Entry No. 12 — the Los Angeles file — filed under: haunted
The Queen Mary
The retired 1936 ocean liner is permanently moored in Long Beach harbor and is one of the most investigated haunted sites in the country, tied to documented deaths aboard including a crewman crushed by watertight door 13 in the engine room. The ship runs year-round paranormal programming, from a non-scary Haunted Encounters introduction to a two-hour Graveyard Tour through areas closed to the general public, plus after-hours Paranormal Ship Walks. The first-class pool and B-deck corridors are the classic hotspots.
The story
When the RMS Queen Mary made her maiden voyage in 1936, she was the undisputed crown jewel of transatlantic luxury. But after decades of ocean crossings and a WWII stint as a troopship, the 1,000-foot ocean liner retired permanently to Long Beach harbor in 1967. She didn't arrive alone. Decades of service left behind a ledger of tragic accidents, none more notorious than the 1966 death of 18-year-old crewman John Pedder, who was crushed by watertight Door 13 in the engine room during a routine drill.
Today, the Queen Mary operates as a hotel and landmark, but her true draw lies below the waterline as one of the most thoroughly investigated haunted sites in North America. Rather than hushing up its history, the ship runs year-round paranormal programming, guiding visitors deep into off-limits bulkheads, shadow-draped B-deck corridors, and the cavernous, drained first-class swimming pool where guests routinely report disembodied voices, sudden temperature plunges, and wet footprints appearing on dry tile.
What it's like
Exploring the ship is an exercise in scale and sensory disorientation: heavy steel hatches, gleaming woodwork, and a subterranean mechanical hum that follows you everywhere. The after-dark vibe is atmospheric rather than jump-scare cheesy. Standard day passes give you access to open decks, but the real access requires timed tickets—specifically the after-hours Paranormal Ship Walk or the two-hour Graveyard Tour through locked sectors. Book those online well in advance because they fill up fast. Cap off the night by grabbing a cocktail at the Art Deco Observation Bar looking out over the harbor lights.
The move: Take the after-hours Paranormal Ship Walk down to the haunted first-class pool and engine room, then grab a cocktail in the Art Deco Observation Bar above the harbor.
📍 Before you go Paranormal and Graveyard tours are timed, ticketed, and sell out; after-hours walks have age minimums. Book on the official site in advance.
- 📍 Long Beach
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Old Town Music Hall Silent Films with the Mighty Wurlitzer — Pair this 1930s maritime icon with a silent film screening featuring a restored Wurlitzer theater pipe organ rescued directly from a Long Beach movie palace.
- Watts Towers of Simon Rodia — Stop by Simon Rodia's towering, hand-built steel-and-tile spires in Watts on your drive down to Long Beach for a double-header of monumental 20th-century Southern California relics.
- Upper Newport Bay Moonlight & Bioluminescence Kayak Paddle — Follow up a ghostly evening tour aboard the liner with a late-night moonlight paddle through protected bay waters further south down the coast.
Good to know
Do I need to book paranormal tours in advance?
Yes. Specialized tours like the Graveyard Tour and Paranormal Ship Walk are strictly ticketed, run on tight schedules, and regularly sell out online.
Are there age limits for the haunted walks?
The general Haunted Encounters tour is family-friendly, but late-night after-hours ship walks have minimum age requirements.
Can you get food and drinks on the ship without staying overnight?
Yes, the ship offers multiple food options ranging from casual grabs to fine dining, along with the historic Observation Bar.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · linerlogbook.blogspot.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-23