The 9 Most Haunted Places in Los Angeles
Los Angeles may be known for its sunny skies and glamorous lifestyle, but beneath the bright lights lies a chilling, haunted past. From eerie hotels with tragic histories to abandoned hospitals where the echoes of the past still resonate, the City of Angels has its fair share of paranormal hotspots. If you’re a fan of ghost stories or enjoy a good scare, then these 9 most haunted places in Los Angeles will leave you both spooked and intrigued.
1️⃣ The Cecil Hotel (Downtown LA)
The Cecil Hotel's history is dark and twisted, marked by a series of mysterious deaths, suicides, and even ties to notorious serial killers. While it once aimed to be a symbol of luxury in the 1920s, it quickly became infamous for housing some of LA's most tragic stories. The most chilling tale remains that of Elisa Lam, whose mysterious disappearance and death in 2013 captivated the world. Security footage showed her acting erratically in an elevator, seemingly hiding from something—or someone—that wasn’t visible. Days later, her body was found in the hotel’s water tank, but how she got there remains unsolved. Guests continue to report hearing strange noises, whispers, and feeling cold spots throughout the hotel. The Cecil is a must-visit for any paranormal enthusiast.
2️⃣ The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
Docked in Long Beach, the Queen Mary isn’t just a historic ocean liner—it’s a ghost hunter’s dream. The ship’s dark history is filled with tragedy, from the WWII-era collision with another vessel that killed over 300 sailors to numerous mysterious deaths during its service. The ship’s swimming pool is said to be haunted by the spirits of children, and the engine room—where a crew member was crushed to death—is another paranormal hotspot. Visitors frequently report hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing cold chills. Whether you’re taking a tour or going for a paranormal investigation, the Queen Mary’s haunted legacy is undeniable.
3️⃣ Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Hollywood)
The Roosevelt Hotel may be a glamorous Old Hollywood landmark, but it’s also home to a number of celebrity ghosts. Most famously, Marilyn Monroe is said to haunt the hotel’s mirror, where guests have reported seeing her reflection. Another spectral presence is that of actor Montgomery Clift, who stayed at the Roosevelt during the filming of From Here to Eternity. Guests who stay in his old room claim to hear his trumpet playing late into the night. This is a hotel where the stars of Hollywood’s golden age never truly left the stage.
4️⃣ The Silent Movie Theatre (Fairfax District)
Built to preserve the golden era of silent films, the Silent Movie Theatre has a tragic history that some say is the root of its paranormal activity. Founder John Hampton dedicated his life to restoring old films, but the toxic chemicals he used for preservation eventually contributed to his death. After his passing, the theater experienced a second tragedy when its new owner, Lawrence Austin, was gunned down in a murder-for-hire plot in the lobby. Since then, visitors have reported cold spots, eerie whispers, and the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes.
5️⃣ Griffith Park (Los Feliz)
Griffith Park might be known as a popular hiking destination, but it also harbors a dark, cursed past. Legend has it that Dona Petronilla cursed the land after being cheated out of her inheritance, and since then, the park has been plagued by strange events. One of the creepiest spots is the old LA Zoo, where decaying animal enclosures serve as the backdrop for reported ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena. Another unsettling location is a picnic table where a couple was tragically crushed by a falling tree in the 1970s. Visitors often feel an eerie presence near the table and hear phantom voices urging them to leave.
6️⃣ The Los Feliz Murder Mansion (Los Feliz)
Perhaps one of the most unsettling homes in LA is the Los Feliz Murder Mansion. In 1959, Dr. Harold Perelson bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer before attempting to murder his daughter and finally taking his own life. What makes the mansion even more chilling is that it was left frozen in time, with Christmas decorations and personal belongings still intact for decades. Visitors report an overwhelming sense of dread, hearing footsteps and whispers even though the house has long been abandoned.
7️⃣ The Chateau Marmont (West Hollywood)
While known for being a celebrity hideaway, the Chateau Marmont has seen its fair share of tragedy. Most notably, comedian John Belushi died of a drug overdose in one of the hotel’s bungalows, and some guests believe his spirit still lingers there. Other paranormal reports include cold spots, strange noises, and shadowy figures. This isn’t just a hotel with Hollywood charm—it’s a place where the past may still be present.
8️⃣ The Doheny Mansion (Chester Place)
The Doheny Mansion is a haunting reminder of the darker side of wealth and power. In 1929, oil tycoon Edward Doheny’s son, Ned, was found dead inside the mansion in what was ruled a murder-suicide involving his secretary. Theories of betrayal and conspiracy have surrounded the case ever since. Visitors often report eerie sounds, ghostly apparitions, and the sensation of being watched. The mansion may be beautiful, but it’s also shrouded in mystery and sorrow.
9️⃣ Linda Vista Community Hospital (Boyle Heights)
Once a bustling hospital, Linda Vista is now a decaying building with a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in LA. Built in 1904, the hospital saw its share of tragedy, especially during the 1970s and 80s when crime surged in the area. Many patients died due to neglect, and their restless spirits are said to still roam the halls. Paranormal investigators have captured disembodied voices, cold spots, and shadowy figures in the surgical wing, making Linda Vista a popular spot for ghost hunters and filmmakers alike.
LA’s haunted history is more than just urban legends—it’s woven into the very fabric of the city. Whether you’re drawn by curiosity or disbelief, visiting these haunted spots is an experience that will leave you questioning the line between the past and the present.So next time you’re in Los Angeles, take a detour from the tourist hotspots and explore its darker, ghostly side. You never know what—or who—you might encounter. 👻 Link to full blog
