Los Angeles' is known for being a Hollywood hot spot. Even social media influencers are moving to the city to live their LA lives. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Los Angeles has a dark and spooky past. For some, this could make the city even more enticing than it already is. The City of Angels is full of haunted spots for those who dare to explore, and this guide will take you through some of the most notorious ones. After all, it is spooky season, so let's look at 5 of the most haunted spots in the city.

*Disclaimer: This article discusses real-world tragedies that occurred at these locations. Some people may find this material disturbing or upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.

The Cecil Hotel

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Cecil Hotel has a long history of violence and tragedy since its construction in 1924. Originally intended as a luxurious destination for international business people and middle-class tourists, at least 16 lives have been lost in this infamous location. After 1929, when the Great Depression hit, the hotel began renting out cheap rooms, resulting in the hotel becoming a notorious destination for suicide, murder, and just plain strange occurrences. One of the most well-known cases is that of Elisa Lam, whose death in 2013 continues to raise suspicions among the public. Even "The Night Stalker," a notorious serial killer named Richard Ramirez, stayed at the Cecil Hotel in the 1980s. After closing in 2017, the hotel reopened in 2021, serving as low-income housing.

If haunted hotels are your thing, you should visit The Stanely Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. 

Linda Vista Hospital

Established in 1904, the Linda Vista Hospital was created to serve railroad workers in the area; much like the Cecil Hotel, the Great Depression impacted the hospital. The hospital was receiving less funding, which led to decreased staff and increased deaths at the hospital. Linda Vista closed in 1991, which most people believe was due to the lack of funding. Others, however, speculate that the hospital employees mistreated and abused their patients. Since its closure, the hospital has been used as a location to film certain parts of movies and TV shows, such as Pearl Harbor. Security and production crews have noticed unexplained noises and sightings of ghostly figures, adding to the hospital's spooky reputation. One spirit said to remain in the hotel is that of a little girl in the surgical room.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is the city's birthplace and is said to be filled with supernatural spirits. It is not uncommon for security cameras outside of City Hall to capture images of a lone figure wandering. The guards often find no sign of any trespassers. However, they report hearing the footsteps of an unseen entity once they return to their stations. This eerie phenomenon tips a nod to the grim past of the town square, a chilling reminder of the countless lives that ended at the gallows and hanging trees in the square.

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign is an iconic sight to see. You're sure to snap an Instagram shot of it while visiting LA. But did you know it's also haunted? The sign is haunted by the ghost of Peg Entwistle, a young woman searching for her big break, who tragically committed suicide by jumping from the "H" of the Hollywood sign in 1932. Her ghost is said to roam around the area, the supposed scent of her favorite perfume wafting through the air. Rangers of Griffith Park, where you will find the Hollywood sign, have reported seeing the "Ghost of the Hollywood Sign" over the years.

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Hollywood Wax Museum

Wax figures can have a creepy feel, especially when they're based on real people. In addition to the weird aesthetic of these wax figures, the Hollywood Wax Museum offers some other haunting experiences. The figures' spooky look might indicate something more profound. Spirits are said to move between them, and nighttime photography inside the museum has reportedly resulted in strange images and colors appearing in their photos.

The Shadows Behind the City of Angels

These are just a few of the most haunted spots in Los Angeles. While the city may seem like a playground for the rich and famous, there's a lot more to it than that. These locations' dark and spooky past adds depth and mystery to the city. Whether you believe in ghosts, these places will send a chill down your spine.