I went on an Old Town ghost tour years ago, long before I had kids. Recently, I got to experience one again, this time with my son Wesley and a group of his friends and their parents.
I’ve lived in Alexandria my whole life, and one of the things I love about Old Town is that there’s always something new to discover. This tour was a great reminder of that!
Whether you’re visiting Alexandria, looking for something different to do with friends, planning a date night, or organizing a family outing, a ghost tour is a fun way to learn a little history and see Old Town from a different perspective.
Here’s what our experience was like, along with a guide to some of the best-known Alexandria ghost tours and how to choose the right one.
My Experience: A Private Ghost Tour in Old Town
One of the moms in Wesley’s class organized a private ghost tour through Alexandria Colonial Tours for a group of eight-year-old classmates and their parents.
Because we booked a private tour, the company was able to customize the route for our group, even allowing us to start and finish at a friend’s house in Old Town. It made the evening really convenient, especially with a group of kids!
The tour was a fun mix of Alexandria history and ghost stories. We visited several familiar landmarks, including Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern, and the site of George Washington’s former “city home” on Cameron Street.
Here’s an interesting bit of local history: Alexandria was actually included in the original plans for the District of Columbia during George Washington’s presidency! The town became part of the planned federal district in 1791, formally came under federal jurisdiction in 1801, and remained part of DC until it was returned to Virginia in 1847.
If you enjoy the history behind Old Town’s streets and buildings, you might also like our article on the history of Old Town Alexandria’s street names.
Discovering Something New at Gadsby’s Tavern
Even after a lifetime in Alexandria, I discovered somewhere I’d never noticed before!
Near Gadsby’s Tavern, at Cameron and North Royal Streets, our guide showed us a glass-covered opening where we could look down into what appeared to be an underground chamber.
It turns out this is Gadsby’s Tavern’s historic ice well, an underground brick structure used to store ice before modern refrigeration.
Ice was harvested from the Potomac River during the winter and stored underground to help keep food and drinks cold. The ice well is a fascinating piece of Alexandria’s history, and one I’d somehow never noticed despite walking past that corner countless times.
You can learn more about the ice well and its history through the City of Alexandria’s Historic Alexandria resources.
I loved that even a familiar part of Old Town could still surprise me.
Are Alexandria Ghost Tours Good for Kids?
I would recommend considering a ghost tour as a family activity, but there’s one thing parents should know.
Even though our private tour was customized for eight-year-olds, some of the stories were pretty intense. There were references to hangings and the death of a child, and a few of the kids seemed a little frightened.
The tour was primarily historical storytelling rather than jump scares, but that doesn’t mean every child will find it comfortable.
If your kids are particularly sensitive to scary stories or prone to nightmares, I’d keep that in mind before booking.
For our group, it was a fun way to spend time together, get outside, and experience Old Town differently. I’d definitely consider doing another one as the boys get older.
Looking for more things to do with kids? Check out these posts next:
- Things to Do with Kids Indoors in the DC Area
- Things to Do Outdoors with Kids in the DC Area
- Best Museums for Kids in DC
Which Alexandria Ghost Tour Should You Choose?
There are several companies offering ghost tours in Old Town Alexandria, and the best option depends on whether you’re looking for history, a family outing, a date night, or something with a little more suspense.
Here are three options worth considering. We personally toured with Alexandria Colonial Tours; the other recommendations are based on the experiences and formats the companies advertise.
| Tour Company | Best For | Approximate Duration |
| Alexandria Colonial Tours | Traditional ghost stories, history, families, private groups | 1 hour |
| Nightly Spirits | Adults, date nights, haunted pub crawls | 2.5 hours for the pub crawl |
| Alexandria Ghosts | Traditional walking tours and darker ghost stories | 1 hour for the standard tour |
Prices, departure times, and availability can change, so check each company’s website before booking.
1. Alexandria Colonial Tours: The Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour
Alexandria Colonial Tours is the company we used for our private tour.
Operating since 1985, the company is known for its lantern-lit walking tours led by guides in period clothing. The emphasis is on Alexandria history, folklore, and stories associated with Old Town’s historic buildings.
What to expect:
- Experience: Traditional walking tour with historical storytelling and ghost stories.
- Duration: Approximately one hour.
- Price: Approximately $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 7–17.
- Meeting location: Public tours generally meet near the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street, although meeting arrangements may vary.
- Schedule: Seasonal tours, with additional departures typically offered during October.
- Families: A potential option for children who enjoy history and aren’t easily frightened. Check current age guidance when booking.
- Private tours: Available for groups, with customization depending on the arrangements.
This would be my first recommendation for someone looking for a classic Old Town ghost tour, particularly if they’re interested in the history as much as the supernatural stories.
2. Nightly Spirits: Haunted Pub Crawls and Walking Tours
If you’re planning a date night or an evening out with friends, Nightly Spirits offers a different take on the traditional ghost tour.
Its haunted pub crawl combines ghost stories with stops at local bars, giving guests a chance to explore Old Town’s history while enjoying a drink along the way.
What to expect:
- Experience: Guided ghost stories and visits to several bars.
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours for the pub crawl.
- Price: Pub crawl tickets start around $29.95; drinks are purchased separately.
- Meeting location: Check your reservation for the current meeting point.
- Age restrictions: The pub crawl is for adults 21 and older.
- Private groups: Options are available for celebrations, corporate outings, and other groups.
Nightly Spirits also advertises a separate, approximately 90-minute all-ages walking tour, with tickets starting around $25. This is worth looking into if you like the company but aren’t interested in a pub crawl.
The all-ages tour has advertised weekend departures, so check the calendar rather than assuming it runs every night.
3. Alexandria Ghosts: Phantoms of the Potomac
Alexandria Ghosts, operated by US Ghost Adventures, offers guided walking tours exploring Old Town’s darker legends and haunted history.
This might be a good choice if you’re looking for a traditional ghost tour with a stronger emphasis on mysterious stories and supernatural lore.
What to expect:
- Experience: Guided walking tour featuring ghost stories and local history.
- Duration: Approximately one hour for the standard tour, with longer options advertised.
- Price: Standard tours start around $25.
- Meeting location: Typically near Market Square and City Hall at 301 King Street; confirm when booking.
- Schedule: The company advertises regular evening tours, with dates and times varying by availability.
- Families: The standard walking tour is marketed as family-friendly, although parents should consider the subject matter.
- Private tours: Group booking options are available.
The company has also advertised extended and later-night experiences for visitors looking for something more intense. Check its current offerings for details.
Why Consider a Private Ghost Tour in Alexandria?
One thing I hadn’t fully appreciated before this experience was how convenient a private ghost tour could be.
For our group, being able to customize the route and start and finish at a friend’s house made a big difference.
Private tours can be especially appealing for:
- Families with children: You can ask about age-appropriate storytelling and the pace of the tour.
- Birthday parties: A fun alternative to the usual party activities, especially for older kids or adults.
- Groups of friends: An easy way to organize something different without joining a larger public group.
- Corporate outings: A way to experience Old Town together while learning some local history.
- Out-of-town guests: A memorable introduction to Alexandria beyond the usual sightseeing.
Some operators offer private group bookings and may be able to accommodate requests involving start times, routes, or meeting locations.
I’d recommend contacting the company directly to discuss what you’re hoping to do rather than assuming every route can be customized.
Our experience with Alexandria Colonial Tours was a great example of how well this can work.
Local Tips Before You Go
A few things I’d keep in mind when planning an Old Town ghost tour:
Book ahead, especially in October. Ghost tours are particularly popular around Halloween. If you have a specific date or a larger group in mind, make reservations early.
Wear comfortable shoes. Old Town’s brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets are beautiful, but they’re not always even. You’ll be walking in the dark, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Dress for the weather. Most of the experience takes place outdoors, and evenings along the waterfront can feel cooler than expected.
Ask about photos and videos. Our tour company didn’t allow filming during the tour. Policies vary, so check with your guide before recording.
Plan your parking or transportation. Old Town has several public parking garages, including options near Market Square and the courthouse area. You can also take Metro to King Street–Old Town and walk or use local transportation to reach your meeting point. Give yourself extra time if your tour starts near the waterfront.
Make an evening of it. One of the best things about doing a ghost tour in Old Town is that there are so many restaurants nearby. Plan dinner before the tour or stop somewhere afterward for a drink or dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexandria Ghost Tours
Are Alexandria ghost tours offered year-round?
Some companies advertise tours throughout the year, while others operate seasonally or offer additional dates in October. Check the individual operator’s calendar for current availability.
Are ghost tours appropriate for children?
Many traditional walking tours welcome families, but ghost stories can include death, violence, and other frightening subjects. Even our customized tour for eight-year-olds had a few moments that scared some of the kids. Check the company’s age guidance and consider your child’s comfort level.
How long do Alexandria ghost tours last?
Most standard walking tours last approximately one hour. Extended tours and haunted pub crawls can run from 90 minutes to about 2.5 hours.
Where do ghost tours start in Old Town Alexandria?
Meeting locations depend on the company and tour. Common areas include the Alexandria Visitor Center, Market Square, and nearby hotels. Always use the location provided in your booking confirmation.
Can you book a private ghost tour in Alexandria?
Yes. Several companies offer private group experiences. Depending on the operator, you may be able to arrange customized times, routes, or meeting locations.
Do Alexandria ghost tours involve going inside historic buildings?
Not necessarily. Many traditional ghost tours are primarily outdoor walking experiences, with stories told outside historic landmarks. Pub crawls include indoor bar stops. Check the specific itinerary if entering historic buildings is important to you.
Other Ghost Tours Near Alexandria
If you’ve already explored Old Town’s haunted history, there are other ghost tours worth considering within a short trip of Alexandria.
Washington, DC Ghost Tours
Washington has plenty of ghost stories of its own, particularly around Capitol Hill and the city’s historic government buildings. DC Ghosts offers walking tours exploring some of those legends.
Annapolis Ghost Tours
Annapolis is another historic waterfront city with centuries of stories to tell. Its ghost tours offer a different setting, with colonial-era streets, historic taverns, and waterfront history.
If you’re planning a day trip, check the current offerings from Annapolis-area walking tour operators before making the drive.
Rediscovering Old Town After Dark
Whether you’ve lived in Alexandria for years or you’re visiting for the first time, I’d definitely recommend experiencing Old Town after dark.
I loved getting to do something different with Wesley and his friends, learning a little history along the way, and discovering somewhere I’d never noticed before.
That’s one of my favorite things about Old Town. Even after a lifetime here, there’s always something new to discover!
If you’re thinking about moving to Alexandria or simply want to explore more of what makes the area special, take a look at our Old Town Alexandria neighborhood guide for more local insights.
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