Ghost Hunting in San Francisco: 3-Day Itinerary
Got the guts to go ghost hunting in San Francisco?
While famous for its landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is also known for its dark history, hidden tunnels, and pirate’y past.
In 3 days, you’ll explore some of the best ghost haunting in San Francisco spots, stay in a haunted hotel, and just generally get weird.
Here’s your 3-day ghost hunting in San Francisco travel itinerary:
Day 1: Check-in at a Haunted Hotel
Morning:
Begin your adventure at the Queen Anne Hotel, a Victorian stunner with a dark past and a haunted present. Once a girl’s school, the spirit of the headmistress, Miss Mary Lake, haunts the hallways. Strange things happen in Room 410, which is thought to be Miss Lake’s old office.
- Location: Queen Anne Hotel
- Known For: Haunted Victorian hotel
- Activity: Search for the Ghost of Miss Mary Lake
Afternoon:
Alcatraz Island Tour
Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island, one of the most famous prisons in world history. Known for notorious criminals, Alcatraz is haunted by former inmates.
Famous Prisoners of Alcatraz
- Al Capone (1899–1947): Infamous gangster and leader of the Chicago Outfit, Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion and spent 4.5 years at Alcatraz.
- George “Machine Gun” Kelly (1895–1954): A notorious gangster and kidnapper known for his criminal exploits during the Prohibition era.
- Robert Stroud (1890–1963): Known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” Stroud was a convicted murderer and one of the most famous inmates. When serving time in Leavenworth, he kept birds. Despite not being allowed to keep birds during his time in Alcatraz, he got his nickname. A movie about him, Birdman of Alcatraz, was released in 1962.
- James “Whitey” Bulger (1929–2018): Boston mob boss and FBI informant Bulger spent time at Alcatraz before becoming one of America’s most wanted fugitives.
- Mickey Cohen (1913–1976): A prominent figure in organized crime in Los Angeles during the mid-20th century, Cohen served time at Alcatraz for tax evasion.
- Roy Gardner (1884–1940): A train robber who attempted to escape from various prisons couldn’t get out of Alcatraz.
When it became a federal penitentiary in 1934, it earned its nickname “The Rock” because of its imposing, rugged look and its isolated location in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The island’s treacherous waters and rocky terrain made escape nearly impossible.
- Location: Alcatraz Island
- Known For: Infamous prison with ghostly inmates. The sound of cell doors slamming shut is believed to be residual energy from the prison’s brutal past, where guards would close doors harshly to intimidate the inmates. The most famous sightings include apparitions of prisoners in old prison uniforms, standing silently in their cells or peering through the bars before fading away.
Pro-Tips for Getting to Alcatraz
- The only way to get to Alcatraz is by ferry, operated by Alcatraz City Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street, southeast of Fisherman’s Wharf. Other companies only drive by the island on a boat.
- Remember: The island is cold and windy all year, even in summer. Dress accordingly.
- They offer day, night, and behind-the-scenes tours.
- Make sure to book your Alcatraz tours far in advance with Alcatraz City Cruises. They are the only ones to take you onto the island and often sell out!
Evening:
Dinner at The Haunted Stinking Rose
At The Stinking Rose, garlic is always on the menu. So is a ‘lil haunting. A former employee haunts the establishment, dragging objects around and dropping them suddenly, startling garlic-loving foodies.
Location: The Stinking Rose
- Known For: Haunted restaurant, objects moving, unexplained disturbances
- Activity: Eat a lovely dinner in a haunted, garlic-forward restaurant.
Note: If you don’t like garlic, you won’t like it here. For a haunted alternative that’s a bit less garlic-heavy, head to Union Hotel Restaurant, known for Crying Mary, a woman in white that hangs around the first floor.
Day 2: Paranormal Pursuits
Morning:
Ghost Walk at the Presidio
Embark on a ghost walk through the historical Presidio, a former military base. As you walk through the old army barracks, look for the ghost of a woman in black who is said to appear at sunset or a soldier in full uniform.
- Location: The Presidio
- Known For: Former military base, ghostly soldiers, a woman in black
- Activity: Explore The Presidio
Afternoon:
Visit the USS Hornet
A short drive from San Francisco will take you to the USS Hornet, a haunted aircraft carrier docked in Alameda. Known for its wartime history and hauntings, visitors have heard mysterious footsteps, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures on board.
- Location: USS Hornet (Alameda)
- Known For: Haunted aircraft carrier, shadowy figures, unexplained noises
- Activity: Take a tour of an Aircraft Carrier that served in WWII
Evening:
San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
As the sun sets, join the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour in Pacific Heights. You’ll hear the chilling stories of haunted mansions and legends while learning about SF’s darker side through one of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhoods.
- Location: Pacific Heights
- Known For: Haunted mansions, Ghostly encounters, chilling stories
- Activity: San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
Day 3: More Ghost Hunting in San Francisco
Morning:
Breakfast at The Cliff House
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the historic Cliff House. Perched on the rugged coastline, this restaurant is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in a flowing dress. Numerous sightings of this ghostly figure have been reported by guests, adding an eerie touch to your meal as the waves crash below.
- Location: The Cliff House
- Known For: Haunted restaurant on the coast, the ghost of a woman in a flowing dress
- Activity: Eat another lively meal in a place haunted by the dead
The woman in the flowing dress seen at the Cliff House is believed to be the spirit of a former guest or resident from the late 19th or early 20th century. Although her identity remains a mystery, many speculate that she might have been someone who had a strong emotional connection to the building. Some believe she could have been a woman who frequented the establishment or someone who met a tragic end on the nearby cliffs.
Key Details About the Woman in the Flowing Dress:
- Appearance: She is often described as wearing a long, elegant dress, typical of the fashion from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Her ghostly figure has been spotted gliding through hallways, appearing as a shimmering silhouette near windows or looking out towards the ocean.
- Location: Most sightings occur on the upper floors of the restaurant and near windows overlooking the sea. Guests have reported seeing her reflection in the glass, only to turn around and find no one there.
- Activity: The woman’s presence is usually accompanied by a sudden chill in the air or an inexplicable feeling of melancholy. Many believe she may be searching for a lost lover or mourning a tragedy that took place in or around the Cliff House.
History and Legend:
The Cliff House was rebuilt after being destroyed by fires in 1894 and 1907. Some suggest that the woman could be connected to these events, perhaps having been present during one of the fires or having lost her life in an accident.
Afternoon:
Wander through Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park is so much more than a park—it’s a massive 1,017-acre enigma that runs across the western edge of San Francisco and is home to some of the best views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
It’s also a key spot for ghost hunting in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park features lush meadows, dense woods, serene lakes, and curated gardens, including the Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers.
But beyond its beauty and recreation, Golden Gate Park is also home to several hauntings, a vital stop on any ghost hunting in San Francisco itinerary.
Golden Gate Park Hauntings
The Ghost of Stow Lake: The most famous haunting in Golden Gate Park is tied to Stow Lake. According to legend, a grieving woman in white is said to wander the lake’s edge, searching for her lost child. In the early 1900s, a woman was walking with her baby carriage near the lake when she stopped to chat with another mother. Distracted, she didn’t notice her baby’s carriage rolling into the water. After a desperate search found her drowned child, she threw herself into the lake and died as well.
Today, visitors hear random splashing sounds or see the silhouette of a woman by the water’s edge. Others have seen the woman’s reflection in the lake or have felt an unseen force tugging at their clothing.
Shakespeare Garden Statues: Timeless and beautiful, The Shakespeare Garden consists of plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. After dark, visitors report the sensation of being watched, especially near the stone statues. Some claim the statues’ eyes follow them as they walk by or appear to change positions out of the corner of one’s eye.
The Pioneer Mother Monument: At The Pioneer Mother Monument, near the park’s music concourse, people have seen the figure of a woman in old-fashioned clothing standing near the statue, sometimes holding a child’s hand. Others have heard soft crying sounds coming from the base of the monument.
The Spirit of Hagiwara: Makoto Hagiwara, the landscape designer who created and maintained the Japanese Tea Garden with his family for decades, was forced to leave with his family during World War II, and their home and garden were taken away.
Some believe that Makoto Hagiwara’s spirit returned to watch over his beloved garden. A shadowy figure was seen near the trees or by the koi ponds. It was described as a man dressed in early 20th-century clothing, believed to be Hagiwara. Strange mists and cold spots appear in the garden near the site where the Hagiwara family’s home once stood.
Japanese Whispers: After dark falls, some hear whispers coming from nowhere, which sound like they’re speaking in Japanese. Footsteps are often heard crossing the small bridges or crunching along the gravel pathways, only to disappear when investigated. Visitors have also mentioned hearing the sound of splashing water as if someone is stepping into one of the ponds or fountains—yet no one is there.
The Woman in the White Kimono: Another spirit seen in the Japanese Tea Garden is a woman dressed in a traditional white kimono. She’s described as a pale, ethereal figure who drifts through the cherry blossoms. The origins of this ghostly woman are unknown, but she’s believed to be the spirit of a former resident. The Woman in the White Kimono appears near the Moon Bridge or by the stone lanterns, fading away as soon as someone gets too close.
- Location: Golden Gate Park
- Known For: Haunted gardens and statues, whispered legends, eerie statues
- Activity: Wander around the park looking for abnormalities (both live and dead!)
Evening:
UFO Sightings at Twin Peaks
End your ghostly adventure at Twin Peaks, a must-visit for ghost hunting in San Francisco, famous for its panoramic views and, surprisingly, UFO sightings.
Over the years, locals and visitors alike have reported seeing unusual lights hovering in the sky, described as bright orbs that move erratically and then disappear, sometimes accompanied by sudden bursts of light or strange shapes right above the peaks.
Whether it’s aliens or spirits, this is a perfect spot to wrap up your ghost-hunting experience in San Francisco.
- Location: Twin Peaks
- Known For: UFO sightings, unexplained lights, eerie vibes
- Activity: Get a panoramic view of the city and try to spot some UFOs
One Last Haunting
As your 3-day ghost-hunting adventure in San Francisco comes to a close, remember that the stories you’ve encountered might just stay with you longer than you think.
Don’t let your eerie experiences go untold—share your haunted adventures with us, and join a community of fellow ghost hunters. Your next spooky journey may be just around the corner!
