It is the season to be hunting haunted places and Washington DC has a few prime spots for spotting ghosts and feeling chills down your spine. We mapped out the most haunted and creepiest places around Washington DC so you can spend a day or night with thrills and chills! The haunted road trip is only an hour if you are just driving around (DC is not too big of a place) so you will have plenty of time to explore each destination.
We mapped out the best route here.
1. St. Elizabeths Hospital
St. Elizabeths Hospital was the first federally operated psychiatric hospital in the country and was once home to over 8,000 patients. Part of the campus is now closed and is known to be home to many ghosts. Be forewarned that part of St. Elizabeths is still an operating hospital and one section remains empty.
2. The United States Capitol
Some people think the US Capitol building is scary enough because of the politicians who work there every day but its also one of the most haunted buildings in DC. The most well known story is the demon cat who appears in the basement before elections and supposedly before national tragedies.
3. Lafayette Square Park
Lafayette Square Park is reportedly haunted by Philip Barton Key II, who was the son of Francis Scott Key. Key II was killed in a duel in the park by his friend who discovered that Key was sneaking around with his wife. Andrew Jackson has also been seen roaming the park.
4. The Treasury Annex
The Annex is haunted by a woman in a long white dress who roams the second floor and occasionally voices are heard late at night in the building.
5. Hay-Adams Hotel
The Hay-Adams is rumored to be haunted by Clover Adams, who killed herself there. Clover is heard during the first two weeks of December, around the anniversary of her death. The staff report hearing a woman crying and doors mysteriously opening and closing.
6. The Blair House
Blair House is the official guest house of The White House and President Woodrow Wilson is sometimes seen sitting in a rocking chair in the bedroom window.
7. The Octagon House
The Octagon House is one of the most haunted buildings in Washington DC. There are many stories of girls screaming, footsteps on the staircase and ghostly specters walking through the halls.
8. Decatur House
The Decatur House is haunted by naval officer Stephen Decatur, who died there after losing a duel. He was seen so often in the windows that they were filled in.
9. The Exorcist Steps
While technically not haunted, the Exorcist steps are incredibly creepy. They are most known for their role in the iconic film "The Exorcist" where the the character "Father Karras" tumbled down them to his death. Don’t go at night, and hold on to the hand rails here.
10. The Omni Shoreham
Built in 1930, the Omni is rumored to be haunted by Juliette Brown, who was the wife of a wealthy businessman and died in one of the suites. Many staff and hotel guests report bizarre sounds and disturbances in the room.
Keep your haunted sightseeing trip going and visit these 7 disturbing cemeteries around Washington DC.
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