Alexandria Spooktacular Ghost Walking Tour (All Ages)

Experience the Haunted Charm of Old Town Alexandria with the Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re looking for an entertaining blend of history and ghost stories in Alexandria, this Spooktacular Ghost Walking Tour offers just that — a 90-minute stroll through one of Virginia’s most charming historic districts. Led by a costumed guide, you’ll wander cobblestone streets, visit iconic landmarks like Carlyle House, and hear tales of spirits, mysterious voices, and ghostly legends that have haunted the town for centuries.

What makes this tour special is its all-ages friendly approach — it’s perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone curious about the spooky side of Old Town Alexandria. The tour’s affordable price of around $26.50 per person makes it a great value, especially considering the engaging stories and atmospheric walking route.

However, a potential consideration is the outdoor-only experience; if you’re expecting to go inside historic buildings or want a more in-depth experience, this tour remains predominantly outside. It’s best suited for those who enjoy short, atmospheric strolls with plenty of eerie tales and a lively guide to bring the stories to life.

Key Points

• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, making it a perfect evening activity for families or groups.
• Engaging Guides: Guides are costumed and well-versed, providing lively, entertaining storytelling.
• Historical & Spooky: Combines stories of real historic sites with ghostly legends, including the famous tale of Laura Schafer, the Burning Bride.
• Short & Sweet: Approximately 1.5 hours of walking, with multiple stops that balance storytelling and sightseeing.
• Accessible & Convenient: Starts near public transportation with a mobile ticket, and the small group size offers an intimate experience.
• Value for Money: Priced at just $26.50, the tour offers a good balance of entertainment, education, and ambiance.

The Complete Breakdown of the Alexandria Ghost Tour

Introduction & Meeting Point

The tour begins promptly at 480 King St, a central spot in Old Town Alexandria. The meeting time is 6:30 pm, making it a perfect early evening activity — you get to explore after sunset, when the streets take on a more mysterious vibe. The tour is designed to be approximately 90 minutes long, ideal for fitting into an evening without feeling rushed or overly long.

We appreciated that the tour keeps its group small — limited to 12 travelers — which allows the guides to focus on everyone’s experience and keep the storytelling lively and personal. The availability of mobile tickets simplifies the check-in process, a plus when navigating busy historic districts.

Stop 1: Carlyle House

The tour kicks off outside the Carlyle House, an impressive 18th-century mansion. Here, you’ll hear about the ghostly inhabitants said to haunt the historic site. The guide, who was praised for their engaging storytelling, shares tales of eerie sightings and unexplained orbs — some guests have even captured photos of mysterious lights. The setting provides a perfect spooky backdrop, adding visual intrigue to the stories.

Stop 2: King & Rye & The Alexandrian Hotel

Next, the group moves to the stylish lobby of The Alexandrian Hotel, a building that marries historic architecture with contemporary flair. Here, more stories unfold, setting the tone for the evening. The hotel’s iconic red brick facade offers a charming yet historic atmosphere, reinforcing the area’s timeless appeal.

Stops Exploring Old Town’s Haunted Bars & Streets

As you meander along cobblestone streets and past historic venues, the guide shares tales of haunted bars like the Union Street Public House, a former colonial warehouse. Guests have enjoyed hearing about the ghostly voices at the waterfront and the revolutionary soldiers who are said to march the streets even today. One reviewer fondly remembered Magic, the guide, for his charming, wry humor, which made the ghost stories even more engaging.

Stop 3: Union Street Public House

This renovated 1790 Colonial warehouse isn’t just a place for a good drink — it’s part of the ghostly lore. The guide shares stories right outside, giving you the opportunity for photos and a taste of Alexandria’s haunted nightlife. Some guests found the outdoor focus a little limiting, but the stories more than compensated.

Stop 4: Chadwicks

The tour concludes at Chadwicks, a lively spot next to the waterfront. While enjoying a late-night bite or drink, you’ll hear more tales of ghostly secrets held by the water. The proximity to the river adds an extra layer of mystery, especially as the water has its own stories to tell.

Stop 5: Dolci Gelati

Right outside this gelato shop, the legend of Laura Schafer, the Burning Bride, is shared. This tragic ghost story is one of Alexandria’s most famous, and the guide encourages everyone to snap photos, especially reflecting in the shop’s windows—who knows what might appear? The review mentions that this stop’s storytelling is particularly compelling, and many guests enjoy capturing “unusual orbs” in photos.

The Experience in Detail

What sets this tour apart is the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. Multiple reviews praise guides like Joe and Magic for their entertaining storytelling and deep local knowledge. One reviewer specifically noted how Magic’s charming, creepy stories with wry humor made the experience memorable. The guides also weave in snippets of history, making the tales more vivid and meaningful.

In terms of pacing, the stops are well spaced out, with some lasting around 25 minutes, giving ample time for storytelling and photos. The outdoor setting gives a real sense of atmosphere, especially as the streets are lit by old-fashioned lampposts, casting long shadows that make the stories come alive.

Some patrons expressed that they wished for more inside visits or a longer duration, but considering the price and the outdoor focus, the tour provides solid value. The price includes visits to several historic points and plenty of storytelling, keeping the experience engaging from start to finish.

Practical Details That Matter

Booking the tour about two weeks in advance is recommended, as it tends to fill up quickly — likely due to its small group size and popularity. The cost of $26.50 per person is reasonable for a guided experience in a historic district, especially when you factor in the storytelling quality and atmospheric setting.

The tour runs year-round, but it’s weather-dependent, so if rain threatens, your booking might be canceled or rescheduled. Luckily, free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour makes planning easier, giving flexibility in case of unpredictable weather.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost walk works best for those who enjoy a mix of history and spooky stories, especially if you’re visiting Alexandria for the first time. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a fun, atmospheric evening that’s not too long or intense. If you love tales of spirits and haunted locations that are rooted in real history, you’ll find plenty to fascinate and entertain.

However, if you’re expecting an inside, museum-like experience or a tour with a focus solely on buildings, this outdoor-centric walk might feel a bit limited. Still, the engaging guides, atmospheric streets, and captivating stories make it a worthwhile outing.

The Sum Up

The Alexandria Spooktacular Ghost Walking Tour offers a delightful blend of history, humor, and ghostly tales in a picturesque setting. The small group size and knowledgeable, lively guides make it a memorable experience, especially suited for families or those eager to explore Alexandria’s mysterious side after dark.

While it’s primarily outdoor and storytelling-focused, the tour delivers solid value for its price and leaves plenty of room for fun photos and intriguing stories. If your goal is to experience Alexandria’s haunted charm with a friendly guide and a bit of a spooky edge, this tour is a smart choice.

In short, it’s a captivating way to spend an evening in Alexandria — perfect for history nerds, ghost lovers, and curious travelers alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, this is an all-ages-friendly tour, making it ideal for families wanting a fun, spooky experience together.

Does the tour go inside historic buildings? No, the experience is outdoor-focused, with stories told at various historic points and landmarks along the streets.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the stories and sights without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price? The cost covers a 90-minute guided walking tour, visits to historic venues, and stories of local hauntings, led by a costumed guide.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, booking about 13 days ahead is typical, and securing tickets early is recommended to ensure availability.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds available if canceled in time. The tour is weather-dependent, but accommodations are made for cancellations due to poor weather.

If you’re after an engaging, atmospheric way to uncover Alexandria’s haunted side, this ghost walk ticks the box for a fun, memorable evening.