Long Beach may be best known for its coastal beauty, vibrant nightlife, and oceanfront attractions, but when the sun sets, the city takes on a more mysterious side. From ghostly ships to eerie graveyards, Long Beach is filled with haunted legends and paranormal hot spots that make it the perfect destination for those who enjoy a spooky thrill. In fact, the city is so steeped in supernatural lore that it even attracts ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts from around the world. Driving through Long Beach at night isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about embracing the chilling stories that linger along its roads.
1. The Queen Mary – Docked but Not Silent
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Perhaps the most famous haunted landmark in Long Beach, the Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that now serves as a hotel and tourist attraction. Guests and staff alike have reported apparitions of sailors, mysterious footsteps, and the cries of children in the now-empty pool area. While not a road, a nighttime drive past the ship’s dock is chilling in its own right—especially with the ship’s looming silhouette and the knowledge of its paranormal reputation.
2. Manual Driving Academy – Build Confidence Before the Ride
Exploring eerie roads at night requires more than bravery—it requires confidence behind the wheel. Manual Driving Academy in Long Beach helps students master stick shift driving, preparing them for winding roads, sudden stops, and unexpected adventures. Lessons are available year-round, and gift certificates never expire, making them an excellent choice for drivers ready to take on spooky night drives with full control.
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3. Sunnyside Cemetery
Address: 1095 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806
Founded in the early 1900s, Sunnyside Cemetery is home to many of the city’s earliest residents. Paranormal investigators have long been fascinated by this site, with claims of ghostly figures walking among the gravestones and flickering lights appearing after midnight. Driving by this cemetery on a foggy evening provides the perfect dose of spine-tingling atmosphere.
4. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
Address: 4600 Virginia Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807
This 19th-century adobe home is not only a landmark but also rumored to be haunted. Staff and visitors have reported hearing footsteps in empty rooms and seeing shadowy figures near the gardens. Driving to the site at night, with its old-world architecture and quiet surroundings, feels like stepping back into a haunted past.
5. Extended Adventure – The Haunted Hollywood Roosevelt (45 min from Long Beach)
Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
For those willing to drive a bit farther, the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel offers one of the most famous paranormal experiences in Southern California. Known for ghost sightings of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, the drive up from Long Beach is a perfect combination of scenic urban lights and eerie anticipation.
Conclusion
Long Beach offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and paranormal intrigue, making it an exciting destination for thrill-seekers looking to explore after dark. From ghost ships to eerie cemeteries, the city is full of stories that will keep you glancing in your rearview mirror. So, gather your friends, fuel up the car, and take a night drive into the unknown. And if you want to feel confident on both city streets and haunted backroads, book a stick shift lesson with Manual Driving Academy in Long Beach today.
