Most Haunted Places in America

Standing tall along the Florida coast, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is both a historic landmark and one of the most unsettling haunted places in the U.S. Built in 1874, this beacon has witnessed numerous tragedies, including shipwrecks and accidental deaths during its construction. Today, it is famous not only for its panoramic views but for the spirits that are said to linger within its walls.

Among the most famous tales are those of two young sisters who drowned in an accident near the lighthouse. Visitors and staff have reported hearing laughter, the patter of footsteps and catching glimpses of ghostly figures in period clothing. Some say the sounds of a man’s heavy boots echo in the keeper’s quarters, thought to belong to a former lighthouse keeper who met an untimely death.

In San Antonio’s bustling downtown stands the San Fernando Cathedral, a historic and spiritual site with a ghostly reputation. Constructed in 1738, it is the oldest cathedral in Texas and has witnessed centuries of history, from colonial conflicts to moments of quiet reflection. Yet, beneath its grand façade lies a darker side, earning it a place among the most haunted places in America.

Legends tie the cathedral to The Alamo, as some of the fallen soldiers are said to be buried beneath its grounds. Paranormal reports include shadowy figures drifting through the pews, inexplicable cold spots during services and faint murmurs that seem to come from unseen sources. Late at night, some passersby claim to see ghostly lights in the windows or hear the faint toll of bells.

Hidden in the forests of northern South Carolina, the Poinsett Bridge is a masterpiece of early 19th-century architecture and a hot spot for supernatural lore. Built in 1820, it is the state’s oldest bridge and is surrounded by rumors of ghostly encounters. Visitors describe an unsettling feeling when approaching the bridge, especially as the sun sets and darkness envelops the area.

One legend centers on a stonemason who reportedly died during the bridge’s construction. His restless spirit is said to haunt the area, with some claiming to hear disembodied voices calling out from the stone arch. Others have reported glowing orbs of light floating near the bridge or sudden chills that defy explanation.

Adding to the mystique, some believe the bridge may serve as a portal to another dimension, fueled by its unique design and location deep within the woods. While open to the public, visitors are advised to tread carefully, as the bridge’s isolation and eerie atmosphere can be unsettling, particularly at night.

Located in Weston, West Virginia, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a striking Gothic Revival structure with a chilling history. Opened in 1864, it was intended to be a sanctuary for mental health care but quickly became overcrowded, housing more than 2,400 patients at its peak. With conditions deteriorating and reports of neglect, the asylum became infamous for experimental treatments and tragic stories.

One of the most notable spirits is Lily, a young girl believed to have died at the asylum, who reportedly interacts with visitors in the children’s ward. The building’s lobotomy recovery rooms and isolation cells exude an oppressive energy that even skeptics find hard to ignore.

The asylum now offers historical tours and paranormal investigations, drawing those eager to connect with one of the most infamous haunted places in the U.S.

The Davis-Horton House, built in 1850, is one of San Diego’s oldest structures and a cornerstone of the city’s haunted lore. Known as the “House of 1,000 Spirits,” it has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.

Throughout its long history, the house has been a residence, a makeshift hospital and a haven for early settlers. These varied uses have contributed to numerous ghostly tales. Visitors often report seeing an apparition of a Victorian-era woman pacing through the house, as well as feeling cold spots that seem to move from room to room. Disembodied whispers and faint footsteps are common occurrences, adding to the house’s eerie reputation.

Now part of the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, the house offers tours that delve into its haunted past and is a fascinating look at one of the city’s most enduring haunted places in the US.

Regarded as America’s most haunted house^®, the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego is rich in both history and ghostly lore. Built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, the house has served multiple purposes over the years, including as a family home, courthouse and general store.

The site’s haunted reputation stems from its tragic past. Thomas Whaley himself is said to appear in the home, along with his daughter Violet, whose untimely death left a lasting mark. Visitors often report hearing footsteps on the staircase, feeling unexplained cold spots and seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls. The Whaley House is also tied to its location as the site of an earlier gallows, adding a layer of unease.

A highlight of Old Town Trolley’s Ghosts & Gravestones tours in San Diego, the Whaley House grounds invite visitors to explore one of the most famous haunted places in the U.S.

The Hemingway House in Key West is a popular tourist attraction, known for its literary history and iconic six-toed cats. However, it is also regarded as one of the most haunted places in America. Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote in the house during the 1930s, is said to make ghostly appearances in his former writing studio.

Guests and staff have reported seeing Hemingway’s spirit walking the grounds or hearing faint noises in the quiet hours of the night. Some even claim to hear the clacking of typewriter keys, as though the author is still at work. Other spirits, believed to be former residents, are also said to linger on the property, adding to its supernatural allure.

Key West’s ghost tours frequently include the Hemingway House as a stop, allowing visitors to experience one of the most intriguing haunted places in the U.S.

The Key West Lighthouse, a historic maritime landmark, has become renowned not just for its architectural beauty but for its ghostly legends. Built in 1848, the lighthouse has witnessed numerous tragedies, including devastating hurricanes and shipwrecks, leaving behind tales of loss and lingering spirits. It remains one of the most haunted places in America.

The spirit of Barbara Mabrity, a former lighthouse keeper, is the most frequently reported apparition. Mabrity maintained the lighthouse through personal tragedy, losing several family members during a hurricane. Her dedication to the lighthouse seems to have transcended death, as she is said to appear near the keeper’s quarters, watching over the grounds. Some visitors report the sound of faint footsteps on the spiral staircase or catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure at the top of the tower.

Today, the lighthouse is a highlight of Key West ghost tours, which delve into its history and the paranormal events experienced by staff and guests alike. Its storied past and eerie ambiance make it a standout among haunted places in the U.S.

The Mercer-Williams House in Savannah is as famous for its stunning architecture as it is for its dark and mysterious history. Constructed in the 1860s, the home gained notoriety due to a suspicious death on the property in the 1980s. Immortalized in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, it has become one of the most haunted places in America.

Reports of paranormal activity include shadowy figures moving through rooms and cold drafts in areas where no windows are open. Tour guides often share tales of ghostly children’s laughter, believed to belong to a young boy who fell from the roof decades ago. Visitors sometimes hear faint whispers in otherwise silent areas of the house.

The Mercer-Williams House is a key stop on Savannah’s ghost tours, offering an in-depth look at its storied past and eerie occurrences. Its combination of beauty and haunting legends secures its place among haunted places in the U.S.

The Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle, is not just a historical landmark but also one of the most haunted places in America. The three-day battle in July 1863 claimed more than 50,000 lives, and the lingering spirits of soldiers are said to roam the grounds to this day.

Visitors to the park frequently report hearing phantom cannon fire, faint shouts of commands and the eerie sound of soldiers marching in unison. Specific sites like Devil’s Den and the Wheatfield are notorious for ghostly encounters. At Devil’s Den, many have seen apparitions of soldiers dressed in full Civil War uniforms, only for the figures to disappear moments later. At the Triangular Field, visitors describe sudden chills and unexplainable feelings of dread.

Guided ghost tours and nighttime investigations at Gettysburg allow visitors to connect with one of the most historically significant haunted places in the U.S. The park’s blend of historical reverence and paranormal intrigue makes it an unforgettable destination.

The Andrew Low House, built in 1848, is a striking example of antebellum architecture and a place where history and the supernatural converge. Its tragic past, including the deaths of Andrew Low’s wife and son, has contributed to its paranormal reputation.

Many visitors report seeing ghostly figures in the upstairs windows, particularly at night. The spirit of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts and a former resident, is said to be a gentle presence in the home. Guests sometimes feel a faint touch on their shoulders or hear soft footsteps trailing them, believed to be Juliette watching over her beloved family home.

The house is a frequent stop on Savannah ghost tours, where guides share stories of its history and hauntings.

The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is not just a monument to Spanish colonial history but also one of the most haunted places in America. Built in 1672, this massive stone fortress has a long and tumultuous past, having witnessed battles, sieges, and countless deaths. Its walls hold the stories of soldiers, prisoners, and civilians who met tragic ends, many of whom are believed to linger still.

Visitors often report hearing the clinking of phantom chains in the dungeons and seeing shadowy figures patrolling the upper levels of the fort. One of the most famous legends involves the spirit of Dolores, the wife of a colonel stationed at the fort. Her ghost is said to roam the halls, searching for answers surrounding her mysterious death. Additionally, unexplained cold spots and the faint smell of gunpowder frequently leave visitors unnerved.

Today, the Castillo is a centerpiece of St. Augustine, offering guests a chance to explore one of the oldest haunted places in the U.S. The combination of its historical importance and chilling paranormal stories makes it an unforgettable destination for those seeking the supernatural.

The Hotel Monte Vista, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a historic landmark that has become infamous for its paranormal activity. Built in 1927, the hotel welcomed countless travelers, including Hollywood celebrities and infamous outlaws.

Guests have reported a variety of eerie encounters, from ghostly bellboys knocking on doors to an unseen woman’s voice calling out late at night. Room 305 is said to be particularly active, with reports of a rocking chair that moves on its own and a spectral woman staring out the window. The hotel bar is another hot spot, where patrons and staff alike have experienced sudden cold drafts and the unexplained sound of glasses clinking.

The Hotel Monte Vista remains a popular destination for travelers intrigued by haunted places in the U.S. Its unique blend of Old West charm and ghostly encounters continues to captivate visitors, ensuring its place on the list of must-visit haunted destinations.