Haunted Cities in America | America Premier Haunted Walking Tour

Austin

As you can imagine, any city that brands itself as “weird” is sure to have a variety of ghost tours available. You can hear the stories and explore the venues by foot, bus, hearse or boat. You can also take a pedicab or venture forth on a segway–your choice. Besides ghost hunting and haunted historical tours, some companies offer specialty vampire and murder-themed walks. Whatever trips your trigger in this Texas capital, you’re sure to come away entertained and with an appreciation for Keeping Austin Weird.

Boston

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Often synonymous with the birth of the United States, Boston is a city so steeped in history that it only makes sense the Tea Party occurred in its harbor. For U.S. citizens, Boston is linked to the beginnings of our country and the seed of the Revolutionary War. It was founded by the Puritans in 1630 and its importance in our country has only increased throughout the centuries. Today Boston is known for its excellent universities and educational research as well as new industries and financial institutions. At the same time, the city has dedicated itself to historical preservation, making it a place where the past and the present have successfully merged.

Charleston

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There might not be another US city as rich in history and as willing to embrace it as the port of Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670 and christened Charles Town after King Charles II, the city played a major role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It’s location on the mid-Atlantic attracted pirates (most notably Blackbeard himself) and Charleston’s intricate involvement in the slave trade lead to a formal acknowledgement and apology in 2018.

Chattanooga

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Today Chattanooga has reinvented itself (some say “found”) as an outdoor haven for sportspeople of all persuasions. The gently hilly roads that lope through forests and along the river are perfect for mountain biking, running or even a scenic drive. In true form of southern hospitality, the locals are friendly, the food delicious and the weather usually cooperates with an adventure-packed day.

Chicago

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Sitting along the shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Chicago was incorporated in1837. It has grown to be a cultural icon in the Midwest and beyond and is known by several nicknames: The Windy City, Chi-Town, Second City and the City of Big Shoulders. To stroll the downtown, especially near the lake, is to fall in love with the city and its people. Public Art dots the landscape as the visitor walks from museum to museum to a downtown tavern for a beer and a rest. Known as a cultural melting pot, it’s easy to find an activity or sport or restaurant to enjoy–no matter where you come from.

Flagstaff

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Join the premier walking tour of historic downtown Flagstaff, where we’ll hit up all the haunts worth hanging out in! Freaky Foot Tours of Flagstaff is locally owned and has operated foot tours in Northern Arizona since 2015. We’ve grown from offering haunted tours strictly for seasonal Halloween adventures leading small groups to offering several tours a week, seven months of the year for entire bus loads! Our freaky guides are home-grown performers who love to get their freak flag flying–and they’re looking forward to walking you through the darker side of Flagstaff’s history and streets.

Fort Worth

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Known for its stockyards and rodeos, Fort Worth will surprise out-of-towners with its many art museums and diverse music scene. In fact, this large Texas town is now promoting itself as “The City of Cowboys and Culture.” Even the famous stockyards offer souvenir shopping, a petting zoo and a mechanical bull for those daring enough to give it a try. Steeped in western history, the former army fort was a stop on the Chisholm Trail after the Civil War.

Galveston

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Galveston was once one of the largest port cities in the United States. After the great hurricane of 1900, the town needed to rebuild itself and find a new identity in which to thrive. Today this charming beach town is found on Galveston Island, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. It’s known for its sunny beaches, eclectic bars and restaurants as well as fascinating historical architecture. Galveston is more than just a party destination (although that’s high on the list of attractions!) Amidst its rainforests and harbor experiences, the city has a thriving art community and is known for outdoor activities such as biking, running and swimming.

Key West

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Florida’s southernmost point, Key West is an island paradise known for its ecotourism, lovely beaches, fishing, snorkeling–and of course, a nightlife that parties on until the sun rises. Given the island’s location, its history is rich and varied with Calusa, Spanish, Cuban and British influences. There are numerous walking tours throughout the city that point out historic buildings and homes as well as the local arts scene and restaurants.

Louisville

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The home of so many iconic Americans, from Thomas Edison to Muhammad Ali to Tom Cruise, Louisville contains a few surprises mixed in with its history of horses and baseball. SItuated on the Ohio River, it was founded in 1778 and grew as a portage site between the river and the Gulf of Mexico.The city has had a complicated history with slavery and the Civil War, which it continues to uncover and bring forth today. There are several world-class museums, including the Filson Historical Society and the Portland Museum, open to the public.

Philadelphia

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Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philly, as it’s affectionately known, is steeped in US history and is the home of many “firsts.” Philly hosted the First Continental Congress of 1774; it also had the first hospital, the first stock exchange, the first zoo, the first university–the list goes on. It was also the first capital of the United States during colonial times. With so much history tied into our national identity, a walk along Philly’s narrow streets and a trip through one of its many museums could fill a vacation. But there’s so much to Philadelphia besides its past. Besides its thriving science and financial sectors, Philly is home to the arts and has a nightlife all its own.

Nashville

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There are plenty of tours available to guide you through Nashville’s haunted streets and lively music scene. Whether you choose to ride in a hearse or a trolley, or walk with a group, you’re sure to encounter ghosts from the city’s past. The whole family can explore Music City’s haunted buildings and cemeteries; later, the adults can enjoy a night of ghost hunting on a haunted pub crawl. Hear the stories and let your imagination roam free–the energy is in the air.

New Orleans

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Break out your party shoes and bring along an appetite for fun and adventure! New Orleans has a celebration for everyone, all year round. And that includes ghost hunters. The town of Mardi Gras, Creole cuisine, Mississippi charm and history is also the home of vampire festivals, voodoo curses and more ghostwalks than any other American city.

Salem

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If you’re looking to explore early American history you don’t have to go much further than Salem, Massaachusetts. Settled by the Europeans in 1629, the town became an important seaport and trading hub. There was plenty of excitement to be found at the docks, and the port town had its run-ins with pirates throughout the decades. Salem also played a major role in the American Revolution and became a center for privateering.

St. Augustine

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Officially known as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a blend of colonial history and Florida sunshine wrapped into an irresistible package of surprises. Walking down the narrow cobblestone streets, one is surrounded by the city’s past and the European influences that shaped it. Horse-drawn carriages, small garden parks and outdoor cafes dot the scenery. Closer to the beaches, you find the old forts and lighthouses that the city is famous for. There is so much history here that it’s impossible to escape–so immerse yourself!

San Antonio

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San Antonio has none of the glitz of Austin nor the monied look of Dallas. This vibrant city in south Texas has had a hard scrabble history, filled with battles and hostilities, and it embraces every hard- earned ounce of independence! San Antonio is a city of contrasts and its historic forts and buildings coexist with a colorful, modern River Walk through downtown. It’s still Texas, so there’s plenty of country music and tasty food and spirits to enjoy. The city’s also become a popular place for outdoor adventurers, with biking, hiking and exploring nearby caves open to all ages.

San Diego

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So many tours, so little time. You can climb aboard the Trolley of Doom and traverse the hilly seaside, or choose one of the guided walking tours. Old Town San Diego is a must for the true believer, as is a stop at the notorious Whaley House. Its premises have been investigated by well-known ghost hunting teams and all have been impressed by an apparition or a sound or a book flying through the air. You can also find tours that combine true crime and murder with haunted buildings and cemeteries. Enjoy fresh scallops and an icy cold beer when you’re done with your explorations, then start again tomorrow. If you manage to sleep, that is …

Savannah

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With typical Southern charm, Savannah welcomes visitors to its historic city—to dine, take a stroll through its Squares, and yes, to seek out its spirits. Ghost tours are as plentiful as they are varied, with many of them weaving bits of the town’s past into the experience. With 22 Squares in the downtown, you might want to do a little research to pick one that catches your interest. Perhaps start with a Hearse tour to get an overview of the city in style, then proceed on to a guided cemetery exploration. An evening trolley ride through the haunted, historic downtown can also point you to areas you want to check out later. There are plenty of walking tours available–some involving pubs and taverns, others with a peek inside historic buildings. With so many adventures to choose from, the biggest challenge is finding the time to soak it all in.

Tombstone

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Tombstone, Arizona is still alive with the hauntings and history of the Wild West. With so many stories to hear and places to explore you’ll want to spend a day walking the town and checking out the area. Don’t miss Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and the Bird Cage Theatre for a thrilling peek inside authentic old West brothels. Take a hike or drive to BootHill Graveyard and pay your respects to the citizens from the past. And be sure to check out the notorious O.K. Corral where you may catch a reenactment of the legendary gunfight. You might even want to hire your own guide for the afternoon. You don’t want to miss the stories of the ghosts and spirits still roaming the streets, do you?!

Washington DC

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Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States. Legally, D.C. is not part of any state–the D.C. stands for District of Columbia. It is inside this area–the beltway– that the seat of federal power reigns in our country. For the history buff, and those enthralled by politics, D.C. is one of the top three places to indulge your passions. It’s also an excellent city to walk and take in world-class museums, historic architecture, cafes and a vibrant art scene. D.C. comes alive at night with music, dancing and festivals that continue on into the wee hours of the morning.

Top Ghost Cities

Austin

Boston

Charleston

Chattanooga

Chicago

Flagstaff

Fort Worth

Galveston

Key West

Louisville

Philadelphia

Nashville

New Orleans

Salem

St. Augustine

San Antonio

San Diego

Savannah

Tombstone

Washington DC

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