a ghost shadow walking past an open door

Are you hoping to explore some haunted places in Virginia? If so, read on for some spooky places you’ll love to check out!

10 Haunted Places in Virginia

Virginia is one of the oldest colonies and is considered by many to be the most haunted state in America. A place of beauty, with sweeping trees, beaches, and an abundance of life.

You would never expect Virginia to be a place where ghosts outnumber the living.

But history runs deep in Virginia. From old government buildings to plantations and more, there are many haunted places in Virginia worth exploring, and a lot of ghost tours available as well. 

To get you started, here are 10 of the most haunted places in Virginia!

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Haunted Virginia Beach

Ferry Plantation Virginia Beach Virginia at night
Ferry Plantation Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ferry Plantation House

There is little doubt that the Ferry Plantation House is haunted. What isn’t completely understood is why?

Some believe that the old brick house, once known as Old Donation Farm, is built on a former Native burial ground.

The area was definitely a hunting ground for the Chesepian people who once lived here, judging by the number of arrowheads found in the ground. But that only explains some of the eleven spirits who are believed to reside here. 

Ferry Plantation House was built in 1830 and since then, it has been a home and plantation, a school, and a courthouse. Currently, it is a museum and is open for tours. Including ghost tours. 

Be sure to check their website to learn more about the Ferry Plantation and tour availability. And even if you don’t visit, if you sit outside the house for a while some night, you never know what you might see.

Lights reportedly come on in the middle of the night, especially on the third floor. And you might even see balls of light on the roof. Could it be the spirits, dancing at a party that only they can see?

Ferry Plantation House, 4136 Cheswick Ln, Virginia Beach, VA.

The Cavalier Hotel

When money is no object and you have dreams of staying in a luxurious hotel where as many as ten Presidents have walked, the historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach is waiting to welcome you.

This beautiful hotel offers rooms and suites designed with you in mind. It’s the sort of place where, once you check-in, you never really want to leave. 

However, it is said that the 6th floor is quite haunted. Some guests have reported seeing a bellman on the 5th floor, warning them that there are “ghosts ahead”.

But it may be the hotel staff that suffers the most since desk clerks report getting calls from the sixth floor regularly, even when the rooms are empty. 

The historic Cavalier Hotel offers every comfort you can imagine, especially if you stay in one of their beautiful heritage suites. But if you want to have a good night of sleep while you are there, you might want to avoid the 6th floor.

The Cavalier Hotel, 4200 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA.

Old Coast Guard Station Tower at Surf and Rescue Museum

The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is a fun place for kids and adults alike. There are all kinds of cool exhibits, a souvenir shop, and even scavenger hunts. You can learn all about the history of the building, the Coast Guard, and more.

There’s even a cool collection of things that have washed up on shore over the years. You might never suspect it as being one of the most haunted places in Virginia. 

But this is a place filled with history The building dates back to 1903 and was once used as a resting place for deceased victims of the sea until their families could claim them.

Visitors say that they have seen shadow figures, heard voices, and felt people walk up behind them only to find that no one is there. 

The Surf and Rescue Museum is open year-round, and if you happen to be there in October, be sure to ask about their ghost tours!

Surf and Rescue Museum, 2401 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA.

Princess Anne Country Club

If you are looking for a relaxing good time in Virginia Beach, the Princess Anne Country Club is the place to be.

This private club has been around since 1916 and is known as a happy place where you can enjoy the ocean breeze, play a little golf, and relax with friends. Members stay members forever because they feel like family

And if the rumors are to be believed, we really do mean “forever”. The Princess Anne Country Club is said to be haunted by several spirits. 

The club is only open to members and their guests, but if you decide to explore the possibility of joining, just know that this Country Club offers more spirits than the ones you will find in the bar!

These haunted places in Virginia are all great places to visit, even if you aren’t interested in communing with the spirits. But if someone mysteriously whispers in your ear, try not to jump!

Princess Anne Country Club, 3800 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach

Haunted Alexandria Virginia

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

When America was new, many decisions had to be made regarding how the country would be run. And many of those decisions were made at Gadsby’s Tavern. 

This iconic establishment dates back to the late 1700s and is associated with many of the names you know from your childhood history books.

When you walk in Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, you walk where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison once stood.

It is no wonder that buildings as old as the two that make up Gadsby’s Tavern are haunted, but people aren’t certain who the spirit might be.

Referred to as the Female stranger, the ghost of a beautiful young woman has been seen by many guests, only to vanish before their eyes. 

Gadsby’s Tavern is an important part of American history. Be sure to visit in person when you can. This is one haunted location you just don’t want to miss!

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA.

a spooky looking small house on a hill

Haunted Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

If you have ever dreamed about experiencing what Colonial life was like when America began, you need to pay a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. 173 acres of streets and buildings dating back to 1699, you can wander, attend special events, and so much more!

But there is another side of Colonial Williamsburg – the haunted side – and later in the day, there are special tours just so you can learn all about the ghosts that are said to reside here! 

For the complete Williamsburg experience, take one of these Ghost Tours if you dare.

Haunted Chincoteague Island

Captain Timothy Hill House

Built on Chincoteague Island in 1800, the Captain Timothy Hill House may not look like much. But this house is a very important part of architectural history, and the story behind it is fascinating – as is the mystery of who carved the beautiful ships into the wood.

Some say it was children who did it while watching ships out in the water. But it isn’t certain.

Nor is it certain why the house is haunted. It is believed, however, to be haunted by Captain Timothy Hill’s daughter Jennie, who was murdered by a suitor in 1885.

It’s a tragic story of love gone wrong. So if you visit, be sure to keep your eyes open for the young woman who some say is still searching for her lost love!

Ghosts, legends, and more are covered in the island tours offered by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Chincoteague Island. Contact: History Keepers, LLC – 106 South Main Street, Yardley, PA.

Haunted Abingdon Virginia

The Martha Hotel and Spa

If you love the elegance of classic design, the Martha Washington Inn & Spa is worth a look. This beautiful and historic hotel is elegant and modern, with timeless beauty. 

The hotel dates back to 1832 when it was the private home of the family of General Francis Preston. But things change over the years.

During the Civil War, the hotel was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers. One of the ghosts said to reside here is a young nurse who loved a soldier who died here. But she is only one of a number of spirits said to be in residence.

Probably the spookiest thing of all is the bloodstain that stains the carpet at times. No matter how much they clean the carpet or replace it. Not only is that spooky – constantly replacing carpeting gets expensive!

The Martha Hotel and Spa, 150 W Main St, Abingdon, VA.

old cemetery at night in the moonlight makes a haunted place in Georgia

Haunted Richmond Virginia

Hollywood Cemetery

The Hollywood Cemetery dates back to 1847 and is as famous for its beauty, and for some of the “guests” who reside here.

This garden-style museum consists of 135 acres nestled along the James River. The hilly terrain features beautiful trees, gardens, statues, and scenic views all around.

You can pay your respects to Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler while you are there. 

But there is something just a bit creepy about Hollywood Cemetery, too.

For all the beauty, there is a slightly spooky atmosphere that makes it very easy to believe it when people report strange experiences.

There are at least three well-known entities said to haunt the place, including the infamous Richmond Vampire. And if you walk by the Pyramid while you’re there, you just might hear someone whispering

If you do, will you respond?

Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA.

Haunted Gordonsville Virginia

The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum

The Exchange Hotel Museum has been through a lot in its 150-year history. It started out as a luxury hotel.

But during the Civil War, it was taken over as a hospital where the harshest realities of war were faced every day by brave doctors and nurses.

After the war, it became a Freedman’s Bureau, helping to give freed slaves a good start in their new lives. And that’s only the beginning of all that this building has been.

It’s no wonder that it seems almost to have a spirit of its own. Nor is it a surprise that the Exchange Hotel Museum is famously haunted.

Visitors report seeing everything from orbs to full-size human apparitions of medical staff and wounded soldiers.

Doors are said to open and close on their own and occasionally, screaming can be heard. The activity is so well known here that they regularly offer tours at night so you can experience the spooky side of things for yourself

Just make sure you’re ready for the experience!

The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum, 400 S Main St, Gordonsville, VA.

Virginia ranks near the top of the most haunted places in America. It’s no wonder given the history which has occurred here. Visit these 10 Haunted hotels, museums, and cemeteries in Virginia and get to know more about those who haunt the visitors.

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Books on haunted places in Virginia

Virginia Mystery Series for children by Steven K. Smith. This series follows Sam, Derek, and Caitlin on their adventures across Virginia.

Haunted Historic Colonial Williamsburg by Tim Scullion

Hampton Roads Murder and Mayhem by Nancy E. Sheppard

50 Real American Ghost Stories: A Journey Into the Haunted History of the United States-1800-1899 by M. J. Wayland

Ghosts of Yorktown: A Haunted Tour Guide by Jeffrey Santos

a ghost shadow walking past an open door

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