Stranger Things, Sonoma

Thrills and Chills on the Sonoma Haunted Walking Tour

10.17.2019

Whoa … did you see that?! It’s not the wine talking (well, it might be). The things you see on the Sonoma Haunted Walking Tour will give you thrills and chills as you explore the town with your K2 meter in hand (like something out of Ghostbusters), waiting for some spirit vibes and hearing stories of local haunts—and those who ghost there ….

Your guides for this 2-hour evening tour are paranormal pros who have appeared on related shows for Travel Channel, among others. Start at a giant oak tree near Sonoma’s historic plaza, getting acquainted with paranormal activity, the witching fork, and a spirit or two, before making your way around the town discovering its ghoulish secrets and scandals—from brothels to beer drinkers who perhaps had one too many pints ….

Strolling Sonoma’s plaza, you’ll hear about urban legends and historical happenings, all the while keeping an eye on your blinking K2 meter: is it going off the charts!? That’s called a “Hit!” (Otis, the ghost who likes to read newspapers in his old car, seemed to want to connect with our editor.)

There’s hauntings and unsolved mysteries to ponder among iconic places like City Hall and the barracks (now a state park). Discover a mass grave beneath your feet, learn about the site of the Indian Bear & Rattlesnake Sacrifice Ceremony, and be sure to take pictures … you never know if the camera’s going to spot the ghost before you do …. (they prefer no filters, fyi).

Sonoma Plaza Haunted Walking Tour

BONUS WINE: The Sonoma Haunted Walking tour has a saying: “Come for wine, stay for the spirits!” So if you’re making a day or weekend of it in Sonoma, try to get an appointment with Bedrock Wine Co. (pictured below). Tucked in a charming courtyard on the east side of the Plaza, Bedrock’s tasting room is a beautiful historic home, curated with gorgeous odes to Sonoma’s past, and present. The old vine wines are outstanding (including a field blend named among Wine Spectator’s top 10 wines of 2018). Kristin runs the show in the tasting room and she’s awesome. The ghost tour ends on the late side, but the Plaza will still have a restaurants and bars open. Murphy’s Irish Pub and the Swiss Hotel are two favorites for later night libations and food.

Bedrock Wine Co. Sonoma Plaza

Book the Sonoma Plaza Ghost Walking Tour (it falls within the umbrella of the Napa City Ghosts & Legends Walking Tour). No dogs on this particular tour.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View

  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View