If you love a good ghost story, you'll want to head to these Southern California locations that have been said to be haunted. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, these 10 spooky spots are worth checking out just to see if these legends might actually be true.
Please note, The Whaley House and Hollywood Pantages Theatre are temporarily closed.
1. The Whaley House -- 2476 San Diego Avenue in San Diego.
Located in Old Town San Diego, the Whaley House is the former residence of the Whaley family. It was built in 1857 on land that was once a graveyard site. Back in the '60s, the Whaley House received national attention when it was designated by the United States Commerce Department as an official haunted house. Tours of this spooky house are available throughout the year. Ghost sightings and paranormal experiences are not uncommon during the tours.
2. Colorado Street Bridge -- Pasadena
Also known as the Pasadena Suicide Bridge, legend has it that this spot has been the site of many deaths and suicides dating back to 1912 when it was originally constructed. Due to its deadly history, some say this hauntingly beautiful bridge is home to many paranormal sightings including ghosts who appear to be jumping from the bridge.
3. Glen Tavern Inn -- 134 N. Mill Street in Santa Paula, CA
Built in 1911, this stunning mansion in the town of Santa Paula appears to have a long history of ghost sightings. These alleged ghost stories include resident spirits who appear to walk through walls, knock on doors and walk through the halls while laughing and cackling.
4. Townhouse & The Del Monte -- 52 Windward Avenue in Venice, CA
If you want to head to a bar with an alleged history of hauntings, then step into this historic bar in Venice. During your visit you might spot the ghost of former owner Frank Bennett, who died in 2003, hanging out at his favorite booth.
5. The Culver Studios -- 9336 Washington Boulevard in Culver City
This historic studio located in Culver City has been around since 1918. This house may look familiar to you as it has served as they location for many popular movies and TV shows. Culver Studios also has some added mystery and intrigue as legend has it that the ghost of the original owner, Thomas Ince, has been lingering on the studio grounds since his unexpected and mysterious death in 1924.
6. Hollywood Pantages Theatre -- 6233 Hollywood Boulevard
This historic theatre in Los Angeles is another SoCal location that is rumored to have a long history of ghost sightings. From patrons to employees, the ghost stories abound. Some folks have reported a sudden cold sensation in certain parts of the theatre that cannot be explained. Other stories include hearing singing in the theatre when no one is around. Whether these stories are true or not, they sure make for an interesting experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat when visiting Pantages.
7. Queen Mary -- 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach
This former ocean liner that sailed for over 30 years from 1936 to 1967 now rests in Long Beach as a floating hotel. Guests who have stayed at the Queen Mary have reported unexplained paranormal activity. Some of the ghost stories include sightings of a mysterious "lady in white" and apparitions in an area of the hotel where an alleged murder took place.
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8. The Scary Dairy -- Camarillo, CA
Just one look at this abandoned building located in Camarillo will give you a fright. But just wait until you hear about its history. This former dairy farm was owned and operated by the Camarillo State Mental Hospital. Its intended use was to provide work experience to the patients, but rumors have it that the working conditions were challenging and stressful. The dairy farm was eventually closed in the 1960s and the old dairy building was abandoned. Since that time this area has been rumored to be haunted by lingering spirits. Perhaps former patients of the mental hospital? No one can agree on that. But everyone who visits this abandoned farm seems to be in agreement that there's definitely some form of paranormal activity at this location.
9. Historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside -- 3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Have you ever spent the night in a haunted hotel? If you'd like to, this historic location is considered one of the most haunted locations in all of Riverside. Guests and employees have reported strange sights and sensations including unexplained ghostly figures in the hallways and sounds of singing coming from empty rooms.
10. Cobb Estate/Haunted Forest -- Lake Avenue and East Loma Alta Drive in Altadena
Just the thought of a haunted forest is enough to give anyone goosebumps! Located in Altadena near Los Angeles, there is a stretch of land hiding inside the Angeles National Forest that will give you a fright. Formerly the home of a sprawling mansion, this land that once housed the Cobb Estate is rumored to be quite haunted. People who have walked the trails inside this former estate have claimed to hear unexplained laughter coming from deep inside the forest. Other people have claimed to see unexplained trails of light late at night when no one else is around. Are you brave enough to take a hike through this haunted forest?
Do you believe in any of these ghost stories? Are there other spots in Southern California where you've heard about unusual hauntings?
For another good scare, check out the haunted history of this SoCal Canyon. This will definitely keep you up at night.
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