Washington, DC, is famous for its monuments and power, but after dark, its past feels much darker. Tales of restless spirits and eerie encounters are part of Washington’s haunted past. If you’ve ever wondered, “What haunted places can I visit in DC tonight?”, here are seven haunted places in Washington, DC, where history and ghost lore come together.
1. Is the Capitol haunted in Washington, DC?
The Capitol building is among the most notorious haunted landmarks in Washington, DC. Its best-known legend is the “Demon Cat,” a phantom said to appear before national tragedies. Staff also speak of John Quincy Adams, who collapsed in the chamber and, according to lore, left behind signs of paranormal activity in DC.
Tip: You can’t enter after hours, but the grounds at twilight are especially atmospheric and often featured on ghost tours in DC.
2. What are the ghost legends of Washington, DC, at the White House?
The White House is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Washington, DC. Abraham Lincoln’s ghost has reportedly been seen in windows, Andrew Jackson’s laughter echoes in the Rose Room, and Abigail Adams is said to wander the halls. Across Pennsylvania Avenue, Lafayette Square adds to the Washington, DC ghost stories with sightings of Dolley Madison.
Tip: Evening tours around Lafayette Square blend presidential history with chilling tales.
3. Can visitors encounter spirits at the Octagon House?
The Octagon House in Foggy Bottom is a highlight among haunted Washington DC attractions. Visitors report phantom bells, footsteps, and swinging chandeliers. Guides tell spectral stories of Washington, pointing to the site as one of the most unsettling haunted spots in DC.
Tip: Around Halloween, the Octagon often opens for themed evening tours.
4. What makes the Old Stone House one of the spookiest landmarks in the nation’s capital?
Built in 1765, Georgetown’s Old Stone House is the city’s oldest unchanged building and one of the spookiest landmarks in the nation’s capital. Many visitors report ghostly encounters, from a dark figure known as “George” to a colonial woman rocking in a chair and the laughter of unseen children.
Tip: Georgetown’s quiet cobblestones at night make the Old Stone House especially eerie.
5. Is the Mary Surratt Boarding House still haunted?
Forever tied to the Lincoln assassination plot, the Mary Surratt Boarding House is among the top DC haunted places to visit. Some claim Mary’s sobs still echo, placing it firmly within the haunted heritage of Washington, DC. While not one of the abandoned places in DC, its grim story is often grouped with them.
Tip: Ghost tours often stop here to share the boarding house’s sinister history.
6. Which haunted sites near DC can you visit in Virginia?
Across the Potomac, haunted locations in Virginia expand the haunted house DMV experience. At Arlington National Cemetery, the Old Post Chapel is linked to phantom footsteps and voices. In Alexandria’s Old Town, colonial homes and alleys host tours that share chilling ghost tales from the DC area. These often contrast with abandoned places in Washington, DC, reminding visitors that the hauntings cross state lines.
Tip: Virginia ghost tours sell out quickly in October, so book ahead.
7. Which haunted sites in DC are open at night near the National Mall?
The National Mall has plenty of haunted sites that are open at night. Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated, remains one of the eeriest places in DC. Nearby Smithsonian museums also carry tales of footsteps and voices, securing their place as haunted American history sites and popular DC haunted places to visit.
Tip: Most museums close in the evening, but seasonal walks highlight these haunted attractions near the National Mall.
How to do a haunted tour in DC
If you are wondering if there are ghost tours in Washington, DC or how to do a haunted tour in DC, there are plenty of resources for you. Companies lead nightly walks that share DC’s haunted legends, making them the safest way to discover where to see ghosts in the capital.
Why haunted Washington, DC still captivates
The haunted history of Washington, DC isn’t just about scares, it reflects its turbulent past. From the Demon Cat to Dolley Madison, stories of supernatural encounters in Washington, DC keep the city’s lore alive. It’s why macabre tourism in the region grows each year, drawing visitors in search of spooky places and unforgettable ghostly attractions.