There are several haunted landmarks here in Los Angeles–-and we’re not talking about those over-the-top ghost tours on Hollywood Boulevard. Even though we’re a fairly young city, you’d be surprised at how many ghostly spots there are to explore. If you’re ready to scare yourself silly with a supernatural encounter, then be sure to visit one of these haunted places in L.A.
1. The Silent Movie Theater
The Silent Movie Theater has an intricate backstory making it one of the most spooky places in Los Angeles. In 1942 the original owner, John Hampton, would use toxic chemicals to preserve his films which eventually lead to his fatality due to the harmful exposure. His mentee, Lawerence Austin, took over the theater and was later shot in the lobby by a hitman sent by his lover and theater projectionist in an attempt to try to inherit his possessions. It’s said that Austin’s ghost still haunts the lobby and that Hampton’s ghost can be heard roaming around the second floor where he once lived.
Location: 611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036. See it on Google maps.
2. Hollywood Roosevelt
Legend has it that celebrity ghosts lurk in the halls of the hotel. A handful of guests have reported that Marilyn Monroe’s image has appeared in a mirror that used to be in her poolside suite and claim. Strange activity has also been reported on the ninth floor in suite 928, where late actor Montgomery Clift was living while filming From Here to Eternity — guests would complain to the hotel about a trumpet being played in the middle of the night even though the room would be vacant.
Location: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. See it on Google maps.
3. The Comedy Store
After years of denying ghost stories, The Comedy Store is finally embracing its haunted basement. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the popular Sunset-strip club was Ciro’s restaurant – one of the hippest clubs at the time. The owners had a close affiliation with the mob which is said to haunt the basement. Workers at the comedy club have claimed to hear voices, cries, and snarls coming from the area where Mikey “The King of the Sunset Strip” based his operations.
Location: 8433 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069. See it on Google maps.
4. Yamashiro
This Japanese restaurant is known for its spectacular views of Hollywood and frequent sightings of paranormal activity. Managers, employees, and guests have reported seeing a former bartender hanging around the bar as well as hearing a weeping bride in the bridal suite. If you happen to be around on an especially spooky evening, you may witness silhouettes of a man and woman strolling around the property or hear unexplainable sounds of crashing plates.
Location: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068. See it on Google maps.
5. Pasadena Suicide Bridge
There are over 100 documented suicides of people jumping off the hauntingly beautiful Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena. The first suicide was in 1919, and since, the landmark has been the source of many ghostly sightings. People have reportedly seen a man leaping off a rail as well as a woman crossing the bridge and then, vanishing. While it may be on the list of haunted places to visit in the city, it also happens to be on of the most romantic spots. It all depends on what you see.
Location: 504 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105. See it on Google maps.
6. Cecil Hotel
No level of rebranding could distance this crime-ridden hotel’s grim past, especially with the recent Netflix series Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. The docuseries focuses on the mysterious case of Elisa Lam who went missing for three weeks while on a trip and her body was later found in the water tower. But its sordid history of unsolved deaths, suicides, and murders dates back to the 1930s. Along with that, it was also home to Serial killers Richard “Nightstalker” Ramirez and Jack Unterweger. Needless to say, if you’re looking for haunted places around L.A., this is probably the top destination.
Location: 640 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States
Also published on Medium.