San Francisco/east bays rich history of hauntings

San Francisco may have a small geographic footprint, but it’s seen its fair share of death and destruction throughout history. That makes it the perfect recipe for a dense, restless presence of spirits with a bone to pick. The city’s folklore is rich, colorful, and filled with ghost stories that never seem to end.

This October, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite tales—because spooky season is meant to be fully enjoyed!

A City Built on History (and Hauntings)

The Victorian mansions of San Francisco saw immense tragedy during the 1906 earthquake, when around 3,000 people lost their lives.
The Gold Rush brought both fortune and violence to the city, and old Chinatown has witnessed more than its fair share of eerie happenings. No matter where you go within city limits, the history runs deep—and the stories can make your hair stand on end.

If you’re searching for the paranormal, the Bay Area will not disappoint.

Last October’s musings covered some of the region’s most famous hauntings—like the Winchester Mystery House, the USS Hornet, and Mills College. This month, we’re venturing into lesser-known corners of the city to dig up tales you might not have heard before.

Lotta’s Fountain

You’ve probably seen this spot, even if you don’t know it by name. Lotta’s Fountain sits at the intersection of Geary, Market, and Kearny Streets. Its haunted history dates back to the 1906 earthquake, when survivors used the fountain as a meeting place in the aftermath of the disaster.

It’s said that, even in death, those spirits still gather there. Early-morning commuters have reported seeing misty figures drifting near the fountain and feeling sudden chills as they pass by.

Dolores Park

Did you know that in the 19th century, the popular hangout spot Dolores Park used to be a cemetery? The bodies were relocated long ago—but once land has held the dead, can it ever truly rest?

There are countless reports of ghostly sightings in Dolores Park, especially at night. And in foggy San Francisco, it’s never quite clear what you’ve seen. Was it just the mist swirling—or something else?

The Presidio

Today, the Presidio is a national park, but it was once a military base. Soldiers who served under Spanish, Mexican, and American flags are said to still walk those grounds.

The Officers’ Club and old Fort Scott buildings are considered hotbeds of paranormal activity. Visitors have reported footsteps echoing down empty halls, orbs and faint apparitions hovering in doorways, and eerie faces appearing in photographs long after their visit.

San Francisco Art Institute

The San Francisco Art Institute has a truly chilling reputation. Built atop former burial grounds, it’s said to be haunted by those once laid to rest there.

Late-night staff have reported phantom screams echoing through the halls, and guests have claimed to see figures that vanish in an instant. Many leave with more than just an appreciation for art—they leave with stories they’ll never forget.

San Francisco City Hall

Even City Hall has its ghosts. The original building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, and the current structure was completed in 1915. But tragedy followed—most notably, the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk within its walls.

Since then, late-night workers have reported hearing unexplained noises and feeling strange presences when they’re alone in the building.

San Francisco comes alive with ghost tours every October. It’s well worth booking one to experience the city’s history through its haunted side—and get that good old-fashioned Halloween scare.

Next time, we’ll cross the Bay to explore the ghosts of the East Bay. Trust us, it’ll be a real scream!