36 Most Haunted Places in California: Big Cities to Bigfoot

When exploring the most haunted places in California, you’re signing up to go beyond the gilded curtain of the Golden State. 

You see, California isn’t just beaches and Hollywood glam; it’s also a state brimming with ghost stories, legends, urban myths, and hauntings.

From the streets of San Diego and the dark hills of San Francisco to the eerie old buildings in L.A. and Sacramento, this state is full of the supernatural.

These are the 36 most haunted places in California:

Los Angeles

The Queen Mary

The historic Queen Mary, once a luxurious ship, is now a floating hotel and museum and is one of the most haunted places in California. 

The ship’s past is as dark and intriguing as its grand, gothic exterior. Christened on September 26, 1934, by Queen Mary, she served both wealthy passengers and soldiers across the seas for over 3 decades. 

49 Deaths

After her retirement in 1967, she was bestowed upon the City of Long Beach, transforming into a floating hotel by 1972. Guests today can still admire her original wood paneling portholes, aaannd hauntings. 

You see, her history is dark. After at least 49 deaths occurring since her maiden voyage, the Queen Mary is cloaked in creepiness.

Most Famous Hauntings:

• Haunted Staterooms: Visitors to the Queen Mary can take ghost tours and stay in a haunted stateroom. It’s believed that 50 of the ship’s 375 rooms are haunted! The infamous Stateroom B340 is said to have the most activity.
• John Henry, Door 13: In 1966, an 18-year-old crew member named John Henry was crushed to death in the engine room at Door 13, a heavy watertight door. He’s said to haunt the area, appearing as a ghostly figure or manifesting in sudden temperature drops and loud knocking sounds.
• The Lady in White: A ghost woman dressed in a flowing white gown is seen dancing in the Queen’s Salon, one of the ship’s original first-class lounges. Her true identity remains unknown.
• The Drowning: It is said that 2 young women drowned in the First-Class Swimming Pool during separate voyages. Their spirits often appear as wet footprints, splashes, or misty figures near the pool.
• Little Jackie: This young spirit, a girl named Jackie, is known for playing and giggling near the Second-Class Pool.
• The Engine Room: During World War II, when the Queen Mary served as a troop transport known as the Grey Ghost, a soldier reportedly died during a training drill gone wrong. His apparition lingers near the boiler room, startling guests with ghostly moans. The ghost of an engineer in greasy overalls also appears near the engine room, silently staring before disappearing.
• Cabin B340: One of the ship’s most haunted areas, Cabin B340, has a dark reputation stemming from several violent incidents and unexplained deaths. Over the years, guests have reported being touched, hearing strange noises, and even seeing ghostly apparitions while staying in the cabin.
• The Cooked Cook: During World War II, when tensions ran high, a cook was reportedly shoved into an oven and burned to death by soldiers who hated both his cooking and bad attitude. He is believed to haunt the kitchen, causing banging noises and choking people with the overwhelming smell of burning flesh.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is famous for its glamorous guests, both living and dead. 

The ghost of Marilyn Monroe is said to haunt her old suite (#1200), appearing in the lobby mirror that once hung in her room. Actor Montgomery Clift lingers in his old room, #928, and can be heard still practicing his lines. 

Guests have also reported the ghost of Caroline, a small girl who tragically drowned in the hotel pool. 

Griffith Park

Griffith Park is not just a great spot for hiking and picnics; it is a hotspot for paranormal activity and cursed (obviously).

Table 29

Table 29 lurks in a quiet nook off a backwoods trail about two miles from Griffith Observatory. At one point, a colossal tree branch brutally bisected the picnic table, looking like it lost a fight with Mother Nature herself. 

Its scarred surface is adorned with gifts from paranormal enthusiasts, turning this otherwise unremarkable picnic table into an impromptu altar.

The Old Zoo

It’s said that the animals that used to live at the now abandoned Griffith Park Zoo were poorly treated, even more so than most zoos. At night, the phantom sounds of distressed animals emanating from the Old Zoo can be heard. 

These days, a hiking trail zig zags through part of Griffith Park Zoo but is closed to the public at night.

The Comedy Store

The Comedy Store in L.A. is known for laughs, but it also has a dark side. 

It was once a mob hangout and some of those mobsters never left. Staff and comedians have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing voices, and feeling an eerie presence. 

Some spirits still enjoy a good joke!

Pico House

Pico House, a historic hotel in downtown L.A., is said to be haunted by several rather hostile spirits.

The hotel is tied to the 1871 Chinese Massacre, which happened near the Pico House. The Massacre marks a dark chapter in Los Angeles history when racial tensions erupted after the shooting of a white man during a dispute involving rival groups of Chinese immigrants  
In retaliation, a mob of around 500 people descended upon Chinatown, brutally attacking and killing 18 Chinese residents.

People have reported encounters with the angry ghosts of victims, including sudden surges of rage or distressed whispers in Chinese.

The Cecil Hotel

Out of all the haunted places in California, this is one of the most famous. The Cecil Hotel’s dark history includes numerous suicides and murders, making it a hotspot for the haunted.

Infamously, The Cecil was the last known location of Elizabeth Short, called the Black Dahlia, before her gruesome death. The hotel also witnessed the tragic death of Elisa Lam, whose mysterious death in the rooftop water tank remains unsolved. Suicides, like that of Pauline Otton, who jumped from the ninth floor.

The hotel’s most infamous resident was serial killer Richard Ramirez (AKA the Night Stalker), who allegedly committed some of his crimes while staying there.

Some of the most infamous hauntings associated with the Cecil:

• The Black Dahlia: Elizabeth Short, famously called the Black Dahlia, was last seen at The Cecil Hotel before her brutal murder, where she was brutally cut in half. Her murder was never solved. 
• Elisa Lam: In 2013, Elisa Lam was found dead in the rooftop water tank under mysterious circumstances. Security footage of her behaving erratically in an elevator just before her death has left investigators and paranormal enthusiasts baffled, sparking a Netflix show.
• Pauline Otton’s Suicide: In 1962, Pauline Otton tragically jumped to her death from the ninth floor of the hotel. Her body struck a pedestrian below, killing them instantly. 
• Richard Ramirez, The Night Stalker: During the mid-1980s, he used The Cecil Hotel as a base while terrorizing Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. He was known to return to the Cecil covered in blood after committing his brutal crimes, discarding his bloody clothes in the hotel’s dumpster before walking to his room in his underwear. Richard Ramirez was known for his horrific methods, including breaking into homes, assaulting, torturing, and murdering his victims.

Today, the Cecil’s legacy continues as a private residential building.

Yamashiro Restaurant

Yamashiro Restaurant, perched on a hill in Hollywood, offers more than just fine dining… It’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former owners and staff.

Employees claim that besides the ghosts, the building houses priceless Asian artifacts and once served as the social house of the Four Hundred Club, Hollywood’s elite old money club. This Japanese-inspired restaurant, with its peaceful gardens and ancient architecture, was the site of a tragic murder-suicide in the 1940s when a former employee took his own life after killing his lover. 

The most famous ghost is that of a former owner, often seen wandering the gardens.

The Alexandria Hotel 

The haunted Alexandria Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, built in the flowery Beaux-Arts style, is both gorgeous and deadly.

Alexandria’s troubled history dates back to 1906, marked by tragic deaths during its construction, suggesting a haunting presence and a possible curse. 

Old Hollywood

Known affectionately as ‘the Alex,’ it has attracted glamorous stars like Fred Astaire, Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Greta Garbo and has remained a downtown L.A. landmark for over a century. 

Beneath its storied past lies a dark undercurrent, marked by fatal falls, suicides, and ghost sightings, including that of the infamous Lady in Black gliding through its corridors with a crown of barbed wire and tears of blood.

San Diego

Whaley House

The Whaley House in San Diego is more than just one of the most haunted places in California, it’s also called the most haunted house in America.

Built in 1857 on the site of a former gallows, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to so many spirits. 

• Thomas Whaley: The patriarch of the Whaley family is often seen pacing the halls, his apparition exuding an air of solemnity.
• Anna Whaley: Anna’s ghost frequently appears in the parlor, with the faint scent of her perfume and soft strains of piano music accompanying her presence.
• Yankee Jim Robinson: Hung on the site before the house was built, his restless spirit is felt throughout the property, with many reporting heavy footsteps and a sense of unease.
• The Whaley Children: Several of the Whaley children are believed to haunt the house, their laughter and faint giggles occasionally echoing through the halls.
• The Family Dogs: The spirits of the Whaleys’ beloved pets are said to linger, with visitors reporting playful barking and the sensation of something brushing against their legs.

One of the most famous hauntings is that of Yankee Jim Robinson, and the house’s original owners, Thomas and Anna Whaley, are also believed to haunt their former home; Thomas has been seen in period clothing, while Anna has been spotted wandering the upper floor and gardens.

Want the full story of the Whaley House?

Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado, a grand Victorian beauty on the shores of San Diego, has been the site of eerie encounters since its opening in 1888. 

The most famous ghost is of Kate Morgan, a young woman who met a tragic end in room 3327 in 1892. Kate was found dead on the hotel’s steps from a gunshot wound to the head. Her death was officially ruled a suicide, but many think it was murder.

Guests and staff have seen her drifting along the halls and on the beach, accompanied by cold drafts. Flickering lights, T.V.s turning on and off, and the mysterious movement of objects are all attributed to Kate’s restless spirit. She’s even appeared in a few guest’s selfies!

Kate’s presence lends an air of tragic romance to the Hotel del Coronado, making it one of the most haunted places in California.

The Davis-Horton House

The Davis-Horton House is the oldest standing building in downtown San Diego and one of its most haunted. 

The DH House is shrouded in darkness due to its grim history of serving as a hospital and morgue during its early years. 

The most famous ghost is that of a former resident who passed away in the house. Witnesses often see her apparition lingering in the upstairs bedroom, sometimes gazing out the window or silently standing near the bed, accompanied by the faint scent of lavender and a sudden sadness.

The Star of India

The Star of India, an ancient iron-hulled sailing ship docked in San Diego, has a tragic legacy. 

The crew’s quarters were often scenes of death, where sailors stricken by illness or grievously injured in horrific accidents spent their final agonizing days. 

John Campbell, a young stowaway who fell 100 feet while rigging in 1884, crushing both legs and killing him is the most common haunting here.

John was buried at sea, yet his spirit lingers on the Star. Visitors today sometimes report the unnerving sensation of a cold hand touching them near where Campbell fell. When touring the Star of India, you might encounter disembodied voices, footsteps echoing through the old ship’s passageways, and sudden drops in temperature.

El Campo Santo Cemetery

El Campo Santo Cemetery is one of San Diego’s oldest burial grounds and one of the most haunted. 

Campo Santo Cemetery in San Diego is steeped in paranormal activity, mostly thanks to the exhumation and relocation of graves for the construction of a streetcar line. 

Visitors frequently report capturing ghostly orbs and shadowy figures in their photographs, experiencing flickering lights, and feeling the unnerving sensation of being watched. Among the spirits said to roam the cemetery is Yankee Jim Robinson, a convicted thief who was hung in 1852 on the gallows just steps away from the cemetery at what would become The Whaley House. 

His execution was particularly brutal, as he struggled for nearly an hour before dying. Now, Yankee Jim’s spirit is believed to haunt the Cemetery.  Witnesses claim to hear his heavy footsteps or feel a tightness when he is near.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel

The Cosmopolitan Hotel, dating back to 1827 and located appropriately in Old Town San Diego, is one of California’s most haunted hotels. 

• The Lady in Red: a mysterious woman, is said to be waiting for a male suitor in room 502. 
• A False Haunting: Room 11 is where Ysidora Bandini, daughter of Juan Lorenzo Bandini, a man closely tied to the founding of San Diego manifests. However, the building did not have a second story at the time of her death, so this is just a rumor.
• Ghost Cats and TV Shows: The Cosmopolitan Hotel also has a resident ghost cat prowling the property. The Hotel was investigated on an episode of the TV show Ghost Adventures in 2011.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, is home to a few spirits. 

Built in 1855, the Lighthouse is said to be haunted by the spirit of its first keeper, Captain Robert Israel. 

Visitors report seeing his ghostly figure still tending to his duties, appearing at the top of the tower or near the lantern room. The sound of unexplained footsteps and the occasional flicker of lights. Visitors report seeing his ghostly figure still tending to his duties, appearing at the top of the tower or near the lantern room. 

Another is thought to be a mysterious woman often described as wearing a long dress from the late 1800s, seen gazing out toward the ocean from the top of the cliff. Another common report involves the faint cries of a child heard on stormy nights.

Horton Grand Hotel

The Horton Grand Hotel is a historic hotel in downtown San Diego with a reputation for hauntings. 

Creepy Room 309: In the 1800s, gambler Roger Whitaker decided to hide from his creditors in his room at Horton Grand. This didn’t go so well, as Roger was found hiding inside his armoire before being shot dead. 

Odd occurrences in room 309, like lights turning off and on and the armoire doors slamming open on their own, are said to be Roger Whitaker’s workings. 

Brothel Bailey: The current Horton Grand Hotel was constructed in 1986 on the site of a former brothel. The brothel’s Madame, Ida Bailey, is said to hang out around the hotel, occasionally being seen in the peripherals or leaving a sweet perfume scent.

Villa Montezuma

Villa Montezuma is an opulent Queen Anne-style mansion with a dark history. Built in 1887, it is renowned for its architectural splendor and for being one of the most haunted places in California. 

The Villa unique history is heavily tied to the mysterious activities of its original owner. The Villa was originally home to spiritualist author and musician Jesse Shepard, said to have hosted group séances there.

Known as a spiritualist, author, and virtuoso musician, Shepard believed he could communicate with musical greats who had passed on, channeling their spirits through his piano performances. He claimed to infuse his music with legends like Mozart and Beethoven.

With notable audiences, including Russian Tsar Alexander II and famed author Alexandre Dumas, his performances, described as otherworldly, gamed him notoriety.

The Villa Montezuma was the center for Shepard’s seances and mystical gatherings, and today, his spirit remains, and his hauntingly beautiful piano music is occasionally heard in the halls. Besides the piano music, tour-goers report seeing dark shadows in the windows and feeling hasty temperature drops throughout Villa Montezuma. 

The U.S. Grant Hotel

The U.S. Grant Hotel in beautifully haunted San Diego, a luxurious establishment that has stood since 1910, is distinguished by its storied past.

The beautiful Beaux-Arts building, with its ornate moldings and elegantly arched windows, was named after President Ulysses S. Grant and has met countless celebrities and politicians. 

One of the most intriguing hauntings is the spectral figure of Ulysses S. Grant himself, who is said to appear on occasion, walking through the corridors with a stern expression.

There have been reports of ghosts, disembodied voices, unexplained cold spots, and encounters with the spectral figure of Ulysses S. Grant.

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San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, infamous for its former maximum-security prison, is as renowned for its notorious inmates as it is for its ghosts. 

This lonely island, once home to criminals like Al Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud, has long been shrouded in tales of hauntings. Visitors and staff report hearing disembodied voices, chilling screams, and the clanging of cell doors. 

The only official Alcatraz tour where you can walk on the island is Alcatraz Tours.

Other tours will take you close to the island but do not dock.

The Queen Anne Hotel

The Queen Anne Hotel in San Francisco, a stunning Victorian mansion built in 1890, is celebrated for its beauty…and for being one of the most haunted places in California.

Originally a girls’ finishing school, the hotel is said to be haunted by the benevolent spirit of Miss Mary Lake, the school’s former headmistress. Guests have reported seeing Miss Mary’s apparition, feeling her presence in Room 410, and experiencing unexplained stuff like doors slamming randomly on their own. 

Sutro Baths

The Sutro Baths in San Francisco, once a luxury bathhouse complex built in 1896, now stand as eerie ruins perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean shrouded in fog and mystery. The Sutro Baths now consist of crumbling concrete walls, staircases leading nowhere, and large pools filled with seawater. Overgrown with vegetation and often cloaked in coastal fog, the ruins evoke are otherworldly. Today, the Baths are a popular tourist attraction, a favored spot for photography, hiking, and catching breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

The decaying remains of this once-luxurious retreat are haunted by the ghosts of those who perished in its waters and during its disastrous 1966 fire. 

Whispers of voices, shadowy figures, and echoes of laughter and splashing water create an air of creepiness. These reports, combined with the beauty of the crumbling ruins against the Pacific Ocean, make the Sutro Baths one of the most uniquely haunted places in California.

The Curran Theatre

The Curran Theatre in San Francisco, an opulent gem from 1922, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former worker who met a tragic end backstage. The unknown man fell to her death, and today, his shadowy figure is seen on the wings and catwalks. Phantom footsteps and the faint echo of applause have also been heard.

Today, you can still attend performances at the Curran Theatre.

The Golden Gate Park

Famous and for good reason, the gorgeous Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, with its epic sunsets and iconic NorCal beauty, hides a darker side beneath the fog. 

The White Lady of Stow Lake: Legend has it that in the early 1900s, a mother strolled with her baby near Stow Lake. Stopping to chat with a friend, she turned back to find the pram—and her child—missing. In desperation, she ran into the lake to search for her baby and was never seen again. Visitors report seeing a distraught woman in a wet white gown wandering the lake’s edge, pleading, “Have you seen my baby?” before fading away.

The Golden Gate Park Ghost Cop: In 1908, Arthur Pigeon and his passengers, driving through the park late at night, claimed their car was stopped by a luminous, barefoot figure in a white robe. Terrified, the group described the figure as glowing and ghostlike. Despite a police investigation, the identity of the “ghost” was never uncovered.

Suicides: A 1900 article in the San Francisco Call reported that one in 12 suicides in the city occurred within the park’s boundaries. At the Golden Gate Bridge, 1,500 suicides have been recorded since 1937.

Cameron House

The Cameron House in Chinatown, once a refuge for Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, is reputedly haunted by the spirits of those who died in a gruesome fire that trapped many in the basement, their screams still heard today. 

Other paranormal manifestations at the Cameron House include mysterious cold spots, disembodied footsteps, and ghostly whispers. Shadowy figures are seen moving through the hallways, and some claim to feel a heavy, oppressive energy near the basement and the iron doors.

The heavy iron doors at the Cameron House are deeply tied to its haunting lore, with theories suggesting they either trap or amplify the spirits of those who perished in the 1906 fire. In folklore, iron is believed to have protective properties, acting as a barrier that confines restless souls or as a conductor that intensifies paranormal energy. 

The heavy iron doors are believed to imprison restless souls within, but these days, the Cameron House functions as a community center.

San Francisco Art Institute

Since 1871, the San Francisco Art Institute has hidden a dark history beneath its sophisticated surface. The Gothic-inspired tower and shadowy hallways are haunted by the spirit of a student who committed suicide.

Paranormal reports include footsteps in the hallways, strange cold drafts in otherwise warm rooms, and shadowy figures glimpsed in the corner of their eyes. The tower is notorious, with lights flickering at odd intervals and some hearing soft crying sounds coming from within.

Chambers Mansion

The Chambers Mansion in San Francisco, an opulent 1887 Victorian home, once the residence of the wealthy Chambers family, the Mansion is haunted by a tragic and gruesome murder.

According to local legend, Claudia Chambers was killed (some say dismembered) inside the mansion under mysterious circumstances in the early 20th century. Rumors have swirled about a possible family dispute or foul play, though no definitive records confirm the exact details. Her spirit, dressed in period clothing, is seen near the stairwell.

Currently, the Chambers Mansion is a private residence.

Sacramento

The California State Library

The California State Library in Sacramento, an imposing repository of history, is shrouded in ghostly lore that adds a dark twist to its scholarly front. 

The library’s hauntings are often attributed to the many decades of intense human activity, its role in preserving the city’s history, and the deep emotional ties of past staff and patrons who spent countless hours there. The ghost of a librarian is said to remain after she died of a heart attack on the clock, although this is unconfirmed.

This is more likely a residual haunting, in our opinion.

Leland Stanford Mansion

The Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento is a stunning example of 19th-century opulence, with its grand Victorian-Italianate architecture, intricate detailing, and four-story tower. Lavishly restored, the mansion features ornate woodwork, gilded mirrors, and expansive gardens that transport visitors back to California’s Gilded Age. 

This residence, once home to railroad magnate Leland Stanford, is said to be haunted by the spirit of his son, who died tragically young of Typhoid fever. 

Visitors report sightings of ghost children and hear the laughter of unseen children echoing through the grand halls. The Leland Stanford Mansion is currently a museum, and you can tour its creepy, beautiful halls.

Delta King Riverboat

The Delta King Riverboat was once a majestic paddle steamer that ran between Sacramento and San Francisco and now rests in eerie stillness as a floating hotel and theater. 

Among the hauntings is the ghost of a former crew member who met a tragic end aboard the ship, who fell to his death under mysterious circumstances. Guests and staff have also reported ghostly footsteps echoing in the corridors, doors opening and closing on their own, and apparitions of passengers from the ship’s heyday.

Folsom Prison

Folsom Prison in Sacramento, an infamous penitentiary since 1880, looms with a grim history of violence (and celebrities) that echoes through its cold, stone walls. 

Some of Folsom Prison’s most notable criminals:

• Rick James
• Charles Manson
• Suge Knight
• Timothy Leery
• Danny Trejo
• Edward Bunker

Known for harsh conditions and notorious criminals, Folsom Prison has been the site of several deaths, including executions and inmate murders:

• Executions: Folsom Prison conducted executions in its early years using hanging gallows, with many inmates sentenced to death for violent crimes. 
• Inmate Murders: Over its long history, numerous inmate-on-inmate murders have occurred due to gang conflicts and the harsh environment.
• Officer Deaths: Several prison guards have lost their lives while trying to maintain order, often targeted by inmates during riots or escape attempts.
• Suicides: Harsh conditions such as overcrowding, hard labor, strict discipline, limited resources, and despair have led some inmates to take their own lives.
• Riots and Violent Incidents: Clashes between inmates and staff have resulted in deaths and serious injuries, with Folsom historically known for its violence. One notable one is the 1970 Prison Strike which was inspired by the Attica Uprising. And, in 1937 an escape attempt resulted in the deaths of Warden Clarence Larkin, Officer Harry Martin, and 2 of the escapees. The remaining 5 inmates were executed.

Visitors have reported chilling experiences: the clanking of chains, ghostly inmates roaming the corridors, and the sensation of being watched.

The Crest Theatre

The Crest Theatre in Sacramento, an elegant 1940s movie palace, hides a dark legacy beneath its Art Deco splendor. 

Past performers and patrons haunt this historic business. Visitors have seen ghostly apparitions, disembodied whispers, and the unsettling feeling of being watched from the empty balconies. 

The spirit of a woman in 1950s attire, often seen sitting at a table or moving through the theater’s corridors, believed to be a former patron, is the most common haunting here. Additionally, there are accounts of a man in a suit who appears, sometimes asking for directions to a church before vanishing.

Old Sacramento Underground

Beneath the busy, packed streets of Old Sacramento lies a labyrinth of shadowy passageways and forgotten rooms known as the Old Sacramento Underground. Constructed in the mid-19th century to escape flooding, these passageways became the final resting place for many souls. 

As the city raised its streets and buildings in response to devastating floods in the mid-19th century, some workers died during construction due to accidents, collapsing structures, or being trapped beneath the raised pathways. 

Today, tourists run into cold spots, weird whispers, and fleeting apparitions in the barely lit tunnels. The spirit of a murdered saloon girl from the Gold Rush era when Sacramento’s underground was active. Some say she was killed by a jealous lover or targeted by mobsters, but either way, her sad face, dressed in period clothing, is seen in the tunnels or where saloons once stood, accompanied by a light scent of sweet perfume.

California National Parks

Yosemite National Park 

Is Yosemite National Park one of the most haunted places in California? You bet. These are just a few of them:

• The White Lady of Yosemite: A ghostly woman in white is often seen near the Mist Trail, said to have drowned in the rushing waters of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall, likely slipping on the trail or being caught by a sudden surge of water.
• Hauntings Near the Merced River: Visitors report hearing children crying and seeing the ghosts of pioneer apparitions along the river.
• The Haunted Ahwahnee Hotel: Mary Curry Tresidder, who passed away in her suite on the sixth floor, is said to haunt the hotel. Her ghost is frequently seen in what is now called the Queen’s Room, named for Queen Elizabeth II, who stayed there during a visit in the 1980s.
• The 1999 Yosemite Murders: Carole Sund, her daughter Juli, and family friend Silvina Pelosso disappeared while visiting the park. Their bodies were later discovered: Carole and Silvina had been strangled, and Juli was brutally assaulted and killed with her throat slashed. Visitors report cold spots and a haunting sense of being watched in the remote areas where their remains were found.

Sequoia National Park 

Sequoia National Park is a realm of ancient giants and profound stillness. These are the primary hauntings here:

• The Boy at Crest Meadow: The ghost of a young boy is often seen wandering the Crescent Meadow, lost and searching for his family, who met a tragic end. The young boy was said to have died after getting lost and succumbing to harsh wilderness conditions.
• Miner: The shadowy figure of a miner who died is said to haunt the Mineral King Valley, his lantern flickering in the night. 
• Missing Girl: A young girl believed to have gone missing in the National Park is often seen near the Giant Forest.  

Joshua Tree National Park 

Joshua Tree National Park’s Lost Horse Mine is rumored to be haunted by a miner who was killed in a tragic accident.

The story recounts that he was crushed by falling debris or machinery, possibly during a cave-in or equipment failure, as mining operations were notoriously dangerous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

His unexpected and gruesome death is said to bind his spirit to the area where he eternally roams the mine. Hikers have heard voices and sounds resembling pickaxes striking rock or machinery in the area, especially near the mine’s remnants.

• The Ghost of Gram Parsons: Legendary musician Gram Parsons overdosed in 1973 at the Joshua Tree Inn, Room 8. His body was stolen by friends and partially cremated at Cap Rock, fulfilling his wish. Visitors report seeing Parsons’ ghost wandering the inn or standing near Cap Rock.
• Joshua Tree Inn: Room 8 is infamous for flickering lights and strange noises. Guests often feel watched or hear ghostly strumming, which is believed to be Parsons.
• UFO Sightings Near Giant Rock: The area is a magnet for UFO enthusiasts, with frequent reports of strange lights and unexplained objects in the sky.
• Mormons: Ghostly figures dressed in 1800s pioneer attire are spotted near Barker Dam. These apparitions are thought to be the spirits of Mormon pioneers who crossed the Mojave Desert.
• Lost Horse Mine Trail: The historic gold mine is said to be haunted by miners. Visitors report hearing whispers and seeing shadowy figures near the abandoned site, not what you want to experience while hiking.

Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Lassen Volcanic National Park‘s Cinder Cone is said to be haunted by the spirits of former hikers. The most famous ghost is that of a hiker who died on the cone, seen near the summit.

For years, visitors have reported ghostly figures, angry voices, and feeling cold spots under the sweltering sun. Lassen is also said to be a hotbed for UFOs thanks to its volcanic activity.

There are also rumors of reptoids and lizard people in the area (remember, Lassen is fairly close to the mystical Mount Shasta).

Mount Shasta

Which brings us to…magical Mount Shasta.

Mount Shasta is an ancient volcano shrouded in mystery and legend, said to be the heart chakra of the Earth.

Stories abound of the mystical Lemurians, an ancient alien race said to live inside the mountain, guarding their secret knowledge. Sightings of mysterious lights and strange beings fuel tales of UFOs visitors drawn to the mountain’s hiking trails, scenic highways, and lake.

Haunt Us

Did you recognize any of these haunted places in California? Have a CA haunting of your own to share? Don’t let your ghost stories go untold. Share your experiences in the comments below, visit the forums, read others’ stories, and become part of our haunted community.