The Most Haunted Places in California (And the Stories Behind Them)
Not far from downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel stands as a glamorous relic of Old Hollywood, but beneath its glitz lies a storied past thick with ghostly tales. Opened in 1927 and located just steps from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, this historic hotel is where Marilyn Monroe once lived early in her career. Guests and staff alike have reported eerie apparitions and unexplained noises, especially in the suites where Monroe stayed. Visitors can soak in the ambiance by enjoying a drink at the Tropicana Pool, surrounded by original Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and imagine the silent whispers of stars past. Evening visits hint at a spectral presence as twilight casts long shadows over the hotel’s art deco details, making it a perfect spot for those drawn to Hollywood’s haunted history.
Heading north up the California coast, the eerie charm of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose offers a labyrinthine experience unlike any other. About an hour south of San Francisco, this sprawling Victorian mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, widow of firearm magnate William Winchester. The house is famous for its bewildering design, featuring staircases that lead nowhere and doors opening into walls, built under the supposed guidance of restless spirits. Guided tours wind through its 160 rooms, highlighting the strange architecture and the stories of hauntings. Autumn is a particularly atmospheric time to visit, as the creeping fog and falling leaves seem to echo the mysterious energy that inspired this architectural oddity.
In the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district lies the historic Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison perched seven miles offshore from the city’s Fisherman’s Wharf. This infamous prison held some of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history and is renowned for its harsh conditions and rumored supernatural activity. Visitors take a ferry to the island and embark on audio-led tours that recount chilling tales of prison riots and ghostly sightings in the damp, echoing cell blocks. The island’s wild gardens and panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline provide a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the grim stories, especially during foggy mornings when the prison seems to float in a ghostly haze.
A few hours inland from Sacramento, the Calaveras County town of Murphys invites visitors to explore the historic Murphys Hotel, a Victorian-era relic nestled in California’s Gold Country. Around 2.5 hours east of San Francisco, this hotel has seen its share of ghostly lore, with reports of phantom footsteps and mysterious voices in the halls. Guests often share stories of a spectral woman believed to be the spirit of a long-departed guest who never checked out. Murphys itself charms with its gold rush heritage, offering wine tasting and quaint shops alongside the hotel experience. Visiting during early evening when the gas lamps flicker to life along the main street adds an extra eerie ambiance to any ghost-hunting adventure.
Further south in the Sierra Nevada, near the town of Bodie, lies the Bodie State Historic Park, roughly 75 miles east of Yosemite National Park. Bodie is a remarkably preserved ghost town from the late 19th century, frozen in a state of “arrested decay.” Visitors wander through deserted wooden buildings and abandoned shops where the past feels palpably close. The silence and desolation give rise to stories of lingering spirits of miners and townsfolk. Exploring the town’s main street and the old schoolhouse during the golden hours of late afternoon adds a layer of melancholy magic. Winter’s early dusk and occasional snowfall enhance the spectral atmosphere, making it a must-see for those fascinated by the American frontier’s haunted legacy.
Near the southern tip of the state, in San Diego, the Whaley House Museum draws visitors eager to glimpse one of California’s most famously haunted locations. Just north of downtown San Diego, this Greek Revival-style house was built in 1857 on the site of the former gallows, where criminals were once executed. The house’s rich history includes stints as a courthouse, general store, and theater, all contributing to the many spectral sightings reported here. Visitors enjoy guided tours showcasing the Victorian furnishings and the stories of paranormal encounters, from footsteps to sudden drops in temperature. Early evening tours during the mild Southern California spring or fall amplify the cool coastal breeze, heightening the sense of the uncanny.
Finally, in Northern California’s Napa Valley, the old Napa State Hospital offers a different kind of haunted experience. About 45 minutes north of San Francisco, the hospital was once a psychiatric facility that operated for over a century. Though not open for casual tours, the hospital grounds and nearby trails in the area are shrouded in local ghost stories and eerie tales passed down by residents. Adventurous travelers who explore the nearby Skyline Wilderness Park can reflect on the history while taking in views of the rolling hills and vineyards, imagining the lives and stories of those who once lived behind the hospital’s walls. Visiting at twilight, when shadows stretch long across the landscape, adds a poignant layer to the haunting history embedded in this corner of California.
Each of these places offers a unique portal into California’s haunted past, inviting visitors to walk through corridors where history lingers in strange and unforgettable ways. Whether nestled in a bustling city or out in the remote wilderness, these haunted locales provide a thrilling blend of storytelling and atmosphere that goes far beyond typical sightseeing.