Phoenix is known for its perpetually sunny skies and warm weather but when the sun goes down, there are a few paranormal hotspots that make the city a ghost-hunter's playground. From haunted hotels to historic graveyards with pesky poltergeists, these are a few of Phoenix's best places to spot a ghost (or two).
If you're in the mood for some Oysters Rockefeller, or perhaps just a drink to go with your paranormal adventuring, then be sure to check out Casey Moore's Oyster House. Built in 1910, legend has it that the house originally belonged to William and Mary Moeur—both of whom mysteriously died while living there. If you choose to dine here today, you might get lucky and see a faint glow coming from the upstairs windows or spy the shadows of a couple dancing through the main dining area. There have also been reports of dishes being rearranged overnight, pictures falling off walls, and a dark-haired woman walking through the kitchen. One final piece of advice: Hold on to your forks. They've been known to fly across the room or fall off tables without warning...
The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley is a true picture of Jazz Age glamour. So, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that some former guests decided to return to the boutique hideaway, even in the afterlife. Unexplainable activity includes doors randomly closing, mysterious hands patting guests on their heads, the sudden appearance of cowboys in mirrors, candlesticks falling over, and bottles of tequila flying across tables. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the "Lady in Pink," who has been known to walk across the bridge above the pool late at night.
The surrounding mountain preserve is what makes the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort so special and memorable. But there's something else that also makes the resort stand out... According to legend, a drunk wedding guest fell from the steep drop-off behind the main ballroom and died, yet he still haunts the property to this day. He's been spotted in both the boiler room and the ballroom. And while Tapatio Cliffs is an absolutely stunning resort with beautiful grounds and a gorgeous pool, just be careful where you step. You might run into the lingering ghostly guest!
Sahuaro Ranch Park is an incredibly well-preserved, historic site that's worth a visit. And once you're there, you might get to see something even cooler than the old buildings: a ghost! Formerly a farm and ranch run by two businessmen from Illinois, Sahuaro looks almost exactly as it did back in the 19th century. There's the main mansion—which is full of stunning detail and period-appropriate antiques—plus multiple orchards, a blacksmith shop, and an old garage. And lurking among all of these places are two mysterious ghosts: a woman in an old-fashioned white dress and a man dressed in black. Could one be the original businessman? Who is the woman in white? You'll just have to visit to find out...
Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery (also known as Litchfield Cemetery or the Pioneer Cemetery) is home to a whole host of restless spirits. And while the once-forgotten cemetery has been cleaned up over the years, there is still a sense of unease the seems to permeate from the ground. Many people buried in Goodyear Farms were immigrant farmhands, and it's not uncommon to see unmarked or completely blank graves and headstones. If you choose to visit, watch for shadow-like figures standing around the edges of the cemetery, mysterious mourners, and owls, which are often omens of dark spirits. However, it's not all spooky and bad omens! Every year on November 2nd, there's a celebration to mark the Day of the Dead, where a lit candle is placed on every grave.
The Orpheum Theatre is both a gorgeous, historic gem in Phoenix and home to a few ghosts. The original owner of the theatre died a violent death and has been known to call out to patrons, sometimes even by name. There's also Maddie, a young female ghost who hangs out in the balcony seats. Maddie has been known to touch theatergoers, interrupt performances, even show up in photographs! Some guests also report hearing the sounds of a phantom cat in the rafters.
Another hotel that ghost hunters might want to check out is the Hotel San Carlos. The most famous specter here is Miss Leone Jensen. Jensen had come to Phoenix to marry a man, but he randomly and suddenly broke off the engagement, leaving her heartbroken. As the story goes, Jensen was staying at the Hotel San Carlos when she received the news of her engagement, so she put on her wedding dress, snuck onto the roof, and jumped off. Some people claim to still see a figure dressed in white on the roof.
Whether or not you actually have any paranormal experiences while visiting Arizona's capital city, the rich history and spooky legends found in the hotels and buildings are sure to terrify and delight. So, grab your ghost-hunting gear and head out in search of one of the spirits of Phoenix's past!