As I walked down the streets of San Francisco, a misty fog rolled in from the bay, muffling the city’s hum of activity. I could see no further than a few steps, except for the faint gleaming streetlights in the distance barely emerging through the haze. My body felt cold, there was a sensation of eeriness - a feeling that still sends a chill down my spine. “San Francisco has more history than you can shake a stick at, and twice as many ghosts,” I heard a voice say only to realize it was my guide, bringing me back to my senses. “The city’s haunting world offers a tantalizing glimpse into its shadowy, gloomy past. Let me tell you about some of the most haunted places in San Francisco, which scare bejesus out of even the bravest, but are you ready to flip to the darkest chapter of San Francisco?” Seeing my non-hesitant nod, he went on to narrate...
Haunted Places in San Francisco: Top 10 Locations for a Scare Fest
San Francisco, a hill city along the Pacific Ocean, offers so much to its visitors, including a world where stubborn ghosts linger and refuse to be forgotten. Some of the creepiest and spookiest locations in the world are here in San Francisco. Yes, the haunted places in San Francisco have many eerie tales swirling around them – and they are not just rumors! The haunting presence of restless, lost souls and a series of eerie occurrences have made these sites. And if you dare to listen closely, you might as well hear the whispers!
Exploring the haunted places in San Francisco seems like a great idea? Scroll down to check the listing of the popular spots in the city where ghosts are for real:
- Alcatraz
- Neptune Society Columbarium
- The Curran Theater
- City Hall
- The Westin St. Francis
- The Presidio
- Golden Gate Park
- The Queen Anne Hotel
- Sutro Baths
- Haskell House at Fort Mason
1. Alcatraz
Seated on a rock in San Francisco's heart, Alcatraz Island happens to be one of the most haunted places in the world. This former federal high-security prison site of America is known for housing many spooky secrets and restless souls inside its walls, giving visitors an eerie feel like nowhere else. Cell 14D is reputed to be the most haunted spot in the prison, which is believed to be the dwelling of the spirit of a prisoner who died, or rather was murdered, inside. Moreover, the ghost of Al Capone, a famous mobster who was incarcerated for about 4.5 years in Cell 181 at Alcatraz, can be heard playing banjo music in one of the shower rooms, only to find no one there. People have experienced chilling phenomena at this historical prison, with reports of chains, muffled knocks, and ghostly figures walking past them. Sudden screams, clanging of metal doors, and squawking footsteps are often heard from the prison house.
Location: San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Visit Hours: 9 AM to 9:30 PM (Till 6:30 PM on Sunday & Monday)
Nearby Attractions:
- PIER 39
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lombard Street
- Musee Mecanique
Nearby Hotels:
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- Stanyan Park Hotel
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
2. Neptune Society Columbarium
Imagine standing inside a building filled with ghosts from top to bottom? That's exactly what you will experience at Neptune Society Columbarium, one of the most haunted places in San Francisco. A beautiful Neo-Classical architecture, the Columbarium has its fair share of ghost stories accumulated within its walls. Being one of the city's oldest columbariums, it houses the remains of more than 8,500 deceased since 1897, including many who are not at rest even after death. The visitors have claimed to have felt a small hand brushing up against them, giving a cold, icy sensation. Many have also seen the spirit of a young girl walking through the building. It’s said to be one of the girls who had been buried in the Columbarium.
Location: 1 Loraine Ct, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Visit Hours: 24/7
Nearby Attractions:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Union Square
- Chinatown San Francisco
- Alcatraz Island
- Lombard Street
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Julian
- Stanyan Park Hotel
- The Metro Hotel
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
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3. The Curran Theater
An iconic San Francisco landmark, Curran Theatre is well-known for the eeriness it hides underneath its architectural beauty, rich history and world-class performances. Today, this historic 1600-seater entertainment venue is one of the most haunted locations in San Francisco, where people think twice before stepping in. Yes, not just one, but two spirits are lurking inside this majestic theatre! Back in the 1930s, a 25-year-old ticket taker named Hewlett G. Tarr faced an untimely death during a burglary at the theatre after being shot by a robber. Tarr, who was to get married to his young fiancé in a few days, apparently never moved out of his workplace. His ghost continues to haunt the theatre even after many decades and has been spotted by many sitting in the lobby, waiting to sell tickets. Many have also seen the phantom of a young girl from the 1950s, who died right outside of the theatre in a brutal car accident. So, don’t panic when you spot the former employee or a little ghost on your movie date!
Location: 445 Geary St, Theatre District, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Visit Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free ($95/346 QAR for Shows)
Nearby Attractions:
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- Filbert Steps
- PER 39
- Language of the Birds
- Huntington Park
Nearby Hotels:
- The Marker Union Square San Francisco
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
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4. City Hall
Also known as the People's Palace, the City Hall of San Francisco is not all about its exquisite architectural design and political seating. In 1906, a severe earthquake and fire destroyed the original City Hall, which was rebuilt in 1915. But with its rebuilt version come thrilling tales of tragedies and hauntings, making it among the most renowned scary places in San Francisco with disturbing paranormal happenings and events taking place inside. One of the legends goes back to 1978, stating the horrific assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk by the then-politician Dan James White following a dispute over a proposal. Ever since, these former government officials are believed to be living inside the City Hall. Their presence can be felt through the strange noises in the empty halls. If you are brave enough, you can take a free San Francisco haunted tour of this historic landmark to learn about the cemetery that once existed on the site and encounter otherworldly sightings!
Location: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Visit Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions:
- Filbert Steps
- PER 39
- Language of the Birds
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- Huntington Park
Nearby Hotels:
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
- Stanyan Park Hotel
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5. The Queen Anne Hotel
What looks beautiful from the outside does not necessarily have a beautiful vibe on the inside! Don't be shaken if you experience unusual energy at the opulent Queen Anne Hotel, a well-preserved but haunted mansion in San Francisco. Constructed in the 1890s as the Mary Lake School for Girls, this historic Victorian-style structure is haunted by several spirits, but they are friendly. Including the lurking ghosts is the headmistress of the school that was here once, who can be seen picking up her fallen items in Room 410. Very humbly, she goes on to help the guests unpack their stuff and tuck them into the beds for the night. While people are well aware of the events at the Queen Anne Hotel, it continues to be a most sought-after choice for visitors even today!
Location: 1590 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Visit Hours: 24/7
Nearby Attractions:
- Filbert Steps
- PIER 39
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Huntington Park
Nearby Hotels:
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- Hotel Julian
- Stanyan Park Hotel
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6. Sutro Baths
A top attraction on every wanderer's bucket list, the Sutro Baths is actually haunted! Open to the public between 1894 and 1966, Sutro Baths, which once used to be a popular spot for day trips, now lies in ruins, and is among the creepiest abandoned places in San Francisco. During its heydays, this beachfront site used to be the largest indoor swimming pool in the world, with an array of diving boards, slides, and restaurants lined alongside. Unfortunately, it was all burnt to ashes in 1966 and now welcomes more ethereal guests that seem to linger here at all hours. The tunnel at the bottom is where many human sacrifices have taken place in the past and now is the dwelling of paranormal activities. When a lit candle is left inside the tunnel, a ghost will toss it into the ocean waters right in front of your eyes. Some say it is the spirit of a young girl who was swept off by the fierce waves of the sea, leading to her death, while others claim it to be an older gentleman, who has been seen roaming at the ruined site and whistling as he walks!
Location: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Visit Hours: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lincoln Park Steps
- Huntington Falls
- Murphy Windmill
- Sutro Heights
Nearby Hotels:
- My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- Stanyan Park Hotel
- Inn at the Presidio
- The Monte Cristo
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7. The Presidio of San Francisco
It goes without saying that The Presidio, which served as an army base for over 200 years, is among the popular haunted places in San Francisco. The site features a National Cemetery and several historical buildings, including the Letterman Digital Arts Centre, where most of the paranormal activity takes place. A legend has it that military personnel stationed at the Presidio can be seen prowling through the site even today. The ghostly figures of the army men from many centuries ago still perform their everyday duties on the ground, making the sighting even scarier, although there are no reports of any harm.
Location: 210 Lincoln Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94129
Visit Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions:
- Lincoln Park Steps
- Huntington Falls
- Golden Gate Park
- Tank Hill
- The Presidio of San Francisco
Nearby Hotels:
- Lodge at the Presidio
- My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Julian
- The Monte Cristo
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8. The Westin St. Francis Hotel
The Westin St. Francis is a popular name on the list of haunted hotels in San Francisco, CA. It is believed to be haunted by several famous Hollywood celebrities for years who died at the hotel. In 1906, actor John Barrymore died in an earthquake while asleep in his hotel room. Suites 1219 and 1221 are haunted by the spirit of the American model and silent film actress Virginia Rappe, who faced a brutal death after rape during a party that was held here. Then again in 1950, one of these suites witnessed the death of popular American singer and actor Al Jolson during a poker game. The staff of this premier hotel has claimed to have seen the apparitions of Barrymore, Arbuckle, and Jolson in alleys and hallways.
Location: 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Visit Hours: 24/7
Nearby Attractions:
- Ina Coolbrith Park
- Filbert Steps
- PIER 39
- Huntington Park
- Tank Hill
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
- The Mosser Hotel
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- Stanyan Park Hotel
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9. Haskell House at Fort Mason
Haskell House at Fort Mason is among the renowned haunted buildings in San Francisco, where the spirits of quarreling politicians are believed to reside. The story goes back to 1857 when U.S. Senator David Broderick was shot by the State Supreme Court Justice David Terry in front of over 80 spectators, leading to his death three days later. The unsettled apparitions of Broderick continue to haunt this 19th-century house near Franklin Street and McDowell Avenue. Even today, the military men see him marching up and down the place in the same attire that he would wear while alive.
Location: 3 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Visit Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
Nearby Attractions:
- Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
- Exploratorium
- Lyon Street Steps
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center
- Torpedo Wharf
Nearby Hotels:
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- The Mosser Hotel
- Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
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10. Golden Gate Park
Located in the eastern part of Golden Gate Park, Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake are the other most-talked-about haunted places in San Francisco. A woman with a glowing face and long hair, dressed in white, is seen walking through the park, looking for her baby. The woman is said to have committed suicide here in the 1930s to hide her pregnancy out of wedlock. Yet another spirit of a woman strolling around with her baby in a stroller is also commonly encountered by many, who died after tumbling down the road into the lake, only to be never found again yet remain at the site ever since.
Location: San Francisco, CA, United States
Visit Hours: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions:
- Japanese Tea Garden
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- The de Young Museum
- California Academy of Sciences
- Golden Gate Bridge
Nearby Hotels:
- Stanyan Park Hotel
- Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park
- The Laurel Inn - JDV by Hyatt
- The Monte Cristo
- Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
The haunted places in San Francisco are an intriguing part of the city's history and culture. And if you are ready to uncover this spooky little piece of the city, book one of our best-selling San Francisco tour packages today! With our specially curated tour package, enjoy premium accommodations, comfortable flights to San Francisco, and guided tours to the prime attractions that will leave you filled with memories to cherish forever!
Haunted Places in San Francisco - FAQ’s
The best time to plan a visit to San Francisco is during the fall season from September to November. The weather during this period is pleasant, making it ideal and comfortable for sightseeing tours and outdoor activities.
While San Francisco has so many places that are haunted and abandoned, some popular ones are Alcatraz Island, the Queen Anne Hotel, Neptune Society Columbarium, and the Sutro Baths ruins.
The key landmarks to see on your San Francisco trip are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Lombard Street.
Most of the haunted places in San Francisco are open to the public and approved as safe for visiting. However, it is advised to follow local guidelines for further security.
Yes, many tour companies offer walking ghost tours in San Francisco, unveiling history and haunted tales of the places.
San Francisco has an efficient public transportation system to facilitate an easy commute across the city, which includes Muni buses, cable cars, and BART. Biking and ridesharing are also popular among the locals.
Yes, San Francisco offers a wide array of family-friendly activities and attractions such as the Exploratorium, The Walt Disney Family Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. Witness aquatic life exhibits at the Aquarium of the Bay and take a ferry ride to Angel Island.
Yes, you can visit Alcatraz through a specially organized night tour, which highlights its eerie history and haunted reputation. However, check for details in advance since Alcatraz night tours are organized only twice a week, each for about 100 visitors only.
Some tours of haunted places in San Francisco may be suitable for older children, but they often include certain stories that are not ideal for very young kids. So, avoid taking kids to any haunted locations.
Cioppino, Mission Burrito, Dim sum, Xiao Long Bao, Sourdough Bread, Crab Louie, Sumo Crunch Sushirrito, and Egg Custard Tart are some popular foods that you must try in San Francisco.
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