San Francisco is full of haunted mansions, abandoned cemeteries, and other creepy places that are bound to make even the bravest souls feel a little uneasy.
In this article, we are exploring the top 8 haunted locations in San Francisco. Let’s put our ghost hunting boots on and get going, shall we?
8 Most Haunted Places in San Francisco
1. Haskell House
The Haskell House is where, in 1857, the anti-slavery advocate and U.S. Senator David Broderick was challenged to a duel and killed by State Supreme Court Justice David Terry, one of the most rabid pro-slavery activists of his time.
Broderick’s death made him an anti-slavery martyr, propelling the movement’s agenda forward, but that may not have been enough to make his spirit move on.
Visitors often report seeing a man in a top hat pacing back and forth in front of the house. Could it be David Broderick himself…?
Where to find it: 3 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA 94123
2. Haight Street
The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is known for its flower power vibes and Summer of Love flashbacks.
However, back in the 1960s, the neighborhood also had a dark side.
The spirit of sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll didn’t come without consequences.
Crimes of passion and drug overdoses were not uncommon and often left a spiritual imprint on the neighborhood.
This was especially true of Haight Street, which was home to such notorious figures as Charles Manson and Jim Jones.
And don’t even get us started on Buena Vista Park at the start of Haight Street!
It’s full of Gold Rush era ghosts skulking along in the bushes.
Where to start: Buena Vista & Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
3. The Chambers Mansion
The Chambers Mansion seems like a lovely place to visit… Until you find out that one of its previous owners, Claudia Chambers, was found cut in half inside the mansion.
Her relatives claim that it was a “farm implement accident,” but Claudia’s ghost seems to disagree.
Visitors often report seeing flashing lights from the upstairs windows of the mansion where her room used to be.
Care to investigate? Be careful – the Chambers family used to be practitioners of black magic. Who knows what else lurks in the halls of this charming mansion!
Where to find it: 2220 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
4. City Hall
Did you know that the San Francisco City Hall was built on the grounds of an abandoned cemetery?
The spirits of the dead did not take kindly to the disturbance.
There are many ghost stories surrounding the building, including one that involves a double murder.
The City Hall is a must-see tourist attraction, so we suggest you drop by and check out the spooky vibe for yourself!
Where to find it: 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
5. The Presidio
Speaking of abandoned cemeteries, have you checked out the Presidio Pet Cemetery yet?
Animal spirits tend to be fiercely loyal, so it’s no surprise some of them still roam the cemetery grounds waiting for their owners to return home from the war.
Occasionally, a ghost of a WWII soldier will also be seen strolling through the cemetery. Looking for their old companion, perhaps?
Where to find it: 667 McDowell Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129
6. Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths were intended to act as a place of wholesome entertainment for San Francisco residents, but their history is anything but wholesome.
The place seemed to be cursed: construction problems plagued the site from day one and workers constantly reported feeling uneasy there – like someone was watching them!
Perhaps it’s no surprise a sacrificial cult chose this location as their meeting place once it was built…
Where to find it: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
7. Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park
The Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park is the smallest park in San Francisco… But perhaps the most haunted.
Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th-century entrepreneur and abolitionist, has often been called the Mother of Civil Rights in California.
What many people don’t know, however, is that she has also been named the Voodoo Queen of San Francisco.
Often seen walking around with a crystal ball in hand, Mary Ellen Pleasant was a magnet for strange stories and more than a few murder accusations.
Some say that if you go to the park and make a wish, she may grant it. The question is, what price will she ask for it?
Where to find it: 1501-1699 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109
8. Alcatraz Prison
Of course, a list of the most haunted places in San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without the most famous prison in the world.
Now abandoned, the Alcatraz Island Prison once housed the most notorious, bloodthirsty criminals of its time… And it seems like some of their spirits may have lingered on.
Where to find it: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133
The Haunt Experience
Have you been to any of these places before? Do you dare to visit them now?
If exploring San Francisco’s creepiest, most haunted places sounds like your idea of a fun night out, check out our Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour.
It will take you on an unforgettable journey through the streets of San Francisco to show you a different, darker side of our beloved city.
Ready to discover the dark side of San Francisco?