No matter your belief system, California is an incredible hub of paranormal activity. From haunted hotels to creepy hiking trails, there are dozens of eerie spots you should check out!
Here are 10 haunted locations in California ranging from a prison filled with fear, anger and pain to an old mining town that seems frozen in time.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island once housed a maximum security prison that is said to be haunted by restless spirits of prisoners who were subjected to harsh forms of discipline, some even breaking under it and becoming insane – these restless spirits may now inhabit Alcatraz’s empty cells as restless ghosts.
Indian criminals, Civil War prisoners, army prisoners and sick soldiers. Additionally, there may be angry Native American spirits or Al Capone’s ghost which haunt his prison cell with its screams and banjo playing said to be disturbing visitors.
The Warden’s House, an elegant manor near a prison, has long been said to be haunted by various ghosts, including that of Warden’s late wife who mysteriously passed away there and can often be seen wandering about its halls or giving off cold chills and unexplainable noises. Guests have reported experiencing cold chills or hearing mysterious noises from it as well.
Whaley House
The Whaley House is an iconic structure in Old Town and popular with ghost hunters. Once home to an infamous family who endured tragedy after tragedy, today the house serves as a museum where visitors can learn about San Diego history.
This two-story Greek Revival house was considered a mansion at its time, filled with furniture, Brussels carpets and damask draperies. Additionally it served as a theater, courthouse and general store; tragedy struck here several times including with Yankee Jim Robinson who was hanged nearby; some believe his spirit still haunts this property today.
At the Whaley House, various paranormal experiences have been reported, from footsteps and strange noises to disturbing encounters involving a young baby crying in an upstairs room. Anna Whaley herself has even been reported seen roaming about, after she fell victim to one of its clothes lines and died as well as ghost sightings seen throughout the house.
Oak Park Cemetery
California offers numerous creepy attractions. Whether you prefer dark tourism or stay at haunted hotels, California has something special in store for everyone.
The Whaley House in San Diego is known to be one of the creepiest spots in Southern California. Built upon an old cemetery site, ghostly footsteps and mysterious sounds can often be heard roaming its premises; unexplained lights flickering and shadowy figures have even been reported inside this eerie structure.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles is another renowned haunted destination. Visitors have reported hearing piano music, seeing Montgomery Clift’s ghost in Room 928 and even catching a glimpse of Marilyn Monroe herself! Once frequented by Hollywood elite, its history includes murders, suicides, drug use and drug addiction; in addition, Colorado Street Bridge connects directly to it – an alleged haunted spot in California!
Eat 8 Mile Road
As soon as the sun goes down and temperatures dip, spine-tingling ghosts make their appearance in California’s paranormal hotspots. From hotels where trumpeter Montgomery Clift and Marilyn Monroe have been seen to haunted houses where string-pulling puppeteers still reign, these chilling sites will give you goose bumps!
The haunted Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is famous for its unusual design, created by Sarah Winchester–widow of firearm tycoon William Wirt Winchester–to disorient ghosts she witnessed after the death of both husband and one month-old son. Doors opening onto 10-foot drops, staircases that lead nowhere, and even a skylight made of spiderweb windows add an uncanny atmosphere that many visitors find captivating.
Visit Eat 8 Mile Road in Stockton for a truly chilling ghosting experience, where long-haul truck drivers have reported seeing a female ghost wearing an untucked white dress walking along its centerline and eventually jumping into their truck! Long haul truck drivers report seeing her, though other witnesses have not witnessed this sighting! If you look behind, she might even hop in your backseat!
