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Halloween in Monterey doesn’t have to mean abandoned buildings and dark roads. The foggy coastline, historic streets, and eerie ocean atmosphere already give the area a little mystery. From a centuries-old adobe and a historic lighthouse to the mysterious Ghost Tree at Pebble Beach, there are plenty of interesting places to explore during the season. If you’re looking for a spooky Halloween spot to visit near Monterey, CA, these stops offer a fun mix of history, coastal scenery, and just enough mystery to make your trip memorable.
Robinson Jeffers Tor House & Hawk Tower
On the edge of Carmel Point, Tor House and Hawk Tower feel like they belong in another time. Robinson Jeffers built the stone structures himself, creating a home there with his wife, Una, in the early 1900s. Today, both buildings have become part of Monterey’s ghost lore, with stories of strange noises, apparitions, and cold spots. The best part is that you can experience the place beyond the ghost stories. Guided tours of Tor House, Hawk Tower, and the gardens are offered hourly on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours are limited to six people, so reservations are recommended.
Point Sur Lighthouse
If you want your Halloween outing to include dramatic coastal views, Point Sur Lighthouse is a good choice. The lighthouse sits on a large rock surrounded by water, along the rugged coast between Carmel and Big Sur. Its history includes shipwrecks, isolated lighthouse keepers, and plenty of ghost stories. Special Halloween tours are held here, making it a fun stop for anyone looking for a spooky Halloween spot to visit in Monterey, CA. Keep in mind that the tours are first-come, first-served and limited to 40 people, so arriving early is a good idea.
Ghost Tree at Pebble Beach
At Pebble Beach, twisted cypress trees stand along the coast, their pale, weathered appearance adding to the mystery. Some have been dead for years, but they become even more striking when fog rolls in. Some locals tell stories of a mysterious “Lady in Lace” who appears near the trees. Some believe she may be Maria del Carmen Barreto Madariaga, better known as Dona Maria, who once owned 45,000 acres of the California Central Coast, including Pescadero Point. The figure is sometimes thought to be her, as if she still watches over the area. Whether the story is true or not, the Ghost Trees make a fun stop if you’re up for a Halloween drive through Pebble Beach.
Stokes Adobe
Back in Monterey, Stokes Adobe, now home to a local restaurant, is said to have its own share of mysteries. Built in 1833, the historic adobe was once owned by Dr. James Stokes and his family, who were among the building’s early owners. Some stories claim that Dr. James, who is believed to have taken his own life at the property after losing his sanity, still makes his presence known. Reported paranormal experiences associated with the restaurant include hearing voices, feeling unexplained touches, and sensing an eerie presence in certain areas of the building. Consider stopping by in the late afternoon and staying for dinner, when the old building offers a unique experience with a side of mystery.
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s aka “Monsterey Boo Ascaryum”
The Monterey Bay Aquarium may be known for marine life, but a few spooky stories have also surfaced over the years. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the playful “Monsterey Boo Ascaryum” stories add a lighter twist to the season. Some employees have reported personal encounters, including an apparition of a woman in a black gown near the Open Sea wing, the unexplained opening of the aquarium’s vault captured by security cameras, and other unusual experiences inside the former Hovden Cannery site. These are just a few of the mysterious stories associated with the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s a fun choice if you want your spooky Halloween spot to visit near Monterey, CA, to come with plenty of marine life and a little less fright.
Plan Your Spooky Monterey Getaway
Whether you prefer historic homes, coastal legends, or a lighter take on Halloween, Monterey has plenty of ways to add a little mystery to your trip. From Carmel Point to Pebble Beach and the streets of Old Monterey, these spots let you enjoy the season without making things too scary. Add a few to your itinerary, then spend the rest of your trip exploring Monterey’s waterfront, shops, and local restaurants. For more eerie places to explore, check out our guide to haunted spots in Monterey and discover more of the stories hiding around the area.
