You've probably found the best haunted houses in your area, created your family’s costumes for Halloween, and started decorating for the big night, but have you experienced the thrill of your local "ghost tours" yet?
Ghost tours have been around for years but have grown increasingly popular lately. Why? They’re an entertaining way to enjoy Halloween festivities while your military family gets to know the local community.
If this sounds like your idea of military family fun, chances are you won’t have to drive far, as ghost tours are found all across the country. And who knows? One of these might even be right in your backyard! See if one of these ghost tours is near your military installation.
Video: Top Ghost Tours Near Military Bases
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Nearby Military Bases
New Orleans History
New Orleans’ role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War shaped the future of the city, as well as its history of pirates, slavery, and violence. This dark time fuels the haunting stories you'll hear when taking a New Orleans ghost tour.
New Orleans Ghost Tours
There are many ghost tours in the area offering glimpses into the area’s purported paranormal activity. But the Haunted History Tours in New Orleans will give you chills. There are several tours to choose from. The French Quarter Ghost Tour, for example, takes you to visit sites of documented hauntings, taken from police records, city archives, and paranormal investigations. Each Haunted History Tour guide expertly shares the stories they grew up hearing as children and adults.
More New Orleans Ghost Tours
2. Salem, Massachusetts
Nearby Military Bases
Salem History
Salem, the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, is known for some of the best ghost tours in the country. In 1692, accusations of women experimenting with witchcraft were made.
In the end, over a dozen people were hanged before the activity stopped, and all those accused were released from prison. With such a history, it's no wonder Salem is known for their spooky ghost tours.
Salem Ghost Tours
If you’re in Salem and want something more spine-tingling than your average stroll, Witch City Walking Tours has you covered. Their signature History & Hauntings of Salem walk blends eerie ghost stories with the 1692 Witch Trials, local architecture, and hidden gems off the typical tourist path.
Prefer something spookier? Try the Mysteries & Murders tour for true-crime chills or the Specters & Apparitions ghost-hunting walk. And when you’re done haunting the streets, you can swing by their broom shop to craft your own little souvenir piece of Salem magic!
More Salem Ghost Tours
Photo by 12019 from pixabay via Canva.com
3. Alexandria, Virginia
Nearby Military Bases:
- Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church
- Fort Belvoir
- Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall
- Mark Center Alexandria
- MCB Quantico
- NRO Chantilly
- The Pentagon
Alexandria History
Founded in 1749, there's never a shortage of things to do in Alexandria, as the city bursting with colonial charm and centuries of history. Once a bustling port and trading hub along the Potomac River, the area played a vital role during the American Revolution and was later occupied by Union forces in the Civil War. Many of its historic buildings served as hospitals and headquarters, leaving behind a rich (and sometimes haunting) legacy that lingers through its narrow streets and Federal-era homes.
Alexandria Ghost Tours
For more than 35 years, Alexandria Colonial Tours has guided visitors through Old Town’s cobblestone streets on the Ghost & Graveyard Tour. Led by costumed guides carrying lanterns, this storytelling walk blends local legends, unsolved mysteries, and true tales of eerie encounters from Alexandria’s past. The combination of history and hauntings makes it a must-do Alexandria event for anyone during the Halloween season.
More Alexandria Ghost Tours
Find more Things to Do in Alexandria, Virginia.
4. New York City, New York
Nearby Military Bases:
New York City History
At the end of the 18th century, New York City fell into the hands of the British and served as a military base for them during the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century, New York became a melting pot of people. Immigrants settled into neighborhoods where they opened their own businesses, joined trade unions, took part in political organizations, all while building churches and social clubs.
By the 20th century, NYC consolidated its distinct neighborhoods and transformed into the bustling metropolis that we know today. New York's colorful history of war involvement and immigration makes the city a wonderful place to attend a ghost tour.
New York City Ghost Tours
Ghosts of New York says, "For every New York neighborhood you care to explore, there are ghosts and chilling ghost stories."
In one neighborhood, hear tales of Edgar Allen Poe and Harry Houdini. In another, learn of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alexander Hamilton in ways you never imagined. Ghosts of New York lets you choose from several walking tours. While they all come highly recommended, the Edgar Allen Poe walking tour is said to be incomparable to others in the country.
More NYC Ghost Tours
5. Catalina Island, California
Nearby Military Bases:
Catalina Island History
The first Europeans to arrive claimed Catalina Island for the Spanish Empire, which was later turned over to Mexico and then to the United States. The island has served as a stop for smugglers, gold diggers, pirates, hunters, the Union army, and missionaries. Through the many owners of the island, the property has more recently served as a training location for the Chicago Cubs and as a popular spot for Hollywood filmmakers.
Catalina now hosts a world-class resort, a destination for many tourists. The island’s diverse history and involvement with crime set the tone for its impressive ghost tours offered today.
Catalina Island Ghost Tours
The Avalon waterfront is a popular spot for romantic walks or a place to take in the local ghost stories. Visitors have reported seeing glowing orbs and other phenomena. Haunted Catalina is a walking tour that employs local historians to guide the tours.
Photo by Alla Kemelmakher on Unsplash
6. Savannah, Georgia
Nearby Military Bases:
Savannah History
Savannah, like the other Southern states, was greatly affected during the Civil War years. A beautiful, thriving city that survived the Revolutionary War, yellow fever, hurricanes, and fires, it suffered an extreme economic drop during the Civil War. During the Reconstruction period, the economy was in ruins.
Despite these hardships and the added burdens of prejudice, the freed slaves who remained in Savannah built a thriving community with its own churches, schools, and economic strength, and it became one of the most historically significant African-American places in the nation. Savannah played witness to many violent times. Perhaps it is this simple fact that makes its ghost tours so memorable.
Savannah Ghost Tours
Savannah is, hands down, one of the best locations for ghost tours in the country. Instead of walking, you're invited to ride around in a hearse! Hearse Ghost Tours cruises you by the cemeteries and the beautiful streets of the Historic and Victorian Districts. This is where you’ll hear of the spirits and ghosts believed to haunt Savannah, leaving lingering energies. If you're stationed nearby, make an effort to sign up for this ghost tour this season!
More Savannah Ghost Tours
7. Tombstone, Arizona
Nearby Military Base:
Tombstone History
Tombstone was founded by prospector Ed Schieffelin, who was stationed at Camp Huachuca. Fellow soldiers warned him that the only thing he’d find in the Arizona wilderness was his tombstone.
Defying the odds, Ed struck silver in 1877 and named his first claim, and later the town itself, Tombstone. Today, it’s not just famous for gunfights and Wild West legends, but also for being one of the most haunted towns in America. Got chills yet?
Tombstone Ghost Tours
Step into Tombstone’s shadowy past with the Tombstone Gunfighter & Ghost Tour, the town’s longest-running guided walk through its legendary streets. You’ll walk the Historic District by lantern light and hear the true stories behind Tombstone’s legends, the shootouts, the scandals, and yes, reported hauntings.
This isn’t your average spooky tour. Guides use EMF meters and infrared beam lasers to detect paranormal activity, and their material is drawn from City Archives, not folklore or Hollywood.
More Tombstone Ghost Tours
Whether you’re a military family of history buffs, thrill seekers, or just looking for a new way to celebrate the spooky season, ghost tours offer a fascinating mix of local legends and real-life history. So, grab your flashlight (and maybe a friend to hold onto!) and explore all the things to do in Alexandria, Savannah, New Orleans, or wherever you’re stationed. You might uncover more than just a good story.
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