Living in LA has its perks, especially as a movie buff. Every October, I like to celebrate Halloween in a unique way: visiting places of horror past in Los Angeles. Many of these locations are iconic, forever memorialized by their roles in classic films and TV shows. Others are simply spooky! Doing this in one day can be tiring considering LA traffic, but I consider it the perfect thing to do on a slow Sunday to ring in the spooky times.
Carroll Ave- Angelino Heights
The Sanders House, or as many know it as “The Thriller House” sits at 1345 Carroll Ave. One of the greatest music videos of all time was shot here in October 1983 by music legend, Michael Jackson. This house is on a street lined with Victorian style homes. Just a few feet away at 1329 Carroll Ave is the home used in the TV series “Charmed.” On the show it was called Halliwell Manor, but off-screen, it is officially the Innes House. The spooky and charming ambiance of both locations is a must-see for fans of pop culture and of the supernatural.
Cecil Hotel – DTLA at 640 Main St
The Cecil Hotel is what I consider to be the creepiest place on this list. Simply driving past it gives me the chills, whether day or night. Will I ever go in? Absolutely not. Known for a series of mysterious deaths, suicides, and connections to notorious criminals like The Night Stalker (Richard Ramirez), the hotel’s unsettling past has earned it a chilling reputation. The uneasy atmosphere, combined with unexplained tragedies within its walls, makes the Cecil a magnet for true crime aficionados. Despite numerous rebrands, the hotel’s dark aura still lingers.
Queen Mary – Long Beach – 1126 Queens Hwy
The Queen Mary, now a hotel docked in Long Beach, is as famous for its ghostly legends as for its art deco decor. This iconic ocean liner has a chilling history, with stories of haunted cabins, ghostly figures in the first-class swimming pool, and the tragic tale of a crew member’s death near “Door 13” in the engine room. There are several tour options of the boat, both spooky and non-spooky. To experience a more spooky side of the Queen Mary after hours, check out the Paranormal Ship Walk, The Grey Ghost Project, or 57 Ghosts Seance tour.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood – 6000 Santa Monica Blvd
The final resting place of many iconic figures, including stars like Mel Blanc and Judy Garland, the cemetery features serene grounds and historic mausoleums. With its rich history and occasional ghostly sightings, it’s a compelling destination for both history enthusiasts and paranormal seekers. In addition to being a cemetery, Hollywood Forever also hosts Cinespia on select nights, offering outdoor movie screenings. It’s as if you’re watching films alongside the spirits of Hollywood’s golden age.
Colorado Street Bridge – Pasadena – 504 W Colorado Blvd
Seen in “L.A. Confidential,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Terminator,” is the beautiful structure. It has unfortunately earned a somber reputation due to the high number of self-inflicted deaths taken place here. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Michael Myers House – Pasadena – 1000 Mission St
In Pasadena, you can visit the classic house we see plastered EVERYWHERE every October. This is the house where the infamous Michael Myers, one of horror’s most legendary killers, was first introduced. It is located just steps away from the train. Nowadays it functions as a financial office, but you’re still able to take photos out front. Just two blocks away is the Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) house at 1115 Oxley St.
Millenium Biltmore – DLTA – 506 S Grand Ave
Although, not quite a horror movie [but it was to 5 year old me], this hotel made a memorable appearance in Ghostbusters. Its exterior as well as grand lobby interiors were utilized as the location where the Ghostbusters encounter the Marshmallow Man.
Rosenheim Mansion – Mid City – 1120 Westchester Place
This one is sure to excite any American Horror Story Fans. The Rosenheim Mansion was the setting of the “Murder House” used in season one of the series. The Gothic architecture perfectly embodies the eerie atmosphere of the show. The location is gated in and although unable to get a closer look, it’s very cool seeing it in person.
Beverly Hills Bermuda Triangle – Los Feliz – 3939 Tracy St
This area is a mystery steeped with urban legend. This region is an area between the Beverly Hills Hotel, Greystone Mansion, and the Beverly Hills Country Club (now closed). In this triangle, strange occurrences and ghostly sightings have happened. These include car crashes, shootings, and plane crashes.
Spadena House – Beverly Hills – 516 Walden Dr
Known as the Witch’s House, I remember the first time I came here was by accident. I was simply driving through Beverly Hills neighborhoods gawking at huge homes, when one struck my attention: the Spadena House. Stepping toward the Spadena House feels like entering a fairytale world. It’s the kind of house you’d imagine from a Hansel and Gretel story, with its whimsical design and enchanting charm. You can’t but help to stare in awe as there’s nothing else quite like this in Los Angeles. Do note that you cannot go inside. It is someone’s personal residence, so only pictures and video from the sidewalk.