13 Haunted Spots in California That Will Give You Chills

This post may contain affiliate links which means we may get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure for details.

California is famous for its beaches and is the home of the glitz of Hollywood, but it hides a darker side. Beneath the charisma is a city with its fair share of haunted places and spooky stories. Whether these spots consist of ghostly hotels or haunted highways, they’ll likely put goosebumps on your skin.

California’s paranormal hotspots are hair-raising adventures for thrill seekers. If you’re in the mood for ghost stories or just want to learn about the local legends, these destinations will give you a scare. Don’t forget to leave a nightlight on afterward though!

The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Queen_Mary_hotel (1)
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Queen Mary is a floating hotel with ghostly residents once a luxury liner. Guests have heard phantom children playing around the pool, and their footsteps in halls now empty. Narrators refer to John Pedder, a crew member who died thus tragically on board, as haunting the engine room.

San Francisco, Alcatraz Island

Photo Credit: Dietmar Rabich/Wikimedia Commons

People have been moaning and whispering in abandoned cells of the infamous Alcatraz prison. “Cell 14D,” a space with links to chilling inmates’ tales, is chiller-inducing for visitors. Residual energy from its violent history is said to linger.

San Jose, Winchester Mystery House

Photo Credit: Roxanna Salceda/Wikimedia Commons

Winchester Mystery House is the home of Sarah Winchester and is occupied by odd staircases and secret rooms to confuse spirits. Near her séance room, she and visitors feel cold drafts and are watched. It’s a mystery maze, you never know what’s around the corner.

Los Angeles, The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Photo Credit: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA/Wikimedia Commons

The real-life ghost of Marilyn Monroe is amongst the spectral celebrities haunting this historic hotel where her ghost appears in mirrors. Also, guests report hearing phantom piano music on the mezzanine. More than just Hollywood nostalgia could be brought by a stay here.

Bodie State Historic Park

Photo Credit: PDPhoto.org/wikimedia commons

A ghost town, that once was a booming mining community, this place is now eerily quiet and speaks only of ghostly tales. Visitors say they see the spirits of past residents and hear strange noises. According to legend, taking artifacts from Bodie brings a curse.

San Diego, Whaley House

Photo Credit: Andrek02/wikimedia commons

The Whaley House, built on gallows, is often called America’s most haunted house. Heavy footsteps of “Yankee Jim,” who was executed there, are heard by guests. The Whaley family apparitions also make the house seem eerie.

Soledad, Los Coches Adobe

Photo Credit: Ctorbann/Wikimedia Commons

Once a stagecoach stop, Los Coches Adobe building is said to be haunted. Visitors also say they hear ghostly footsteps and see apparitions on the grounds. They say the spirits of those unfortunate enough to travel here are stuck, keeping old secrets.

Coronado, Hotel del Coronado

Photo Credit: Rigoberto M Ortiz Jr/Wikimedia Commons

This beachfront hotel is haunted by the ghost of mysterious death sufferer Kate Morgan, who died in 1892. Flickering lights and cold spots are reported in her room by guests. The story is still a popular one among visitors and ghost hunters.

Coloma, Pioneer Cemetery

Photo Credit: pere Prlpz/Wikimedia Commons

Pioneer Cemetery is known for ghostly apparitions and is the resting place of Gold Rush miners. Visitors say they have seen lanternlights and heard pickaxes at night. The miners are still chasing their dreams from the beyond, it’s as if.

Ione, Preston Castle

Photo Credit: Amadscientist/Wikimedia Commons

According to parallels with other ghost hotspots, Preston Castle, the former reform school, is home to ghostly activity like shadowy figures, and whispers. It is added to its tragic history with the murder of a housekeeper. Its dark halls are said to be filled with energy, according to paranormal investigators.

Start saving your ideas

San Diego, Old Town

Photo Credit: Bignoisybird/wikimedia commons

Ghost stories abound in Old Town, and especially around the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Guests hear phantom knocks, footsteps, and some see a Victorian dressed woman. It’s a great mix of lively streets and haunted lore.

Big Sur’s Haunted Highway

Photo Credit: Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA/Wikimedia Commons

Big Sur is both breathtaking and chilling, the winding highway. Ghostly hitchhikers and sudden apparitions on the road are what travelers report. The sightings are usually associated with tragic accidents along the cliffs.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Best African photo safari

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Start saving your ideas

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *