Mist, Mayhem, & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Larkin House, built in the 1830s by Thomas Larkin, is one of Monterey’s oldest and most haunted landmarks. The spirit of Larkin’s wife is said to roam the halls, with visitors reporting cold spots and the sound of footsteps when no one is around. The house’s history as a social hub during California’s early days seems to have left a few guests behind.

   8 min

2. The General Sherman Quarters, once home to the famous Civil War general, is rumored to be haunted by the man himself. Visitors have reported seeing his ghostly figure, dressed in full military uniform, surveying his old quarters. The eerie atmosphere and lingering presence of the general make this a chilling stop on the tour.

   7 min

3. Colton Hall, the site where California’s first constitution was drafted, also has a haunted past. The old jail in the basement is said to be home to restless spirits, with strange noises and unexplained phenomena commonly reported. The historic significance of Colton Hall is matched by the eerie tales that surround it.

   8 min

4. Monterey Public Library, one of the oldest public libraries in California, is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a former librarian. The ghost is said to still watch over the books, with reports of books moving on their own and the scent of old perfume lingering in the air. The library’s quiet atmosphere is occasionally interrupted by these spectral visits.

   7 min

5. Stokes Adobe, now a restaurant, was once the home of Dr. James Stokes, who is rumored to haunt the property. Patrons and staff have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing disembodied voices, particularly in the upstairs rooms. The building’s history as both a home and a place of healing adds to its haunted reputation.

   8 min

6. The Stevenson House, where author Robert Louis Stevenson once stayed, is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and feeling an inexplicable chill in certain rooms. The literary history of the house is intertwined with tales of the supernatural, making it a fascinating stop on the tour.

   7 min

7. The Monterey Hotel, a historic boutique hotel, is known for its ghostly residents. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including the sound of footsteps in empty hallways and the sensation of being watched. The hotel’s Victorian charm is accompanied by eerie encounters that leave a lasting impression.

   8 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 175 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Monterey & Carmel

• Its from-price is 64% below the median of the 98 experiences we list in Monterey & Carmel.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 13 of 98.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Monterey & Carmel

Monterey and Carmel share a rugged California peninsula of cypress-lined coast, a famous aquarium, an old Spanish capital and an artists' seaside village.

Monterey stands on the south shore of Monterey Bay in California and was the capital of Alta California under Spain and Mexico. Its historic adobe buildings, including the Custom House, line the old streets near the harbour, while Cannery Row, the former sardine-canning street made famous by John Steinbeck, is now lined with restaurants and shops. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, in a converted cannery, shows the kelp forests and open-sea life of the bay.

Top-ranked sights in Monterey & Carmel: 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay.

See all 98 experiences in Monterey & Carmel