In the spirit of Halloween, we thought it would be fun to highlight some of our local history haunts that you can access on foot from our Monterey Cafe! We've inlcuded a map above, so read on for some spooky stories! 

Robert Louis Stevenson House
Our first stop, the Robert Louis Stevenson House, otherwise known as the French Hotel, has garnered attention from the New York Times as a contender for the most haunted house in Monterey. Rumors state that Madame Manuela Perez Girardin still haunts the house in a black gown. In the late 1800’s she began renting out rooms in the home when her husband passed in 1879, and during that time, Stevenson,  famous for writing Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, stayed in the hotel, which ultimately led to the renaming of the building.

Stokes Adobe

Previous home to James Stokes, an English sailor in the 1800’s, this building is said to be one of the most haunted locations locally. Stokes worked out of his home as the local town pharmacist, but legend has it he killed more patients than he saved. Today the house has been converted into a restaurant where staff and visitors have reported seeing moving furniture, floating silhouettes in 1800’s era clothing, and hearing the sound of ghostly voices calling for help around the grounds. A number of people have shared one particular experience of feeling a tap on the shoulder when standing near the old front door in the main room. 

Colton Hall

Built in 1847, Colton Hall is considered to be one of the most historic buildings in California. It was originally a public school and meeting hall, as well as the home of California’s first constitution, drafted in 1849. Colton Hall was also used as a jail and execution center where a number of soldiers met their death. Staff and tourists visiting have reported feeling watched, hearing whispers and footsteps, and more goosebump inducing eerie experiences. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium

For a longer walk, continue along the coastal trail to Cannery Row. Though full of fishy friends who delight and fascinate us year round, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has a spooky side as well. When the visitors leave, a lady in a black gown has been rumored to haunt the Open Sea exhibit by those working after hours. She’s been seen not just by staff, but by security footage under the anchovy roundabout. Upon inspection by security, she had vanished. Employees have mentioned that spirits may be lingering from the old Hovden Cannery, founded in 1916 and operated as the the oldest and largest cannery on the Pacific up until 1973 in the building that now houses the Monterey Bay Aquarium.