San Francisco Chinatown: Ghost Hunt Tour with EMF Gear

Summary

Walk haunted alleys in Chinatown with real ghost gear and true stories

You’ll walk through San Francisco’s Chinatown at night with a professional investigator, using real EMF detectors while hearing gritty stories of hauntings, murders, and lost cemeteries. Expect both laughs and chills as you explore hidden corners and learn how history lingers in these streets—you might even catch something on your own ghost hunting gear.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first time holding an EMF detector to feel so…awkward? It buzzed in my hand as we stood near the Transamerica Pyramid, our guide (who introduced himself as “just call me Dave, everyone does”) grinning at us like he knew a secret. The city was still humming—distant car horns, the faint smell of incense drifting from somewhere in Chinatown. Dave handed out our ghost hunting gadgets and I tried not to look too skeptical. He said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” I wasn’t sure if he meant the device or the idea of ghosts.

We followed Dave down these narrow alleys—some lit by neon, some just shadows—and he started weaving stories about Gold Rush cemeteries buried under our feet. There was this moment outside an old brothel site where someone’s EMF lit up and everyone got quiet, except for a guy at the back who nervously laughed. I caught a whiff of something sweet and metallic—maybe incense mixing with city air?—and for a second it felt like the past was right there with us. Dave pointed out spots where gang wars had changed San Francisco forever; his voice dropped when he talked about unsolved murders from the 1800s. I got goosebumps but maybe that was just the wind whipping through Jackson Square.

Honestly, I thought this would be just another ghost tour but it’s more layered than that. The stories are rough around the edges—true crime mixed with old Chinatown legends—and Dave didn’t sugarcoat anything. We even stopped by Vesuvio Cafe, which looked inviting in a slightly faded way; apparently poets used to drink there after midnight hauntings. I tried to imagine them swapping ghost stories over cheap wine. The whole thing made me see San Francisco differently—like every alley had its own memory, not all of them friendly ones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ghost hunt in SF Chinatown

• Meet near Transamerica Pyramid
• Hear about buried bodies and ships
• Use EMF detector for ghost hunting
• Walk haunted alleys and neighborhoods
• Visit old Gold Rush district
• Learn about 1800s hauntings
• Explore old red light district
• Hear stories of murders and gang wars
• Walk by multiple historic locations

Top questions

Is this ghost hunt tour in San Francisco suitable for kids?

The tour is recommended for ages 12 and up due to mature themes like true crime and historical murders.

Do we get to use real ghost hunting equipment?

Yes, each participant gets their own EMF detector to use during the tour.

Where does the tour start?

The group meets near the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco before heading into Chinatown.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible but there are two moderate hills; contact ahead if you have concerns.

How long is the walk during this San Francisco ghost hunt?

The exact distance isn’t specified but expect several stops across Chinatown, Jackson Square, and nearby alleys.

Are there any food or drink stops included?

No meals or drinks are included; Vesuvio Cafe is passed on the route but not entered as part of the tour.

What kind of stories will we hear on this Chinatown ghost hunt?

You’ll hear tales of hauntings, unsolved murders, Gold Rush cemeteries, brothels, gang wars, and true crime events from San Francisco’s past.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of modern ghost hunting gear like an EMF detector for each person and guidance from a professional investigator who leads you through historic alleys and shares gritty local stories along the way.