Haunted Places in California You Can Actually Visit (2026 Guide)

Last Updated on: April 12, 2026

Behind the picture-perfect landscapes of California’s rugged coastline, golden sand-filled beaches, rolling hills, wine valleys, and mountain ranges, lies a shadowy trace of Urban Legends that describe the most haunted and cursed places in the state.

These terrifying tales blur the line between fact and folklore, as they are born from real communities, locations and people. Some legends, span centuries and have taken on a life of their own.

Whether it’s a hell gate to another dimension or the relics of this state’s sinister past, these California haunted places will strike fear into the soul of any visitor. And, in some cases, you won’t come back out, the same person as you went in.

Haunted Places in California – Quick Facts

– Details on two dozen haunted locations across the state
– Includes hotels, ships, ghost towns, and historic landmarks
– Many locations are open to visitors or overnight stays
– Some date back to the Gold Rush era, Others to the Mission era

Haunted Historic Buildings & Landmarks

These locations combine deep history with strong paranormal reputations.

The Whaley House – San Diego

Location: San Diego
Built: 1857
Why it’s haunted: Built on execution grounds
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The Whaley House in San Diego was a family home that also housed a movie theater, a general store, a school, polling place, granary, and court house.

Hangings took place on the grounds before the house was constructed and legend has it that some of the ghosts that haunt the Whaley House are criminals who were hung on the property.

One of the main ghosts that reportedly haunts the Whaley House is the Gold Rush bandit known as Yankee Jim Robinson. The tales of Yankee Jim stretch from stealing horses in Placer County, which the town of Yankee Jims was located, fleeing from the law throughout the state, and eventually ending up in San Diego where he met the end of a rope.

All of the violent and mysterious events that have occurred here, including the suicide of Violet Whaley in 1885, have given the Whaley House a high spot on just about every credible list for haunted places in California. It’s also widely considered as one of the Top 5 most haunted places in the country.

Winchester Mystery House

Location: San Jose
Built: 1886
Why it’s haunted: Spirits
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The Winchester Mystery House has long been associated with an unsettling, almost otherworldly atmosphere that goes beyond its famously bizarre architecture. Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps in empty hallways, doors opening and closing on their own, and faint whispers echoing through rooms that seem to lead nowhere.

Some believe these occurrences are tied to the restless spirits Sarah Winchester sought to appease, while others describe an unshakable feeling of being watched as they move through the labyrinth of corridors and staircases.

Whether rooted in legend or something unexplained, the house continues to leave many with a lingering sense that they weren’t entirely alone inside. It’s easily one of the most bizarre places in California you can visit that are haunted.

Preston School of Industry

Location: Ione
Built: 1894
Why it’s haunted: Reform school
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The Preston Castle, also called the Preston School of Industry in Ione, started out as a reform school for wards of the state in the late 1800s. Troubled boys were sent there to learn a trade instead of juvenile detention centers or prison.

Over time, the discipline at Preston became extreme with many reports of an abusive environment. Ultimately, desperation and a harsh environment led to escape attempts, violence and even death.

Nowadays, the castle is full of tragic history and tales of ghost sightings. At least one “unsolved” murder took place there. Visitors report that, among others, spirits of the wards who died at Preston haunt the castle.

Over the last few years, the Preston Castle has become a popular subject with ghost hunters and TV shows. It’s also been featured in a big screen movie. Preston is a place where you definitely feel the history and tragedy when walking throughout its intimidating structure.

San Fernando Mission

Location: Mission Hills
Built: 1797
Why it’s haunted: Mission deaths
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Founded in 1797, this mission is believed to be haunted by Native American spirits and monks. Visitors report chanting, cold drafts, and shadows moving across walls.

Mare Island

Location: Vallejo
Built: 1854
Why it’s haunted: Naval history
Can you stay there? Partial
Notable ghost stories:

Mare Island is one of the most overlooked locations to explore in California. Not only does it have a wealth of Military history, but it also has tales of death and tragedy.

Visitors to the island can tour many of the longstanding historic buildings including the museum. There’s a charming little park in the middle of the island along with a wonderful old church.

Additionally, visitors can walk through Mare Island’s historic cemetery, pass by the massive abandoned hospital, walk through the preserve, and take tours throughout the entire island.

With that said, the charm and history of the island can be drowned out by the number of reports from visitors that claim to have witnessed paranormal activity all over Mare Island.

From the “Elevator Man” to disembodied voices; some visitors have taken photographs with orbs showing up in the pictures. Some amateur ghost hunters have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) on the island as well. This is one of the most underrated haunted places in California.

In fact, the Abandoned Mare Island Naval Hospital is one place that should be on any Mare Island visitor’s list along with the Historic Mare Island Naval Cemetery.

Alcatraz

Location: San Francisco
Built: 1934
Why it’s haunted: Prison history
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Alcatraz, as most everyone knows, was formerly the site of a maximum-security prison. Now a tourist attraction and museum, the island is the home to unexplained “visitors” who produce banjo music, footsteps, screams, cold spots, whispering, and slamming cell doors.

The island has been visited by many paranormal experts and ghost hunters. It’s considered not only as one of the most haunted places in America, but also the most haunted prison in the country. Even before it was used for the site of the prison, it was known by Native Americans to be filled with spirits.

Mark Twain himself said the island was “…cold as winter, even in the summer months.“

Moss Beach Distillery – Moss Beach

Location: Moss Beach
Built: 1927
Why it’s haunted: Blue Lady ghost
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it’s haunted by the “Blue Lady,” a woman in blue who appears to diners and staff, often rearranging items.

Hollydale Insane Asylum

Location: South Gate
Built: 1900s
Why it’s haunted: Abandoned asylum
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Abandoned many years ago, the Hollydale Mental Hospital in Downey, California, was originally built in the 1880s as a farm for the poor, turned into a hospital during WWII, later used for polio and tuberculosis patients, then later became a mental hospital.

In 2006, after the mental facility was already shutdown, a group of Marines went into the abandoned structure and found body parts from the 1960’s and 1970’s stored in an old freezer.

According to visitors there are numerous unhappy spirits here. Additionally, strange noises can be heard and lights have been seen turning on and off by themselves.

Anyone who’s been to an abandoned mental hospital knows just how intense the vibes are.

This is private property and there are “No Trespassing” signs posted all over. Is there anything scarier than an abandoned insane asylum?

Haunted Hotels in California

California’s historic hotels are some of the most well-known haunted locations in the state. Many still operate today, allowing guests to spend the night surrounded by ghost stories and unexplained activity.

Hotel del Coronado – Coronado

Location: Coronado
Built: 1888
Why it’s haunted: Kate Morgan ghost
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

The Hotel Del Coronado is widely considered to be one of the most haunted hotels in California.

The story goes: young and beautiful Kate Morgan arrived at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego on Thanksgiving Day in 1892 and checked in, but she never checked out: she allegedly committed suicide after five days there. Since then, employees and guests have experienced some “spooky” happenings, many to do with Kate’s room on the third floor.

Visitors have reported a TV that turns itself off and on, flickering lights, items that move on their own, unexplained voices and footsteps, and strange sounds and scents.

That hasn’t stopped people from coming to stay at impressive hotel, though, and staff say the room where she allegedly stayed is the most requested.

Roosevelt Hotel – Hollywood

Location: Los Angeles
Built: 1927
Why it’s haunted: Celebrity spirits
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

Located in Hollywood, the Roosevelt Hotel is known for being haunted by several spirits. Most famously, Marilyn Monroe is said to haunt her old suite, where guests have seen her reflection in a mirror long after her death.

There are also reports of cold spots, ghostly children playing in the hallways, and mysterious phone calls in the middle of the night with no one on the other end.

The Mission Inn – Riverside

Location: Riverside
Built: 1876
Why it’s haunted: Historic hauntings
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

This historic hotel is said to host ghostly monks and mysterious music that plays when no one is around. Some rooms reportedly cause sudden feelings of dread.

Old Town Temecula Hotel – Temecula

Location: Temecula
Built: 1891
Why it’s haunted: Historic spirits
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, the hotel is rumored to have a ghostly woman in white who drifts through hallways and appears in mirrors.

Haunted Ships & Maritime Locations

California’s coastal history and naval past have left behind some of the most active paranormal hotspots in the state.

Queen Mary – Long Beach

Location: Long Beach
Built: 1936
Why it’s haunted: Ship deaths
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

The Queen Mary was voted by Time Magazine to be one of The Most Haunted Places in America. There are several ghosts reportedly hanging out on the ship, from a woman and children who drowned in the pool, to a sailor who died in the engine room.

The retired ocean liner was turned into a moored hotel off of Long Beach, California. There’s a museum, several restaurants, and a hotel. The owners offer haunted tours through the day and special events at night for people interested in the paranormal.

It’s easily the most haunted boat in California.

USS Hornet – Alameda

Location: Alameda
Built: 1943
Why it’s haunted: Naval history
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The USS Hornet is Alameda’s haunted ship in California. It was commissioned in 1943 and has become known as America’s most haunted ship.

Both visitors and crew members have reported sightings, sounds, and incidents like tools that disappear and reappear, doors opening and closing on their own, feelings of spectral presences, and the sensation of being grabbed or pushed when no one is there.

For those that enjoy overnight stays at haunted locations, this aircraft carrier offers overnight history tours.

Battery Point Lighthouse – Crescent City

Location: Crescent City
Built: 1856
Why it’s haunted: Keepers spirits
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is an active California lighthouse found at the foot of A Street in Crescent City. Tours allow visitors to go through the lighthouse and museum to look at the artifacts left behind by keepers and their families since the lighthouse was first lit in 1856.

Despite its coastal charm, some paranormal experts and visitors declare that this lighthouse trails only the Whaley House as the most haunted place in California. It’s also considered one of the most haunted lighthouses in all of America.

There is said to be three resident ghosts: two adults and a child. Visitors have reported feeling unseen presences touching them, or feeling like someone was there. Others have seen rocking chairs moving on their own, or the sounds of someone trudging up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse.

Haunted Ghost Towns & Abandoned Places

California’s Gold Rush history created countless towns overnight; many abandoned after tragedy, leaving behind eerie remnants and stories of paranormal activities. The following is a brief list of California ghost towns.

Bodie Ghost Town

Location: Mono County
Built: 1859
Why it’s haunted: Gold Rush violence
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Bodie is an old mining settlement that dates back to 1859. It’s locked in a state of arrested decay, being maintained as it is, with nothing being allowed to become worse, but nothing being remodeled either.

Bodie is one of the most popular and most impressive ghost towns in the United States. It also has a rich history with many stories of the supernatural.

One of the main paranormal experiences is of the spirit of a maid who haunts the Cain home. Visitors have reported feeling as if they were being suffocated as they slept. There’s also a Bodie curse wherein anyone who takes anything as a souvenir is followed by misfortune and bad luck.

Silver City Ghost Town

Location: Bodie area
Built: 1800s
Why it’s haunted: Abandoned town
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Silver City, is a manufactured mining town preserved in a state of “arrested decay,” where weathered structures and scattered relics offer a haunting glimpse into California’s past. Its quiet isolation and untouched ruins create an eerie atmosphere, making it one of the more intriguing ghost towns for those interested in the region’s history and the supernatural.

Haunted Roads, Bridges & Outdoor Locations

Some of the most unsettling places in California aren’t buildings at all—they’re remote highways & roads, forests, and bridges with dark histories.

Gravity Hill – Altadena

Location: Altadena
Built: Unknown
Why it’s haunted: Urban legend
Can you stay there? Yes
Notable ghost stories:

On this stretch of road, cars appear to roll uphill against gravity. The legend says ghost children push stalled cars uphill to protect them from a fatal bus accident that occurred there.

Suicide Bridge – Pasadena

Location: Pasadena
Built: 1913
Why it’s haunted: Tragic deaths
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The Colorado Street Bridge has a tragic history of hundreds of suicides since its opening in 1913. People claim to see ghostly figures leaping from the bridge or standing along its railings.

Santa Lucia Hell Gate

Location: Central Coast
Built: Unknown
Why it’s haunted: Folklore
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

Another story from the Santa Lucia Mountains describes a “hell gate”—a portal to another world. This legend says that Native Americans considered the area sacred and that the gate allows dark spirits to enter our world.

Though there is no physical evidence of such a portal, hikers have reported hearing strange chants and seeing orbs of light. Some believe the Dark Watchers, California Urban Legend of creatures, are connected to this gate, possibly as guardians or prisoners.

Cobb Estate – Altadena

Location: Altadena
Built: 1918
Why it’s haunted: Tragedy
Can you stay there? No
Notable ghost stories:

The Enchanted Forest, also referred to as The Haunted Forest, is located at the end of Lake Ave. in Pasadena, California and has a terrifying front entrance gate that marks the beginning of what was once known as the Cobb Estate.

Ghost hunters see the gate as a an opportunity to explore a trail that leads visitors through a haunted forest and into a den of paranormal activity.

At night, it’s extremely dark inside, so make sure you have your flashlight! People have reported hearing screams coming from the forest, or feeling as if someone or something was following them.

Strange lights have been seen as well, lights that couldn’t be explained away as being from flashlights from other explorers. Some ghost hunters have taken EMF detectors into the forest and had the results spike.

This haunted forest in California is a must visit place for any ghost hunter and spooky thrill seeker.

Fannette Island – Lake Tahoe

Location: Emerald Bay State Park
Built: NA
Why it’s haunted: the life and disappearance of Captain Dick Barter
Can you stay there? No.
Notable ghost stories:

Fannette Island is the crown jewel of Emerald Bay but it has a history that’s as colorful as the waters of Lake Tahoe.

Before Lora Knight bought the area in the 1920s and built Vikingsholm mansion, Fannette Island had a darker chapter.

From 1863 to 1873, Captain Dick Barter lived on the small island, where he built a chapel and tomb among other living accommodations.

Barter was a reputable character who often spent long stretches of time by himself in the Bay.

One night in 1873, Barter’s ship was found wrecked up the shore from the island but his body was never discovered.

Legend has it, that on foggy October nights, you can see his ghost crawling up the rocks trying to get back to his empty tomb.

Why California Has So Many Haunted Places

California’s unique history plays a major role in its paranormal reputation:

Gold Rush violence and lawlessness
Early hospitals and military installations
Hollywood tragedies and legends
Isolated forests, deserts, and abandoned towns

These elements have created a perfect environment for ghost stories and unexplained encounters.

Tips for Visiting Haunted Places in California

Visit During Daylight First

If you’re exploring a new haunted location, consider going during the day before returning at night. This helps you get familiar with the layout while still experiencing places like the Winchester Mystery House or Alcatraz Island in a more controlled setting.

Respect Private Property and Local Rules

Many haunted places in California are on private land or protected sites. Always check access rules before visiting locations like Bodie State Historic Park to avoid fines or safety risks.

Bring Proper Lighting and Safety Gear

Haunted locations—especially ghost towns and remote areas—can be dark and uneven. A flashlight, sturdy shoes, and a charged phone are essential when exploring places like Turnbull Canyon.

Go With a Group, Not Alone

Exploring haunted places is safer and often more enjoyable with others. Whether you’re visiting the Queen Mary or a remote ghost town, having company adds both safety and perspective.

Be Respectful of the History

Many haunted places are tied to real tragedies. Treat locations like Preston Castle with respect, remembering that these sites often have deep historical significance.

Check for Tours and Guided Experiences

Some of the most haunted places in California offer official tours, which can provide both access and historical context. The Whaley House and the Queen Mary both offer guided paranormal experiences.

Manage Expectations (and Keep an Open Mind)

Not every visit will include a paranormal encounter—but that doesn’t make the experience any less interesting. Places like Mare Island still offer rich history and atmosphere, even without ghost sightings.

FAQs About Haunted Places in California

What is the most haunted place in California?

The Whaley House is often considered the most haunted due to consistent reports of paranormal activity.

Are there haunted places in California you can visit?

Yes, many of these locations (including hotels, ships, and historic landmarks) are open to the public.

Can you stay overnight in haunted places in California?

Yes, several haunted hotels, including the Queen Mary and Hotel del Coronado, allow overnight stays.

What are the scariest places in California?

In addition to the Whaley House, the Queen Mary, Bodie Ghost Town, Preston Castle, and Alcatraz are frequently listed among the scariest.

Plan Your Haunted California Road Trip

From coastal ships to abandoned Gold Rush towns, California offers countless haunted destinations worth exploring. Whether you’re searching for ghost stories or planning your next adventure, these locations provide a unique look into the state’s fascinating, eerie past.

Having been to many of these haunted California locations, if you love a scary story or the hair standing on the back of your neck, then you should add these haunted California places to your must-visit list.

Which haunted place in California would you visit first?