Northern California is home to some of the top haunted places in California with a rich history of spooky sites. If you're up for a spine-chilling adventure, here are the top haunted locations to visit in Northern California:
1. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose
This architectural oddity is one of the most famous haunted places in Northern California and has intrigues paranormal enthusiast for years. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the gun magnate, it has staircases leading to nowhere and doors that open into walls. The mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, whom Sarah tried to appease by continually building onto the house.
Ghostly Encounters: Visitors report hearing footsteps, doors slamming, and seeing apparitions wandering the confusing hallways.
2. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco Bay
Once a maximum-security prison housing notorious criminals like Al Capone, Alcatraz is infamous for its dark past. Now a museum, Alcatraz Island is one of the coolest haunted places in Northern California, rumored to be haunted by the restless spirits of former inmates.
Ghostly Encounters: Cold spots, disembodied voices, and the sound of cell doors clanging shut are commonly reported.
3. Preston Castle – Ione
A former reform school for troubled boys, Preston Castle has a reputation for paranormal activity. The castle’s eerie, dilapidated state adds to the haunted atmosphere, with many claiming it’s haunted by former residents and staff.
Ghostly Encounters: People have reported shadowy figures, whispers, and cold drafts throughout the building.
4. The Queen Anne Hotel – San Francisco
This elegant Victorian hotel is one of San Francisco's most famous haunted places in Northern California, with a history of ghostly sightings. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of Miss Mary Lake, a former headmistress when the building was a girls' boarding school in the 1800s.
Ghostly Encounters: Guests often report items being moved or unpacked, lights flickering, and the comforting presence of Miss Mary watching over them.
5. The Claremont Hotel – Berkeley
The luxurious Claremont Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area, but it also has a haunted history that offers eerie experiences in addition to its luxury. Guests have reported strange occurrences in certain rooms, particularly Room 422, which is said to be the epicenter of the hotel's ghostly activity.
Ghostly Encounters: Cold spots, footsteps, and the ghost of a little girl are frequently mentioned by guests and staff.
6. Moss Beach Distillery – Moss Beach
The haunted coastal restaurant is a must-visit for those exploring haunted places in Northern California. This restaurant is haunted by the “Blue Lady,” a woman who was tragically killed near the cliffs. She's said to be looking for her lost lover.
Ghostly Encounters: Objects move on their own, patrons feel mysterious cold drafts, and sightings of a woman in blue have been reported.
7. Brookdale Lodge – Santa Cruz Mountains
Brookdale Lodge is one of the best-known haunted places in Northern California's Santa Crus Mountains. The historic Brookdale Lodge was once a glamorous getaway in the 1920s, frequented by Hollywood elite. However, it’s now famous for its hauntings, particularly of a little girl named Sarah Logan who drowned in the creek running through the lodge.
Ghostly Encounters: Guests report hearing a child's laughter, and some claim to have seen Sarah playing near the water.
8. The National Hotel – Nevada City
This historic spot in Nevada City is among the oldest haunted places in Northern California, dating back to the Gold Rush era. Opened in 1856, The National Hotel is one of California’s oldest continuously operating hotels. It's said to be haunted by several spirits, including that of a ghostly bride who roams the halls.
Ghostly Encounters: Guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps, seeing apparitions in old-fashioned attire, and witnessing objects moving on their own.
9. Placer County Courthouse – Auburn
This historic courthouse has been serving the community since 1898, but some say it’s also home to the spirits of criminals who were tried and sentenced there.
Ghostly Encounters: Visitors and workers report strange noises, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched when alone.
10. Old Sacramento Tunnels – Sacramento
The Old Sacramento Tunnels are one of the most unique haunted places in California, filled with ghostly whispers of the Gold Rush era. Beneath the streets of Old Sacramento lies a network of tunnels that were part of the city’s early flood-control system. The tunnels are said to be haunted by those who perished in floods and other accidents during the Gold Rush era.
Ghostly Encounters: Visitors often experience eerie whispers, ghostly figures, and a feeling of unease in the damp, dark tunnels.
Exploring these haunted places in Northern California is a perfect way to experience both history and the paranormal. Whether you're visiting famous haunted sites like Alcatraz Island or smaller spooky spots like Moss Beach Distillery, Northern California offers an unforgettable journey into the supernatural.