America’s cities are steeped in history, and where there’s history, there are often tales of the supernatural. Ghost walks are a way to explore urban landscapes, blending historical facts with spine-tingling stories of the unexplained.
These 25 cities across the United States offer some of the best historical ghost walks in the country. Ready to step into the shadows and uncover the spirits of America’s past? Let’s explore the most hauntingly beautiful cities where history and mystery intertwine!
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy’s French Quarter is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Join a ghost tour to hear tales of voodoo queens, pirates, and restless spirits while wandering through dimly lit streets and centuries-old cemeteries.
Make sure you visit the infamously haunted LaLaurie Mansion.
Savannah, Georgia
Known as America’s most haunted city, Savannah’s ghost tours take you through moss-draped squares and antebellum mansions. You’ll hear stories of the city’s dark past, from duels gone wrong to yellow fever outbreaks.
Keep an eye out for the ghost of Alice Riley at Wright Square!
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Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s rich history is matched only by its ghostly legends. Take a lantern-lit walk through the historic district, visiting haunted jails, cemeteries, and the Old Exchange Building.
The story of the Provost Dungeon’s restless prisoners will send shivers down your spine.
Salem, Massachusetts
Famous for its witch trials, Salem offers ghost tours that delve into its dark colonial past. Visit haunted locations like the Joshua Ward House and hear tales of the victims of the witch hunts.
The candlelit walk through the Old Burying Point Cemetery is particularly eerie.
St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine has no shortage of ghost stories. Join a tour to explore the city’s Spanish colonial past and visit haunted sites like the old jail and the Castillo de San Marcos.
The tale of the lighthouse keeper’s daughters is particularly haunting.
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle is unsurprisingly rich in paranormal activity. Ghost tours take you through the battlefield and town, recounting stories of soldiers who never left their posts.
The orphanage cellar tour is not for the faint of heart!
San Francisco, California
From Alcatraz to Chinatown, San Francisco’s ghost tours offer a diverse range of spooky tales. Explore the haunted Nob Hill mansions or tour the USS Hornet, known as the most haunted ship in America.
The stories of the Barbary Coast’s sordid past are particularly chilling.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City’s ghost tours cover everything from gangster legends to the Great Chicago Fire. Visit Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, one of America’s most haunted graveyards, or explore the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
The story of Resurrection Mary, Chicago’s famous ‘vanishing hitchhiker,’ is a local favorite.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Walk the Freedom Trail after dark for a spooky twist on Boston’s revolutionary history. Visit the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of many famous patriots, and hear tales of the Boston Strangler.
The ghost tour of the USS Salem offers a unique maritime haunting experience.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Explore America’s birthplace after dark, visiting haunted sites like Eastern State Penitentiary and Independence Hall. The ghost tour of Philly’s oldest neighborhood, Old City, is particularly atmospheric.
Don’t miss the chilling tales of the yellow fever epidemic at Washington Square.
San Antonio, Texas
Remember the Alamo… and its ghosts! San Antonio’s ghost walks cover the city’s Spanish colonial past and the bloody Battle of the Alamo. The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours take you through the haunted Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once recruited his Rough Riders.
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Portland, Oregon
Portland’s ghost tours reveal the city’s dark underbelly, from the Shanghai Tunnels to the haunted Pittock Mansion. The tour of the spooky Lone Fir Cemetery is particularly popular.
Listen closely to the whispers of trapped spirits in the Shanghai Tunnels beneath the city streets.
Key West, Florida
This tropical paradise has a dark side, revealed on ghost tours of the Old Town. Visit Robert the Doll at the East Martello Museum and hear tales of pirate ghosts and voodoo curses.
The story of Count von Cosel and his macabre love affair is a Key West legend not to be missed.
Galveston, Texas
This island city’s turbulent past, including the devastating 1900 hurricane, has left many restless spirits. Take a ghost tour of The Strand, Galveston’s historic downtown, and visit the haunted Mayfield Manor.
The tragic tales of the orphanage during the great storm will stay with you long after the tour ends.
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Alexandria, Virginia
Just outside Washington D.C., Alexandria offers ghost tours that blend colonial history with Civil War tales. Visit Gadsby’s Tavern, where the ‘Female Stranger’ still haunts, and explore the city’s historic cemeteries.
The ghost tour of Carlyle House reveals the dark side of this seemingly idyllic colonial mansion.
New York City, New York
From the spirits of Wall Street to the ghosts of Greenwich Village, NYC’s ghost tours cover a wide range of spooky history. Take a haunted tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or explore the ghostly legends of Central Park.
The tale of the Manhattan Well Murder in SoHo is a chilling piece of New York history.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s ghost tours delve into the city’s Gold Rush past and the stories of the Underground. Explore Pioneer Square’s haunted bars and visit the spooky Pike Place Market.
The tale of Princess Angeline, who haunts the waterfront, is a poignant reminder of Seattle’s Native American heritage.
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St. Louis, Missouri
The Gateway to the West has its share of restless spirits. Take a ghost tour of the Lemp Mansion, once home to a tragic brewing dynasty, or explore the haunted Bellefontaine Cemetery.
The exorcism that inspired the famous movie allegedly took place in St. Louis – a story you’ll hear on many local ghost tours.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu’s ghost tours blend Hawaiian folklore with historical hauntings. Visit ‘Iolani Palace, where the ghost of Queen Liliuokalani is said to wander, and hear tales of night marchers and ancient spirits.
The story of the Pali Highway’s ‘Pork Over the Cliff’ curse is a uniquely Hawaiian ghost legend.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is full of political intrigue – and ghostly encounters. Take a tour of the haunted Capitol Building or explore the spirits of Georgetown.
The ghost of Abraham Lincoln, seen in the White House and Ford’s Theatre, is perhaps D.C.’s most famous spectral resident.
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Providence, Rhode Island
H.P. Lovecraft’s hometown offers ghost tours that blend literary history with real-life hauntings. Explore the spooky College Hill neighborhood and visit the haunted Providence Biltmore Hotel.
The story of Mercy Brown, Rhode Island’s vampire legend, is a highlight of many local ghost tours.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville’s ghost tours take you through the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, said to be one of the most haunted places in America. Visit the Pink Palace and hear tales of riverboat gamblers and jilted lovers.
The tour of the allegedly haunted Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a must for serious ghost hunters.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
This car-free island is like stepping back in time – complete with centuries-old ghost stories. Take a haunted tour of the Grand Hotel or explore the spooky Fort Mackinac after dark.
The legend of the shadowy ‘Dark Watchers’ on the beach is particularly eerie.
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Williamsburg, Virginia
Step into colonial America – and its ghostly residents – in Williamsburg. Ghost tours take you through the historic district, visiting haunted taverns and the Public Gaol.
The story of Lady Ann Skipwith, whose ghostly footsteps are heard in the George Wythe House, is a classic Williamsburg haunting.
San Diego, California
From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the haunted Whaley House, San Diego’s ghost tours cover centuries of spooky history. Take a haunted harbor cruise or explore the ghostly legends of Balboa Park.
The tale of Yankee Jim hanged on the site of the Whaley House is a chilling highlight of many tours.
Discover the Spooky Side of America’s History
Each ghost walk provides a unique blend of historical facts, local folklore, and spine-tingling encounters that bring the past vividly to life – or, should we say, the afterlife? These tours offer a thrilling way to experience the hidden side of America’s most historic cities.
So why not add a ghost walk to your next city break? You might just discover that history is more alive and spirited than you ever imagined.
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