The nations capital, Washington, D.C. is known for its monumental size, power, and history. But in this vibrant city of life, death also moves in the shadows, with stories of lost souls, moans, and paranormal events. While the capital city of the United States is rich with historic homes and monuments, some of the most haunted places in the country are in D.C. itself, appealing to ghost hunters, history aficionados, and the just plain curious alike. So if your blood curdler is the capital nightlife, here are 5 Washington D.C. haunted locations you can visit, each with a spectral tale of its own.
1. The Octagon House
From left to right: 1799 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Haunted: The Octagon House, a Federal-style builder constructed in 1801, could possibly be one of the most haunted buildings in D.C. It was once the home of Colonel John Tayloe III and family and, after the British burned the White House in 1814, a residence for President James Madison. This is where it is said spirits of the enslaved, Tayloe’s daughters, and even a British soldier remain.
Haunting Tales: Disembodied footsteps, screams, and bells ringing are reported by visitors—remnants of the tragic story of a Tayloe daughter who allegedly fell to her death from a window due to a forbidden romance. His late daughter’s spirit is said to be associated with the lilac aroma, which mysteriously fills the air at times.
Here is What to Expect: A museum run by the American Institute of Architects, The Octagon House is self-touring. With its dark halls, squeaky floors, and 19th-centurry decor, it makes for an uncanny excursion. Be on the lookout for shadowy figures lurking in the stairwell or down in the basement, where paranormal activity is at its highest.
Tour tips: appointments only (see AIA website; admission -$10) Swing by during the evening for maximum chills—we can think of a crisp spring night on March 28, 2025 as an ideal setting for ghost hunting.
2. The U.S. Capitol Building
Date: NE- First St SE & East Capitol St, Washington DC
Why It’s Haunted: The home of American democracy has its share of drama in the form of wars, assassinations, and political upheaval bringing the antecedents to haunt. From construction workers, politicians and even a demon cat are reported to walk its halls.
Very Mysterious: The ghost of John Quincy Adams, who died from a stroke in the Capitol in 1848, is said to haunt the Rotunda, his voice audible at times when the area is quiet. Mysterious knocks heard and tools moving of their own accord blamed on stonemason killed during construction The most bizarre legend? Demon Cat is sighted before national catastrophes, growing larger with each appearance, bearing glowing eyes, and bearing the form of a black cat.
What to Look Forward To: Enjoy free access to the Capitol via public tours of the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and other historic spaces. Night wandering the haunted hallways isn’t an option, but daytime jaunts have an ominous heft of their own, too, especially if you envision the ghostly steps of long-dead legislators.
Insider tip: Book tours in advance online through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can take pictures so take pictures of all the dark corners. The fall or the spring (March 28, 2025, for example) are also wonderful times to explore the grounds in more temperate weather.
3. The Old Stone House
Address: 3051 M St NW, Washington, D.C.
What’s Haunting It: The Old Stone House in Georgetown is D.C. oldest intact building (it was built in 1765!) and a paranormal hotspot. Apparently once a private home before becoming a shop, it is home to a staggering 11 spirits making it hot spot for the paranormal.
Other Ghost Stories: Some say they’ve encountered “George,” a male ghost who slams doors. Visitors also reported seeing a woman in a brown dress close to the fireplace. Chilling presence of kids voices, cold patches, and whiffs of cigars. Visitors have reported feeling something heavy in the upstairs rooms.
What to Expect: A National Park Service site that feels like another world, with colonial furnishings and stone walls and the absence of a fee for entry. The back little garden provides a peaceful reprieve from the creepy inside. It’s a small space, but so heavy with history—and perhaps more.
Note: Open every day (consult the hours of the NPS). Grab a flashlight in case you find yourself in dark corners and go in the evening if you would like a more creepy atmosphere. The cobblestone roads in Georgetown help too.
4. Congressional Cemetery
Address: 1801 E St SE, Washington, D.C.
What Makes It So Haunted: Dating back to 1807, this historic burial ground has the likes of senators, soldiers, and a vice president buried here. No wonder there are so many stories of spirits restless given that there are over 65,000 graves.
The Ghost Story: The old estate is said to be home to a ghost from the Civil War who walks the grounds holding a musket in one hand, and a woman in white who wanders around the cenotaphs—tomb-like structures that house congressmen buried in other locations. Local residents claim that their dogs bark at invisible figures when they take them for a walk here, while visitors report unexpectedly cold air near some graves.
What We Anticipate: The cemetery serves as both a park open to the public and the cemetery itself is free and open to the public every day. Its crumbling gravestones, neo-Gothic chapel, and arboreous avenues swaddle in a peculiar, eerie beauty, particularly around dusk as shadows stretch further.
Tip: Download a self-guided tour map from the cemetery website. Then, like March 28, 2025, spring has arrived, and flowers are blooming to soften the creepy vibe. Please Be Respectful Of Graves While Exploring
5. The Hay-Adams Hotel
Address: 800 16th St NW, Washington, D.C.
What Makes It Haunted: This upscale hotel, just moments away from the White House, has a troubled history. Its construction has been erected atop the former estate of John Hay and Henry Adams, which are to be haunted by the ghost of Henry’s wife, Clover, who committed suicide in 1885 after struggling with depression.
Hauntingly: Visitors and employees claim they hear a woman crying, doors opening and closing by themselves, and the smell of almond—the same scent associated with the cyanide used by Clover. She is most influential in December around the anniversary of her death and on the fourth floor.
How to Go: The Hay-Adams is an active hotel, so you can reserve a room (starting in around $400) or check out the entry of the beverage. The elegant decor—chandeliers, wood paneling—contrasts with unsettling vibes that make for an unusual haunt. Guests are welcome to explore the lobby sans entrance fee.
Tip: Book a stay in advance, and especially during high season. Be bold and request a room on the fourth floor. Spring visits beat the summer craze.
What to See If You Go Haunting in DC
The haunted places in Washington, D.C. not only provide chills, but hold a clue into the history of the city— From the heartache of a lost love at The Octagon House to the political resonance in the Capitol as well, these locations blend history and mystery in an irresistible tapestry. Be it your faith in the spirits or just your taste for stories, these guilty locations only add to your D.C. trip very healthy.
Planning Your Haunted Tour
It is the timing, which adds to the experience. Spring evenings will be cool and crisp—perfect ghost hunting temperature at sunset a little after 73o PM EDT on March 28, 2025. All sites are Metro-friendly or a short drive away, and most are free or inexpensive. Wear comfortable walking shoes (cemeteries and historic homes are not always level), and carry a camera because while you may catch a ghost, the settings are also camera-friendly.
Not just ghosts: The spooky vibes of D.C.
Make your haunted visits one with the darker side of D.C. Join a ghost tour (try companies like DC By Foot for their nighttime walks), enjoy cocktails at the haunted Off the Record bar at The Hay-Adams, or just wander the dark alleys of Georgetown. While Halloween season in the fall adds a heightened creepiness to the vibe, there’s something about the quiet charm of spring that works too.
Final Thoughts
Washington, D.C., it turns out, is more than just power and politics—it is a city where the past refuses to stay buried. Octagon House, U.S. Capitol, Old Stone House, Congressional Cemetery, and Hay-Adams Hotel blend their history with a touch of spookiness. Skeptics or Believersalthough these 5 most haunted places will make you explore the dark heart of the capital as a next-to-last tour before heading for the other world. So drive your inquisitiveness, head to uncharted waters and discover which spirits you may meet.