Spooky Adventures: Santa Barbara Ghost Tours & Experiences
Are you ready to get spooked on your way through California’s Central Coast? If you find yourself near Santa Barbara, a place not just known for its scenic beaches and beautiful wine country but also its haunted past, you’re in for a treat! The Central Coast is home to several eerie locations, haunted towns, and even a ghost town or two, making it perfect for those seeking a thrilling adventure.
Santa Barbara: No Stranger to Spookiness
Before venturing out to ghost towns and haunted realms, take time to explore Santa Barbara itself. Renowned for its Mediterranean-style architecture and awe-inspiring coastal landscape, Santa Barbara also has its share of ghostly tales. The historic Santa Barbara Courthouse is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former county judge. Visitors and staff have claimed to see mysterious apparitions, doors slamming, and objects moving on their own. The Santa Barbara Mission, with its rich history dating back to 1786, is another venue that invites ghostly encounters, making it an intriguing start to your spooky adventure.
Old Town Lompoc: A Hub for Haunted Happenings
Just a short trip up the coast, you’ll find Lompoc, a town steeped in history and supernatural relics. Old Town Lompoc is rumored to have a vibrant spirit world, with stories of lingering ghosts in the historic buildings over the years. Join a ghost tour or hit the local cemetery, a notable site where visitors have reported feeling strange sensations and seeing mysterious lights. Lompoc also has its historical landmark, the La Purisima Mission, which has a chilling past!
Solvang: More Than Just A Picturesque Danish Village
The iconic Danish town of Solvang may seem like a picturesque getaway, but it has its fair share of ghost stories too! Legends tell of a haunted hotel where guests have reported strange occurrences—from unexplained noises in the night to ghostly figures appearing at the foot of their beds. Wandering through the streets of this quaint village might bring out some supernatural surprises. For those who enjoy a little history with their hauntings, check out the nearby Alisal River Golf Course, where legend has it, a ghostly golfer can be seen wandering the greens.
Ballarat: A Haunted Oasis
While not located in Santa Barbara County, the ghost town of Ballarat is worth the drive! A former mining town located in Death Valley National Park, it’s surprisingly accessible for adventurous travelers. With only a handful of remaining structures, this spooky place is perfect for a picturesque day trip. There are ghost tours available, for those brave enough! An afternoon stroll in Ballarat may unveil remnants of about a hundred years of mining history, as well as tales of miners who supposedly never left. This one is worth the drive!
Bodie: A Glimpse at the Old Wild Wild West
While it’s not as close to Santa Barbara as some of the other ghost towns on this list, Bodie makes a case as being California’s most famous ghost town. Once a mecca for gold prospectors during the Gold Rush, the town of Bodie has a rich but dark history. Its significance to the state is so great that California took over in 1962 and made it a Historic State Park. Bodie is the essence of the Wild Wild West and will leave you both enthralled and haunted by the chilling remnants left behind. We recommend checking out Bodie on your way north to San Francisco, as it is closer to the Bay Area than it is to Santa Barbara.
Curious to know more about the haunted past of Santa Barbara’s Mission? Watch this video!
While touring all the spooky spots near Santa Barbara, check out our Santa Barbara Beach Hostel. We offer free pancake breakfasts and provide nightly activities!
Our ITH Traveler’s Club is a great way to save money as a traveler. It’s free to sign up and will save you money on all future bookings at ITH.
