Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · California

Alma

A ghost town of unknown status in Santa Clara County, California.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Alma ghost town, California
Photo: The Bushranger (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Some ghost towns feel like museums. Alma feels like an interruption — a place that stopped mid-sentence. Alma is an 1891-built scow schooner, which is now preserved as a National Historic Landmark at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California.

Santa Clara County holds 6 documented ghost towns, including Holy City, Lexington, New Almaden — Alma keeps them company on the map.

The story of Alma

California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.

Alma is an 1891-built scow schooner, which is now preserved as a National Historic Landmark at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Alma is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Alma is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Alma FAQs

Where is Alma located?
Alma is in Santa Clara County, California. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Alma in?
Alma sits in Santa Clara County, California. See our full guide to ghost towns in Santa Clara County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Alma?
Alma is an 1891-built scow schooner, which is now preserved as a National Historic Landmark at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California.
What remains at Alma today?
The on-the-ground condition of Alma is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Alma?
Here's the honest truth: access to Alma is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Alma (1891)”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Santa Clara County

See all 6 ghost towns in Santa Clara County, California