possible. We obviously use Sunset a lot, 4 people in less than 20 years. We will continue to use Sunset, and I will recommend Sunset to other family and friends. To everyone at Sunset: thank you so much. It takes a special person to work in this particular profession and each one of you has what it takes. Thank you again!! read more

I'm very happy and grateful for the exceptional service provided to me and my family during a VERY difficult time of putting my eldest son to rest; no question was left unanswered and the Sunset staff was always available for whatever was needed read more

We appreciated their professionalism and prompt responsiveness. They went out of their way to accommodate us during covid. We are grateful for their services and thoughtful care, and would recommend to friends and family. read more

Sunset View Team...third time I have been here after 9am opening time (today 9:35) to find doors locked...visiting loved ones is important and you need to do bette... read more

Mothers Day today. I went to visit Mom who is next to Dad. They have road blocked. Only walking access to my parents! It is over a .25 mile walk up a hill. Their excuse is something about COVID-19. I do not buy it. Driving there privately in my car is a lot safer than walking by other walkers. I was so upset that I left my mask in the parked car. I realized it after about a block. However, it is not reasonable to wear it there. I am not going to huff & puff (pant) through a mask as I walk up a hill. I could have driven near to the site & then put it on but no way would I walk 1/3 of a mile up a hill with my air intake blocked. How about there very elderly? How about the disabled? read more

In all the years I've lived in El Cerrito I have never been here. Today Nina and I met to look around and visit the grave site of a family member. We met in the parking lot. She had already been to the office and had a map to the grounds w/ the location of the grave marked. I drove and she navigated. The grounds are huge, well maintained and beautifully landscaped w/ diverse trees and bushes. Very park-like. Groundskeepers were busily working and sprinklers were on. We found the location and admired the nearby pond and the trees, inhaling the scent of eucalyptus in the afternoon sun. Nina walked around to find the site. I started, then decided to wait in the car because the ground was more uneven than I felt comfortable navigating. There are several separate areas, each named, and many headstones as well as ground level plaques. There are also more massive, grand, crypt-like memorials. A sign beside the road said the only decoration allowed on graves were fresh cut flowers, which made me wonder about the stones which Jews traditionally place on grave markers as a sign of respect and remembrance. Years ago Alan and I looked at houses bordering the cemetery grounds, one to the north and the other to the east, though we didn't buy either. It would have been quiet and very beautiful to live in close proximity to these grounds. read more

This establishment has been used for my entire family. They have been respectful, compassionate, personable and professional in all of our events. With the recent passing of my father they went above and beyond explaining the events, the process, fees and what they could offer. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The main event was held in the mausoleum due or the size of our gathering. The services provided by them in terms of facilities, cremation, etc. were excellent. And while no one likes to worry or think about costs their packages were very well priced and offered exceptional value. Again per my starting statement my family has come to rely on them to provide exceptional care, guidance and service. I cannot recommend them enough. I want to bring up that the while their entire staff is wonderful, our funeral director Darren did an outstanding job in working with our entire family being patient and as flexible as possible. read more

Some old guy came up in a car while I was visiting my ancestors graves and told me not to let my dog "use the cemetery as a bathroom" and that I'm "very disrespectful". I'm literally visiting my dead relatives. I feel embarrassed for that man. I wish my family was buried somewhere where I feel welcome to visit them. read more

Sunset View Mortuary was a very professional, efficient and caring mortuary. Darren Carter was excellent leading through the process but allowing us to make our own decisions. We highly recommend Sunset View and it is great that the mortuary and cemetery are on the same property. The cemetery itself is a beautiful piece of property to place your loved one. read more

You'll find these spacious and well-kept grounds at the end of Fairmount Avenue (and just a short distance from "Down on the Corner"). Over the years, I have paid my respects or just walked around or to otherwise clear my head. This really is a peaceful and calming place. If you're on foot, you can also access this property on the Kensington side and add to your walking options. And the view of the Bay and SF, especially in early AM or around Sunset can be really stunning. read more

This cemetery recently added speed bumps when you exit the cemetery & it is too high. There are now 3 speed bumps near the office building ! I understand it is for safety, but many cars' bumper have been hit by the speed bumps, because you can clearly see cars' markings on the speed bumps. My car is a regular sedan & not a low rider car. I drove over at an angle slowly, but the front bumper still got scratched by the speed bump. If your car's front bumper has been damaged by the speed bump you should contact the cemetery & request the speed bump to be shaved down. read more

Didn't want to come here. Didn't want to do this. From my first call months ago when my Mom started hospice the staff at Sunset View made things tolerable, even pleasant. There was no sales pitch and all of my questions were answered. I was made to feel like I had choices and plenty of time to change my mind and think things through. Tom took his time with us and called me personally to keep me updated on everything. Best experience one can have during difficult times. read more

I fell in love with the location of this cemetery when I stepped foot into this place. We were looking for a place for burial. My mother had passed away and after scouting many locations in San Jose and Colma, we settled her here. The interior of the buliding is "old school" but they have recently renovated the bathroom tiles and countertops. They have finally fixed the waterfall fountain at the main entrance. Very pleasant staff. The view is amazing, overlooking gold gate bridge and sometimes on a clear day, you will see Alcatrez or maybe it is Angel Island. Very peaceful. At times you can see a deer passing by chomping on flower buds. They only allow fresh cut flowers. This place has been a solace for me for 6+ years. See the photo I have attached. read more

Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary - View overlooking the bay - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I wanted to thank the staff of Sunset View, specially Taryn, Steve, and Chuck. The services for my father were great and they made the process from beginning to end easy for us. My family and I couldnt have asked for a better care and understanding from this team. read more

On a drizzy "dia de los muertos" and while reflecting on the three-year anniversary of my grandfather's passing, it seems appropriate to review the local cemetery. It is hard to like a mortuary, cemetery, crematorium, and urn garden, but the Sunset View Cemetary Association in El Cerrito, California is a great independent family establishment that is celebrating it's 100th anniversary. The service is friendly, the site is well maintained, and the views from the property are incredible if you go there to reflect. Besides visiting my grandfather's grave on occasion, I know the cemetery pretty well because I often bike through it on the way to work. Some people find this disturbing but it is the shortest, safest, least car-traveled route down the hill. And I joke that why be spooked out when my grandfather has made friends with all the other ghosts ... Seriously though the site is really large. The chapel-esqe building and classic old cemetery at the corner of Colusa and Fairmont, are really just a fraction of the grounds. The first time I came through the back, I was shocked to see the size of the Mausoleum (an old spooky building which would make a great haunted house), the expansive lawns, and such treasures as a small waterfall. And really from the top of the property, the view of the bay and the city are absolutely breath taking. And it is nice place to be reminded about the value of life on occasion. The flowers may get eaten by the deer but I still remember the impressions I got after Mother's and Father's day, to see so many grave stones in the back recently visited. So I have to give this association a good review (even though since it is a cemetery, I can't bring myself to give it 5 stars)! read more

Marvin Nelson, the beloved music teacher at ECHS died several years ago. My sister was his pupil but I was not. (Three years older, I had "O" as a teacher.) Anyway...she called, would I go to the funeral? Yep. First time I've been inside the building, which is odd as I grew up a block away. Noticed immediately how much its interior resembled my childhood church. (Not unusual as the Baxter family, from Sunset, also attended my parent's North Berkeley church.) Noticed that there was recorded music. Mr. Nelson would not have approved. Noticed that there were throngs and throngs of people commemorating his life. Mr. Nelson would have been embarrassed. And then the music began. Half a dozen trumpets (live, of course) sang out Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare For the Common Man". Students, teachers, relatives all began to tell tales about this remarkable man. (Turned out he was terrified to choregraph half-time football shows...who knew?) And in the end, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. We all trouped out into the California sunshine. Some of us to Fat Apple's for coffee. Others to his graveside burial. All were invited to eat at Spenger's on the Berkeley waterfront. (Another oldtime Baxter hangout.) My first funeral at Sunset...definitely a five star moment. Who woulda known that the little girl who once took flowers off of the graves to sell at Sunset's gates would be allowed inside the building. But life does have its surprises! Thanks for the music, Mr. Nelson! Best trumpet concert I ever attended! And thank you to the Baxter family...for providing such a nice setting. Definitely nice digs. read more

Hello, Our family lost one of our loved family members at the end of December 2020. Our family worked with Tom at Sunset Cemetery located in El Cerrito. Our whole family really received excellent service from Tom who works at Sunset Cemetery. Tom was very professional with our family when we met with him to set up all of the arrangements and also very helpful too. On the day of our loved family members service Tom had to wear many different hats throughout the whole service. Tom was so patient, helpful and helped our family and the guests to guide all of us where to go next, what would happen next and the whole time he really kept his demeanor cool and calm the whole time. I want to say Thank you very much to Tom from our family. I would for sure recommend Sunset Cemetery to anyone who needs this kind of service at such a hard time. Thank you very much and best wishes. read more

My Dad and my whole family on my Dads side is there and thank goodness. Its a beautiful location and they have always treated my family with respect. If you enjoy going to beautiful cemeteries to read the local history on the markers, I do recommend this. My home town. I will always feel welcome when I visit there. read more

I'm convinced Tom Ottosen is a saint. My family speaks limited English and, frankly, can take forever and a day to agree on a decision under normal circumstances. Tom treated us with so much respect and understanding, which is a testament to his seemingly endless supply of patience. His familiarity with Buddhist funeral and burial practices made this process that much easier. read more

Great place to put your loved ones to rest. Kind, understanding staff (especially Rose). Many of my relatives reside here & the place is always kept up beautifully. read more

See all

I visited sunset view about ten years ago and immediately decided I wanted to be buried there. Impeccable grounds, breathtaking vistas of the GGB, mount tam, SF, and the bay, swaying whispering poplars, birds singing. On top of all that a full service mortuary catering to every detail. When my husband passed recently, I bought a double plot which I visit often. I just wish he could see what a lovely spot he's in! I would give Mike Fry 10 stars for his charming personal caring service. read more

After all this time, (Dad, 30 years and Mom, 2 1/2, years), Sunset View C & M, continues to provide great service. I appreciate the efforts of Stephanie, who provided a usable map (in a matter of minutes) so that family members joining us in a reunion the next day could locate our parents to pay their respect without the fear of getting lost. Thank you, Sunset View for your many years of support and care! read more

Beautifully landscaped and maintained with an excellent view. The mausoleum and columbarium were clean, with classical music playing in the entry hall. The chandeliers were clean as well (no stringy, dusty cobwebs) and caught the lighting nicely. The gold painted ceilings are peeling somewhat but do not distract from the overall appearance of the names on the walls. read more

See all

Hauntingly beautiful place. Tall ceilings, lots of light, giant potted plants, eery opera music and even a library nook with a comfy old couch and a fireplace. read more

See all

My review is from a different perspective from most. I am a photo volunteer for Find a Grave, which means I get requests from all over the country to take pictures of ancestors' graves. The staff at Sunset View are super. They always take the time to help me locate a plot. This is NOT the case universally. Some cemetery staffs go out of their way to be rude and obnoxious, from what other volunteers tell me. Thank you, Sunset! read more

Our entire experience was smooth and easy thanks to Scott Pennington and the first class staff at Sunset View. Scott became our one stop contact during the entire process and was there for us at the viewing in their chapel, funeral mass the next day at St Jerome's Church, and final entombment at St Joseph Cemetery. He made sure that everything went smoothly. We never got the run around. If he promised a phone call at a specific time we got it when promised. We even got a few emails after hours from Scott as he helped us get the obituary published in time. Scott and his staff are experts in their field and did everything possible to help us honor our Mom in a most beautiful and memorable way. read more