Jan 17, 20238 min read

Haunted Spots in California: Spine Chilling Places for Real Thrill Experience

From prehistoric phantoms to forlorn spirits, from mysterious hotel liners to creepy hotel rooms, California is home to several paranormal hotspots. Whether you are afraid of ghosts or not, these places will definitely give you goosebumps.

And if you are a paranormal enthusiast, then these spooky spots will be just perfect to fulfill the thrill you crave. This must-read list brings you the most talked about haunted spots all across California!

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, Eureka

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park is located in Eureka, California, and is widely known as one of the most haunted places in the state. The fort was built in 1853 by the US Army and served as a military outpost until it was abandoned in 1870. Since then, many visitors have reported strange noises and eerie sightings in the area.

Some say they have seen the ghost of a young girl running through the fort, while others claim to have heard the sound of a far-off drumbeat. There have also been reports of soldiers who appear to be marching through the park even though no living soldiers are present. Whether or not there is any truth to these stories, one thing is certain: Fort Humboldt State Historic Park is a place of mystery and intrigue that is sure to leave visitors with a chill down their spine!

Preston Castle, Ione

Preston Castle, located in the small town of Ione, California, is one of the most haunted places in the state. Built in 1890 as a reform school for troubled youth, the castle is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its former occupants. Visitors to the castle have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a cold presence throughout the building.

Many believe that this paranormal activity is due to the tragic events that occurred at the school over the years. There have been reports of abuse and neglect, as well as numerous unexplained deaths. Despite its dark history, Preston Castle still stands as a reminder of California's past and is a popular destination for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.

Bodie State Historic Park, Bodie

Bodie State Historic Park is one of the most haunted places in California that you cannot miss! Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is home to a ghost town that was once bustling with activity before it was abandoned in the 1940s.

Today, the town is a state park and a popular tourist destination, but it is also said to be home to some eerie supernatural activity. Visitors have reported seeing mysterious lights, hearing unexplained noises, and even encountering ghostly figures. Legend has it that Bodie is haunted by the spirits of miners and other former inhabitants, who still linger in the abandoned buildings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a visit to this eerie park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Moaning Cavern, Vallecito

Moaning Cavern is another well-known haunted place in California. Located in Vallecito, California, it is an underground limestone cavern with a history as dark and mysterious as its depths. Legend has it that Moaning Cavern was once home to a Native American tribe that was cursed by a powerful shaman. Since then, there have been numerous reports of strange sounds and unexplainable phenomena in and around the cave, leading many to believe it is haunted by spirits.

Visitors to the cavern have reported feeling a chill in the air and hearing a low moaning sound emanating from the depths of the cave. Others have experienced a deep sense of dread and fear that is hard to explain. Whether you believe the stories or not, there's no denying that Moaning Cavern is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in California.

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California is one of the most famous haunted places in the state. The house was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun magnate William Wirt Winchester, in the late 1800s. She was convinced that the house was haunted by the victims of her husband’s guns and so she set out to build the biggest and most intricate house she could in an effort to ward off the spirits. As a result, the house is filled with strange and mysterious features like secret passages and strange staircases that lead nowhere.

Many people believe that the house is still haunted by Sarah and others, and it has become a popular tourist attraction for those who are looking for a spooky experience. Whether or not the house is truly haunted is still up for debate, but one thing is for sure: it’s definitely a creepy place to explore!

Point Sur Lighthouse, Big Sur

Point Sur Lighthouse is located on a rocky outcrop off the coast of Big Sur. This majestic structure has been standing since 1889. Throughout the years, the lighthouse has been the site of numerous paranormal sightings, including ghostly figures, mysterious lights, and strange noises.

The most infamous ghost is said to be the spirit of former lighthouse keeper Robert Gallegos, who died tragically in a fall from the lighthouse in 1929. Visitors to Point Sur Lighthouse often report feeling strange sensations, and many believe that Gallegos's spirit is still protecting the tower. The haunting of the Point Sur Lighthouse makes it undeniably one of the most mysterious and fascinating places in California.

Elfin Forest

Although the Elfin Forest sounds like something straight out of the world of Tolkein, the depths of the forest are as real as anything can be. Lying just southwest of Escondido in San Diego County, the Elfin Forest nonetheless fits the Tolkienian vibe with all its legendary tales, mysteries, and fantastical stories of hauntings. According to legends, the forest used to be occupied by Romani people in the early 19th century until they were slaughtered and driven out by the local townspeople.

It is said that the Romani people exacted revenge by cursing the forest and its surrounding areas. The Elfin Forest has since attracted paranormal enthusiasts and adventurers. Many, including tourists and local people, have claimed to witness all kinds of eerie occurrences, such as apparitions, women dressed in white floating around, a cloaked spirit mounted on a black stallion, unexplained footprints, and so on. The Elfin Forest is undoubtedly one of the most haunted forests in California and a must-visit place if you are a fan of the mysterious and the occult.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles

California’s haunted hotels are legends in themselves. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is one such example. Known as one of the most iconic and storied hotels in Los Angeles, California, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been home to many celebrities and was a major hotspot during the Golden Age of Hollywood. But it is also a place of mystery and intrigue, and it has long been considered one of the most haunted places in California.

There are numerous accounts of strange sightings and mysterious happenings at the hotel, from guests seeing apparitions to hearing disembodied voices in the night. Some say that a small child can be seen wandering the halls late at night, while others report seeing a ghostly woman with long dark hair. Even those who don't believe in ghosts have reported feeling an eerie presence in the hotel. Whether these stories are true or not, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel remains one of the most famous haunted places in California. For those brave enough to visit, it is an opportunity to experience a part of history and perhaps even a glimpse into the supernatural.

The Queen Mary, Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a grand ocean liner that served as a luxury cruise ship in the 1930s and 1940s. But today, it is notorious as one of the most haunted places in California. Since its retirement in 1967, it has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who come to explore its mysterious past.

According to legend, the Queen Mary is home to dozens of spirits, and visitors have reported a wide range of paranormal activity including strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and other unexplainable phenomena. The most popular spirit is said to be that of a sailor who died onboard in the 1940s, who is often seen walking the decks or gazing out to sea. The legend of the Queen Mary ocean liner somewhat resembles the infamous legend of the Ghost Ship, the Mary Celeste. The Queen Mary is undoubtedly an interesting place to explore and its stories are sure to captivate any visitor.

El Adobe de Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

El Adobe de Capistrano, one of the most haunted places in California, is located in the historic district of downtown San Juan Capistrano. This former adobe house has been the focus of ghost hunters and paranormal investigators for decades.

According to local legend, the building has been haunted since the turn of the 20th century, when the original owner was murdered in a dispute with a business partner. Since then, visitors and employees have reported strange phenomena such as eerie noises, ghostly apparitions, and objects that seem to move on their own. Some say that the property is home to several ghosts, including the spirit of the murdered owner. Whether or not you are afraid of ghosts, there's no denying that El Adobe de Capistrano is one of the most mysterious and fascinating haunted places in California and will surely give you goosebumps.

Hotel del Coronado, San Diego

The Hotel del Coronado is another notorious example of California’s haunted hotels. Located in the city of Coronado, this iconic hotel was built in 1888 and has a long and storied history. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity within the hotel, ranging from strange noises to apparitions and full-bodied figures.

Some believe that the cause of these hauntings is the spirit of Kate Morgan, a young guest who committed suicide on the property in 1892. Others believe that other guests and staff members have also returned to the hotel in spirit form. Whatever the cause, it's clear that the Hotel del Coronado is a place filled with mystery and intrigue. For those looking for a truly unique experience, a stay at this legendary hotel may be just the ticket.

Special Mention: Hotel Cecil, Los Angeles

Any list of the most haunted spots in California would be incomplete without the infamous Hotel Cecil. A hotbed of crime, the Cecil Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in California. Located in downtown Los Angeles, just next to the Skid Row, the hotel came into the news in recent years when missing college student & Canadian tourist Elisa Lam’s body was discovered weeks after in a closed water tank on the Cecil’s roof. A security footage of Ms. Lam behaving strangely in the hotel’s elevator went immediately viral after her disappearance was made public. This contributed to the intensification of the mystery surrounding her disappearance & eventual death. Many internet sleuths suggested that Ms. Lam was playing a haunted game called the Elevator Game. The cops, however, concluded that Ms. Lam was schizophrenic and had bipolar disorder.

Even before Ms. Lam, the Cecil Hotel has been house to multiple violent deaths - both murders & suicides - and has lodged several serial killers & sex offenders including the infamous Night Stalker Richard Ramirez who was responsible for terrorizing California in the 1980s. The reputation of the Hotel Cecil is now unprecedented as one of the most haunted hotels in California and has become a center of active attention of true-crime enthusiasts as well as paranormal investigators.

Wrapping Up

If you are a fan of the occult and the mysterious, then these are the perfect places to satisfy your thirst for thrill and spooky experiences. Needless to say, none of these places seem to be for the lighthearted. So if you are one who is brave enough to face the paranormal, then get your tickets & bags ready for the spookiest experiences of your lifetime!