7 Chillingly Haunted Places in California
When people think of California, images of sun-drenched beaches and glamorous celebrities come to mind. However, The Golden State also has a dark side. From historic hotels to iconic landmarks, here are seven haunted places in California.
Hotel del Coronado – Coronado
In 1892, 28-year-old Kate Morgan checked into the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego, California. She claimed a man would soon join her, but the expected guest never showed. Five days after checking in, a despondent Kate took her life outside the hotel. Legend has it she’s haunted “The Del” ever since.
Kate reportedly haunts her former room, #3327, as well as the hotel’s hallways. Strange activity includes flickering lights, chilling breezes, and doors that slam on their own. Disembodied voices and unexplained footsteps are also common.
The Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco
More than 1,000 people have leaped from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge since its completion in 1937, though it isn’t these tortured souls who reportedly haunt the bridge.
In 1853, the steamer SS Tennessee sank in the Golden Gate Strait after losing its way in a patch of fog and slamming into a rock. Now, the phantom ship reportedly sails the strait, leaving a wake but no trace on radar. On foggy days, pedestrians on the bridge report hearing tortured screams in the mist.
Imperial Palace – San Francisco
In 1977, a gang-related shooting killed five people and injured 11 others at Chinatown’s Golden Dragon restaurant, now the Imperial Palace. No gang members were struck, and the five shooters were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Now, the victims’ ghosts allegedly haunt the site of their murder.
Some visitors sense a dark energy within the building while others are overcome by the restaurant’s oppressive atmosphere. At times, old blood stains from the shooting seemingly emerge from the floor only to quickly disappear.
Hollywood Sign – Hollywood
In 1932, actress Peg Entwhistle leaped from the letter “H” on the iconic Hollywood sign. The 24-year-old beauty died from the 50-foot fall, and legend has it she haunts the sign to this day.
In 1990, two hikers reportedly encountered a disorientated-looking Entwhistle who disappeared before their eyes. Park rangers have also spotted the tragic young woman’s ghost, noting the smell of gardenias whenever she appears. An unknown presence also trips the sign’s motion detectors.
“There have been times when I have been at the sign,” a ranger said, “and the motion detectors say that someone is standing five feet away from me, only there’s nobody there.”
Claremont Resort and Spa – Berkeley
Like many old hotels, the 104-year-old Claremont Resort and Spa is allegedly home to several spirits. Guests have been spooked by flickering lights, drawers that open and close, and feelings of intense dread.
Smoke issuing from non-smoking rooms has also puzzled staff and visitors. In 1901, a fire destroyed the lavish home that once sat on the hotel’s property. Rumor has it a little girl died in the fire and now roams the hotel, making her presence known.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach
The historic Queen Mary is a popular tourist attraction, complete with restaurants, a museum, and a hotel. Legend has it the ship is also haunted by the men, women, and children who died aboard.
In 1942, the Queen Mary accidentally rammed and sank her escort ship, the HMS Curacoa, as she carried over 10,000 troops to Europe. More than 200 men died in the collision, and now Queen Mary staff and visitors hear strange sounds coming from the ship’s bow. Other ghosts include a little girl named Jackie, who reportedly haunts the second-class swimming pool, and John Peddler, a man who was crushed by one of the ship’s massive doors.
Moss Beach Distillery – Moss Beach
A heartbroken woman known as The Blue Lady reportedly haunts the famous Moss Beach Distillery. According to local legend, the melancholy spirit steals women’s jewelry, levitates credit cards, locks doors from the inside, and frightens young children. Legend says The Blue Lady, so named because of her blue clothing, was murdered on the beach outside the restaurant and returns to search for her illicit lover.
Know of more haunted places in California? Share your tips here, or email ghostsghoul@gmail.com.
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