California is known for its beautiful beaches, sprawling cities, and natural wonders, but the Golden State also has its fair share of eerie locations that cater to those fascinated by the creepy and macabre. From haunted hotels to abandoned asylums, here are 11 must-see spots for anyone who enjoys the darker side of history.
1. The Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)
The Winchester Mystery House is one of California’s most famous haunted landmarks. This sprawling, bizarre mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the rifle, and is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by her husband’s invention.
The mansion is filled with winding staircases, hidden doors, and rooms that lead to nowhere. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the eccentric architecture and hear chilling stories of ghostly encounters.
2. The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
Once a luxury ocean liner, the Queen Mary is now a hotel and museum docked in Long Beach. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have emerged, including sightings of ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and eerie shadows.
The Queen Mary’s haunted history dates back to the ship’s time in service during World War II, when it was involved in tragic accidents. Paranormal tours are available for those seeking an unnerving experience.
3. The Catacombs at the Mission San Juan Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano)
The Mission San Juan Capistrano is famous for its history, but it also holds an eerie secret beneath its grounds. The catacombs, where the remains of early settlers and mission residents were buried, have a somber and macabre atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the crypts, where many claim to feel a chilling presence or hear strange noises.
4. Alcatraz Island (San Francisco Bay)
Alcatraz Island, once home to the notorious federal prison, is an eerie and fascinating place to visit. The prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals in American history, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”).
Over the years, the island has gained a reputation for being haunted, with many reports of ghostly figures, strange noises, and mysterious happenings. Visitors can take a tour of the abandoned prison and explore the grounds, including the isolation cells and the site of several inmate deaths.
5. The Los Angeles Murder House (Los Angeles)
Famous for its association with the murder of actress Sharon Tate and four others by the Manson Family in 1969, the Los Angeles “Murder House” at 10050 Cielo Drive has become an infamous spot for true crime enthusiasts.
While the original house has been demolished, the location remains a grim reminder of one of Hollywood’s darkest moments.
6. The Old Trapper’s Lodge (Crescent City)
Located in Crescent City, the Old Trapper’s Lodge is an eerie, abandoned spot that has long been linked to paranormal activity. With its remote location in the woods of Northern California, the Lodge has witnessed reports of shadowy figures, strange sounds, and an overall sense of dread.
Some say that the Lodge is a hotbed of supernatural occurrences tied to its grim past.
7. The Haunted Hotel Del Coronado (San Diego)
The Hotel Del Coronado is a beautiful beachfront resort with a dark secret. It’s said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman named Kate Morgan, who died under mysterious circumstances in the hotel in 1892.
Her ghost has been reported in several areas of the hotel, and guests have claimed to feel cold spots, hear footsteps, and even encounter her apparition. Ghost tours are available for those brave enough to explore the haunted hotel.
8. The Bunker Hill Steps (Los Angeles)
Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles is known for its role in the city’s development but also for its creepy reputation. The Bunker Hill Steps, a long, winding staircase that once connected the hilltop to the city below, is rumored to be haunted.
Locals and tourists alike report strange occurrences such as feeling an unsettling presence and hearing whispers as they ascend the steps. Some even claim to have seen ghostly figures lurking in the shadows.
9. The Lost Coast (Humboldt County)
For those looking to escape the typical tourist path, California’s Lost Coast offers an eerie and remote experience. The Lost Coast is notorious for its isolation, rugged terrain, and the many ghost stories surrounding its forests and coastlines.
There are numerous tales of shipwrecks, ghostly apparitions, and strange occurrences along this desolate stretch of land.
10. The Forest of Shadows (Big Sur)
The dense, misty forests of Big Sur are beautiful, but they also have a dark reputation. The area is known for its many mysterious disappearances over the years.
Hikers have reported strange shadows moving between the trees and a general sense of unease while walking through the forest. Some even say the spirits of those who vanished in the forest still linger among the towering redwoods.
11. The abandoned Mendocino Asylum (Mendocino)
The Mendocino Asylum, once a psychiatric hospital in the late 1800s, has now been abandoned for decades. The creepy, decaying buildings are said to be haunted by former patients who died within its walls.
Visitors who venture near the property often hear unsettling sounds, and some claim to see apparitions through the cracked windows. The area is an excellent destination for those who enjoy exploring forgotten places with a dark and unsettling past.
California has no shortage of creepy and macabre destinations for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to haunted mansions, eerie prisons, or ghostly coastlines, the state offers a wide array of locations that will satisfy anyone interested in the darker side of life (and death).
So, pack your courage and venture into the spine-chilling corners of California—you never know what you might uncover!
SOURCES
- (https://www.losangelesfunevents.com/post/top-ten-haunted-attractions-in-los-angeles-2025)
- (https://www.knotts.com/events/scary-farm)
- (https://www.californiahauntedhouses.com)
