With its rich history, mysterious folklore, and chilling legends, the Southeast is a hotspot for all things haunted. Travelers seeking a thrill will find plenty of haunted houses, ghost tours, and eerie tales in this region, especially as the mist settles in during the fall season. In this guide, we’ll journey through some of the most famous haunted destinations in the Southeast, each with its own ghost stories and haunted history. If you’re ready for a spooky adventure, keep reading to discover some of the best haunted destinations in the Southeast that will surely make your hair stand on end!
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1. Savannah, Georgia: The Ghostly Heart of the Southeast
Savannah is often called “America’s most haunted city,” and for good reason. Known for its preserved 18th-century architecture, moss-covered oaks, and spooky tales, Savannah offers numerous haunted history tours. Here are a few ghostly highlights:
The Sorrel-Weed House
One of the most infamous haunted houses in Savannah, the Sorrel-Weed House is believed to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents. Built in the 1840s, this grand mansion has witnessed tragedy and scandal, and visitors often report strange sightings and sounds. A guided ghost tour will reveal the dark stories of this house, from eerie apparitions to cold spots in rooms where spirits supposedly linger.
Colonial Park Cemetery
This historic cemetery dates back to 1750, making it the oldest intact municipal cemetery in Savannah. Many who wander the grounds report hearing whispers or seeing ghostly figures among the gravestones. Ghost tours of the cemetery uncover stories of the Yellow Fever epidemic, duels, and restless souls that remain.
For those who truly want to experience the haunted history of Savannah, several companies offer ghost tours around the city. These haunted history tours give you a deeper understanding of Savannah’s dark past.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana: Voodoo and Vampires
When it comes to haunted history, New Orleans is in a league of its own. Known for its voodoo traditions and vibrant, mysterious culture, the city is filled with haunted houses, cemeteries, and ghostly legends.
The LaLaurie Mansion
One of the most famous haunted houses in the country, the LaLaurie Mansion is notorious for the atrocities committed by its former owner, Madame LaLaurie. This mansion, located in the French Quarter, is where numerous reports of paranormal activity have been documented. Although it’s a private residence, ghost tours often take visitors to its gates, sharing the chilling tales of its dark past.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans’ oldest cemetery, dating back to 1789, is the final resting place of many historical figures, including the legendary voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Ghost tours through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 reveal stories of hauntings, mysterious rituals, and alleged sightings of Laveau herself.
3. Charleston, South Carolina: Hauntings in the Holy City
Charleston, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historic charm, is also a prime destination for ghost seekers. With its history of war, pirates, and fire, the city offers haunted history tours that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
Old City Jail
The Old City Jail housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, including Lavinia Fisher, often called the first female serial killer in the United States. Since its closure in 1939, reports of ghost sightings have been frequent, and some say Lavinia’s spirit still lingers. Many ghost tours around Charleston include a stop at the Old City Jail, where you can learn about its notorious past.
Poogan’s Porch
Now a popular restaurant, Poogan’s Porch was once a private residence where many claim to have seen the ghost of a woman named Zoe. Guests report hearing footsteps or feeling a strange presence. Ghost tours often stop here, sharing stories of Zoe’s tragic life and the lingering spirits.
4. St. Augustine, Florida: America’s Oldest City, and One of Its Most Haunted
St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, has a deep-rooted history that lends itself to hauntings. If you’re looking for a place where haunted history comes alive, St. Augustine is it.
Castillo de San Marcos
This historic fort, completed in 1695, has stood witness to countless battles, executions, and sieges. Visitors and staff have reported ghostly figures walking along the fort’s walls and unexplained voices echoing through the corridors. Take a ghost tour of Castillo de San Marcos for a glimpse into this haunted fortress and its dark past.
The Old Jail
Constructed in 1891, St. Augustine’s Old Jail housed some of the city’s most notorious criminals. Many believe that the spirits of former prisoners remain within its walls, making it one of the spookiest places in the city. A haunted house and jail tour will allow you to explore the cells, learn about the prisoners’ lives, and hear about the paranormal experiences others have had.
5. Asheville, North Carolina: Ghosts in the Mountains
Known for its picturesque mountains and artsy vibe, Asheville may not be the first city that comes to mind for haunted destinations, but it has its own share of spooky spots.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
This luxurious hotel, dating back to 1913, is rumored to be haunted by a ghost known as “The Pink Lady.” She’s said to be the spirit of a young woman who fell from a balcony in the 1920s. Guests and staff report sightings of a pink mist or a figure dressed in pink. Haunted history tours of the Grove Park Inn share this legend and other spooky tales from the hotel’s past.
Helen’s Bridge
Built in 1909, Helen’s Bridge is a stone bridge on Beaucatcher Mountain. Local legends say that a woman named Helen haunts the bridge, grieving the loss of her daughter. Many report feeling a sense of dread or witnessing strange occurrences here. Ghost tours in Asheville often include a visit to Helen’s Bridge, making it a must-see for those interested in local ghost stories.
6. Wilmington, North Carolina: The Port City’s Paranormal Past
With its coastal charm and historic streets, Wilmington has its share of ghostly tales and haunted places. For travelers looking for haunted history tours, Wilmington has several spots that promise an eerie experience.
The Bellamy Mansion
This historic antebellum mansion is not only a symbol of Southern architecture but also one of the most haunted places in Wilmington. Staff and visitors report seeing apparitions of former slaves and servants in various rooms. Ghost tours take visitors through the mansion, exploring the legends and hauntings associated with its past.
USS North Carolina
The USS North Carolina, a World War II battleship, is permanently docked in Wilmington as a museum. Many claim the ship is haunted by the spirits of sailors who served aboard. Tourists and ghost hunters alike have reported hearing footsteps, voices, and seeing ghostly figures on the ship. Guided ghost tours aboard the USS North Carolina delve into its history and hauntings.
Tips for Enjoying a Ghost Tour in the Southeast
If you’re considering a haunted adventure in the Southeast, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Choose a Reputable Tour Company: Opt for ghost tours and haunted history tours led by knowledgeable guides. They provide authentic stories and historical context, enhancing the experience.
- Bring a Camera: You might capture something unexpected! Some guests report ghostly images in their photos.
- Prepare for Walking: Many ghost tours involve walking, especially in historic districts like Savannah or Charleston. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
- Keep an Open Mind: Whether you believe in ghosts or not, part of the fun of a haunted tour is immersing yourself in the stories and legends. Keep an open mind, and you might just be surprised by what you experience.
For a more extensive list check out this article!
The Allure of the Spooky South
The Southeast is home to some of the most haunted destinations in the United States, each with a unique blend of history and mystery. From the haunted houses of Savannah to the ghostly battlegrounds of St. Augustine, the region is filled with stories waiting to be told. Ghost tours and haunted history tours not only entertain but also connect us with the past, reminding us of the people and events that shaped these places.
So, are you ready to embrace the eerie side of the Southeast? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or just looking for a unique travel experience, these haunted destinations offer unforgettable journeys into the unknown. Grab your flashlight and courage, and set off on a ghostly adventure through the spooky South!
