Los Angeles’ dark history and paranormal lore captivate many, and the Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour offers an immersive way to explore it. Departing from the iconic Formosa Cafe, this three-hour excursion takes participants to chilling sites associated with notorious figures and eerie occurrences. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour promises an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to confront the shadows of LA’s past. But what secrets and surprises might this ghostly journey uncover?
This experience made our article of The Top 16 Los Angeles Historical Tours.
Key Points

- 3-hour bus tour exploring Los Angeles’ dark history and paranormal sites, starting and ending at Formosa Cafe.
- Tour highlights include the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Avila Adobe, Pico House, and Olvera Street.
- Knowledgeable live guide provides in-depth commentary on notorious figures like the Night Stalker, Black Dahlia, and Hillside Strangler.
- Comfortable transportation allows participants to focus on the haunting narratives and historic locations.
- Tour open to adults 21 and older, with tips included in the starting price of $69 per person.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour offers visitors a 3-hour exploration of Los Angeles’ dark history and paranormal tales. Priced from $69 per person, the tour takes guests on a journey through haunted hotspots and infamous crime scenes.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for flexibility, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. Travelers will ride comfortably on a bus with a knowledgeable live guide, learning about ghosts, serial killers, and other chilling tales that have shaped LA’s past.
The tour starts and ends at the Formosa Cafe, ensuring a convenient departure and return.
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Experience and Highlights

Aside from the convenient tour package details, the Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour offers an immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore LA’s dark side.
Travelers can expect to hear spine-chilling tales of infamous figures like the Night Stalker, Black Dahlia, and Hillside Strangler. The tour takes them to historic sites with paranormal connections, including the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Cecil Hotel.
Along the way, a knowledgeable live guide provides engaging commentary, bringing the city’s macabre history to life. Comfortable transportation allows participants to focus on the haunting narratives as the bus navigates the streets of Los Angeles.
Itinerary and Locations

The Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour begins at the Formosa Cafe, where participants meet to embark on their 3-hour journey through Los Angeles’ dark history.
The tour takes visitors to several key locations, including:
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Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where they’ll explore the grounds and learn about the cemetery’s haunted past.
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Avila Adobe, a historic adobe house where visitors will receive a guided tour.
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Pico House, a former grand hotel, where you will stop for a photo op and guided tour.
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Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles, where the group will explore and learn about its haunted history.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Based on the 31 reviews, the Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5.
Positive comments highlight the guides’ in-depth knowledge and ability to entertain. Travelers appreciate the comfortable transportation.
However, there are mixed feelings about certain areas visited, with some concerns regarding safety.
While the tour provides an immersive experience exploring LA’s dark history and paranormal sites, the feedback suggests room for improvement in ensuring guests feel secure throughout the journey.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information

To start the tour, participants must first meet at the courtyard beside the Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood.
The tour is open to adults 21 and over only. Tips are already included in the tour package, so no additional gratuity is needed.
Guests are encouraged to arrive promptly, as the bus departs right on time.
Key information:
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Meeting point: Courtyard beside Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood
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Age requirement: 21 years or older
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Tips: Included in tour price
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Departure: Bus leaves on schedule
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Exploring Los Angeles’ Dark Side
As guests board the bus, they embark on a journey to explore LA’s dark history and uncover its haunted past. The tour takes them to infamous sites associated with serial killers, unsolved murders, and paranormal phenomena. At each stop, the knowledgeable guide shares gripping tales that send shivers down spines. From the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to the notorious Cecil Hotel, travelers discover the city’s shadowy underbelly. Through this immersive experience, they gain a deeper understanding of LA’s macabre legacy, leaving with a newfound appreciation for the city’s darker chapters.
| Location | Type of Stop | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Sightseeing | Eerie atmosphere, famous celebrity graves |
| Avila Adobe | Photo stop, guided tour | Oldest remaining residential building in LA |
| Pico House | Photo stop, guided tour | Historic landmark with haunted reputation |
| Olvera Street | Photo stop, guided tour | Vibrant Mexican-American cultural hub |
| Cecil Hotel | Sightseeing | Infamous for unsolved crimes and paranormal activity |
Encountering Infamous Figures and Paranormal Tales
The tour guide’s captivating narratives bring to life the infamous figures who cast a dark shadow over Los Angeles.
Participants learn about:
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The Night Stalker, a serial killer who terrorized the city in the 1980s.
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The Black Dahlia, the mysterious and brutal murder of a young Hollywood hopeful.
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The Hillside Strangler, a pair of serial killers responsible for numerous deaths in the late 1970s.
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Paranormal sightings and eerie occurrences at locations like the Cecil Hotel and Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Travelers are immersed in the sinister side of LA’s history, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the city’s haunted past.
Visiting Historic Sites and Landmarks
While traveling on the Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour, participants visit a variety of historic sites and landmarks throughout the city. The tour includes stops at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Avila Adobe, Pico House, Olvera Street, Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Cecil Hotel, Charlie Chaplin Studios, and Hollywood Roosevelt. At each location, the knowledgeable guide provides a guided tour and historical context, allowing participants to explore the dark and haunted history of these iconic LA destinations.
| Site/Landmark | Type of Stop | Guided Tour |
| — | — | — |
| Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Sightseeing | Yes |
| Avila Adobe | Photo Stop | Yes |
| Pico House | Photo Stop | Yes |
| Olvera Street | Photo Stop | Yes |
| Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial | Photo Stop | Yes |
| Millennium Biltmore Hotel | Sightseeing | No |
| Cecil Hotel | Sightseeing | No |
| Charlie Chaplin Studios | Sightseeing | No |
| Hollywood Roosevelt | Sightseeing | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour appears to be wheelchair accessible, as it is conducted on a bus. However, it’s best to confirm this directly with the tour operator prior to booking, as accessibility can vary for certain stops or activities along the route.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
No, children are not allowed on this tour, as participants must be 21 years or older. The tour’s subject matter and content are geared towards an adult audience and may not be suitable for minors.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specified dress code for the tour. Participants should dress comfortably for the 3-hour excursion, as they’ll be traveling by bus and making stops to explore LA’s historical sites and haunted locations.
Are There Any Food or Drink Options During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. Participants are advised to have snacks or beverages before the tour as there are no stops for food or drink during the 3-hour bus ride.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The tour includes photo stops at several historic locations, allowing travelers to capture the spooky atmosphere and architectural details. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas for safety or privacy reasons.
The Sum Up
The "Los Angeles: Dark History and Haunted LA Ghost Bus Tour" offers a thrilling journey into the city’s eerie past. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a focus on safety, this tour promises an immersive experience for adults seeking to explore the shadows of LA’s history. Whether you’re intrigued by notorious figures or drawn to the paranormal, this tour provides an opportunity to encounter the darker side of the City of Angels.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best Historical Tours in Los Angeles
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