For those eager to immerse themselves in the haunted histories of these destinations, ghost tours are a must. Ghosts & Gravestones offers some of the most popular and well-researched tours in cities like Savannah and St. Augustine, combining expert narration with exclusive access to haunted locations. These tours guide you through dimly lit cemeteries, eerie mansions and historic streets, weaving in tales of restless spirits and unexplainable phenomena.
Across the United States, certain cities stand out as hubs of supernatural activity, where tragedy and history intertwine. In these places, the boundary between the living and the dead feels thinner, drawing in visitors eager to explore the unknown. These most haunted cities in America offer chilling tales, historic sites and an unforgettable sense of mystery that leaves visitors captivated.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, exudes a haunting charm that has earned its place among the most haunted cities in America. With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and centuries of layered history, Savannah tells stories of war, illness, and heartbreak that continue to echo through its streets. This Southern gem holds an unshakable connection to its past, and those who visit often report strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena.
Haunted Places To Visit in Savannah
The Marshall House Hotel
One of Savannah’s most storied landmarks, the Marshall House, once served as a hospital during the Civil War and later during yellow fever outbreaks. Guests have described eerie experiences, such as faucets turning on by themselves, footsteps in empty hallways and even ghostly apparitions of soldiers. Today the hotel embraces its haunted reputation, offering visitors a blend of luxurious comfort and an undeniable connection to its history.
The Sorrel Weed House
Known for its tragic history, the Sorrel-Weed House remains a centerpiece for Savannah ghost tours. Matilda Sorrel, the wife of the home’s original owner, is believed to linger within its walls, along with other spirits tied to the property’s past. Visitors on guided tours often report hearing disembodied voices and feeling sudden chills. The house’s historic design, coupled with its haunted tales, makes it a popular stop for anyone exploring Savannah’s supernatural side.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply evocative. Its intricate gravestones and moss-covered trees create an atmosphere that is peaceful yet undeniably eerie. Many visitors are drawn to the gravesite of Gracie Watson, a young girl whose spirit is said to guard her lifelike statue. Guided tours provide insight into the lives of those interred here and share the stories that make Bonaventure one of Savannah’s most visited sites.
Salem, Massachusetts
Forever linked to the infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in dark history and an undeniable air of the supernatural. From its cobblestone streets to its preserved Colonial homes, Salem provides an immersive experience for those fascinated by tales of the macabre.
Haunted Places To Visit in Salem
The Witch House
The Witch House, the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, is a haunting reminder of Salem’s darkest chapter. This historic building is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the witch trials. Walking through its preserved rooms, visitors can explore artifacts and learn about the hysteria that gripped the town. Many claim the house carries an inexplicable energy, leaving an impression on those who step inside.
The Ropes Mansion
The Ropes Mansion, a stately 18th-century home, is known not only for its architecture but also for its paranormal reputation. Abigail Ropes, a former resident, is said to haunt the property, with reports of flickering lights, objects moving on their own and even sightings of her ghostly figure in the garden. The mansion’s gardens, open to the public, provide a serene contrast to the chilling tales of its haunted history.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
This somber memorial is dedicated to the 20 individuals executed during the Salem witch trials. Engraved benches commemorate the victims, each bearing a name and the manner of execution. The quiet space invites reflection, and many visitors report an overwhelming sense of sorrow while standing among the tributes. It’s a place where history’s injustices are remembered, and its lessons remain deeply felt.
St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the United States, St. Augustine is a treasure trove of history. Its streets and centuries-old landmarks hold the stories of pirates, soldiers, and citizens whose lives were often marked by conflict and loss. Visitors flock to this coastal city to experience its paranormal tales firsthand, making it a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Haunted Places To Visit in St. Augustine
The Old Jail
Constructed in 1891, the Old Jail is a haunting reminder of St. Augustine’s darker days. Known for its harsh conditions and violent past, it housed some of the city’s most dangerous criminals. Ghost tours of the jail often include chilling accounts of unexplained cold spots, ghostly apparitions of former inmates and the faint clanging of cell doors. The eerie atmosphere draws countless visitors each year, eager to experience its haunted history.
Castillo de San Marcos
This imposing 17th-century fortress is steeped in stories of battle and loss. Soldiers and prisoners who lived and died within its coquina walls are said to still roam the grounds. Visitors have reported hearing muffled voices, seeing shadowy figures near the bastions and feeling sudden unexplainable chills. The Castillo’s enduring presence as a symbol of Spanish colonial power is matched by its reputation as a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Guided tours provide fascinating historical context while weaving in the tales of its spectral residents.
The Lightner Museum
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum is a stunning architectural gem — and a hub for paranormal activity. Henry Flagler, the visionary behind the hotel’s creation, is said to still walk its halls. Guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps echoing through empty corridors, seeing faint figures near the ballroom and experiencing unexplained chills. The museum’s collection of artifacts and its elegant interior only enhance the intrigue, creating a unique blend of history and mystery.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s history is filled with triumphs and tragedies, making it one of the most haunted cities in America. From the hallowed grounds of The Alamo to its grand historic hotels, the city’s landmarks tell stories of courage, sacrifice and lingering spirits. Its rich cultural heritage is intertwined with an unmistakable connection to the supernatural.
Haunted Places To Visit in San Antonio
The Alamo
The Alamo’s role as the site of an 1836 battle has cemented it as one of Texas’s most significant landmarks — and one of its most haunted. Visitors and staff frequently report unexplainable phenomena, including shadowy figures appearing at night, ghostly whispers and the faint sounds of battle. These chilling experiences remind visitors of the sacrifices made during that pivotal moment in history.
The Emily Morgan Hotel
Once a medical facility, the Emily Morgan Hotel’s history includes serving as a hospital and morgue, which explains its reputation as one of the most haunted places in San Antonio. Guests have experienced strange occurrences, such as elevators stopping on random floors, flickering lights and unexplained knocks on their doors.
The Menger Hotel
A beacon of history and hospitality, the Menger Hotel is equally known for its ghostly residents. Stories of encounters with Sallie White, a chambermaid who met a tragic end, and even sightings of Teddy Roosevelt’s spirit have become part of the hotel’s lore. Guests often share tales of objects moving on their own, sudden cold drafts and a palpable sense of being watched. The Menger’s history as a gathering place for politicians, soldiers and celebrities adds depth to its supernatural reputation.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city like no other, where history, mystery and spirituality converge. Its blend of French, Spanish and Creole influences creates an atmosphere steeped in legend and lore. As one of the most haunted cities in America, New Orleans attracts visitors eager to explore its shadowed past and uncover the secrets hidden within its iconic streets.
Haunted Places To Visit in New Orleans
LaLaurie Mansion
Few places in New Orleans carry the weight of horror and tragedy like the LaLaurie Mansion. Once the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the mansion’s dark history includes unspeakable acts of cruelty. Visitors on ghost tours often recount hearing faint cries, seeing shadowy figures in the windows and feeling an oppressive energy near the house. Although privately owned, the mansion remains a centerpiece of local ghost stories and is frequently included on paranormal tours.
Bloody Mary’s Haunted History Museum & Voodoo Shop
For a deeper dive into the supernatural, Bloody Mary’s offers a unique experience. Its collection of artifacts includes items linked to voodoo, spiritual practices and local hauntings. Guided tours through the museum reveal chilling tales of curses, hauntings and the city’s deeply rooted connection to the paranormal.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter’s charm is undeniable, but beneath its lively exterior lies a history filled with sorrow and strife. Ghost tours through its historic streets reveal tales of spectral sightings, unexplained footsteps and sudden temperature drops. Locations like the Bourbon Orleans Hotel and St. Louis Cathedral are steeped in lore, making the French Quarter a must-visit for anyone exploring New Orleans’ haunted history.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a town forever marked by one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The tragic events of July 1863, which claimed thousands of lives, left an indelible imprint on this historic landscape. Today, Gettysburg is renowned as one of the most haunted cities in America, where the echoes of war still seem to linger.
Haunted Places To Visit in Gettysburg
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Gettysburg Battlefield is ground zero for reports of paranormal activity. As the site of immense suffering and death, it’s no surprise that many visitors claim to experience strange phenomena here. Ghostly figures, the sound of cannon fire and disembodied voices have been reported by those walking through this hallowed ground. Some even describe feelings of unease or sudden cold spots, particularly in areas like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top, where intense fighting occurred.
The Farnsworth House Inn
Once used as a field hospital during the battle, the Farnsworth House Inn is one of Gettysburg’s most haunted locations. Guests and staff frequently recount encounters with shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps and the eerie presence of soldiers who never left. The inn embraces its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours that delve into its chilling history.
The Dobbin House Tavern
Built in 1776, the Dobbin House Tavern served as a hospital during the Civil War and is now a popular dining spot. However, its history comes alive through tales of ghostly apparitions. Visitors and employees have reported seeing spirits of wounded soldiers, as well as civilians who sought refuge during the conflict.
The Jennie Wade House
The home of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, is a poignant stop for history and ghost enthusiasts alike. Visitors to the Jennie Wade House claim to hear faint whispers, see objects move and sense Jennie’s lingering presence. Her tragic story adds a deeply emotional layer to the home’s haunted reputation.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its unique character and cultural charm, Portland, Oregon, has a darker, hidden side that places it among the most haunted cities in America. Beneath its vibrant streets lie stories of mystery and tragedy, which echo through its historic theaters, cemeteries and infamous underground tunnels.
Haunted Places To Visit in Portland
The Bagdad Theater
Built in 1927, the Bagdad Theater is a beautiful and historic venue that has earned its share of ghost stories. Staff and guests have reported sightings of a maintenance worker who died on-site, as well as unexplained sounds and flickering lights. The theater’s rich history and supernatural encounters make it a favorite for ghost hunters.
The Pittock Mansion
Sitting high above the city, the Pittock Mansion is as famous for its stunning views as it is for its ghostly inhabitants. The spirits of Henry and Georgiana Pittock, the home’s original owners, are said to linger, with visitors reporting odd occurrences like moving objects and phantom footsteps
The Roseland Theater
Once a church and now a music venue, the Roseland Theater carries a history marked by tragedy. The ghost of a club promoter, who was murdered on the property, is said to haunt the space. Visitors have reported cold drafts and strange shadows during concerts.
The Shanghai Tunnels
The Shanghai Tunnels are perhaps Portland’s most infamous haunted location. These underground passages were used in the 19th century for illicit purposes, including human trafficking. Many claim the tunnels are haunted by the spirits of sailors and workers who met tragic fates. Guided tours explore the tunnels’ dark history while recounting chilling tales of ghostly encounters.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, with its iconic architecture and foggy allure, holds a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America. Beneath its charm lies a history of tragedy, crime, and untimely deaths.
Haunted Places To Visit in San Francisco
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is not only a historic landmark but also one of the most haunted sites in San Francisco. Former inmates and guards are said to haunt the prison’s cold, decaying corridors. Visitors often report hearing unexplained whispers, footsteps and cell doors slamming shut. The chilling atmosphere of this once-inescapable prison leaves a lasting impression.
The Queen Anne Hotel
The Queen Anne Hotel, once a boarding school for girls, is now a luxurious boutique hotel with a ghostly twist. The spirit of Miss Mary Lake, the school’s former headmistress, is said to watch over her old quarters. Guests have reported strange occurrences, including doors opening and closing on their own and belongings being moved.
The Buena Vista
Known for its famous Irish coffee, the Buena Vista is also known for its resident ghost — a former bartender who is said to remain on the job. Visitors and staff claim to hear glasses clinking when no one is around and see shadowy figures in the bar’s quiet moments.
The Fairmont Hotel
Located atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont Hotel is one of San Francisco’s most opulent landmarks. It’s also said to be haunted by the spirit of a former bellhop, who is often seen roaming the hallways. Guests have also reported feeling sudden chills and hearing faint laughter in the lobby late at night.
Charleston, South Carolina
Known for its rich heritage and architectural beauty, Charleston also holds a darker side, filled with tales of restless spirits and eerie encounters. From the elegant mansions of the French Quarter to the shadowy corners of historic cemeteries, Charleston’s ghost stories are as enduring as its cobblestone streets.
Haunted Places To Visit in Charleston
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
As one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon carries a history of revolution, piracy and imprisonment. The dungeon beneath the building once housed prisoners during the Revolutionary War and is said to echo with the presence of those who perished within its walls. Visitors often report feeling cold spots, hearing faint whispers and even seeing shadowy figures lurking in the corners. Guided tours delve into the site’s chilling history, offering both historical context and eerie tales.
The Charleston Jail
The Charleston Jail is infamous for its dark past, having housed some of the city’s most notorious criminals, including Lavinia Fisher, America’s first female serial killer. Paranormal investigators and visitors alike have reported unexplained phenomena, including disembodied voices, sudden temperature drops and eerie apparitions. The jail’s oppressive atmosphere serves as a stark reminder of the suffering that once occurred within its walls.
The Battery Carriage Houses
Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Battery Carriage Houses are said to be home to more than just their current residents. Stories of ghostly encounters include sightings of a headless torso and a “gentleman ghost” who reportedly appears near the bedrooms. Despite these tales, the properties remain a beloved part of Charleston’s charm, offering an intriguing mix of elegance and mystery.
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia Cemetery is a place where history and beauty collide. With its ornate tombs and ancient oaks, the cemetery is a peaceful yet eerie site. Many believe that the spirits of those buried there linger, with sightings of shadowy figures and unexplained lights among the graves. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories of the cemetery’s most famous occupants, adding to its allure for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s bustling streets and towering skyscrapers may symbolize progress and innovation, but beneath the surface lies a city steeped in tragedy and the paranormal. From Prohibition-era gangsters to infamous crimes, Chicago’s history leaves behind an unsettling energy that can be felt in its most haunted locations.
Haunted Places To Visit in Chicago
The Congress Plaza Hotel
Known as one of Chicago’s most haunted landmarks, the Congress Plaza Hotel is rife with stories of unexplained activity. Guests have reported hearing phantom footsteps, witnessing flickering lights and even encountering ghostly figures in the hallways. One room, in particular, is so infamous for paranormal activity that it has been sealed off from public access. Despite its elegant exterior, the hotel’s haunted reputation makes it a magnet for those intrigued by the supernatural.
The Biograph Theater
The alleyway outside the Biograph Theater, where notorious gangster John Dillinger was shot by FBI agents, remains one of Chicago’s eeriest locations. Witnesses claim to see a shadowy figure resembling Dillinger near the site, while others report hearing muffled gunshots or feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. The theater itself is steeped in history, and its connection to Dillinger’s violent end has solidified its place in Chicago’s paranormal lore.
The Rookery Building
This historic skyscraper, designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham, is rumored to be haunted by Burnham himself. Employees and visitors have reported strange occurrences, such as unexplained noises, the feeling of being watched and even sightings of a figure in period clothing wandering the halls. The Rookery is a fascinating destination for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
From Savannah’s shadowed streets to Salem’s historic sites, these cities offer unparalleled opportunities to explore the supernatural while uncovering the stories that shaped them. Every ghost tour, historic site and whispered tale reveals a piece of the puzzle that keeps these places so deeply fascinating. As you wander these haunted streets, you may find yourself looking over your shoulder, wondering if you’ve stepped into another time or brushed against something from beyond the veil.
FAQs
Visitors and locals have reported a wide range of paranormal activity in these haunted destinations. Common experiences include sudden cold spots, the sound of footsteps in empty hallways, flickering lights and even full-body apparitions. In Savannah, ghostly figures are often spotted in cemeteries and historic homes, while Salem’s lingering spirits are tied to its tragic history of witch trials. Many haunted sites also feature objects that seem to move on their own, mysterious whispers or even the faint scent of flowers or candles in the air.
A city becomes “haunted” through a combination of history, tragedy, and local lore. Many of the most haunted cities in America share common threads, such as significant historical events, battles or tragedies that left an indelible mark on their communities. Places like Savannah and Salem, with their rich yet tumultuous pasts, carry the echoes of those who lived, loved and lost within their borders. This connection to history, combined with countless stories of unexplained occurrences, creates an enduring mystique that continues to draw curious visitors from around the world.