Santa Monica: Ghosts and Phantoms of the Pier Walking Tour

Exploring the paranormal underbelly of Santa Monica, the "Ghosts and Phantoms of the Pier Walking Tour" promises an eerie adventure for those seeking a glimpse into the city’s haunted past. Led by knowledgeable guides, this one-hour excursion delves into the supernatural secrets of historic landmarks like The Georgian Hotel and Chez Jay, uncovering chilling tales that may leave participants questioning the boundaries between the living and the dead. With a focus on the gold rush era and the Day of the Dead, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the unseen forces that still linger along Santa Monica’s iconic pier.

This experience made our article of 10 Best Tours In Los Angeles (With Reviews & Prices).

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Good To Know

A 1-hour walking ghost tour in Santa Monica, operated by US Ghost Adventures, exploring haunted locations like The Georgian Hotel and Chez Jay.
Includes local ghost stories, historical accounts, and an optional extended tour to three additional haunted sites, including the Pacific Wheel.
Offers discounted pricing for children, students, and seniors, with a "reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation available.
Highlights the tour’s engaging and informative nature, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into the haunted locations.
The tour meeting point is under the Santa Monica Pier Arch, with the tour being wheelchair accessible but may not suit individuals with significant mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Monica Ghost Tour, operated by US Ghost Adventures, offers visitors a captivating 1-hour walking tour that explores the haunted locations and paranormal activity around the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Set out on a 1-hour tour of Santa Monica Pier’s haunted sites and paranormal activity with US Ghost Adventures.

Guests will visit eerie sites like The Georgian Hotel and Chez Jay, while hearing authentic local ghost stories and historical accounts.

The tour also delves into the pier’s ties to the gold rush and Day of the Dead celebrations.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional extended tour takes them to three additional haunted sites, including the Pacific Wheel.

Into exploring Los Angeles on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Pricing Details

Conveniently, the Santa Monica Ghost Tour offers a range of pricing options to accommodate different budgets. Participants can save up to 25% on the regular adult price of $32, bringing the cost down to $24 per person. The tour lasts approximately one hour, and there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can also choose to book their spot without any upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

| Pricing Options | Adult Price | Discounted Price |

| — | — | — |

| Regular Adult | $32 | $24 |

| Child (under 12) | $28 | $21 |

| Student/Senior | $30 | $22.50 |

Highlights of the Experience

Although the Santa Monica Ghost Tour covers a relatively short one-hour duration, it promises an engaging and informative experience for participants.

The guided walking tour takes visitors to haunted locations, including the renowned Georgian Hotel and Chez Jay. Along the way, you will hear authentic local ghost stories and historical accounts, exploring the pier’s ties to the gold rush and Day of the Dead.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional extended tour is available, allowing them to visit three additional haunted sites, including the iconic Pacific Wheel.

Haunted Locations Explored

Guided by knowledgeable US Ghost Adventures tour leaders, participants explore a variety of haunted sites throughout Santa Monica’s historic downtown area. The tour visits The Georgian Hotel, a 1930s Art Deco icon rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former resident. Next, the group ventures to Chez Jay, a beloved local watering hole with ties to the gold rush era. The tour also uncovers the eerie connection between the pier and the Day of the Dead, leaving guests with a deeper understanding of Santa Monica’s ghostly past.

| Haunted Site | Ghostly Encounters |

| — | — |

| The Georgian Hotel | Sightings of a former resident’s spirit |

| Chez Jay | Remnants of the gold rush era |

| Santa Monica Pier | Ties to the Day of the Dead |

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Historical Insights and Ties

The Santa Monica Ghost Tour offers more than just spooky tales – it provides valuable historical insights into the city’s past.

During the tour, guides explore the gold rush era, sharing stories about the area’s ties to this pivotal moment in California’s history. Guests also learn about the significance of the Day of the Dead, an important cultural tradition that has roots in the region.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

All tours for the Santa Monica Ghost Tour meet under the Santa Monica Pier Arch, located at the intersection of 1603 Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. The tour guide will be wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern, making them easy to identify.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility impairments.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

What to Bring and Restrictions

Guests should bring their passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour. Video recording is also prohibited.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start time, as the guide will be wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern to help identify the meeting point at the Santa Monica Pier Arch, located at 1603 Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the Santa Monica Ghost Tour has received an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews.

While some found the tour shorter than expected and desired spookier stories, others provided positive feedback on the historical context and learning about the Pier and its surroundings.

The customer feedback highlights the following:

Mixed reviews on the length and spookiness of the tour
Appreciation for the historical information provided
Enjoyment of exploring the haunted locations along the Pier
Desire for more "ghost" content and eerie experiences
Overall positive impression despite some room for improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed during the tour.

Are Photos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos are not allowed during the tour. The tour restrictions state that video recording is prohibited, though the guidelines do not explicitly mention whether photos are permitted. Guests should refrain from taking photos to avoid disrupting the experience.

How Many Guides Lead the Walking Tour?

The walking tour is led by one guide from US Ghost Adventures. The guide will wear a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carry a lantern to lead the group during the 1-hour tour.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered only in English. The website does not mention any other language options being available. Visitors should expect the guided walking tour to be conducted solely in the English language.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum group size. It’s a guided walking tour, so the group size may vary depending on the number of participants who book the experience. The tour details don’t provide information about group size restrictions.

The Sum Up

The "Ghosts and Phantoms of the Pier Walking Tour" in Santa Monica offers a unique and eerie experience for visitors. Guests can explore the city’s haunted landmarks, uncover supernatural secrets, and learn about the area’s captivating history. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this one-hour tour provides an immersive journey through the historic downtown, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the coastal gem’s ghostly charm.