My daughter and I have been reading Shadow School, a thrilling book about an 11-year-old navigating a haunted school and helping the restless spirits. This tween-friendly read is just the right balance of mystery and suspense. Reading the book led me to research haunted locations in Monterey and I quickly discovered that Monterey is brimming with spooky tales. As California’s first capitol, some of Monterey’s buildings date back to the mid-1800s, making it the perfect setting for creepy explorations. While my teenager might have rolled his eyes at the idea of touring haunted sites, my daughter was all in!
Monterey has no shortage of haunted spots, so we booked a tour with Monterey Ghost Walking by US Ghost Adventures. Despite living here for over 20 years, I’d always considered it a “tourist” thing, but we are so glad we tried it. Our guide, Jose, led us on a captivating evening walk, starting at Colton Hall and ending at Stokes Adobe—two of the most haunted locations in downtown Monterey. He skillfully intertwined the city’s rich history with its spine-tingling ghost stories, making for a fun and unforgettable evening.
To give you a taste of what we learned, Colton Hall—originally built as a schoolhouse—has had many functions over its 175-year history. During the tour, we learned about its fascinating past, from its construction to its varied roles. At one point, this building served a dual purpose: a place for teaching children and the site of public executions. Imagine attending class with the knowledge that just outside on the balcony inmates met their fate, hanging from a hook. Is there anything creepier and more disturbing?
The tour ends at Stokes Adobe, and trust me, you will get the shivers. Known as one of Northern California’s most haunted houses, it takes its name from James Stokes, a man with a dark and twisted story. Allegedly, Stokes was a sailor who stole a chest of medicine and deserted his ship. He came to Monterey and set up a thriving home pharmacy, and with no credentials, he treated many patients, many of whom died. The story really gives you the chills while standing before the old adobe at night. And fair warning, Stokes’s ghost isn’t the only spirit said to haunt the property.
Monterey and its surrounding areas are full of places with documented paranormal activity that will fill your imagination. But if you’re up for an adventure beyond Monterey, visiting Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur is a must. It’s considered one of the most haunted lighthouses on the West Coast. For the best paranormal experience, book a special ghost tour in October. Picture the fog rolling in and the distant echo of the foghorn–if there’s a full moon, the atmosphere becomes the perfect setting to hear about the lighthouse’s many buildings and the resident ghosts.
The good news? The ghosts at Point Sur are known to be friendly—quite the opposite of some of Monterey’s spookier specters. These spirits seem more focused on keeping things tidy than on frightening people. It’s almost reassuring, though slightly unnerving, to know there’s a helpful presence watching over the place.
If you can’t make it to the October ghost tour, don’t worry. The lighthouse’s fantastic docents offer full moon tours throughout the year. Just be sure to ask about their haunted happenings—you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re up for venturing farther up the coast, we uncovered another haunted gem during our ghostly research: Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Located about an hour and a half north of Monterey on Highway 1, it’s among the top haunted lighthouses along the West Coast. What makes this spot even more unique is the opportunity to stay overnight at the on-site hostel—a chance my daughter and I couldn’t pass up.
We met Richard, an excellent docent with a chilling tale to share—one that made our ghostly visit very memorable.
Richard began his tale about a dark and stormy November night in 1868—the perfect backdrop for a treacherous event along the rugged coastline. Two whalers lived in a small home overlooking the cliffs and reported seeing eerie white figures rising from the deep, dark water. The wind howled, and they almost heard them whispering, “Help.” Little did they know that the Hellespont had just wrecked on the rocks near Pigeon Point. This area had seen many shipwrecks, with two wrecks in the previous four years claiming 38 lives.
Uneasy but exhausted, the whalers eventually settled into bed, hoping the storm would pass. A light knock on the door roused them in the early morning hours. One of the men cracked open the door to find what he thought was a ghost—a pale, naked corpse collapsing into his arms! Of course, ghosts don’t bleed or bruise, and it soon became clear that this was no spirit but a survivor. The man, stripped of his clothing and voice by the brutal sea, had risen out of the dark sea and crawled to the house for help.
In the end, 11 people perished in the wreck of the Hellespont, while seven survived, thanks to the aid of the whalers. While this may not be a traditional ghost story, hearing it recounted along the cliffs will surely give you the chills.
My daughter and I had so much fun exploring the spooky side of Monterey and beyond. Whether uncovering eerie local history, hearing spine-tingling tales from knowledgeable guides, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of a foggy lighthouse, there’s something magical about blending family time with a little mystery and suspense.
Exploring these haunted sites has deepened our appreciation for the history and legends of the California coast and given us a unique way to bond as a family. While not every tale had a supernatural twist, the thrill of discovery and adventure made for unforgettable experiences.
So, as the fall season sets in and you’re looking for family-friendly activities, consider adding a little spookiness to your plans. Whether it’s reading a mystery novel together or venturing out on a ghost tour, these are the memories that linger—just like the spirits we’ve encountered along the way.
FOR MORE INFO:
Monterey Ghost Walking Tour from US Ghost Adventures
usghostadventures.com | 831-830-8650
Offering nightly one-hour tours that take you on a one-mile walk in downtown Monterey. Also offer an extended tour.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=533 | 650-879-2120
The lighthouse is currently closed until the structure is fully restored but may still be viewed from the grounds. Docents are available to answer questions.
Pigeon Point Hostel
hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road
Located at the foot of the lighthouse, the property offers shared dorms, private rooms, and full vacation-rental-style accommodations spread out over several buildings.
Point Sur Lighthouse
pointsur.org | 831-625-4419
On the National Register of Historic Places and a California landmark, Pt. Sur can be visited by guided walking tours year round. Halloween, moonlight, and ghost tours must be booked well in advance.
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