Where to Get the Biggest Scares This Friday the 13th
Written By: Tyler Holland 5 Haunted Spots in OC to Spend Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th is seen as the unluckiest of days. Most don’t embrace it. If anything, a few jokes are made, and it is quickly forgotten. This year, why not make a day of it? Pet a black cat, walk under a ladder or better yet, visit one of Orange County’s haunted locations. Hiking trails, theme parks and yes, houses are all covered. Face your fears head on and venture to one of these spooky locations, preferably at night for the biggest scare factor. Just be careful and remember, don’t head out alone. For those who seek a less intense haunted experience, these locations are just as creepy during the day.
The Eskape Room
Ever wanted to test your ability to solve riddles and find clues under a certain amount of time? What about needing to solve puzzles to unlock doors before the limit is up? That, essentially, is what the Eskape room is all about. You and a group of friends put your reasoning and deduction skills to the test and race against the clock to solve a variety of cases. Each puzzle solved leads to finding keys that open drawers and lockers until finally, you escape. This real life version of the 1980’s point and click escape games is perfect for team building and promises a unique experience. Be sure to book online, then show up early for the briefing and show your friends who the real Sherlock Holmes of the group is.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
2575 Mccabe Way Ste 150
Irvine, CA 92614
949.431.0316
Black Star Canyon
The remote Black Star Canyon is known as a beautiful and challenging hike in the Santa Ana Mountains by day, but come nightfall the scene changes dramatically. Events such as the Black Star Canyon Indian Massacre, where survivors swore vengeance for their slain brothers, to Henry Hungerford’s killing of James Gregg, this trail has seen plenty of bloodshed, which has led to allegations of Black Star Canyon being haunted. If that’s not enough to convince you, people have reported seeing satanic cults use the area for rituals along with haunted farm machinery and the remains of a school bus that tragically went over the side of a cliff, resulting in several fatalities. This school bus is no longer on the trail, but the legend persists. Local canyon dwellers also don’t take too kindly to visitors and will intimidate hikers if given the chance, especially at night, so it is advised not to go alone. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the eerie nighttime ambience alone is enough to make you lose sleep.
Black Star Canyon Rd
Orange, CA 92676
Disneyland
Little did you know the “Happiest place on earth” is also considered one of California’s most haunted. Several urban legends exist, such as that of “Mr. One Way” who died on the Space Mountain ride in the ‘70s. He has been seen getting into cars with a lone rider, only to disappear before the ride is over. Even the ghost of Walt Disney himself is said to haunt the grounds. A more unsettling trend of families scattering the ashes of loved ones in several areas of the park has also added to the belief of the grounds being haunted. These are only a few of the examples that are out there, and entire blogs have even been dedicated to documenting Disneyland ghost sightings. Hours: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. daily.
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.781.4636
Stanley House
The Garden Grove Historical Society sits on two acres of land with the Stanley House functioning as the focus home at the museum. People have reportedly seen ghosts enjoying plays in the Heritage Barn Theater as well as heard the sounds of a baby crying in the upstairs nursery when the room was vacant. Even the artwork is haunted. One portrait occasionally appears to smile at random visitors while another seemingly bleeds from the throat.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., alternating Fridays 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
12174 Euclid St
Garden Grove, CA 92840
714.741.5000
US Naval Weapons Station
The Naval Weapons Station is dedicated toward munitions loading, maintenance and storage. Rumor has it the facility was built atop ancient Native American burial grounds. As a result, strange shadows have been seen at night, along with spirits of Native Americans and even nature spirits. Strange footsteps, whispering voices, moans and screams have also been heard.
800 Seal Beach Blvd
Seal Beach, CA 90740
562.626.7011
OC’s 5 Most haunted locations
Tyler Holland is a Southern California native, born in Los Angeles and spent his younger years between Los Angeles and Orange County. He has lived in several states and spent his High School years in British Columbia, Canada. He attended San Francisco State University to get his degree in International Relations before returning to Orange County. Tyler loves to explore the world around him and is always eager to seek out new experiences. Besides writing, his favorite activities include snowboarding, Muay Thai, playing bass guitar, dance and photography.
