Explore the Spookiest Places in Los Angeles this Halloween
As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to explore the creepy places in Los Angeles that have been steeped in mystery, tragedy, and eerie tales. The city, famous for its glitz and glam, hides a darker side where ghost stories and haunted histories come to life. For thrill-seekers, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique experience, these spooky spots offer a glimpse into L.A.’s haunted past. Many of these locations even offer guided ghost tours, making it easy to explore their chilling legends while learning about the city’s storied history.
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local looking to get into the Halloween spirit, these haunted places in Los Angeles are worth checking out. From ghostly figures in mirrors to haunted hotels and mysterious crime scenes, there’s something to intrigue everyone. So grab your friends, don your bravest face, and dive into the city's supernatural side. Below is a list of some of the scariest places in Los Angeles, perfect for a haunted adventure.
1. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
As one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, Hollywood Forever is not only the final resting place for stars like Judy Garland and Johnny Ramone but also home to countless ghostly apparitions. Visitors report seeing shadowy figures near graves, hearing disembodied voices, and even feeling cold spots around the cemetery's lake. For the full spooky experience, you can join one of the guided night tours. There's something uniquely eerie about wandering through Hollywood's most famous graveyard after dark, knowing that some of its residents may never have truly left. This is definitely one of the spooky places in Los Angeles you can’t miss!
2. The Biltmore Hotel
Known for its lavish interiors, the Biltmore Hotel has a dark side too. It’s said to be the last place where Elizabeth Short, better known as the Black Dahlia, was seen alive before her infamous murder. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences like ghostly whispers, mysterious footsteps, and the appearance of a woman in black. If you're daring enough, book a stay and explore the Gallery Bar where the famous Black Dahlia cocktail is served—perhaps in the company of a few uninvited ghostly guests. Definitely one of the scariest places in Los Angeles, especially for fans of true crime and haunted hotels.
3. The Hollywood Sign
The iconic Hollywood Sign is famous for its sweeping views of Los Angeles, but it also has a more sinister reputation. Actress Peg Entwistle tragically jumped to her death from the "H" in 1932, and since then, her ghost is said to haunt the area. Hikers have reported seeing a woman dressed in 1930s clothing, only to have her vanish without a trace. Some even say they smell gardenias—Peg's favorite perfume—before seeing her ghost. The next time you're hiking around Griffith Park, keep your eyes open. This is one of the creepiest places in Los Angeles and a favorite for those looking for a ghostly encounter.
4. Griffith Park
Griffith Park itself is steeped in legend. The land was allegedly cursed by Doña Petrenilla in the 1800s after her family was wronged in a land dispute. Visitors often report eerie experiences—ghostly horseback riders, unexplained fires, and strange figures lurking in the shadows. The park’s long history and its cursed land make it a haven for paranormal enthusiasts. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure with a chilling twist, Griffith Park is definitely one of the creepiest places in Los Angeles to explore.
5. The Comedy Store
What was once a gangster-run nightclub is now one of L.A.’s most famous comedy venues, but the spirits from its darker days remain. Staff members have reported paranormal activity, especially in the basement, where sinister presences make themselves known with strange noises and inexplicable cold drafts. Some comedians claim to have seen shadowy figures backstage, giving this place its reputation as one of the spookiest places in Los Angeles. If you’re attending a show, be ready for more than just laughs!
6. Chateau Marmont
This legendary hotel has housed countless Hollywood stars, but it’s also said to be haunted by some of its former residents. Most notably, comedian John Belushi, who died in one of the bungalows, is rumored to still haunt the hotel. Guests report strange occurrences in the bungalows and seeing figures that vanish before their eyes. Staying at the Chateau Marmont gives you the chance to experience its glamorous yet eerie history firsthand, making it one of the scariest places in Los Angeles.
7. Boardner’s Bar
Boardner’s has long been a Hollywood institution, frequented by everyone from Lucille Ball to Elizabeth Short, aka the Black Dahlia. It’s rumored that Short visited the bar just before her mysterious death, and paranormal activity has been reported ever since. From ghostly footsteps to strange voices, Boardner’s is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Even current staff believe in its haunted reputation, making it one of the most atmospheric creepy places in Los Angeles to grab a drink
8. Musso & Frank Grill
Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, Musso & Frank Grill, has hosted everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Charlie Chaplin, but it's also home to some ghostly patrons. Waitstaff have reported seeing the ghost of a headless woman wandering through the building, while others claim to have seen strange apparitions moving through the kitchen. For those interested in dining alongside Hollywood’s spectral elite, Musso & Frank is a must-visit for its creepy vibes and haunted history.
9. The Entity House
Located in Culver City, this unassuming house was the setting for one of the most violent poltergeist attacks in paranormal history. In the 1970s, Doris Bither and her family reported being terrorized by a malevolent entity, leading to the 1982 horror movie The Entity. Today, while the house remains a private residence, it’s still regarded as one of the most terrifying haunted places in Los Angeles. Locals claim that strange occurrences continue to happen in the neighborhood.
10. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
One of the most mysterious and eerie stories in Los Angeles revolves around a mirror in which the ghostly reflection of Marilyn Monroe is said to appear. This haunted mirror can be found in the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where Marilyn herself lived for two years during her rise to stardom. The mirror, once located in her favorite suite, is believed to still reflect her image today, even though Marilyn passed away in 1962. Guests who stand before the mirror have reported seeing her ghostly figure behind them, only for it to disappear when they turn around. Some claim to have seen her smiling, while others describe a sad or contemplative expression, as if she’s still tied to the hotel where she once felt most at home.
This chilling legend is part of the hotel’s rich, haunted history and contributes to its reputation as one of the most spooky places in Los Angeles. Even if you're skeptical about the paranormal, standing in front of the mirror that may have once reflected Hollywood's brightest star can send shivers down your spine.
11. The Silent Movie Theatre
Located on Fairfax Avenue, this historic theater is haunted by more than just the ghosts of silent film stars. The theater’s former owner, John Hampton, died of cancer in the projection booth, but some say his spirit never left. Visitors and staff have reported seeing his ghost roaming the aisles. A more gruesome chapter in the theater’s history came in 1997 when then-owner Lawrence Austin was murdered in the lobby, adding to the venue’s haunted reputation. Whether you’re there for a screening or just to explore, this is one of the creepiest places in Los Angeles to experience ghostly activity.
12. The Los Feliz Murder House
The Los Feliz neighborhood is home to one of the most notorious crime scenes in L.A.’s history. In 1959, Dr. Harold Perelson brutally murdered his wife in their hillside mansion and attempted to kill his children before taking his own life. The house has remained largely untouched since that night, with many claiming it’s cursed. People who pass by report seeing lights flickering inside, hearing eerie noises, and even feeling a sense of dread near the property. Though you can’t go inside, just standing in front of this infamous house is enough to send shivers down your spine. This chilling landmark is definitely one of the scariest places in Los Angeles.
13. Cecil Hotel
The infamous Cecil Hotel has a long and dark history, earning its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Los Angeles. Built in the 1920s, the hotel was once a hotspot for transients and became notorious for its connection to violent crimes and suicides. Perhaps the most well-known story is the mysterious death of Elisa Lam in 2013, whose body was found in the hotel’s water tank after strange footage of her in the elevator went viral. Guests have reported feeling uneasy in the hallways, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing unusual activity in their rooms. If you dare to visit, the Cecil Hotel’s creepy atmosphere is palpable.
14. Linda Vista Hospital
Located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, Linda Vista Hospital operated as a medical facility from 1905 to 1991 and gained a reputation for paranormal activity due to the high number of deaths during its operation. The hospital has been featured in numerous ghost-hunting shows, with visitors and investigators reporting ghostly apparitions of former patients and hearing strange noises, like hospital equipment moving on its own. Although it’s currently being transformed into apartments, the building’s eerie past still draws ghost enthusiasts, making it one of the most haunted places in Los Angeles.
15. The Colorado Street Bridge
The Colorado Street Bridge, known as the "Suicide Bridge," is one of Pasadena's most iconic yet haunting landmarks. Completed in 1913, it has witnessed over a hundred tragic suicides, leading to reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie sounds echoing in the night. Visitors often share chilling experiences, feeling an unsettling presence as they walk across the historic structure. Legend has it that the spirits of those who lost their lives linger here, making it one of the spookiest places in Los Angeles. If you're looking for a ghostly encounter, the Colorado Street Bridge is a must-visit, especially during Halloween when its haunting history feels even more palpable!
