No matter your belief system, Californians love paranormal lore and creepy specters! From hotels to ocean liners and even an Old West ghost town – check out 10 of California’s creepiest spots here.
The Whaley House has long been one of California’s premier haunted spots – and for good reason. Yankee Jim’s violent life of horse stealing and murder left an indelible mark on this place.
Alcatraz
From haunted prisons and lighthouses, to creepy roadside spots and haunted areas spanning California’s Golden State, ghost encounters await! Take in all its sights during a day trip or seek thrills on Halloween – these haunted spots will leave your hair standing on end!
Alcatraz Prison played host to many violent crimes during its time as a federal prison, leading visitors and staff to report hearing screams, crashing sounds, rattling chains, cell doors opening by themselves and cold chills in certain parts of Alcatraz.
Whaley House
The Whaley House in San Diego is one of the most haunted locations in all of California and has been featured in countless television programs and magazines.
History of this house is filled with tragedy, murder and supernatural activity. Constructed on public gallows land, its ghost is said to haunt it even before Thomas Whaley moved in! There’s also talk of its association with boat thief Yankee Jim Robinson who died nearby before Thomas Whaley ever moved in!
House was an integral part of community, serving as the first commercial theater, county courthouse, and general store in town. Tragic deaths continued to happen here, as well as mysterious smells, sounds and footsteps being reported throughout its long life.
Oak Park Cemetery
Oak Park Cemetery has long been known for apparitions seen at night – some even being known to attack people! Oak Park Cemetery has also become a popular stop on paranormal tours.
Sarah Winchester, founder of Winchester Rifle Company, believed that those killed by her gun would haunt her home; therefore she spent over $5 Million building it!
The Colorado Street Bridge has a high suicide rate. There have been reports of ghost stories surrounding it; most notably that of an apparition reportedly haunting it causing drivers to veer away in order to avoid her presence.
Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado, fondly referred to as The Del, is a magnificent waterfront resort in San Diego dating back centuries. Legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Cary Grant shot Some Like It Hot here while presidents and royalty have also graced its rooms.
Kate Morgan is perhaps the most well-known ghost of the Del. She first entered in 1892 while waiting for a potential husband or lover, but when they never showed, she shot herself with an iron pistol before taking her own life.
Guests have reported hearing and sensing her presence at the hotel, along with unexplained cold spots and objects moving by themselves.
Mission San Gabriel
An ancient curse reportedly haunts this picturesque landscape, infusing it with mystery and cautionary tales that contribute to its rich cultural heritage. Haunted sightings abound here, including sightings of a lovely young woman and headless monk.
The Whaley House in San Diego once served as a family home, general store, polling place, granary and Crowdie Theater; today however, it is more widely recognized for its haunted past. Many visitors have reported witnessing ghostly figures known as Mr. and Mrs. Reed appearing alongside a woman dressed all in white or wearing blue peacoats as seen during visits.
Colorado Street Bridge
The Colorado Street Bridge wowed early travelers crossing Arroyo Seco but soon earned the moniker “Suicide Bridge.” More than 150 people are thought to have attempted suicide from this iconic 1913 structure.
Legend states that this haunting is caused by a construction worker who fell head first off the bridge and became trapped beneath its wet concrete, becoming trapped there and haunting it until today, prompting those below to jump. Other spirits seen on the bridge include one wearing wire-rimmed glasses and another in a long flowing robe.
Eat 8 Mile Road
California offers thrill-seekers seeking something scary an abundance of haunted attractions to keep the pulse racing and lovers of ghost tales alike. From haunted hotels to historic lighthouses, there’s sure to be something here that suits all your haunting desires!
Old Monterey’s Whaley House is considered one of the most haunted homes in California. Visitors and employees have reported strange activities here such as tools mysteriously disappearing, doors opening and closing on their own, mysterious entities being present, as well as feeling an unseen presence present within its walls.
Preston Castle in Ione was once home to juvenile offenders but is now an incredible site for overnight ghost tours! Come explore its hallowed halls!
