In a state as large and rich in history as California, it’s no wonder that there are a lot of reported hauntings.
Here are 15 places bound to give you shivers and chills. Even if you don’t believe in these things, visiting and immersing yourself in the lore is still fun!
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, Eureka
This old fort on a rugged, remote bluff looks eerie enough on its own. In 1897, though, a fort commander died here from malaria, and now his ghost stares from windows as people walk past.
Preston Castle, Ione
This place just looks like the setting of a horror film. Once, it was a reform school for chronically misbehaving and abandoned children, and it had a history of corporal punishment, dunking baths, and murder.
Bodie State Historic Park, Bodie
More than 100 structures remain in this Gold Rush-era ghost town, as do the spirits of its residents. If you take home any of the debris, you risk becoming cursed, or is that just a way the park emphasizes its no-removal rule?
The Cecil Hotel, Los Angeles
In this iconic hotel, several violent deaths have occurred, and at least two serial killers have stayed there. Paranormal investigators have been here many times to study the negative energies in this place.
Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz
In 1892, little Sarah Logan drowned in a nearby creek. Shortly after that, guests and staff reported seeing her running through the halls. People have even left toys and other items in some of her favorite places only to return later and find them gone.
Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, Inyo Mountains
Once a mining town, this ghost town sits at 8,500’ in the rugged, arid Inyo Mountains, which form part of the border of Death Valley. At least 30 men died in the mines here, and unsettling, unexplainable events occur here regularly.
Moaning Cavern, Vallecito
Before the widening of this cave, air made a sound much like wailing as it passed through. Human bones up to 12,000 years old have been found here, and the site is considered to be a hotbed of paranormal activity.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
Why would you build a home with a door leading to nowhere and a staircase stopping at the ceiling? Legend has it that Sarah Winchester, the widow of the man who invented the famous rifle, did this to confuse the ghosts of the men killed by his invention.
Point Sur Lighthouse, Big Sur
Some claim that the original keeper of this iconic lighthouse still visits, and is still in his uniform. For a truly spooky experience, take a midnight tour.
Padre Hotel, Bakersfield
A fire, an earthquake, and even doomed love triangles have resulted in many lives lost here, including children. Today, there are frequent sightings of ghostly figures and reports of poltergeist activity.
La Purisima, Lompoc
This Spanish mission dates back to 1787, and the missionaries, through communicable diseases, were responsible for the deaths of thousands of Native Americans in the area. It’s now a museum, and visitors report seeing strange shapes and hearing whispers.
Evergreen Cemetery, Santa Cruz County
Considered one of the most haunted sites in the state, this cemetery opened in 1858 and has been the final resting place for a wide range of people including artists, prospectors, travelers, and Chinese immigrants. Spirits are said to wander the grounds, and there are often reports of child-like laughter emanating from no discernible source.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
At one time called the “Grey Ghost,” this ocean liner features hauntings like the screams of a decapitated sailor and a lady in white roaming through the halls. You can go on ghost tours here, and, if you’re brave enough, you can stay overnight.
El Adobe de Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Here, a Mexican restaurant sits atop the site of the town’s old jail. A wine cellar that once was a prison cell is home to a former prisoner’s spirit. You might also see a headless priest at the entrance, which is a unique way of getting people to head in. (groan)
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
In 1892, a 24-year-old woman named Kate Morgan checked in here and later died on the staircase; rumor holds it was suicide. To this day, her restless spirit haunts the rooms and hallways via unexplained breezes, phantom footsteps, and flickering lights.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more. If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
The World’s 5 Friendliest and 5 Unfriendliest Cities
Some cities welcome visitors and want them to be there. Other cities are rude to visitors and would just as soon see you leave. It can be jarring to be in an unfriendly city, though some of the world’s most enticing cities rank high on the rudeness scale.
When you visit a friendly city, it’s much easier to soak in the culture and meet the locals. Rough Guides readers voted on the cities for their level of friendliness. According to Rough Guides, these are the world’s friendliest and unfriendliest cities.
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