Haunted Hollywood

October 22, 2019

Hollywood is a place with a lot of history - and history often equals hauntings. Whether you're looking to get scared this Halloween season, or just wanting to pick up that perfect costume piece, Hollywood has got you covered! Here is our guide to Haunted Hollywood.

SPOOKY MUSEUMS/TOURS

Dearly Departed Tours Every year for Halloween, Dearly Departed Tours offers spooky film madness, with a tour devoted only to famous horror film locations! The House on Haunted Hill (1959) Zombieland (2009), Scream 2 (1997), Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982), Ed Wood (1994), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Drag Me to Hell (2009) American Horror Story – Cult (2017). Saturdays and Sundays through October; click here for info and tickets.

Museum of Death, 6031 Hollywood Blvd. The Museum of Death is a self-guided tour, lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, but those who can stomach it stay as long as they like. See original crime scene and morgue photos, among other morbid memorabilia.

The Hollywood Museum, 1660 N. Highland Ave. Featuring actual movie props and sets. For Halloween, visit the Dungeon of Doom for a spotlight on scary horror movies and TV shows: Take a walk through Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell (Silence of the Lambs), say hello to Chucky and his bride… if you can find them (Child’s Play), and watch your back as you pass by Freddy Kreuger (Nightmare on Elm Street). See original props, costumes, and Hollywood-story from Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, including the Macabre Mobile, her custom vintage 1958 Ford Thunderbird, and her original red velvet sofa, custom gowns and skeleton “Bone Phone” Telephone Prop.

Hollywood Wax Museum, 6767 Hollywood Blvd. Pictures taken at the museum (specifically around the Last Supper and Crucifixion models) have mysterious “orbs” in the pictures.

HAUNTED LOCATIONS

Hollywood Roosevelt, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Probably the most haunted hotel in the city. Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift are said to haunt the hotel, and there is an unexplained cold spot in the Blossom Room. The Roosevelt's Tropicana Pool also hosts an annual Halloween party – this year with an 80s theme.

Knickerbocker, 1714 Ivar Ave. Formerly a hotel and now a senior living facility, D. W. Griffith died under the lobby’s grand chandelier. The séance to contact the spirit of magician Harry Houdini on the tenth anniversary of his death was held on Halloween on the rooftop (yes, he died on Halloween). Marilyn and DiMaggio used to stay here – some say they saw Marilyn’s image in the ladies room.

Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Reported to be haunted by Howard Hughes, who had an office there. Some say you can even catch a whiff of his cigarettes.

Boardner’s, 1652 N Cherokee Ave. Actress Elizabeth Short is said to have had her final beer here before leaving and becoming The Black Dahlia. There is said to be a dark presence in the ladies room; this was also Ed Woods’ old watering hole.

HALLOWEEN SHOPPING

Hollywood Toys & Costumes, 6600 Hollywood Blvd.: Reputed to be the oldest and largest costume store in Los Angeles, Hollywood Toys & Costumes is like an entire department store devoted to costumes. The make-up counters are busy in October as customers learn to do their Halloween make-up. Need a wig? They’ll create a custom one for you.

Iguana Vintage Clothing, 6320 Hollywood Blvd.: This vintage clothing store is brimming with costume options.

Outfitter Wigs, 6626 Hollywood Blvd.: Supplier of every type of wig, hairpiece, extensions and falls you could possibly imagine.

Bizzy B, 6548 Hollywood Blvd.: Looking to go a bit risqué this season? Try this legendary shop, or some of the other lingerie shops along Hollywood Boulevard between Cahuenga and Cherokee, such as Maya Shoes, Lady Love (6566 Hollywood Blvd.) and Stage Hollywood (6524 Hollywood Blvd).

Memento Mori, 1507 N. Wilcox Ave. Memento Mori is an award winning, beautifully curated, curiosity shop featured on shows such as Bravo's Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles, and A&E's Storage Wars.

Updated October 22, 2019