From Riverboats and Railroad Legends to Underground Tunnels, This California City’s Ghost Tour Walks Straight Through the Past

Some cities feel calm and welcoming during the day, with busy streets, historic buildings, and familiar landmarks that seem perfectly ordinary. Yet once night falls, the past can begin to surface through old stories, lingering legends, and places that carry memories many years later.

That hidden side becomes especially clear in Sacramento, where tales from the days of riverboats, railroad expansion, and lively saloons still echo through parts of the historic district. Many believe the city’s past never completely faded, leaving behind stories that continue to intrigue visitors long after sunset.

This listicle explores eight haunted stops that reveal the ghostly route and chilling history behind some of the city’s most mysterious locations.

Table Of Contents

1. Delta King

The beautifully lit Delta King riverboat at night, a notable stop on the Sacramento Ghost Tour known for its ghostly encounters and chilling stories. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Delta King, a historic riverboat turned hotel and theater, is one of the most famous haunted spots in Sacramento. Staff and guests say they’ve seen a ghostly figure at the front counter and heard the creepy laughter of a little girl. Her tiny footprints even show up mysteriously every morning. There’s also poltergeist activity, like glasses falling off soundboards, random cold spots, and even the strange feeling of walking through water. All of this is said to be caused by the ship’s long-dead captain.

2. Oregon Trail and the Central Pacific Railroad

A historic Union Pacific train car illuminated at night, one of the stops featured on the Sacramento Ghost Tour highlighting eerie tales of the Central Pacific Railroad's haunted past. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

We followed the stories of pioneers and Chinese workers who built the railroad’s tunnels from 1865 to 1869. The conditions were super dangerous, and sadly, many of them lost their lives. Some were even buried beneath the tracks they worked so hard to build. It’s a heartbreaking part of Sacramento’s history, and people say their spirits still linger along the path from the hills to the valley.

3. Eagle Theatre

The Eagle Theatre glowing under string lights, one of the haunted stops on the Sacramento Ghost Tour with mysterious and spooky stories. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The Eagle Theatre was originally destroyed by a flood, but it’s been rebuilt – and it’s said to be home to a ghost nicknamed “Lost and Found.” Staff have noticed costumes getting rearranged, items mysteriously ending up back where they started, and lights turning off all by themselves. Visitors often say they feel a ghostly presence in this historic and spooky spot.

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4. Sacramento History Museum

The Sacramento History Museum lit up at night, a stop on the Sacramento Ghost Tour famous for its ghostly tales and lingering spirits. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The second floor of this museum is said to be haunted by May Woozy, a 12-year-old girl who tragically passed away just two months after her birthday. A century later, her belongings were discovered in a trunk, and once they were removed, strange things started happening. Objects began to go missing and people reported feeling ghostly presences in the museum.

5. Dingley Steam Coffee & Spice Mill Building

The Dingley Steam Coffee & Spice Mill building adorned with holiday lights, an eerie yet fascinating stop on the Sacramento Ghost Tour. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Nathaniel Dingley, the founder of this building, is said to still haunt the place. He was known for being super frugal – he even stole gas to power his mill. People believe his spirit is still hanging around because lights turn off for no reason, objects mysteriously move, and doors slam shut on their own. Visitors and staff have all reported strange things happening in this historic spot.

6. Underground Tunnels

A gated entrance and a view of Sacramento's underground tunnels, a mysterious stop on the Sacramento Ghost Tour known for its dark history and ghost sightings. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Sacramento’s underground tunnels were originally built to help with flooding, but over time, they became spots for crime and even rumored cult activity. Visitors are warned not to touch the strange markings on the walls – they could have creepy meanings. People have reported seeing ghostly figures, like a cowboy who yells at anyone who gets too close or a woman in a white dress.

7. Brannan Manor

Brannan Manor decorated with festive lights, a historic and haunted stop on the Sacramento Ghost Tour located in Old Sacramento. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This historic house was once owned by Sam Brannan, California’s first millionaire, and is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost. Visitors have reported hearing a soft voice say, “Excuse me,” on the stairs, seeing lights flicker on the balcony, and even watching cups mysteriously fall off shelves. Brannan’s story – from being a wealthy Gold Rush leader to ending up penniless in Mexico – makes this haunted spot even more fascinating.

8. Last Stop Saloon

The Last Stop Saloon sign and its cozy interior decked out for the holidays, a charming yet spooky destination on the Sacramento Ghost Tour. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

During Sacramento’s cholera epidemic, this saloon was turned into a makeshift hospital, and it’s said to still hold the spirits of its tragic past. On top of that, it has a darker history of shanghaiing, where drunk patrons were kidnapped and forced to work on ships. These days, visitors say they’ve seen spirits lingering in the mornings, which only adds to the saloon’s spooky reputation.