California may be known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glamour, but beneath its golden facade lies a darker side filled with restless spirits, eerie legends, and haunted history. From abandoned ghost towns and cursed mansions to infamous hotels where guests never check out, the Golden State is home to some of the most terrifying paranormal hotspots in the country. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, these 13 haunted locations will send chills down your spine and make you think twice before exploring alone after dark.
1. The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
The RMS Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach, California, is one of the most haunted places in the world, with over 150 reported spirits lingering aboard. Originally launched in 1936 as a luxury ocean liner, it was later repurposed as a WWII troop transport, earning the nickname “The Grey Ghost.” Since its retirement in 1967, the ship has become infamous for its paranormal activity, particularly in Stateroom B340, where guests have experienced violent knocking, flickering lights, and even bed covers being pulled off while they sleep. The first-class swimming pool is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Jackie, whose laughter and wet footprints have been spotted despite the pool being empty. Deep in the engine room, Door 13 is linked to the spirit of a crew member who was crushed to death during a routine drill, while the Queen’s Salon is known for the apparition of a woman in a flowing white gown, seen dancing as if at a long-forgotten event. The boiler room and lower decks are also hotspots for eerie whispers, shadowy figures, and sudden cold spots. The Queen Mary now offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations, drawing thrill-seekers and investigators alike. Shows like Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted have explored its corridors, capturing chilling evidence of supernatural activity. Whether you’re brave enough to stay the night or just curious to explore, the Queen Mary remains a legendary haunt—if you dare to step aboard.
2. The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is one of the most bizarre and haunted mansions in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearms magnate William Wirt Winchester, the house became a labyrinth of twisting hallways, staircases leading to nowhere, and hidden rooms—all allegedly designed to confuse the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. After her husband and infant daughter’s deaths, Sarah consulted a psychic, who told her she was cursed and needed to continuously build onto the house to appease vengeful spirits. Construction went on non-stop for 38 years, resulting in a sprawling 160-room mansion filled with eerie architectural oddities, including doors that open into walls and windows set into floors. Many believe Sarah herself still haunts the property, along with other restless spirits. Visitors and staff report phantom footsteps, whispers, shadowy figures, and cold spots, particularly in the Séance Room, where Sarah allegedly communicated with spirits for building guidance. The Grand Ballroom and hallway mirrors are also known for ghostly apparitions, and some claim to have seen Sarah’s spectral figure wandering the halls. The house now operates as a historic landmark and tourist attraction, offering ghost tours and overnight investigations. Paranormal experts and ghost hunters continue to be fascinated by its strange history, believing it remains a supernatural hotspot. Whether it’s truly haunted or just an architectural enigma, the Winchester Mystery House remains one of California’s most mysterious and spine-chilling locations.
3. Alcatraz Island (San Francisco)
Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in the United States. Located in the San Francisco Bay, the prison housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”). The harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates led to numerous deaths, including murders, suicides, and unexplained disappearances, fueling the island’s ghostly reputation. One of the most chilling locations is Cell Block D, also known as “The Hole”, where inmates were placed in solitary confinement, often experiencing extreme psychological distress. Some prisoners reported seeing a shadowy figure with glowing eyes, and one inmate allegedly screamed about being attacked by an unseen force—only to be found dead in his cell the next morning. The hospital wing is another hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors and staff hearing eerie whispers, moaning, and the faint sound of banjo music—said to be played by the ghost of Al Capone himself. Former guards and modern-day visitors have reported phantom footsteps, cold spots, and the sounds of unseen prisoners crying out in despair. The dungeons beneath the prison and the old execution areas are also known for their dark energy and strange occurrences. Today, Alcatraz operates as a national park and tourist attraction, offering historical tours—including nighttime visits that highlight its haunted past. Whether it’s the lingering spirits of tormented prisoners or simply the eerie atmosphere of an abandoned prison, Alcatraz remains a chilling and mysterious destination for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.
4. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Los Angeles)
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks, is as famous for its ghostly residents as it is for its rich history. Opened in 1927, the hotel was a hotspot for Hollywood’s Golden Age elite, hosting stars like Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and Charlie Chaplin. Many believe some of these legendary figures never truly left. The most well-known ghost is Marilyn Monroe, whose reflection has been seen in the mirror of her old suite, Room 1200. Guests report feeling an eerie presence and seeing glimpses of her spirit near the hotel’s pool, where she often posed for photos. Another frequently encountered ghost is Montgomery Clift, who stayed in Room 928 while filming From Here to Eternity. Visitors report hearing his ghost practicing the trumpet and feeling invisible hands brush against them. The hotel’s Blossom Ballroom, where the first Academy Awards were held, is also rumored to be haunted—witnesses claim to hear disembodied voices and see shadowy figures moving across the stage. Guests and staff have also encountered the spirit of a young girl in a blue dress, believed to be a lost soul wandering the halls. Paranormal investigators have captured cold spots, unexplained knocks, and whispers throughout the building, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters. Today, the Roosevelt remains a luxurious hotel, but its chilling reputation continues to intrigue those fascinated by Hollywood’s haunted history. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, staying at the Roosevelt might bring you closer to the ghosts of Tinseltown’s past.
5. Preston Castle (Ione)
Photo by Kimguttormsem on Wikimedia.com
Preston Castle, also known as the Preston School of Industry, is one of the most haunted locations in Ione, California. Opened in 1894, it served as a reform school for troubled boys, some of whom were sent there for minor crimes while others had violent pasts. The facility, which operated until 1960, gained a dark reputation due to reports of abuse, harsh punishments, and mysterious deaths. One of the most famous hauntings is tied to Anna Corbin, a housekeeper who was brutally murdered in the castle in the 1950s. Her spirit is believed to linger, with visitors reporting shadowy figures, cold spots, and eerie whispers in the halls. Former inmates are also said to haunt the site, with unexplained noises, disembodied voices, and doors slamming on their own being frequently reported. The basement and infirmary are especially active, with paranormal investigators capturing strange EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and ghostly apparitions. Today, Preston Castle is a historic landmark and paranormal hotspot, offering ghost tours and overnight investigations. Whether it’s the restless souls of former inmates or the tragic spirit of Anna Corbin, Preston Castle continues to be a chilling destination for those seeking a true haunted experience.
6. Bodie Ghost Town (Bodie State Historic Park)
Nestled in the remote Sierra Nevada mountains, Bodie Ghost Town is one of California’s most well-preserved and haunted abandoned settlements. Once a booming Gold Rush town in the late 1800s, Bodie was notorious for its violence, crime, and lawlessness, with shootouts, murders, and mining accidents being a common occurrence. At its peak, it housed over 10,000 residents, but as the gold dried up, the town was slowly abandoned, officially becoming a ghost town by the 1940s. Many believe that the spirits of former residents still linger among the deserted buildings and dusty streets. Visitors and park rangers report eerie experiences, including phantom footsteps, shadowy figures in windows, and disembodied voices calling out in the night. The J.S. Cain House is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who appears in a rocking chair, while the Mendocini House has an eerie presence that makes guests feel watched. However, the most infamous supernatural legend tied to Bodie is the Bodie Curse—it is said that taking any artifact or even a small rock from the town brings misfortune, bad luck, and even death, leading many to return stolen items in hopes of lifting the curse. Now part of Bodie State Historic Park, the town is preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” allowing visitors to walk through its eerie remnants and feel the lingering presence of its ghostly past. Whether it’s the spirits of miners, outlaws, or heartbroken souls, Bodie remains one of California’s most chilling and mysterious ghost towns.
7. The Cecil Hotel (Los Angeles)
Photo by Zheng Zhao at Wikimedia.com
The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, California, is one of the most infamous haunted locations in the world, known for its dark history of murders, suicides, and unexplained deaths. Opened in 1924, the hotel was originally intended as a luxury destination, but during the Great Depression, it became a cheap stay for transients and criminals, earning a sinister reputation. Over the decades, the Cecil became the site of numerous tragedies, including at least 16 known deaths. The most famous case is the mysterious death of Elisa Lam in 2013, whose bizarre behavior in elevator footage—before her body was later found in the hotel’s rooftop water tank—sparked conspiracy theories and ghostly speculation. Other infamous guests included serial killers Richard Ramirez (“The Night Stalker”) and Jack Unterweger, who both stayed at the hotel while committing their crimes. Paranormal investigators and visitors report shadowy figures, unexplained whispers, flickering lights, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere throughout the building. Some claim to have seen the ghosts of former guests wandering the hallways, particularly on the upper floors where many suicides occurred. Due to its dark past, the Cecil Hotel inspired the setting for American Horror Story: Hotel and was the subject of the Netflix documentary Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. Though it has since been rebranded as Stay on Main, its eerie history remains, making it one of the most chilling and haunted locations in California.
8. The Whaley House (San Diego)
Photo by Joe Mabel from Wikimedia.com
The Whaley House in San Diego, California, is often called one of the most haunted houses in America, steeped in a history of tragedy and supernatural phenomena. Built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley on the site of a former public gallows, the house was witness to several dark events, including the hanging of James “Yankee Jim” Robinson, whose ghost is said to still linger. The Whaley family themselves experienced great misfortune, with the tragic deaths of several family members occurring within the home. Visitors and staff report chilling encounters, such as phantom footsteps, cold spots, and disembodied voices. Many have claimed to see the spirit of Thomas Whaley himself, dressed in period clothing, as well as the ghost of Anna Whaley, who is often seen in the parlor or on the staircase. The smell of cigar smoke and perfume sometimes fills the air without explanation. Other apparitions include a young girl believed to be the spirit of a family friend who died on the property. The Whaley House’s history as both a family home and a courthouse adds to its eerie atmosphere. Today, it operates as a museum, offering daytime tours and nighttime ghost hunts, drawing in paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Whether it’s the restless spirit of Yankee Jim or the sorrowful souls of the Whaley family, the house remains a chilling reminder of San Diego’s haunted past.
9. The Mission Inn (Riverside)
Photo by 3Kathleen3 from Wikimedia.com
The Mission Inn, located in Riverside, California, is a stunning historic hotel with a dark and mysterious reputation for paranormal activity. Opened in 1903, the sprawling Spanish-style inn has hosted countless celebrities, dignitaries, and even U.S. presidents, but some guests may have never checked out. The hotel is said to be haunted by the spirits of monks, believed to be connected to its catacomb-like underground tunnels and chapel. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures in robes, hearing chanting, and experiencing cold spots in the hallways. One of the most famous ghost stories involves the spirit of Frank Miller, the hotel’s eccentric founder, who is said to still roam the property, occasionally appearing to guests. The fourth floor is particularly notorious, with guests experiencing eerie whispers, flickering lights, and even sightings of ghostly apparitions. Some say the antique dolls displayed in the inn move on their own, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Paranormal investigators have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and unexplained anomalies, making the Mission Inn a hotspot for ghost hunters. Whether it’s the lingering spirits of past guests, the restless souls of monks, or the presence of its long-gone owner, the Mission Inn remains one of California’s most haunted hotels, blending historic beauty with an eerie supernatural presence.
10. Los Coches Adobe (Soledad)
The Los Coches Adobe, located in Soledad, California, is one of the most chilling and lesser-known haunted locations in the state. Originally built in the 1800s, the adobe served as a stagecoach stop, inn, and even a prison, with a history of violence, death, and tragedy. The land itself is believed to be cursed, as it was once the site of murders, suicides, and even a mine collapse that killed numerous workers. Paranormal activity is frequently reported, with visitors and locals describing disembodied whispers, ghostly apparitions, and shadowy figures roaming the abandoned structure. One of the most terrifying legends is the phantom stagecoach, said to appear on foggy nights, its ghostly horses and driver vanishing into thin air. Some claim to hear the cries of former prisoners, their spirits still trapped within the adobe’s crumbling walls. Another eerie presence is that of a mysterious woman in black, often seen wandering the area before disappearing into the night. The site is now mostly abandoned and inaccessible to the public, but thrill-seekers and ghost hunters who have dared to visit report an overwhelming sense of unease, as if unseen eyes are always watching. Whether it’s the tragic history or something truly supernatural, Los Coches Adobe remains one of California’s most unsettling and haunted locations.
11. Turnbull Canyon (Whittier)
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Nestled between Whittier and Hacienda Heights, California, Turnbull Canyon is a place steeped in dark legends, paranormal activity, and eerie urban myths. Known for its winding roads, rugged hills, and ominous atmosphere, the canyon has long been rumored to be a hotspot for supernatural occurrences. Stories of satanic rituals, cult activity, Native American curses, and even disappearances have surrounded the area for decades. One of the most persistent legends involves ghostly figures wandering the trails, believed to be the spirits of people who were sacrificed in occult ceremonies. Hikers and late-night visitors have reported hearing disembodied screams, whispers, and footsteps following them, even when no one else is around. Some claim to have seen shadowy apparitions darting through the trees, while others speak of a phantom plane crash—a real event from the 1950s that supposedly left behind restless spirits. Another chilling tale involves the so-called “Gravity Hill,” where parked cars mysteriously roll uphill, defying logic. The canyon is also linked to the infamous “Gates of Hell,” an abandoned asylum or cult compound, depending on the version of the story, where people claim to see ghostly figures and hear unsettling voices. Whether it’s the result of urban legend, historical tragedies, or something truly supernatural, Turnbull Canyon remains one of California’s most notorious and chilling haunted locations, drawing in thrill-seekers, ghost hunters, and skeptics alike.
12. The Brookdale Lodge (Brookdale)
Photo by John Pilge from Wikimedia.com
Tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Brookdale Lodge is one of California’s most haunted hotels, known for its eerie atmosphere, tragic history, and ghostly encounters. Originally built in 1870, the lodge became a popular retreat for Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and even mobsters during its heyday. However, beneath its charming, rustic exterior lies a dark past filled with mysterious deaths and reported hauntings. The most famous spirit said to linger is that of Sarah Logan, a young girl who is believed to have drowned in the Brook Room’s indoor creek, a unique feature that runs through the lodge’s restaurant. Guests and staff report seeing Sarah’s ghost playing near the water, laughing, or calling out before vanishing into thin air. Other paranormal activity includes disembodied whispers, phantom footsteps, and shadowy figures wandering the halls. Some say they’ve encountered the spirits of former gangsters and prohibition-era bootleggers, whose violent pasts may still linger within the walls. The secret tunnels beneath the lodge, once used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition, add another layer of mystery, as ghostly voices and cold drafts are often felt in the underground passages. Today, the lodge remains a popular stop for paranormal investigators and those seeking a brush with the supernatural. Whether it’s Sarah’s playful spirit, lingering remnants of the past, or something more sinister, Brookdale Lodge continues to be one of California’s most intriguing haunted locations.
13. The Graffiti House (Mojave Desert)
Deep in the Mojave Desert, hidden among the desolate landscape, lies the eerie and mysterious Graffiti House—an abandoned structure covered in cryptic writings, strange symbols, and unsettling messages left behind by unknown visitors. While little is officially documented about its history, the Graffiti House has become a hotspot for urban legends, paranormal encounters, and unexplained phenomena. Some believe the house was once a meeting place for occult rituals, while others claim it was a hideout for criminals or drifters who left behind more than just their graffiti. Paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers who have dared to explore the site report strange noises, shadowy figures, and an overwhelming sense of dread upon entering. Visitors have described seeing flickering lights, hearing whispers in empty rooms, and even feeling unseen hands touch them. Some believe the Graffiti House is a portal for dark energy, with many experiencing disturbing visions or feeling suddenly ill while inside. Others have captured chilling EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), with voices seeming to warn people to leave. Though its origins remain unclear, the eerie artwork covering its walls only adds to the sense of unease, making it one of the Mojave’s most notorious and haunted locations. Whether it’s the lingering spirits of past inhabitants, the result of dark rituals, or just the power of suggestion, those who visit the Graffiti House often leave with a story they can’t explain—and many refuse to return.
California is home to some of the most chilling and mysterious haunted locations in the country, each with its own dark history and spine-tingling tales. From abandoned ghost towns and infamous hotels to eerie canyons and cursed mansions, these places continue to draw ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and skeptics alike. Whether you believe in the paranormal or simply enjoy a good ghost story, visiting these haunted spots is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience. Are you brave enough to explore California’s most haunted places, or will you leave the spirits undisturbed?
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