California is just the best. There is so much history and exciting things to do it could take a lifetime to get through it all. If you're short on time, though, there are a few must-see locations around the state for both paranormal enthusiasts and regular people looking for a good time.
One of these places would have to be the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I love the Queen Mary. If you've never been, I highly recommend a visit. Whether you're a ghost enthusiast or not, the stunning Queen Mary is one of California's most popular attractions---and for good reason.
"The only civilized way to travel"
Construction on the Queen Mary began in 1930 in Clydebank, Scotland, and though the Great Depression had caused massive economic troubles that slowed production, there was no budget set for the ship--or "Job #534". The Queen Mary, meant to be called the Queen Victoria until the King asked for it to be named after his wife, took her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936, from Southampton, England.
The luxury ship offered guests five dining experiences, two cocktail bars, swimming pools, a ballroom, squash court, and a hospital. This fabulous ship set the bar for travel across the Atlantic, and the rich and famous considered the Queen Mary "the only civilized way to travel."
The day the ship was introduced in 1934, a psychic named Lady Mable Fortescue-Harrison made a prediction. "The Queen Mary will know her greatest fame and popularity when she never sails another mile or carries another fare-paying passenger."
And it seemed to come true.
Over 150 ghosts are said to haunt the Queen Mary.
After the Queen Mary was retired in 1967, 50 million people have visited compared to the 2.2 million she carried during duty. Today, the Queen Mary offers various events, museums, restaurants, and rooms to those who want to stay the night for a fair price. There are seasonal events, such as Queen Mary Christmas (which hasn't run the past few seasons due to COVID-19) throughout the year. Also, the wildly popular Queen Mary's Dark Harbor happens every Halloween season, which is a lot of fun to both work and visit, but it's the supposed real ghosts that make people flock from all over to stay at the Queen Mary.
Of course, none of these ghost stories have been proven. But that doesn't stop thousands of reports from eye-witnesses from flooding in. With over 150 ghosts said to live within its walls, the Queen Mary is known as one of the most haunted places in the world. (Voted "Top Ten Most Haunted Places in the World" by Times Magazine. Wow!)
There have been 49 deaths on the Queen Mary over the past 16 years. The Queen Mary also played his part in World War II. With a history like this, there are bound to be ghosts.
The Queen Mary engine room is considered a "hotbed of ghostly activity". Door 13, which was used in the movie the Poseidon Adventure, has crushed two men. One of them was only 18. This teenager has been spotted walking along shaft alley before disappearing beside door 13.
The swimming pools in first and second class are also a popular place for ghost sightings. You can't swim in either of the pools as they're drained now, but apparently, the ghosts still enjoy themselves. Though the first-class and pool has been closed for over 30 years, there have been reports. Guests have spotted ghostly women in 1930s swimsuits theme wandering the decks. Some guests have even heard phantom splashing and seen footprints leading to the changing rooms. A little girl has also been seen running around with a teddy bear.
A child named Jackie, who drowned, haunts the second-class pool room. Popular paranormal investigator share Garmin said that although no Records exist of anyone drowning on the ship, she believes Jackie exists.
A beautiful woman haunts the Queen's Salon, which is the first-class lounge. She wears a white dress dancing in the shadows, and is a popular character during Dark Harbor. A tall man with dark hair and a 1930 style suit is said to visit the staterooms. Something keeps the water running, and the lights turn on and off in the night.
With over 150 ghosts, there are too many to mention. You'll have to pay the Queen Mary a visit for yourself. I am stayed overnight three times now and haven't caught anything, but I have hope. Unfortunately, until further notice, the Queen Mary has suspended all activity due to COVID-19. However, once operations are back, I highly suggest paying a visit if you were thinking about heading to California and looking for things to do.
The question is, are you brave enough to stay the night?
https://queenmary.com/history/
https://www.queenmary.com/tours/tours-exhibits/haunted-encounters/
https://www.ranker.com/list/ghost-stories-from-the-haunted-queen-mary/sabrina-ithal
https://whatculture.com/offbeat/10-most-disturbing-ghost-stories-from-the-haunted-queen-mary-ship