Roam Spooky Streets at These 5 Northern Virginia Ghost Tours

Once the sun goes down, wander the streets of Northern Virginia on one of these tours to learn about the area’s history and hauntings.

By Michele Kettner • Posted October 12, 2026 at 9:50 a.m.

Courtesy Alexandria Colonial Tours

Not all Halloween haunts have to be scary. Book a spot for one of these five ghost tours to learn about some of the oldest (and haunted) cities in the country.

Alexandria Colonial Tours

You may have tried this ghost tour, but what about the River Route Pirate Tour? This new addition shares tales full of pirates, ghosts, and crimes from throughout the city’s history. Stroll along the Alexandria waterfront as your guide takes you to an abandoned train tunnel, historic cemetery, and more. $10–$20

Fairfax City Ghost Tour

This centuries-old city is definitely full of spirits. The family-friendly ghost tour features nearly 20 stops along its 90-minute trek, where you can learn about the residents and history that still haunt Fairfax City. $21–$27

two women standing in graveyard with lanterns — Courtesy Hauntings

Hauntings

For three nights only, you can experience the haunts that make Leesburg go bump in the night. On October 22, 23, and 24, those who love ghost stories can join this annual walking tour for spooky tales about the historic downtown, nearby cemeteries, and other notable buildings. $35

Old Towne Carriages of Fredericksburg

Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage to explore what may be one of the most haunted cities in the country. During the 60-minute Witches, Ghost, Murder & Mayhem tour, available through early November, you’ll hear eerie tales of Fredericksburg that’ll send a shiver down your spine. $15–$30

Occoquan Spirits

It may be tough to choose between the Haunted Pub Crawl and Haunted History Occoquan Walking Tour. On the pub crawl, those 21 and older will visit four famous haunts in town, toast to the ghosts, and hear about their stories. The family-friendly walking tour takes you through the streets of Occoquan as you listen to spine-tingling tales. $25–$30

This story originally ran in our October 2026 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.

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Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.