When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Dearly Departed
Why Dearly Departed is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dearly Departed offers a unique and intriguing destination perfect for those who enjoy combining history, Hollywood lore, and the macabre. Located at 5901 Santa Monica Blvd., directly across from the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery, this museum and tour company provide a one-of-a-kind meetup spot. Visitors can explore an array of unusual artifacts from Los Angeles' glitzy yet grim past, including items such as Mae West’s false teeth, parts of Rock Hudson’s deathbed, and a bloodstained vintage car linked to actress Jayne Mansfield’s tragic accident. Beyond the museum's fascinating collection, Dearly Departed also conducts deeply researched tours to locations steeped in celebrity deaths and notorious murders, such as the homes, gravesites, and crime scenes associated with Marilyn Monroe and the Manson family. This combination of artifacts and immersive tour experiences creates a compelling atmosphere that sparks conversation, intrigue, and shared exploration among friends. The adjacent Hollywood Forever Cemetery provides an added layer of cultural significance and ambiance, making Dearly Departed a captivating meeting place for groups interested in Hollywood history, true crime, or unconventional museums.
Here's what people think of Dearly Departed
As of recent, Dearly Departed holds a 4.5-star rating based on 20 reviews.
User reviews generally reflect strong appreciation for the unique subject matter and the depth of research that Dearly Departed offers. Many visitors praised the museum for its rare collectibles and the insight behind every item, highlighting the Jayne Mansfield car and other artifacts as particularly memorable. Reviewers often mentioned that the guided tours were informative and engaging, offering a blend of macabre fascination and historical education that heightened their experience. Positive feedback frequently pointed out the knowledgeable and passionate guides, the respectful yet unflinching approach to sensitive topics, and the museum’s intimate, offbeat ambiance that sets it apart from typical tourist attractions. On the other hand, some negative reviews noted that the museum space is relatively small and can feel cramped during busier times. A few visitors found the atmosphere too morbid or unsettling for their taste, and some expressed a desire for updated exhibits or more interactive elements. Additionally, since the museum itself has periodically closed while tours continue, some visitors were disappointed by limited access to the artifact displays during certain periods. Overall, the reviews suggest that while Dearly Departed is a niche destination that may not suit everyone’s preferences, it is highly valued by fans of Hollywood history, true crime, and unique museums. The blend of memorabilia and storytelling offers a memorable experience that many users recommend to adventurous and curious visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Katie Shugg
Amazing new bar in LoHi with delicious drinks & food and really great service!! The bar is super cute and well decorated, the atmosphere is wonderful. Definitely go check this place out, it’s in a great location too!!
Yair Abed
Just dropped into the brand new speakeasy tucked beneath the new Teocalli restaurant An incredible team of mixologists is shaking up some seriously next-level cocktails from a wildly creative drink menu. Every sip feels like a discovery. And yes… we had to try the cheesecake. Absolutely worth it! #SpeakeasyVibes #Craft Cocktails
Claire Atwood
first ever review: first opening night. i was guided downstairs into what felt like an upscale friendly speakeasy. the bartender (shoutout to Ari) was very fun, nice, and attentive. my friends and i loved the floral martini, old fashioned horchata, aperitif, and spicy mango sour. the vibes were immaculate and music was perfect. a great addition to LoHi!
Bri Grant
this place recently just opened and it’s quickly become one of my favorites!! 🥹 The atmosphere is very calm and inviting. Staff is fantastic, food is very good quality along with the drinks. When you come in, ask for Ari, they will take great care of you! 🫶🏽
Andres Pucci
Absolutely smashing new speakeasy. Incredible food with great balance and unmatched service. Avery took care of us today and he went above and beyond to ensure we had a delightful time. Must get all food and dessert cant wait to come back!
How to reach Dearly Departed
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Why Dearly Departed may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dearly Departed with your friends?
Choosing a unique and memorable place to gather with friends or family can transform an ordinary meetup into an exceptional experience. Dearly Departed offers exactly that—a quirky, intriguing destination that stands out from conventional venues. While it may not be your usual restaurant or park, Dearly Departed presents an intriguing blend of history, storytelling, and offbeat charm that sparks curiosity and conversation. It appeals particularly to groups who enjoy exploring Hollywood’s mysterious, eerie, and unexpected sides, making it perfect for those who appreciate the unusual and the macabre wrapped in a fun social setting. Rallying here lets you share laughs, gasps, and a sense of discovery together, forging lasting memories rooted in a genuinely different experience. This togetherness, combined with the locale’s distinctiveness, guarantees that your meetup will be talked about long after you leave. The mix of education, entertainment, and unique ambiance is exactly what groups need for a meetup that breaks away from the ordinary, making Dearly Departed a top choice for gatherings centered around exploration and shared experiences.
What kind of activities can groups enjoy at Dearly Departed?
Dearly Departed primarily offers immersive tours that dive into Hollywood’s eerie history and the obscure stories of its famous—and infamous—deceased. These tours are not your typical sightseeing strolls; they weave together detailed narratives about Hollywood legends, mysterious deaths, and behind-the-scenes funeral lore that few experiences provide. Groups can look forward to engaging guided tours, typically lasting about three hours, where knowledgeable guides share fascinating anecdotes and play rare audio recordings to enrich the storytelling. The tours strike a fine balance between education and entertainment, giving participants a real sense of connection to Hollywood’s hidden underworld. Engaging with these stories alongside friends adds layers of humor, intrigue, and collective discovery that make the outing highly social and interactive. Additionally, the tours encourage group discussions and shared emotional reactions, whether the tales are spooky, touching, or darkly humorous. This curated experience is especially suited for groups seeking activities that are both intellectually stimulating and socially engaging.
Why is Dearly Departed a perfect venue for group meetups?
Dearly Departed’s appeal for groups lies in its balance of unique content and social dynamics. Unlike conventional venues where conversations might be interrupted by music or scattered distractions, here the focus on storytelling and group interaction creates a strong connective thread among participants. The shared curiosity about Hollywood’s less glamorous history fosters an immediate group cohesion. Groups can bond over learning together, debating strange facts, or reacting to surprisingly touching moments about the lives and deaths of celebrities. The duration of about three hours is perfect—not so short as to feel rushed, and not so long that it becomes exhausting—giving ample opportunity to engage deeply and enjoy the company. Because the experience is unusual and often emotionally varied, it encourages natural conversation before, during, and after the tour, making it ideal for friends or family looking to reconnect or deepen bonds. Moreover, the guides’ engaging style often invites questions and interaction, making the meetup dynamic and responsive, tailored perfectly to group energies and interests.
How does the atmosphere at Dearly Departed enhance social gatherings?
The atmosphere at Dearly Departed carries a distinctively quirky, mysterious, and slightly eerie vibe that immediately sets the stage for a memorable outing. The setting itself evokes Hollywood's somber yet fascinating past, wrapped in a touch of dark humor and irreverence. This backdrop enriches group interactions by giving everyone a shared “theme” to rally around, whether that’s fascination with celebrity culture, an interest in history, or simply the fun of exploring something unconventional. The environment stimulates curiosity and encourages participants to let loose, laugh nervously, and challenge their own perceptions about life and death. This creates an informal, open space for conversations that might not occur in more typical social settings, fostering stronger emotional connections among the group. The subtle combination of the macabre with entertainment makes the atmosphere simultaneously thrilling and comfortable, making socializing natural and effortless. Groups often find the ambiance serves as both an icebreaker and a conduit for meaningful exchanges.
What makes the guides at Dearly Departed essential to the experience?
The tour guides at Dearly Departed are integral to making any meetup special. They bring the stories to life through their engaging and knowledgeable narration, skillfully weaving humor, drama, and facts into a compelling experience. Their rich knowledge of Hollywood’s eerie, tragic, and sometimes absurd history provides a fascinating layer that encourages group curiosity and dialogue. The guides’ passion is contagious, helping to keep the group energised and attentive during the tour’s lengthy three-hour run time. Their ability to respond to group questions and tailor their delivery adds a personal touch that makes individuals in a group feel included and connected. Often, guides also use rare recordings and visual aids to deepen the sensory experience, enhancing group immersion. In essence, they act as both storytellers and facilitators, ensuring the group has a memorable and smooth flow from start to finish, turning a simple gathering into an unforgettable adventure.
What makes Dearly Departed different from other group outing options in Los Angeles?
Dearly Departed distinguishes itself by focusing not on the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but on its shadows—the fascinating stories about the deceased celebrities and the funeral industry surrounding them. Unlike standard tourist attractions where groups can feel disconnected or overwhelmed by crowds, this venue offers a niche experience that appeals to those craving depth, intrigue, and novelty. The tours dive into aspects of Hollywood culture typically overlooked, making it especially attractive to groups interested in stories beyond the red carpet. This thematic uniqueness ensures that group attendees come away with new knowledge and fresh stories to share, setting the occasion apart from typical social outings. Coupled with the intimate group size and personal attention from guides, Dearly Departed creates a tailored and reflective experience. This focus on storytelling and historical insight, combined with interactive group participation, is hard to find elsewhere, promoting meaningful group interaction along with entertainment.
Can Dearly Departed accommodate special group needs and preferences?
Yes, Dearly Departed is known for its flexibility and focus on delivering a good group experience. The tour organizers typically cater to groups by adjusting pacing and content according to attendees’ interests and age ranges, ensuring everyone can engage comfortably. Special accommodations can often be arranged in advance, such as for accessibility needs or for private group bookings, allowing friends and families to enjoy the experience together without logistical stress. The tour guides are accommodating in answering diverse questions and encouraging participation, which fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all group members. The duration and mix of indoor and outdoor elements also make it manageable for various group types, including multi-generational families or friend circles with differing stamina and preferences. This adaptability adds to the venue’s appeal as a group meetup spot, making it inclusive and considerate of varying needs while maintaining a fun, atmospheric experience for everyone.
What feedback do visitors typically give about their group experience at Dearly Departed?
Guest reviews consistently highlight the blend of education, entertainment, and unique ambiance as the key draws for group visits. Many guests praise the knowledgeable guides, particularly their storytelling skill and captivating use of multimedia aids. Visitors often mention the rich context the tours provide into Hollywood's offbeat history and the novelty of exploring celebrity death stories together. The shared experience is frequently described as bonding, humorous, and thought-provoking—a perfect recipe for group enjoyment. Some groups have noted that the tours spark lively group discussions afterwards, reflecting on the unusual history and perspectives learned. While a few past visitors have wished for longer tours or more frequent schedules, the overall feedback reflects a strong sense of satisfaction and uniqueness. The 4.5-star rating based on 20 reviews signals a high level of appreciation among those who have experienced it, especially groups seeking meaningful and memorable outings.
How does Dearly Departed fit into planning special occasions or themed meetups?
Dearly Departed’s distinctive offerings make it an excellent choice for themed meetups or special occasions such as birthday parties, reunions, or even creative team-building events. The spooky yet fascinating theme naturally lends itself to events where curiosity and interaction are prioritized. Groups looking for something more unusual than a traditional dinner or bar night find value here because it combines entertainment with storytelling and a hint of mystery. The venue’s atmosphere enhances themed events centered around Hollywood history, the macabre, or even pop culture trivia. Customizations and private bookings can cater to group sizes and specific interests, allowing hosts to design a personalized experience. This flexibility and focus on a striking theme encourage memorable celebrations that bring groups closer through shared experience and laughter. Planning an event here signals creativity and a desire to offer guests an experience beyond the usual.
What practical tips should groups consider to make the most of their visit to Dearly Departed?
To maximize the experience at Dearly Departed, groups should plan ahead by booking tours early, as spaces often fill up quickly due to the intimate and specialized nature of the experience. Bringing cash is advisable, especially to tip the guide, since their engaging storytelling is a highlight and appreciated by visitors. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tours can involve significant walking and sometimes outdoor portions. Groups should arrive on time and be prepared to immerse themselves in the stories fully, leaving behind distractions such as phones. Encouraging lively participation—asking questions and sharing reactions—will enhance the collective enjoyment. Lastly, sharing the experience on social media or during post-tour meals can prolong the fun and deepen connections made during the visit. With a bit of preparation, groups can ensure their time at Dearly Departed is both comfortable and unforgettable.