Are you brave enough to explore some of the most haunted places in California?
From abandoned mental asylums to creepy cemeteries, this guide will take you on a chilling journey through some of the Golden States’ spookiest locations.
Learn about their histories and find out if any ghosts lurk within these eerie sites – if you dare!
1. Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling Victorian mansion located in San Jose, California. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun manufacturer William Wirt Winchester, it is renowned for its architectural oddities and ghostly history. The house was constructed continuously over 38 years beginning in 1884 until 1922 when Sarah passed away. It has 160 rooms filled with strange features such as doors that lead to nowhere and staircases that go up one side and down the other. Legend states that Sarah built this home to ward off evil spirits who were killed by her family’s famous rifles.
Today, visitors can take guided tours of the property and learn more about its fascinating history while even experiencing some paranormal activity on their own! You can also check out special events held throughout the year like Halloween dinners or overnight stays in certain spooky parts of the house – if you dare! For more information visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com or call (408) 247-2000 .
2. Riddle House, Palm Beach Gardens
The Riddle House, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is one of the most haunted locations in the state. The building was originally constructed as a funeral home by Karl Riddle in 1905, and it served that purpose until 1957 when it became part of the Yesteryear Village at South Florida Fairgrounds. Since then there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity within the building including sightings of apparitions, strange noises and cold spots.
People who have visited the site claim to have experienced many eerie occurrences such as hearing voices coming from empty rooms or feeling something tugging on their clothing while no one else is around. There are also stories about objects moving on their own and doors opening without any explanation.
It’s believed that some former employees may still linger in this location due to an employee’s suicide which occurred here years ago. Many believe these spirits are responsible for all kinds of unusual activity taking place inside this building; visitors often report feeling uneasy or uncomfortable during their visit even though nothing out of ordinary happened during their stay.
If you want to experience the supernatural yourself, you can join a guided ghost tour at Riddle House where you will learn more about its history and possibly encounter some otherworldly entities along your way! For further information please visit https://www2.southfloridafairgroundspbcgov/riddle-house/.
3. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco has a long and haunted history. The island was first used as a military fortification in the 1850s, but it was later transformed into a federal prison from 1934-1963. It housed some of America’s most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud. During its time as a prison, there were numerous reports of paranormal activity including apparitions, voices, strange noises and mysterious lights.
The hauntings on Alcatraz are believed to be connected to the numerous deaths that occurred during its use as a prison – suicides, executions and murders all took place within the walls of this infamous location. Some visitors have even reported feeling uncomfortable while exploring what remains of the former penitentiary today.
You can visit Alcatraz Island for yourself by taking an audio tour or boat cruise around the bay (https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/). Be warned; you may just experience something out of this world!
4. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles
Hollywood’s storied past is filled with mysterious stories and tales of the supernatural, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is no exception. Located in the heart of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard, this iconic hotel has a long history of hauntings.
Built in 1927 by film producer Louis B. Mayer, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel quickly became known as one of Los Angeles’ most glamorous destinations for celebrities and movie stars alike. It was also home to some less desirable guests: ghosts! Guests have reported sightings of various ghosts throughout its halls including that of former resident Marilyn Monroe who died tragically in 1962 at age 36. Other reports include apparitions wearing 1930s-style clothing walking around the pool area, a ghostly woman seen near Room 928 (Marilyn Monroe’s old room), strange noises coming from empty hallways and rooms, as well as cold spots felt throughout certain areas within the hotel like elevators or stairwells.
The hotel offers both ghost tours and Haunted History packages for those looking to experience its haunted history first hand. For more information about these tours please visit www2hollywoodroosevelthotelcom/ghost-tours/.
5. Whaley House Museum, San Diego
The Whaley House Museum in San Diego is considered one of the most haunted places in America. Built by Thomas and Anna Whaley in 1857, it was originally a two-story brick Greek Revival style home and the first official courthouse of San Diego County. The Whaleys had six children, however four died tragically during their time living in this house. It is rumored that some of these spirits still haunt the museum today.
Visitors have reported hearing ghostly footsteps as well as other strange noises coming from empty rooms within the museum. Some visitors even claim to have encountered “Yankee Jim” Robinson who was hanged at a nearby gallows; his ghost is sometimes seen wandering around outside or inside the building looking for revenge after being wrongfully convicted for stealing a boat.
The Whaley House Museum offers daily tours led by knowledgeable guides where you can explore many historical artifacts from its past including furniture and clothing worn by members of the family themselves! They also offer candlelight tours which give guests an opportunity to experience some supernatural events such as unexplained sounds or sightings of apparitions throughout their visit. If you’re brave enough to take on this eerie adventure, contact info@whaleyhousemuseum.org or visit www.whaleyhousemuseum/tours for more information on upcoming tour dates and times!
6. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California is known for its haunted history. Built over a century ago in 1903 by Frank Miller, the hotel has seen many guests come and go. It’s said that some of them never left – as reports of ghostly sightings have become commonplace throughout the years.
One such spirit is believed to be that of former owner Millie Frankel who died in 1971 at the age of 90; her apparition can sometimes still be seen walking through the halls or sitting alone reading a book. Other ghosts include a young girl who reportedly fell from one of the balconies and an old woman wearing Victorian-era clothing who appears near Room 711 (which was supposedly never rented out due to being too close to Millie’s room).
Visitors looking for more information on this haunting location can visit www.missioninnmuseum.org or call 951-781-8241 for further details and/or reservation inquiries.
7. Sutter Creek Theatre and Saloon, Sutter Creek
The Sutter Creek Theatre and Saloon in Sutter Creek, California is said to be haunted by a former owner who died tragically in the building. According to legend, the theater was once owned by an unnamed man who went mad with grief after his wife died suddenly at the age of 30. He started drinking heavily and eventually committed suicide inside the building. Since then, people have reported hearing strange noises coming from within the walls and seeing mysterious shadows moving around on stage during performances.
Today, visitors can experience this unique piece of history for themselves through guided tours led by experienced local guides who tell stories about its past while highlighting its current attractions such as live music events and comedy shows. The theatre also offers many other entertainment options including movies, plays, cabaret nights and more! For more information or to book tickets visit their website: http://www.suttercreektheatreandsaloon.com/.
8. Old Town Sacramento Tunnels, Sacramento
The Old Town Sacramento Tunnels are said to be the home of many ghosts. Located in downtown Sacramento, these underground tunnels were built in the 1800s and have a long history of paranormal activity. Witnesses claim that they have heard strange noises coming from deep within the tunnels and some even report seeing ghostly apparitions on occasion. Sightings include an old man wearing a bowler hat, a woman in a black dress, and several other people who appear out of nowhere before quickly vanishing.
The most famous spirit is that of “Old Joe”, who was supposedly killed during the construction of one of the original buildings in 1856. He has been seen walking around with his head down and carrying what looks like blueprints or designs under his arm as if he never finished whatever project he was planning to do before meeting his untimely death. Other reported sightings include orbs, disembodied voices, doors opening by themselves, mysterious cold spots throughout the area, and more.
If you’re looking to explore this haunted history yourself there are guided tours available through Old Town Sacramento where visitors can learn about all its spooky stories while exploring its historic streets and alleyways at night (www.oldtownsacramento/ghost-tours).
9. The Queen Mary Ship in Long Beach
The Queen Mary Ship in Long Beach, California is known for its haunted history. It was built in 1930 and served as a luxury ocean liner until 1967 when it retired to become a hotel and museum. Guests have reported hearing strange noises, mysterious laughter, and seeing apparitions throughout the ship’s numerous decks. The most famous ghost is said to be that of an engineer who died during the ship’s voyage from England to Canada in 1939.
Throughout its long history, paranormal investigators from around the world have held investigations on board the vessel. In addition to this they offer ghost tours which take visitors deep into some of the more mysterious areas of The Queen Mary such as boiler room number 13 where there are rumored sightings of spirits roaming about late at night.
If you would like more information on visiting The Queen Mary or taking one of their ghost tours please visit their website: www.queenmary.com
10. Amargosa Opera House & Hotel Death Valley Junction
The Amargosa Opera House and Hotel in Death Valley Junction, California is a unique place with a haunted history. It was built in the 1920s by Marta Becket, an eccentric artist who performed her own one-woman shows in the opera house for nearly 50 years until her death in 2017. According to legend, she still haunts the building today.
Becket’s ghost has been seen wandering around the theatre during performances and some have reported hearing strange noises coming from empty rooms. Witnesses claim that lights flicker on and off at random times throughout the day and night with no explanation as to why it happens. Some people even say that they have felt cold spots or noticed odd smells when there shouldn’t be any present at all!
The hotel portion of this historic landmark is also said to be haunted by spirits from its past guests including miners who used to stay at the hotel after their work shifts were done for the day. People report feeling like someone is watching them while they are staying there, as well as seeing unexplainable shadows move across walls or out of corners late at night when everyone else has gone to bed.
If you’re interested in experiencing some paranormal activity firsthand then make sure you book your next visit soon! The Amargosa Opera House & Hotel offers tours of both buildings which can give visitors an insight into its fascinating history – including a few spooky stories too! For more information please visit www.amargosaoperahousehoteldeathvalleyjunctionca/tours/.
