Get into the spirit this Halloween and visit some of the most haunted places in San Francisco. We’ve added to our list since last year!
They’re creepy and they’re spooky and they’re all in San Francisco! Learn about some of our most haunted sites just in time for Halloween! Of course, many of these hauntings and ghost stories are just rumors so we highly encourage you to make the visit to San Francisco this October to do some ghost hunting of your own to confirm or deny them!
Haskell House at Fort Mason
Dueling politicians haunt the site of the Haskell House at Fort Mason. U.S. Senator David Broderick was shot and killed during a duel with State Supreme Court Justice David Terry in 1857. When the military had ownership of Fort Mason, officers reported seeing Broderick’s ghost roaming the halls of the Haskell House.
Neptune Society Columbarium
As a burial site for loved one’s ashes The dome building, which is used as a burial has been around since 1898 people are able to house their loved one’s ashes and visit loved ones who are already there. Claims of being touched by a small hand are common as well as seeing the ghosts of the young girl, whose ashes are buried within the building.
Alcatraz
From the many famous (or infamous) inmates that called Alcatraz home to the things that happened inside its walls, Alcatraz has been known to give tourists and locals the chills. Visitors have heard voices, clanging doors, and footsteps behind them as well as felt unnaturally cold in the Dining Hall. Others have reported feelings of dread as they see and smell “The Thing.” See if you can lure out a spirit on a night tour of The Rock!
The Curran Theater
In 1933, a robbery occurred and a ticket taker, Hewlett Tarr, was shot and killed. Tarr seems to have stayed in the theater and guests have reported seeing him in the lobby. Others have spotted the ghost of a little girl who is believed to have been killed across the street.
City Hall
Unfortunately, San Francisco’s City Hall was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire and the rebuilt 1915 version has seen its share of tragedy and hauntings. In 1978, Dan White assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk after a dispute. Since then, security officers have heard strange noises and seen paranormal activity when the Hall appears empty.
Want to hear more of the thrilling tales? Take the free ghost walk at City Hall tour with San Francisco City Guides (though donations are recommended) and learn about the cemetery that was once there, the remains left behind, and otherworldly sightings!
The San Francisco Art Institute
Built in 1900 near Russian Hill and North Beach, the institute might have invoked the wrath of upset spirits as it’s said to be built atop an old graveyard. Inside, you might hear screams, approaching footsteps, or perhaps even see an apparition. Construction workers working on the tower have had their equipment moved or broken, lights turned off on them, and even screamed at to get out.
The Presidio
A National Cemetery, historic buildings, and an old army base set the stage for this haunted site in San Francisco! Today, the Letterman Digital Arts Center is one hotspot of activity with cold spots and spooky sounds – perhaps remnants of its old army hospital days? Others have seen ghostly figures and army men who still perform their routine duties on the grounds.
Golden Gate Park
If you’re visiting Golden Gate Park at night, you might come across two spirits. The first resides at Stow Lake with the “White Lady.” More than a hundred years ago, a mother was walking around the park with her baby in a stroller. She sat down and began a conversation with another woman. After a while, she realized the stroller was missing, and frantically asked if anyone knew where her baby was. It dawned on her that the stroller was in the lake and she went in after it. Take a walk around Stow Lake at night and she might come out of the lake to ask if you’ve seen her baby.
There have also been reports of people receiving a ticket from a police officer in Golden Gate Park to find out the issuing officer hasn’t been on duty for many, many years. He likes to ticket people for traffic violations, but he can’t seem to follow you out of the park!
The Queen Anne Hotel
Built in the 1890s as The Mary Lake School for Girls, this Victorian mansion is haunted today by one of San Francisco’s friendliest ghosts! Mary Lake, the headmistress, was distraught when the school closed due to a lack of resources and funding and it seems she’s never truly left her position. Most occurrences are in Lake’s room, room 410, where she might unpack clothing, pick up items that have fallen, and even occasionally tuck in guests when they aren’t properly under the covers.
Sutro Baths
Once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment, back in 1896, complete with slides, diving boards, and restaurants, the Sutro Baths was a top destination for San Franciscans and visitors. Now, after burning down in 1966, the baths accommodate more ethereal guests. If you’re brave enough, you could enter the ruins at the tunnels at the bottom of the cliffs and leave a lit candle. A ghost will toss the candle back out into the ocean. The question is, is it the young girl who was swept out to sea and drowned, or is the ghost of an older gentleman who likes to whistle as he roams about the ruins?
Can’t get enough of San Francisco’s haunted past? Learn more about it on the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour!
Stay at the Inn San Francisco
While the Inn San Francisco is not haunted we do have an intriguing history. Originally built in 1872 for a wealthy merchant, William English, the English family occupied this Victorian home for many years. With seven children, 8 live-in servants, and 10 or 12 outside servants, this mansion was always bustling with activity!
Each room has its own story to tell. Accommodations such as Room 10, which used to be the formal dining room, is now a stylish retreat in the heart of San Francisco. Or Room 21, which used to be Mrs. English’s main reception parlor, is now a grand Victorian master bedroom.
Originally known as Mansion Row, the Inn San Francisco was one of ten mansions built in the 1870s, before the invention of the cable trolley, and mansions were built on hills. Because of our rich history, The Victorian Alliance of San Francisco holds tours here, showing the Victorian charm and elegance of the Inn.
Enjoy 35% off your stay with us, now through April 30th, 2021!
Discover Inn San Francisco for yourself and browse all our accommodations and book your stay with us and uncover a little piece of San Francisco history!
