Best Ghost Tours and Haunted Locations in Alexandria, VA

Founded in the middle of the 18th century, the homes in Alexandria are located in one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its colonial streets have been preserved with pride, and those who visit the area often feel as if they are stepping back in time as they walk along the cobblestones. However, the history of this city also lends itself to eerie ghost stories. It seems that everyone in Alexandria has a haunted tale or two to share. Read on to learn about the best ghost tours and haunted locations in Alexandria.

Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour

• Address: Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour, 221 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Hours: Tour times vary throughout the week but typically depart at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9 p.m. on the weekends

Locals and tourists alike will find Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour to be the classic walking tour experience they were craving. This walking tour is hosted by Alexandria Colonial Tours, based out of the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsey House. On this tour, local guides take people throughout the streets and houses in Old Town Alexandria in search of some of the most iconic haunted spots in the city. At each stop along the way, the knowledgeable guide will provide a bit of background about the building and share a spooky tale about supposed hauntings that have taken place there. While all ages are welcome on this tour, it's worth noting that it often occurs during dusk or after dark, and some of the shared tales may frighten young children.

Nightly Spirits—Old Town Alexandria Tour

• Address: Nightly Spirits—Old Town Alexandria Tour, 203 The Strand Alexandria, VA 22314
• Hours: 8:30 p.m. Daily

For adults who want to combine their love of beer with their passion for history, the Nightly Spirits—Old Town Alexandria Tour is an amazing option. This daily tour is a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour that takes visitors after dark through the streets of Old Town, where most of the homes have gas-lantern porch lights to this day. In addition to sharing stories about some of the most haunted spots in the city along the way, the guide also takes tourists to three or four pubs in the city where they can stop for a quick drink. This tour is popular among visitors in the city and among residents who are in the mood for a fun night out.

Spirits of Carlyle House Tour

• Address: Spirits of Carlyle House Tour, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
• Hours: 8:30 p.m. on October 8, 15, 22 and 29

Built around the same time that Alexandria was settled, the Carlyle House is one of the oldest homes in the city—and also one of the most haunted. While many walking tours stop by the Carlyle House, the parks department puts on the Spirits of Carlyle House Tour for interested visitors each October. The tour takes place by candlelight on the house's grounds, and participants will enjoy stories that will make their skin shiver.

Ghost Stories of Mount Vernon

• Address: Ghost Stories of Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily

Just outside the city limits of Alexandria is George Washington's estate of Mount Vernon. The homes near Mount Vernon are in an area considered by many to be one of the most haunted spots around, and many ghostly tales are told about the property. Tourists can visit the estate to learn more about the spookier side of the first president's home.

Ghost Tours in Alexandria Are Frighteningly Fun

From walking tours that travel to all of the most haunted spots in Old Town to spectacular spots that may—or may not—have a few extra residents living in the shadows, Alexandria is a city filled with the potential for frights and delights.