When the sun sets and streetlights cast long shadows, some cities reveal a different side of their history—one that’s filled with chilling legends, restless spirits, and unexplained events. For those who enjoy a good scare, a ghost tour is the perfect way to experience this hidden world. It’s a unique blend of history lesson and thrilling entertainment, where you walk the same streets as figures from the past and hear stories that don’t make it into the official guidebooks.

These tours offer more than just jump scares; they provide a fascinating look into a city’s darker past, from tragic events to notorious characters. Led by charismatic storytellers, you get to explore historic cemeteries, haunted buildings, and eerie alleyways, all while learning about the local lore. If you’re ready to add a dose of spooky excitement to your nighttime adventures, here are some of the most thrilling ghost tours across the United States.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – St. Augustine, Florida

As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine has had plenty of time to accumulate a few ghosts. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour is one of the most popular ways to explore its haunted history. Instead of a walking tour, you’ll board the "Trolley of the Doomed" for a ride through the city’s most paranormally active sites. The tour guides are fully in character, bringing the city’s spooky tales to life with a theatrical flair.

A major highlight of this tour is an exclusive nighttime entry into the Old Jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been featured on numerous paranormal investigation shows. You’ll walk through the dark cellblocks where countless prisoners lived and died, and hear tales of the spirits that are said to still linger. The tour combines historical facts with chilling legends, making it a well-rounded and entertaining experience.

New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city steeped in mystery, and its ghost tours are legendary. The French Quarter Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour takes you on a walking journey through the narrow, historic streets of this iconic neighborhood. New Orleans’ history is a rich tapestry of different cultures, and this tour delves into all of it, from vengeful spirits and voodoo queens to tales of real-life vampires.

You'll stop at infamous locations like the LaLaurie Mansion, home to one of America’s most gruesome and well-documented hauntings, and hear the tragic stories behind the spirits said to haunt its walls. The guides are master storytellers, painting a vivid picture of the city’s dark and often brutal past. The tour does an excellent job of separating fact from fiction while still delivering plenty of spine-tingling tales that will make you look over your shoulder as you walk through the dimly lit streets.

The Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Gettysburg is widely considered one of the most haunted places in America. The Ghosts of Gettysburg tours take you on a candlelight walking tour of the town, where every building seems to have a story. More than 50,000 soldiers lost their lives here, and many believe their spirits never left.

The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who focus on documented historical accounts and firsthand paranormal experiences rather than sensationalism. You'll walk through dark streets and past spooky sites like the Jennie Wade House (home of the battle's only civilian casualty) and hear stories of phantom soldiers still marching on the battlefields. The solemn, historic atmosphere of the town at night makes these stories feel incredibly real and impactful. It’s a chilling and respectful way to connect with a pivotal moment in American history.

The Salem Witch Walk – Salem, Massachusetts

Salem, Massachusetts, is forever linked with the infamous witch trials of 1692, and the city embraces its spooky reputation. The Salem Witch Walk offers a unique experience by combining history with modern-day witchcraft. Led by a practicing witch, this tour provides a different perspective, explaining the historical events of the trials while also teaching you about the beliefs and practices of modern witchcraft.

The tour begins with a traditional magic circle and blessing, setting a mystical tone for the evening. You'll visit historic sites related to the witch trials, including the old cemetery, and learn about the real people behind the legends. It’s less of a traditional "ghost" tour and more of a spiritual and historical journey. This tour is perfect for those who are interested in the history of the trials and want to learn about witchcraft in a respectful and authentic context.

The San Antonio Ghost Walk – San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio's history is filled with dramatic battles and bloody conflicts, most notably the Battle of the Alamo. The San Antonio Ghost Walk takes you through the city's oldest and most haunted areas, sharing stories of its turbulent past. The tour starts in front of the Alamo, a site where thousands of soldiers died and where many paranormal encounters have been reported.

You’ll wander through the historic streets and hear tales of haunted hotels, theaters, and even the city’s old red-light district. The guides are passionate about the city's history and have collected a wealth of stories from local archives and personal interviews. They use EMF meters and other ghost-hunting equipment to add an interactive element to the tour, making you feel like you're part of a real paranormal investigation.

Ghost tours offer a unique and thrilling way to explore a city after dark. They are a fantastic combination of entertainment, history, and local folklore, providing a deeper understanding of a place's past.