When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, the Washington, DC area reveals another side of its storied past – one filled with whispers, shadows, and lingering spirits. Virginia, with its centuries-old homes and battlefields, is a playground for the paranormal.
If you’re looking for quick haunted trips near Washington, DC, these eerie sites promise a thrill without the long drive. From historic mansions to spooky town squares, you’ll find plenty of haunted attractions within 30 minutes of downtown.
The Carlyle House, Alexandria, VA
Few places in Virginia carry as much haunted history as The Carlyle House. Built in 1753 for Scottish merchant John Carlyle, this Georgian mansion hosted generals, governors, and (according to legend) guests who never checked out. Visitors have reported sudden chills, flickering lights, and faint voices echoing from empty rooms. Some even claim to have seen Revolutionary-era soldiers pacing the halls, forever caught between duty and rest.
Tip: Visit during one of Alexandria’s ghost tours to hear spine-tingling stories from guides who know the mansion’s haunted history best.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria, VA
Just a few blocks away from the Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern has served presidents, poets, and, perhaps, a restless soul known as the “Female Stranger.” The story tells of a mysterious woman who died in the tavern in 1816 and was buried under a cryptic headstone that hides her true identity. Guests and staff have reported flickering candles, footsteps in the ballroom, and sudden drops in temperature where she drew her last breath.
Tip: Ask museum staff about unexplained occurrences; the ballroom’s ghostly reputation has been confirmed by multiple paranormal investigators.
The Exorcist Steps, Georgetown, DC
Fans of horror movies will recognize the steep, shadowed staircase from the 1973 film The Exorcist. This eerie site remains one of the area’s most visited haunted sites. Locals say the atmosphere becomes unsettling after dark, with whispers in the wind and cold gusts that seem to come from nowhere. Standing at the top and looking down, it’s easy to feel the weight of the scene that made movie history.
Tip: Combine your visit with a nighttime stroll through Georgetown’s historic streets for an eerie, but scenic evening out.
Woodlawn Plantation, Fairfax County, VA
Commissioned by George Washington as a wedding gift for his nephew, Woodlawn Plantation is known for elegance – and eerie encounters. Over the years, visitors have reported piano music playing in empty rooms and mysterious lights glowing in upper windows long after closing time. Some say the spirits of past residents, still attached to their stately home, wander the grounds in silence.
Tip: Check the plantation’s event calendar for fall ghost tours and evening programs that highlight its supernatural side.
Balls Bluff Battlefield, Leesburg, VA
This quiet riverside park is a favorite for Civil War history buffs and ghost hunters alike. The Battle of Balls Bluff in 1861 left hundreds dead, and legends say their spirits still roam the misty fields. Nighttime visitors have heard phantom drumbeats and faint cries carried on the breeze, while others report seeing shadowy figures drifting among the trees.
Tip: Visit during the day for the rich Civil War history, then return to this eerie site at twilight if you’re brave enough to experience its haunted side.
Occoquan Historic District, Occoquan, VA
Charming by day and chilling by night, the Occoquan Historic District offers haunted tales along its cobblestone streets. Once a bustling mill town, it’s now home to ghost tours that share stories of townspeople who may have stayed behind. From phantom footsteps near the river to unexplained sounds inside old shops, the town’s spooky reputation grows stronger each Halloween.
Tip: Attend one of Occoquan’s October events or guided haunted tours for family-friendly fun with just enough fright to keep things interesting.
Haunted adventures close to home
You don’t have to travel far to find the best haunted locations near you. Each of these eerie sites is less than half an hour from downtown Washington, DC, making them perfect for quick fall outings or weekend ghost hunts. Whether you’re in it for paranormal encounters or just want a fun way to explore local history, these haunted sites deliver a perfect mix of mystery and thrill.
As families explore new neighborhoods and homes in Northern Virginia, it’s easy to see how the region’s history still lingers in every street and structure. Some stories are written in archives, while others whisper through the night. Wherever your move takes you, JK Moving helps you start your next chapter—no haunting required.