Haunted And Spooky Places In And Around San Francisco

The Winchester Mystery House

One of the most infamous haunted houses in the U.S., the Winchester Mystery House is an architectural marvel with a dark history. Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, this sprawling mansion is filled with twisting hallways, secret doors, staircases to nowhere, and spirits said to be victims of the rifle her family manufactured. Legend has it that Sarah built the house to confuse the vengeful ghosts that haunted her.

Tours are available for those brave enough to explore its mysteries.

Alcatraz Island

No list of haunted places in the Bay Area would be complete without Alcatraz. This former maximum-security prison is said to be haunted by the spirits of inmates who died there. Visitors report hearing eerie noises, feeling cold drafts, and seeing shadowy figures, particularly in the infamous "D Block," where prisoners were kept in isolation.

Night tours of the island provide an even spookier experience—if you dare.

The Queen Anne Hotel

Once an elite girls' boarding school in the late 1800s, this Victorian-style hotel is rumored to be haunted by Miss Mary Lake, the former headmistress. Guests who stay in Room 410, believed to be her office, report strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own, objects moving, and a comforting presence tucking them into bed at night.

It’s the perfect place for a paranormal getaway!

Sutro Baths Ruins

The Sutro Baths were once a luxurious public swimming complex built by Adolph Sutro in 1896. Now, they’re eerie ruins on the cliffs near the Pacific Ocean. Some say that on foggy nights, the ghosts of bathers who drowned there still linger, drawn by the dangerous currents. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks adds to the spooky atmosphere, making this a must-visit for ghost hunters.

Neptune Society Columbarium

This hidden gem in the Richmond District is a Victorian-style columbarium that holds the ashes of thousands of San Francisco residents. Some visitors claim to have seen shadowy figures and heard whispers among the urns, while others say they’ve felt an unsettling presence. Its ornate, cathedral-like beauty only adds to the haunting vibe.

The USS Hornet

Docked in Alameda, this aircraft carrier saw intense action during World War II and is now a floating museum. It’s also considered one of the most haunted ships in the country. Visitors and crew members have reported seeing the ghosts of sailors, hearing unexplained footsteps, and even feeling phantom touches. Ghost tours are regularly offered for those eager to explore the ship’s paranormal side.

Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake is the site of one of San Francisco’s most famous ghost stories. According to legend, a woman lost her child in the lake. Distraught, she searched for her baby and eventually drowned, as well. Today, her ghost is said to wander the area, asking visitors, "Have you seen my baby?" If you see her, some say you’re in for an unlucky night.

The Presidio

Once a military base, the Presidio is now a national park with a long history of hauntings. Soldiers who served there under many flags—Spanish, Mexican, and American—are said to still walk the grounds. Paranormal activity has been reported at the Officers' Club and the old Fort Scott buildings, where visitors have seen ghostly apparitions and heard the sound of phantom footsteps.

Mountain View Cemetery

This historic cemetery in Oakland is the final resting place for many prominent Bay Area residents, including famous authors, artists, and political figures. It’s also known for ghostly encounters, with visitors reporting apparitions, strange orbs, and cold spots. Walking through its winding paths at dusk, it’s easy to feel like you’re not alone.

Lotta’s Fountain

This unassuming fountain at the intersection of Market, Geary, and Kearny streets has a ghostly history tied to the devastating 1906 earthquake. Survivors used the fountain as a meeting place in the aftermath of the disaster, and some believe their spirits still gather there to this day. Early morning visits have led to reports of strange misty figures and cold gusts of wind in an otherwise calm part of the city.

Dolores Park

Dolores Park may be a popular spot for sunbathing and picnicking, but beneath its vibrant atmosphere lies a haunted history. Originally a cemetery, the land was used to bury thousands of people during the 19th century. Though the bodies were moved, some believe the spirits linger. Locals report ghostly apparitions and eerie sensations after dark, especially in the quiet corners of the park.

The Curran Theater

The Curran Theater has been a San Francisco landmark since 1922, hosting countless performances—but it’s also home to a tragic and ghostly tale. In the 1930s, a woman was reportedly murdered during a show, and ever since, strange occurrences have been reported. Actors and staff claim to hear phantom footsteps, see shadowy figures backstage, and feel a cold, ghostly presence in the theater seats. If you're catching a show, you might just get more than you bargained for.