Cape May is not just celebrated for its beautiful beaches and Victorian charm. It also harbors a wealth of ghostly tales and haunted locations. Join one of the town's renowned ghost tours to uncover the eerie stories that lurk behind the ornate facades of America's oldest seaside resort.
The Most Haunted Locations
The Emlen Physick Estate — This 18-room Victorian mansion is considered one of the most actively haunted buildings in Cape May. Staff and visitors have reported hearing footsteps on empty staircases, seeing shadowy figures in windows, and feeling sudden cold spots in certain rooms. The ghost of Dr. Emlen Physick himself is said to still roam the halls. Hotel Macomber — Built in 1882, this historic hotel has a long history of paranormal activity. Room 10 is particularly notorious — guests have reported being awakened by the sound of a woman crying, and some have seen the apparition of a woman in white standing at the foot of the bed.
The Chalfonte Hotel — One of Cape May's oldest continuously operating hotels, the Chalfonte is home to several resident spirits. The ghost of Colonel Henry Sawyer, a Civil War hero who once owned the property, has been spotted in the lobby and on the wraparound porch. Tour Options
Several companies offer ghost tours in Cape May, each with a different focus and style.
Cape May Ghost Tours — The original and most popular option, these walking tours depart from the Washington Street Mall and visit multiple haunted locations over 90 minutes. Tours run nightly from May through October. Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour — For those who prefer not to walk, this trolley tour covers more ground and includes locations outside the downtown area. The narrated tour combines history and ghost stories for an entertaining evening.
Private Paranormal Investigations — For serious ghost hunters, several companies offer private investigation sessions at known haunted locations, complete with EMF detectors, spirit boxes, and other paranormal investigation equipment.
The History Behind the Hauntings
Cape May's ghost stories are rooted in its long and sometimes turbulent history. From shipwrecks and wartime tragedies to personal dramas played out in Victorian parlors, the town has no shortage of stories that refuse to rest in peace.
Many of the reported hauntings seem connected to the Great Fire of 1878, which destroyed much of the town. For more Cape May history, visit the Cape May Lighthouse's original buildings. Some believe that the trauma of that event left a psychic imprint that continues to manifest in the rebuilt structures.
