California may conjure up images of sunshine, Hollywood and beaches – but its darker side must also be taken into account.
From ghost towns to abandoned prisons, California boasts some eerie locations where spirits may reside. Just be careful that exploring them doesn’t cause too much discomfort!
Julian Cemetery
Julian Pioneer Cemetery sits atop a hill overlooking Julian. A historic landmark, this cemetery has long been the subject of paranormal investigations; visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions such as men wearing 19th-century mining clothes or women in nightgowns.
During the gold rush, primitive living conditions and alcohol were responsible for an alarming number of deaths from accidents and diseases, leading to the need for cemeteries. Unfortunately, many graves were later paved over for roads, leaving their souls without an eternal resting place.
Many visitors to the haunted hotel have reported hearing footsteps, seeing shadows and feeling a chill breeze there. Furthermore, lights turn on and off by themselves which indicates there may be ghostly presence within.
Eat 8 Mile Road
This seemingly ordinary road connecting Stockton and Lodi may appear unremarkable on a map, yet its asphalt path winds past Oak Grove Regional Park and Elkhorn Golf Club where many have reported experiencing paranormal activity.
Hayward Plunge, an ex-diving platform, is said to be haunted by suicidal souls who may still attempt suicide at its former diving platform. While its spiked bridge may deter many jumpers, some are said to still attempt.
The Redwood Coast in California is another hot spot for paranormal activity, and many stories exist of spirits haunting Eureka, Samoa, Ferndale and Scotia – not to mention haunted hotels, eerie restaurants and even an abandoned ghost town you can visit in this region.
Golden Gate Bridge
No matter your stance on ghosts, California offers plenty of terrifying sites sure to get your blood pumping. From forlorn spirits of young women and headless friars to mysterious caves that offer terrifying encounters – there are sure to be haunting locations in California sure to give you goosebumps!
This former hospital has an eerie atmosphere that makes it one of the most haunted locations in San Francisco. Visitors have reported hearing voices, footsteps, doors opening and closing, voices being spoken aloud as well as doors being opened or shut unexpectedly.
It has also been said that this foreboding building may be haunted by the ghost of a ticket taker killed during an attempted robbery in 1933, along with other spirits such as Stow Lake’s “White Lady.” To see for yourself if one exists for yourself, join a guided tour today; tours run year round!
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, America’s infamous haunted prison and home to some of its worst criminals, has long been thought of as an epicenter for ghost sightings and legend has it that Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly still roam its halls as ghostly spirits.
At a 1992 visit to the island, Sightings TV show recruited psychic Peter James as part of their investigation team to walk through various parts of the facility. While doing this he reported hearing mysterious crashing sounds, footsteps and chains rattling, moans from unknown source(s), cell doors mysteriously closing themselves without intervention as well as feeling like someone was watching him closely.
He reported experiencing intense vibrations near cell 14-D in solitary confinement and sensed an evil and persistent spirit, while those touring the jail frequently report feeling cold breezes, fear, and eeriness in its building.
