Are you ready for some ghost hunting? Frustrated spirits, eerie basements, spooky lakes, haunted hotels, and creepy orbs have been spotted all over San Francisco. Why? Fog City has a wild and garish history, making it a hub for ghostly activity.
Start your haunted adventure in Golden Gate Park, then make your way to the ocean, through the Presidio, and into downtown to see some of San Francisco's scariest sights for yourself. On this haunted road trip, you’re sure to encounter something supernatural.
1. Stow Lake: Golden Gate Park
The creepy story concerns a mother who lost a baby to the lake and now her ghost must forever search for her child. There are reports of a lady who comes up from the lake, or that the statue at Stow Lake comes to life. Also, some have claimed to have seen a ghost approach and ask, "Have you seen my baby?"
2. Sutro Baths: 680 Point Lobos Ave
The beautiful baths turn scary at night as rumors abound of human sacrifices performed in the tunnel next to the baths. Some have claimed the sacrifices were linked to Anton LaVey's Church of Satan, which was located not far away from the Sutro Baths. Also, if you light a candle at the end of the tunnel, someone (or something) will come and pick up the candle and throw it into the water that rushes up just beyond the rocks. Boo!
3. Presidio Pet Cemetery: McDowell Avenue
Hidden in a forgotten corner of the old Presidio is a pet cemetery with sad, tiny grave markers. The Fog often hangs over everything here adding to the haunted factor. Walk around the cemetery to get the full effect of being among the remains of dogs, lizards and parakeets that have traveled the globe and whose owners fought in various major wars. Ghostly figures, mostly animals and military officers have been spotted here.
4. Presidio Officer's Club: 50 Moraga Ave
What ultimately looks elegant and regal is full of haunted tales. Professional ghost hunters have seen ghosts, and captured them on film. Weirder yet, this former military post has even been suspected of having a bogey man. Locals tell numerous accounts of eerie voices, moving furniture, and more oddities.
5. Whittier Mansion, 2090 Jackson Street
Located in an old and upscale area of SF, this place has been giving the creeps to many who come across the house. People have reported seeing shadowy outlines and feeling ice cold presences.
6. San Francisco Art Institute: 800 Chestnut Street
The institute was built on a graveyard, thus students and workers have encountered apparitions climbing the stairs of the tower. Also, during the remodeling of the tower, workers reported an evil presence that caused "breaking sounds," and three near-fatal accidents.
7. The Palace Hotel: 2 New Montgomery
Many ghosts roam this hotel, one a poltergeist that may lock itself in the dining rooms. Another scary tale is of "The Lady in Red,"a succubus who wanders the halls at night and is claimed to have walked through the walls of rooms where businessmen are traveling alone. Most notable historical note is that President Warren G. Harding died suddenly and mysteriously while staying here in 1923.
8. Cameron House: 920 Sacramento
The Cameron house was a refuge for Chinese immigrants rescued from slavery and exploitation. Tragedy struck when a fire broke out and many women died in the basement are said to still linger within. To this day, the basement along with spirits are literally sealed.
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