Discover California’s dark side this Halloween: Here are the state’s most haunted spots
Although it’s known mostly as the land of sun and surf, California is no stranger to ghost stories and mystifying legends. With its rich history and diverse landscape, it’s the perfect October travel destination for Halloween and history buffs alike. From haunted ships to sprawling mansions and eerie towns, here are the best paranormal destinations to explore this spooky season.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach
Once a grand ocean liner, The Queen Mary now rests in Long Beach. It’s known as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S. With at least 49 documented deaths aboard, it’s no wonder visitors often report unsettling encounters in the ship’s halls.
The Haunted Encounters tour offers an in-depth look at the ship’s past, but for a real thrill, opt for the Graveyard Tours after dark. If you’re brave enough, take it one step further by booking a night in the famously haunted Stateroom B340 — just don’t expect a peaceful night’s sleep.
Winchester Mystery House – San Jose
The Winchester Mystery House is a must-visit for anyone who loves puzzling architecture and creepy tales. Built continuously from 1886 to 1922 by Sarah Winchester, this mansion is said to have been constructed to appease the restless spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle.
Staircases that lead to nowhere, secret passageways and other odd features make it a mysterious, albeit fascinating stop. The Halloween “Unhinged Hotel” experience includes a haunted maze, a scare zone and even a museum of vintage Halloween decorations.
Bodie State Historic Park – Bodie
For a real ghost town experience, head to Bodie State Historic Park. Once a thriving Gold Rush town, Bodie is now an abandoned shell preserved in a state of “arrested decay.”
While exploring this landmark that’s frozen-in-time, visitors have experienced strange occurrences, like objects mysteriously moving or unexplained sounds. Legend has it that those who take artifacts from Bodie are cursed with bad luck — some have even tried to return stolen items in hopes of lifting the curse.
MacCallum House Inn – Mendocino
This historic MacCallum House Inn has been the site of many unexplained phenomena, particularly in Room Four, where the son of the original owner, Donald MacCallum, is said to still reside. Guests have reported dresser drawers opening on their own, shadowy figures and other abnormal occurrences in this quaint Mendocino bed and breakfast.
Benbow Historic Inn – Redwood Coast
Since its opening in 1926, the Benbow Historic Inn has been a haven for guests — and apparently, for spirits as well. Visitors and staff have experienced doors opening on their own, lights flickering and even sherry decanters flying across the room. This historic inn is a top spot for a cozy and creepy fall getaway. Stay here if you dare to experience these otherworldly happenings firsthand.
City of the Dead - Colma
Known as the “City of the Dead,” the town of Colma is located just south of San Francisco with a population where the deceased outnumber the living by over a thousand to one. With 17 cemeteries within its boundaries, Colma became a burial ground in the early 1900s when San Francisco banned cemeteries to make room for expansion.
Some of the most famous graves include those of Wyatt Earp and Levi Strauss, but many say it’s the restless spirits of those forgotten that haunt the streets and cemeteries. Ghost hunters often visit cemeteries like Holy Cross and Cypress Lawn to experience paranormal activity, including cold spots, mysterious lights and the sounds of voices at night.
Alcatraz Island - San Francisco
Of course, this list would not be complete without Alcatraz, the infamous former federal prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay. It is certainly one of California’s most haunted spots. It housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Its isolation and harsh conditions left many prisoners in despair and several inmates died while attempting to escape the island. Visitors and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps, cell doors slamming shut on their own and echoing voices in the corridors. Night tours of Alcatraz offer an extra layer of scare factor as you walk the prison’s cold, dark halls.
