Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour on the Pier

Looking for a spooky way to explore Santa Monica after dark? The Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour offers an intriguing mix of local ghost stories, historic landmarks, and eerie legends. While it’s not a tour for those expecting full-on haunted house thrills, it’s a solid, fun experience that sheds light on the city’s haunted past—plus, it’s reasonably priced at just $24 per person.

What really makes this tour stand out are the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life and the iconic sights you’ll visit, like the pier, carousel, and historic hotels. You’ll get a chance to hear about Santa Monica’s dark secrets and ghostly residents, all while strolling through some of the city’s most recognizable spots. Just keep in mind that it’s a walking tour with no inside access to private buildings, so if you’re expecting full-blown paranormal investigations or spooky effects, this might be more story-based than scare-inducing.

One thing to consider is that the tour is primarily focused on storytelling and local legends. The pace is moderate, and it’s suitable for anyone comfortable walking around for about an hour and a half. Families with older children who are interested in ghost stories will likely enjoy it, but those expecting loud effects or highly immersive haunted experiences might want to temper their expectations. This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to learn about Santa Monica’s haunted corners in a relaxed, informative setting.

Key Points

• Engaging guides make the stories come alive, adding personality and local flavor.
• Iconic landmarks like the pier, carousel, and historic hotels serve as atmospheric backdrops.
• The storytelling approach emphasizes local legends rather than theatrical scares.
• The tour’s moderate length makes it accessible and easy to fit into an evening plan.
• Affordable price point offers good value for a guided local experience.
• Limited inside access means it’s more about storytelling than real paranormal investigations.

A Close Look at the Santa Monica Ghost Tour

If you’re into ghost stories and haunted history, you’ll probably enjoy what this tour offers. It’s designed as a 1 hour 30 minute walk through Santa Monica’s most haunted spots, led by passionate guides who love sharing the city’s spooky side. The tour kicks off at the Santa Monica Pier, where your guide will share the dark history behind this iconic entrance to the city. It’s a fitting starting point because the pier itself is said to welcome not only travelers but wandering spirits as well.

From there, the tour takes you along the famous Ocean Avenue and the Pacific Coast Highway, where stories of ghostly apparitions and mysterious sightings abound. One of the most talked-about stops is Palisades Park near the cannon statue, where locals have found jewelry and other objects that, according to legend, belong to the park’s resident spirits. The guide will fill you in on the stories of these “ghostly tenants,” giving you plenty of intriguing details.

Another stop investigates the Arizona Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, which overlooks one of America’s most haunted highways. Drivers have reported seeing shadowy figures standing in the middle of the road, only for them to vanish moments later. It’s a classic ghost story, but the setting makes it all the more chilling, especially under the cover of night.

The tour also visits the statue of St. Monica, which is tied to the “Day of the Dead” celebrations. During certain times of year, residents claim to see spirits wandering around the statue, making it a hotspot for supernatural sightings. The details are atmospheric, and your guide will explain the cultural significance behind these stories, adding depth to the ghostly tales.

The Georgian Hotel, a historic hotel and former speakeasy, is another highlight. Known for its secretive past involving figures like Rose Kennedy and Al Capone, the hotel seems to attract ghost stories from guests and staff alike. The ghosts of Old Hollywood are said to haunt this classic location, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a mysterious figure or two. The hotel’s connection to Hollywood’s glamor and mystery makes it a fascinating stop.

Near the pier’s carousel, reports of ghost sightings date back to the 1960s, when apartments were added above the amusement ride. Visitors and locals alike say the carousel is haunted, with strange noises and apparitions. It’s a spot that’s become synonymous with Santa Monica’s ghostly lore, and the stories are as enthralling as they are eerie. As one reviewer put it, “the apartments above it make it seem more haunted,” which adds a layer of authenticity and creepiness.

Another interesting stop features a 1950s dive bar with a colorful history involving elephants, astronaut Alan Shepard, and Julia Roberts. The bar’s paranormal activity is part of local legend, and the stories about it make for a fun and quirky segment of the tour. It’s a reminder that Santa Monica’s ghost stories aren’t just about ghosts—they reflect a playful and intriguing past.

What Makes the Tour Worth It?

For $24, you’re paying for a guided walk with stories that blend history, local legends, and a healthy dose of spooky charm. The tour keeps a lively pace, and the guides are praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling skills, making the experience both educational and entertaining. The reviews highlight guides like Miles, who’s described as passionate and engaging, bringing the history and ghost stories to life in a way that keeps everyone interested.

While some reviews emphasize the tour’s storytelling quality over scares, that’s actually a real plus if you prefer your ghost stories told with depth, context, and a local flavor. This isn’t a tour for thrill-seekers expecting ghost-hunting equipment or labored effects; it’s more about atmosphere, storytelling, and understanding Santa Monica’s haunted reputation.

The walking format means you’ll get plenty of fresh air and the chance to see some of Santa Monica’s most famous landmarks under nighttime lighting, which adds to the ambiance. It’s a leisurely stroll, so comfortable shoes and a moderate physical fitness level are recommended. The tour ends back at the pier, making it easy to continue your evening afterward—perhaps grabbing a drink or a late-night snack at one of the many spots nearby.

What Could Be Improved?

The main drawback is that the tour is limited to storytelling—there’s no access to private buildings or inside investigations. If you’re expecting ghost-hunting or spooky effects, you might find it a bit tame. Plus, some reviews mention occasional communication issues or guides with strong accents that can make parts of the stories hard to follow. One reviewer even described their experience as “the worst ghost tour ever,” though that seems to be an outlier.

Another consideration is that, since it’s a walking tour, bad weather could impact your experience. The tour is scheduled in the evening, so dress warmly and be prepared for cooler night temperatures, especially in the winter months. Also, keep in mind that the tour is small—max 30 travelers—which can be a charming personal experience or a bit crowded, depending on the night.

Is It Worth It?

Definitely, if you enjoy hearing stories about local legends, historic buildings, and haunted sites in a relaxed setting. The price point makes it accessible for most travelers, and the reviews show that guides like Miles, Mihaela, and Travis are all praised for their knowledge and friendliness. If you’re a fan of ghost stories that are rooted in real places with historical significance, this tour will feel like a charming way to spend an evening.

However, if your idea of a ghost tour involves actual ghost hunting, paranormal investigations, or full-on scares, you might want to look elsewhere. This is more about relaxing storytelling and appreciating Santa Monica’s haunted reputation in a laid-back way.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Monica Ghosts Haunted Ghost Tour offers an engaging, atmospheric walk through some of the city’s most haunted spots, led by guides who genuinely love sharing local legends. It’s a perfect choice for history buffs, ghost story fans, or anyone curious about Santa Monica’s darker side without heavy scares or inside access.

While it isn’t a high-intensity paranormal experience, it’s a fun, reasonably priced way to explore Santa Monica’s spooky corners and learn about the town’s ghostly history. The stories, the setting, and the friendly guides all come together to create a memorable evening—whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends. Just be prepared for a walk, and don’t expect Hollywood horror effects. Instead, enjoy the storytelling and the chance to see Santa Monica from a different, ghostly perspective.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children and teens interested in ghost stories. Keep in mind the stories are atmospheric rather than scary, but it’s best for kids comfortable walking and listening to storytelling for about an hour and a half.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling rushed.

What landmarks will we visit?
You’ll see the Santa Monica Pier Arch, Palisades Park, the Arizona Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, St. Monica’s statue, the Georgian Hotel, the pier’s carousel, and a historic dive bar, among others.

Are inside visits or paranormal investigations included?
No. The tour is purely walking and storytelling. It doesn’t include inside access to private buildings or ghost-hunting equipment.

What’s the price, and is it good value?
At $24 per person, it’s quite affordable for a guided local experience that combines history and ghost stories. The reviews indicate guides are well-liked, and the stories are engaging.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress warmly as evening temperatures can drop, especially in cooler months.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable.

If you’re into ghost stories, atmospheric sightseeing, and learning about Santa Monica’s haunted past, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s a friendly, story-driven experience that offers a different lens on this beachfront city, all without breaking the bank.