Dark tourism is on the rise and California offers plenty of creepy places. From haunted hotels to former prisons, these eerie locations will test even the bravest souls!
Ghosts have long been suspected to haunt these paranormal hotspots, from anguished spirits of young women to headless friars – so put on your best horror movie costume and venture into one of these scary spots for an eerie encounter!
Hollywood Pacific Theater
California, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, also harbors a hidden realm of chilling ghostly tales. Historic hotels with spine-tingling apparitions to an island penitentiary where restless spirits roam – California offers numerous haunted places offering thrilling tours into paranormal realms.
The Hollywood Pacific Theater embraces its haunted reputation by branding itself as a “haunted theater.” From ghost piano players to ghost couples still in love, spirit patrons give this cinema extra creepiness.
The Whaley House in San Diego is another favorite haunt of ghost enthusiasts. This foreboding castle has a notorious past of corporal punishment, toxic dunking baths and even murdering housekeepers; plus has served as filming location for several movies like Montgomery Clift’s From Here to Eternity! Among its notable haunted features is Victor Kilian who remains haunting the area looking for those responsible for his murder.
Oak Park Cemetery
Oak Park Cemetery in Santa Cruz has long been considered one of the most haunted spots in California, boasting spirits from Hispanic settlers, indigenous people and Yankee pioneers buried here. One grave is said to leak blood every full moon night.
There have also been reports of sightings of an unknown woman wearing white and a man in blue cloak roaming the grounds, believed to be ghostly representations of Mr. and Mrs. Reed who were killed there.
This haunted spot is now an official national historic landmark and used for tours by visitors who wish to learn of its macabre past. There have been stories surrounding the haunted site with religious underpinnings including witchcraft and cast spells involving witches or spellcasters; tour guides have described ghostly figures as being cold yet mischievous, which makes for particularly terrifying conditions when it rains!
Cobb Estate
Cobb Estate lies within a Southern California forest not too far from Pasadena and is widely considered one of the state’s most haunted places. According to local legend, in 1918 when retired lumber magnate lived there he heard reports of supernatural presence; yet died peacefully before deeding it to both Masonic Lodge members in Pasadena and then Catholic nuns.
Hikers on Cobb Estate trails at night have reported witnessing strange blue lights which seem to lure and lure them off their paths towards death, similar to will-o’-the-wisps from folklore.
California is home to plenty of supernatural activity, from haunted women’s spirits and headless friars to prehistoric ghosts and more. So if you want a good scare, check out these 13 creepy sites — from Hollywood theaters and downtown hotels to Long Beach ocean liners!
Queen Mary
At its height as a luxury ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary carried generations of rich and famous passengers across its journeys. Now docked in Long Beach, CA and known for its long list of haunted stories and claims, this real-life ocean liner has become a tourist attraction and one of the most haunted places on Earth. But many don’t realize its mysterious history extends far beyond ghost stories: violence was frequently witnessed aboard its decks!
The Queen Mary is said to be most haunted in its Engine Room, with moans and groans heard coming from within its confines as well as sightings of an apparition of a black figure walking about the ship. Also reported is paranormal activity around its Pool Area where spirit called Jackie can often be found singing or laughing out of tune with its surroundings; furthermore a YouTube video was uploaded in 2011 by paranormal investigator showing three EVP recordings taken at first class swimming pool that sound similar to children calling out for their mothers
