Home » San Francisco Ghost Hunting Tour
San Francisco Ghost Hunting Tour
Meeting point
Transamerica Pyramid
Duration
1.5 hours
Start time
7pm & 8pm Nightly
Tour Operator
Overview
Step Into the Shadows of the Gold Rush Beyond the postcard views of the Golden Gate lies a city built on fortune, fire, and tragedy. San Francisco’s history is paved over forgotten graves and buried ships, and on The Haunt’s San Francisco Ghost Hunting Tour, you will reach out to the spirits that still roam these fog-laden streets.
Leave the modern city behind and venture into the eerie quiet of the Jackson Square Historic District, a neighborhood that survived the 1906 Earthquake but could not shake its ghosts. Led by an expert storyteller and ghost hunter, you will be equipped with professional paranormal tools to investigate the restless energy lingering in the alleyways. From the lawless days of the Barbary Coast to the tragic history of Chinatown, this 1.5-hour walking tour uncovers the dark truths of true crimes, unexplained deaths, and the catastrophic events that shaped the city. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, you will experience the "Paris of the West" like never before—with one foot in history and the other in the supernatural.
What to expect
Hands-On Ghost Hunting: You won’t just listen to ghost stories; you will hunt for them. Every guest is outfitted with an EMF meter to detect electromagnetic fluctuations. Your guide will also demonstrate dowsing rods and a Spirit Box to attempt communication with the other side.
Jackson Square Historic District: Walk the grounds of the Gold Rush era, where eerie Victorian architecture hides the secrets of the past. Learn about the ships buried beneath the pavement and the forgotten graves that lie under your feet.
Chinatown’s Dark History: Navigate the historic streets of Chinatown to uncover tales of tragedy and true crime, including the energy remaining from the infamous Golden Dragon Massacre and a mysterious death in a historic theater.
1906 Earthquake Legacy: Stand in the quiet alleyways that witnessed the destruction of the Great Earthquake and Fire, hearing stories of the devastation and the residual hauntings that plague the neighborhood to this day.
Safe Closure: The experience concludes with a special ceremony to honor the spirits you’ve encountered and a ritual to ensure that no paranormal energy follows you home.
Park at Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St); street parking is difficult and not recommended. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restroom stops on tour; please use facilities before arriving at the meeting point. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair/stroller accessible route, but includes two moderate hills—assist may be needed. (for more info contact tour operator)
Dog-friendly! Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join the investigation.
Outdoor walking tour only; explores historic alleyways and exteriors of haunted sites. (for more info contact tour operator)
Best for ages 12+ due to dark themes (true crime/murder); younger kids allowed with ticket. (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Essential Items
Comfortable walking shoes
Great for long walks and uneven ground.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bring a jacket, hoodie, or raincoat.
Fully charged phone
For photos, notes, light, or emergencies.
Small torch/flashlight
Helps with dark paths and visibility.
Helpful Extras
Portable power bank
Keeps your phone alive for photos or apps.
Bottle of water
Stay hydrated on longer tours.
Bug spray
Useful in older outdoor areas.
Small backpack/crossbody bag
Carry essentials hands-free.
Safety & Comfort Snacks
Small snacks
Good for long or late-night tours.
Personal medication
Bring anything you may need.
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Useful in older buildings or high-touch areas.
Paranormal-Focused Items
EMF detector
For interactive ghost hunting.
Thermometer
Check for cold spots.
Notebook & pen
Note sightings or strange sounds.
Red-filtered flashlight
Helps maintain night vision.
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to wear on a ghost tour?
When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.
Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.
For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas
