clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A dead tree hangs over a basin and a walkway. There is a domed monument in the background behind thick fog. Shutterstock

D.C.’s 15 most haunted locations, mapped

Spooky!

View as Map

Halloween is nearly upon us. You know what that means: Visiting spooky spots in the city to get in the spirit. From buildings brimming with paranormal activity to murder sites, here is a map sure to frighten—or at least entertain.

Read More

Rock Creek Park

Copy Link

Woodland spirits and creepy-crawlies are said to haunt this 1,754-acre park in the middle of D.C. Who really wants to stay long enough after dark to find out?

A stream with flowing water and rocks under orange leaves. Shutterstock

3206 Q Street NW

Copy Link

The fact that this Victorian home in Georgetown was the site of a depressing murder did not stop the place from selling in 2013 and going under contract in 2019.

A row of houses in Washington D.C. The houses are attached. Each house is a different color: red, blue, and green. Image via Trulia

Walsh Mansion

Copy Link

Currently housing the Indonesian Embassy, this is one of Dupont Circle's most haunted properties. The ghost-in-residence: eponymous former owner Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was one of the last owners of the Hope Diamond. “My precious!”

A stately four-story mansion behind iron gates. It has many windows and arches. Shutterstock

Old Stone House

Copy Link

Multiple ghosts have allegedly been spotted at this Georgetown home, the oldest structure in D.C. on its original foundation. It just may be the only location in the nation’s capital where a ghoul called “George” has reportedly choked visitors. No thanks.

The interior of a stone house, outfitted with a wood work table and various tools. Getty Images

The Exorcist Steps

Copy Link

Georgetown’s creepiest filming location has been terrifying since Linda Blair played a possessed teen in the 1973 “Exorcist” flick. The steps were recognized as a local historic landmark in 2019.

A set of steep stairs between a brick building and a brick wall. A child climbs the left wall. AFP/Getty Images

The Hay-Adams

Copy Link

This historic hotel is apparently haunted by Marian Hooper Adams, otherwise known as “Clover” and the wife of writer Henry Adams. Marian died in the building and is said to be especially active around the anniversary of her death in early December.

A seven-story hotel on a corner lot. There are cherry trees outside and it is decked with flags. Shutterstock

Cutts-Madison House

Copy Link

The ghost of former First Lady Dolley Madison supposedly haunts this historic house. It was where she spent the last few years of her life and she's reportedly often seen on the porch.

A three-story, yellow brick federal-style home with dark shutters. There are trees out front. Time1965, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Decatur House

Copy Link

This historic house museum near the White House is said to be the haunt of the ghost of naval officer Stephen Decatur. Decatur died in the house after losing in a duel.

A three-story federal style house on a corner lot. It is made of brick. Getty Images

Mary Surratt House

Copy Link

The one-time boarding house of Mary Surratt, a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is located in Chinatown. Surratt, who was hanged for conspiracy, allegedly haunts the place. The ground floor now houses a Chinese restaurant.

A three-and-a-half story building housing a Chinese restaurant on the first floor. People are gathered outside. AFP/Getty Images

Lafayette Square Park

Copy Link

“Star-Spangled Banner” author Francis Scott Key's son Philip Barton Key II was killed in this park by his friend, who was angry that the younger Key was sleeping with the friend’s wife. He’s not the only specter in the park: It’s said that former President Andrew Jackson creeps around here.

A statue of a man riding a horse surrounded by cannon statues in the middle of a park. Shutterstock

The White House

Copy Link

America's most famous address is also one of its most haunted. Dolley Madison is supposedly a regular 170 years after her death. The most famous spirit rattling about the house, though, is probably Abraham Lincoln.

A white federal-style mansion decorated with pumpkins and Halloween decorations. Getty Images

The Octagon House

Copy Link

There have been reports of girls screaming, specters climbing the stairs, bells ringing, and even former First Lady Dolley Madison wandering the premises of this historic house museum in downtown D.C.

A federal-style mansion with a rounded central atrium. There are orange trees outside. Shutterstock

U.S. Capitol

Copy Link

The ghosts of several congressional representatives who died either within the Capitol's walls or during their time in the legislature haunt the famed complex—John Quincy Adams, most prominently. Apparently, there's also a demon black cat on the grounds.

Red leaves above a capital dome in the background. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Smithsonian Castle

Copy Link

For years, there have been tales of ghosts walking the halls of the Smithsonian Castle, including that of founder James Smithson, who is entombed in the castle.

A brick castle behind a fence. It has turrets and a flag atop. Shutterstock

Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

Copy Link

When the fog comes out, the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial can look like the creepiest part of the District. Don’t fall in: You may not make it back out.

Fog over a basin, in which a domed memorial is reflected. Shutterstock

Rock Creek Park

Woodland spirits and creepy-crawlies are said to haunt this 1,754-acre park in the middle of D.C. Who really wants to stay long enough after dark to find out?

A stream with flowing water and rocks under orange leaves. Shutterstock

3206 Q Street NW

The fact that this Victorian home in Georgetown was the site of a depressing murder did not stop the place from selling in 2013 and going under contract in 2019.

A row of houses in Washington D.C. The houses are attached. Each house is a different color: red, blue, and green. Image via Trulia

Walsh Mansion

Currently housing the Indonesian Embassy, this is one of Dupont Circle's most haunted properties. The ghost-in-residence: eponymous former owner Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was one of the last owners of the Hope Diamond. “My precious!”

A stately four-story mansion behind iron gates. It has many windows and arches. Shutterstock

Old Stone House

Multiple ghosts have allegedly been spotted at this Georgetown home, the oldest structure in D.C. on its original foundation. It just may be the only location in the nation’s capital where a ghoul called “George” has reportedly choked visitors. No thanks.

The interior of a stone house, outfitted with a wood work table and various tools. Getty Images

The Exorcist Steps

Georgetown’s creepiest filming location has been terrifying since Linda Blair played a possessed teen in the 1973 “Exorcist” flick. The steps were recognized as a local historic landmark in 2019.

A set of steep stairs between a brick building and a brick wall. A child climbs the left wall. AFP/Getty Images

The Hay-Adams

This historic hotel is apparently haunted by Marian Hooper Adams, otherwise known as “Clover” and the wife of writer Henry Adams. Marian died in the building and is said to be especially active around the anniversary of her death in early December.

A seven-story hotel on a corner lot. There are cherry trees outside and it is decked with flags. Shutterstock

Cutts-Madison House

The ghost of former First Lady Dolley Madison supposedly haunts this historic house. It was where she spent the last few years of her life and she's reportedly often seen on the porch.

A three-story, yellow brick federal-style home with dark shutters. There are trees out front. Time1965, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Decatur House

This historic house museum near the White House is said to be the haunt of the ghost of naval officer Stephen Decatur. Decatur died in the house after losing in a duel.

A three-story federal style house on a corner lot. It is made of brick. Getty Images

Mary Surratt House

The one-time boarding house of Mary Surratt, a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, is located in Chinatown. Surratt, who was hanged for conspiracy, allegedly haunts the place. The ground floor now houses a Chinese restaurant.

A three-and-a-half story building housing a Chinese restaurant on the first floor. People are gathered outside. AFP/Getty Images

Lafayette Square Park

“Star-Spangled Banner” author Francis Scott Key's son Philip Barton Key II was killed in this park by his friend, who was angry that the younger Key was sleeping with the friend’s wife. He’s not the only specter in the park: It’s said that former President Andrew Jackson creeps around here.

A statue of a man riding a horse surrounded by cannon statues in the middle of a park. Shutterstock

The White House

America's most famous address is also one of its most haunted. Dolley Madison is supposedly a regular 170 years after her death. The most famous spirit rattling about the house, though, is probably Abraham Lincoln.

A white federal-style mansion decorated with pumpkins and Halloween decorations. Getty Images

The Octagon House

There have been reports of girls screaming, specters climbing the stairs, bells ringing, and even former First Lady Dolley Madison wandering the premises of this historic house museum in downtown D.C.

A federal-style mansion with a rounded central atrium. There are orange trees outside. Shutterstock

U.S. Capitol

The ghosts of several congressional representatives who died either within the Capitol's walls or during their time in the legislature haunt the famed complex—John Quincy Adams, most prominently. Apparently, there's also a demon black cat on the grounds.

Red leaves above a capital dome in the background. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Smithsonian Castle

For years, there have been tales of ghosts walking the halls of the Smithsonian Castle, including that of founder James Smithson, who is entombed in the castle.

A brick castle behind a fence. It has turrets and a flag atop. Shutterstock

Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

When the fog comes out, the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial can look like the creepiest part of the District. Don’t fall in: You may not make it back out.

Fog over a basin, in which a domed memorial is reflected. Shutterstock