Exploring the most erie and really terrifying haunted places in California
When visiting Sunny California many do not realize that this is one of the most haunted States that they could ever set foot in. On a recent visit there I got the chance to to take many ghost tours and visit the most haunted locations one could ever dare to set eyes upon.
Many of the local Haunted California Ghost Tours state that they in no way guarantee you'll see a real ghost, but they do saying most cases you'll certainly have fun trying.
Many of these haunted tours will escort you to actual locations and the the sites of past tragic deaths and scandals that were heard around the world. And of course you will learn the real haunted old west history of the cities as you visit the most strange and unusual locations of old and recent inexplicable paranormal happenings and encounters. From haunted buildings and hotels to haunted celebrity filled cemeteries California certainly has an awful lot of ghosts hiding in the shadows.
These are considered the best California ghost tours of haunted locations and specific locations where one might encounter a real ghost.
1. Haunted Haight
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.hauntedhaight.com
This California based haunted ghost tour is considered one of the best in all of America. And a must do for anyone who visits. In taking this tour you too will certainly agree.
I enjoyed this tour the most and not just because of the ghosts!
Tommy Netzband is the creator of the Haunted Haight Walking Tour and Founder and President of The San
Francisco Ghost Society. He frequently lectures on the paranormal throughout San Francisco.
The San Francisco Ghost Society was founded by Tommy Netzband as a small all volunteer organization, devoted to the research and investigation of the city and county of San Francisco's ghosts and paranormal occurrences. We conduct FREE, professional and discreet investigations of locations where there have been reports of paranormal activity or unexplained occurrences. Our approach is one of flexible skepticism; we seek to remain unconvinced by the end of the investigation, as opposed to embracing every speck of dust caught on camera as proof positive of a haunting. To this end we conduct extensive research about a prospective site, to understand its history, architecture, infrastructure and location. We utilize a broad spectrum of equipment and technology to record and analyze the course of the investigation. Our team members are all responsible, knowledgeable and professional individuals from the San Francisco area, who contribute their diverse interests, talents and time to each investigation. Please visit here now to learn more about services.
Haunted Haight Walking Tour www.hauntedhaight.com. Tommy is often called a "ghost historian" for his passion for researching the history of ghosts. Come discover the macabre history of San Francisco and learn all about the ghosts of Haight-Ashbury
2. DEARLY DEPARTED ~ THE TRAGIC HISTORY TOUR
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Dearly Departed Tours: Experience the delightfully twisted underbelly of Hollywood with Dearly Departed Tours! Scott Michaels founded Dearly Departed back in 1989, specializing in dead celebrity memorabilia before launching the tour business in 2005. Since then he has been pleasing stars and their fans alike with his irresistible combination of wit, humor and insight into the morbid world of celebrity death!
This ghost tour is as I thought definitely one that will make your heart skip a beat or two.
Official web site: dearlydepartedtours.com
3. The Vampire Tour of San Francisco
Awarded The Bay Guardian's "Best of the Bay" award in 2003 and again in 2007! Mina Harker (Kitty Burns) was also awarded the 2005 Individual Donor Diamond Award by ARTshare in San Mateo, CA for charitable contributions made by The Vampire Tour of San Francisco. www.sfvampiretour.com/
Mina Harker (aka Kitty Burns)
Become a member of the Drac Pack! Explore the Gothic side of Nob Hill with your Host, Mina Harker, Vampress who was made by Count Dracula in London in 1897 and banished by him to the United States. Mina has resided on and under the streets of San Francisco for over 100 years. Hear her story, and learn how Vampires have played an important part in the shaping of San Francisco as we know it today. Don't worry. We do not go underground or to any stops that are seriously gothic or dark, but there are some that are haunted! This is a fun, light hearted tour for the Undead or prospective Undead with a sense of humor! The tour is held on Friday and Saturday nights, and starts at 8:00 pm on the corner of California & Taylor Streets, across the street from Grace Cathedral, on the side of the street where the park is. It ends at about 10:00 pm.If rain is predicted for the evening, please call ahead that afternoon to see if the tour will be conducted that night. This can be done by calling the tour's RESERVATION NUMBER, (650) 279-1840.
In my humble opinion this tour really send chills down your spine and one that you should not miss!
Every night a fun vampire prize is raffled off before the tour starts, so don't be late!
4. SAN FRANSICO GHOST HUNT
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.sfghosthunt.com
The San Francisco Ghost Hunt visits San Francisco’s most notorious historic haunted places and YOU MEET REAL GHOSTS FROM WILD AND ROMANTIC TIMES GONE BY! You hear thrilling ghost stories based on documented research, touch eerie haunted artifacts, frequently feel a fearful chill, get ghosts caught in photographs, and many other ways experience spirits at enchanting haunted mansions. Something unexplainable happens on almost every Ghost Hunt. You may simply be enraptured by the neighborhood history, the metaphysical mystery and overflow of good natured entertainment. You will enjoy nearly three hours of guaranteed unearthly FUN! We walk for a mile in a safe quiet neighborhood on tree lined streets with fine Victorian architecture. There is one moderate hill, the views are spectacular and the pace is easy. Departing year around, rain or starshine, from the lobby of the beautiful Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter Street, corner of Sutter and Octavia, six nights a week at 7:00pm, closed Tuesdays. $20 per person, kids under 16 $10. Cash and traveler's checks only, please. (Not recommended for kids under 8.)
I loved this tour and certainly know you will too!
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED
Please call 415-922-5590 for the latest information!
5. Ghost Tours of Catalina
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.ghosttoursofcatalina.com
Embark on an adventure you will never forget when you sign up for one of the ghost tours offered by The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™. Our fun-filled tours will help you get in touch with the historic background of the surrounding Avalon community while bringing you just a breath away from the land of the supernatural. Call to make a reservation at our tour center in Avalon, California, at (310) 502-6131 to reserve a spot on one of our ghost tours. Walking Tours like No Other The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™ offers 1-hour walking tours through Avalon on Catalina Island. During these tours, we will discuss the rich background of this historical locale and provide a chilling overview of the paranormal activity that occurs in local haunted places when the spirits grow restless. Contact us today to schedule your next heart-pounding ghost tour—if you're brave enough, that is. Experienced Ghost Guides At The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™, we have been offering exhilarating paranormal tours of the surrounding area since early 2009. During this time, we have met our fair share of spiritual visitors from the other side. Additionally, our team is comprised of only locals that have lived on Catalina and experienced paranormal activity for more than 30 years. Avalon will always have a special place in our hearts for its unique atmosphere and rich historical background. How We Started For many years, Avalon has been immersed in stories of supernatural activities. The lost souls that wander this locale have long since called this city their home, and they don't appear to be moving along anytime soon. We established The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™, so we could share the rich cultural background of this historic city with courageous individuals from all over the world. Join us today to experience a tour like no other. Authentic Sightings At The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™, every ghost story we tell is steeped in historical accuracy and verifiable facts. Nothing is ever made up or invented solely for the sake of entertainment; it's all 100% real. Our stories are based on our own experiences and on reports that have been verified by at least 5 local sources. We will point out what are EMF and photographic false positives and discuss the basics of ghost hunting.
A wonderful ghost tour tour worth taking!
Ghost Tours of Catalina: Starts with the most historic haunting and ends at a site with the most active current paranormal activity.
6. Whaley House Ghost Tour
The Whaley House is an 1857 Greek Revival style residence, a California Historical Landmark, and museum located in Old Town, San Diego, California. It is currently maintained by Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO). The Whaley House is believed by some to be a haunted house, a number of supernatural events have been reported by staff, guests and various others passing the house.
Every last weekend of the month, The Whaley House Museum offers a late night paranormal investigation tour late co-hosted by The San Diego Ghost Hunters (sdGH)[9], San Diego's premier paranormal investigation team specializing in assisting historical landmark owners in discovering or confirming paranormal activity at their locations. The tour is limited to a small number of guests who are allowed to bring cameras (still and video) and audio recorders. During the tour, guest investigators are educated on the history behind the legendary spirits that haunt the house and instructed on how to operate and utilize basic paranormal investigation tools for searching out the house's mysterious residents. The tools used by most paranormal investigators consist of camcorders and still cameras, audio recorders, Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Detectors/Meters, Thermometers (Digital or Infrared), a thermal imaging camera, and other various odds and ends that assist the investigators in their search. Most tools like these can be seen used by The Atlantic Paranormal Society, or T.A.P.S., on the popular SyFy TV series Ghost Hunters.
This location is as many believe to be very haunted. I enjoyed the terrific time I had as far as the tour is concerned be wary for a real ghost might just touch you on the shoulder!
Official web site: Whaley House Museum
7. Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours
Experience the Tour that is being called "San Diego's Best"! The Original Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours! Haunted San Diego is a Nighttime History Tour with a twist. We Transport you to Fascinating Historical Sites that just happen to be... Documented Haunted Locations! The Only San Diego Tour that is a Complete Entertainment Tour... A Bus Tour, Walking Tour and Theater Show Combined! The Perfect Blend of Rich San Diego HIstory, Suspenseful Haunted Tales and Spooky Fun... Guaranteed to "Raise Your Spirits"!
More fun then a a barrel of poltergeist!
www.hauntedsandiegotours.com
8. Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose: Sarah Winchester's rambling house, where she once met with the spirits nightly, now hosts flashlight tours every Friday the thirteenth and at Halloween.
Get your walking shoes and settle in for the walk of a life time through a very haunted maze of rooms. If this doesn't set chills down your spine nothing will!
For nearly thirty-eight years the round-the-clock sawing, sanding, and hammering at the Winchester Mystery House™never ceased.
www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/
9. Hysterical Walks, Sacramento
Hysterical Walk of the Dead, A Sacramento Ghost Tour, isn’t your typical walking tour. You’ll hear some spooktacular ghost stories while being captivated with lively music and entertaining ghoulish dances. Don’t be surprised if you see a ghost or two as we weave through the shadowy, darkened back alleys of Old Sacramento. You might be shivering in terror one moment and laughing out loud the next, but don’t stray to far from the group because you never know when you might come face to face with the unknown. Fun for ghost hunters of any age. The ghosts of Sacramento can be fun and a bit scary you will love this tour!
hystericalwalks.com
10. Queen Mary Dinner and Ghost Tour
Long Beach, CA Reservations: (562) 499-1657
RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 for the Cunard Line (then Cunard-White Star when the vessel entered service). Built by John Brown and Company, Clydebank, Scotland, she was designed to be the first of Cunard's planned two-ship weekly express service from Southampton to Cherbourg to New York, in answer to the mainland European superliners of the late 1920s and early 1930s. After their release from World War II troop transport duties, Queen Mary and her running mate RMS Queen Elizabeth commenced this two-ship service and continued it for two decades until Queen Mary's retirement in 1967. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is permanently berthed in Long Beach, California serving as a museum ship and hotel. Queen Mary celebrated the 70th anniversary of her launch in both Clydebank and Long Beach during 2004, and the 70th anniversary of her maiden voyage in 2006. She was the flagship of the Cunard Line from 1936 until 1945 when she was replaced in this role by Queen Elizabeth.
The tour is as many will state a bit too pricey for some and not as haunted as they would like it to be.. Yes the ships ghost tour is fantastic though, and worth the terrifying details. Be warned this ghost tour is not for the week of heart.
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.queenmary.com
THE QUEEN MARYSM offers you 12 daily tours where you can explore the ship with an expert guide who will help you discover the history and mystery of the ship. Whether you are interested in art deco design, history, THE QUEEN MARY's World War II service or paranormal investigations, our Long Beach tours will give you an in-depth look at the ship's past. There's a lot to see aboard this famous ship so make sure to take a guided QUEEN MARY tour to get the most out of your visit.
Ghosts were reported on board after the ship was permanently docked in California. Many areas are rumored to be haunted. Reports of hearing children crying in the nursery room, actually used as the third-class playroom, and a mysterious splash noise in the drained first-class swimming pool are cited. In 1966, 18-year-old engineer John Pedder was crushed by a watertight door in the engine room during a fire drill, and his ghost is said to haunt the ship.
There is also said to be the spirit of a young girl named Jackie Korin who drowned in the second class pool and continues to haunt the first class pool room on board the ship. A young woman by the name of Sarah was said to have been murdered in the first class women's change rooms by an unknown man and haunts the first class pool with Jackie. Some visitors say they have seen women wearing early 1930s bathing suits in the pool areas. It is also said that men screaming and the sound of metal crushing against metal can be heard below decks at the extreme front end of the bow. Those who have heard this believe it to be the screams of the sailors aboard HMS Curacoa at the moment the light cruiser was split in half by the liner. Queen Mary operates daily paranormal themed tours, some of which have theatrics applied for dramatic effect.
The ship maintains a haunted maze and expands to multiple mazes during the Halloween season.
Honorable Mentions
Haunted Hollywood Tours: A tour of the sites of death and scandal Horrific and worth the time.
San Francisco Ghost Hunt: They don't guarantee you'll see a ghost, but they do say you'll have fun trying. I was enthralled.
Chinatown Ghost Tour: Find out about some of Chinatown's most unusual and inexplicable happenings. Fun and very interesting to all degrees'.
Ghost Walk at City Hall: Offered in October only by San Francisco City Guides
Ghostly Tours in History: They offer several tours that all feature ghosts, haunting's and weird goings-on
Haunted San Diego Tour: A ghost tour that will leave you "dying" for more (their joke, not mine)
Old Town Ghost Tour and Ghost Hunt: Led by a paranormal researcher
Ghost Tours of Old Monterey: A 90-minute trolley tour of the capitol of Mexican California.
Healdsburg Ghost Walk: Twilight walking tour in northern Sonoma County.
Richard Senate, Ghost Hunter: Besides writing books and doing paranormal research, Senate also offers ghost tours of Ventura County locations.
