Aerial survey view of Carmel Doll ShopAerial survey · USDA NAIP · public domain
Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop (press use)
Other Dark Tourism Site

Carmel Doll Shop

A 1902 Pacific Grove building where three reported spirits set off alarms, kill lights, and unnerved a Ghost Adventures crew

213 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Research updated June 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

Free

Shop visits by appointment; no admission fee to browse.

Access

Limited Access

Historic multi-story building; upper floors not generally accessible to public visitors

Equipment

Photos OK

Alarm systems triggeringLights switching on and offPhantom construction soundsApparition-like anomalies (investigation equipment)

Owners Michael Canadas and David Robinson have described three distinct presences in the building since their restoration work began in 2009 — identified by behavioral patterns rather than names or appearances. The most externally documented incidents involve alarm systems activating without cause and lights throughout the building switching on and off, including on at least one occasion in the presence of Pacific Grove police officers who were called to investigate.

Neighbors have reported hearing sounds from the shop after closing hours. A persistent complaint during and after renovation involved construction sounds — banging, scraping, footsteps — from the third-floor apartment, which has remained vacant. When investigators entered the unit, they described sensing an energy they were unprepared for.

The Ghost Adventures crew filmed Season 25 Episode 9 at the location in 2022, titled 'Pacific Grove Nightmare.' The episode documented equipment readings the crew described as indicating multiple presences, including figure-like anomalies on detection gear. The episode is rated 7.5 on IMDB. Canadas has been quoted as treating the activity with relative equanimity, noting the spirits' hijinks as inconvenient rather than threatening.

The specific identity or origin of the reported spirits has not been established. The Angwin Building's early history — who built it, what it was used for in its first decades — has not been formally documented in available historical records.

Media Appearances

  • Ghost Adventures — Pacific Grove Nightmare (Television (Discovery+, Season 25 Episode 9), 2022)

Plan Your Visit

1 way to experience
Self-Guided Visit

Shop Visit

Appointment-only visits to the Carmel Doll Shop, housed in the restored 1902 Angwin Building on Forest Avenue. The collection spans antique and collectible dolls, toys, and accessories. The building earned the Pacific Grove Heritage Society Award and a Heritage House designation in 2014 following a two-year restoration by owners Michael Canadas and David Robinson.

Duration:
45 min
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Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.carmeldollshop.com/about
  2. 2.imdb.com/title/tt18277560
  3. 3.carmelmagazine.com/26sp/whimsy-and-wonder

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carmel Doll Shop family-friendly?
A doll antique shop with paranormal claims. The subject matter — antique dolls and reported spirits — may be unsettling for very young children. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Carmel Doll Shop?
Shop visits by appointment; no admission fee to browse. This location is free to visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Carmel Doll Shop wheelchair accessible?
Carmel Doll Shop has limited wheelchair accessibility. Terrain: Historic multi-story building; upper floors not generally accessible to public visitors.