Virginia offers some incredibly creepy and macabre attractions for those fascinated by the eerie and haunted. Here are 11 must-see places that deliver chills, dark history, and haunted tales throughout the state.
Creepy & Haunted Destinations
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (Alexandria): Site of the mysterious “Female Stranger” burial and numerous ghost sightings, including haunting footsteps and apparitions.
St. Albans Sanatorium (Radford): A notorious former asylum and Civil War battlefield known for suffering, paranormal activity, and chilling ghostly encounters.
Swannanoa Palace (Afton): A grand, decaying marble mansion now shrouded in silence and strange sightings—goosebumps and inexplicable photos are common for tour guests.
Paxton Manor (Leesburg): Hosts the “Shocktober” haunted house, but real spiritual activity is regularly reported, including shadow figures and unexplained noises.
Bunny Man Bridge (Clifton): The site of bizarre urban legends about a hatchet-wielding maniac in a bunny suit; frequent hauntings are reported here.
Peyton Randolph House (Williamsburg): Known as one of the most haunted homes in America; ghost tours recount chilling stories of phantom residents.
Hollywood Cemetery (Richmond): Resting place for governors, presidents, and lost souls; a favorite for ghost hunters, especially after dark.
Ferry Plantation House (Virginia Beach): Haunted by eleven spirits, including the Lady in White and the infamous Witch of Pungo; full moon sightings are legendary.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum: Former Lifesaving Station haunted by the spirits of shipwreck victims, phantom footsteps, and the laughter of the Witch of Pungo.
Princess Anne Country Club (Virginia Beach): Elegant but infamous for ghostly jazz music, restless, sometimes menacing spirits, and unexplained paranormal encounters.
Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum (Gordonsville): Known for unusual hauntings and dark Civil War history; frequent paranormal investigations take place here.
How to Experience Them
Many sites offer seasonal tours, including guided walks, haunted attractions, and opportunities for paranormal investigations.
Some locations host annual haunted house events, immersive ghost tours, and “Shocktober” experiences filled with scares both staged and supernatural.
Several of these sites feature dramatic architecture, crumbling facades, or remote settings that add to their mystique.
Virginia’s macabre attractions promise unsettling stories, unique experiences, and plenty of adrenaline for those drawn to the dark side of history and hauntings.
SOURCES
(https://www.virginia.org/blog/post/virginias-haunted-sites/)
(https://southsidedaily.com/abandoned-places-in-virginia/)
(https://colonialghosts.com/top-25-most-haunted-places-in-virginia/)
(https://offbeatnova.com/2021/02/28/top-10-unusual-and-macabre-locations-in-northern-virginia/)(https://colonialghosts.com/haunted-cities-in-virginia/)
