Haunted Hotels in Cape May, New Jersey You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Cape May with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
4 Haunted Hotels Found in Cape May
The Southern Mansion
720 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Cape May's Southern Mansion was once the summer house of businessman George Allen and remained in his family for over 80 years. After falling into disrepair as a boarding house, it was restored. The mansion is reportedly haunted by Ester Allen, George's niece. She is described as a joyful spirit, content to remain in her home eternally. Staff, owners, and guests have claimed to see Ester's apparition dancing and have smelled her distinct perfume. Sounds akin to a rustling petticoat accompanying her movements have also been reported. It's also suggested that some previous boarders might linger in spirit.
Angel of the Sea
5 Trenton Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
The Angel of the Sea, despite its charming appearance, is associated with unsettling tales. The primary entity is said to be the spirit of a former guest known as 'Miss Brown'. Legend holds that in the 1960s, after forgetting her room key, Miss Brown attempted to climb into her room from the building's exterior. Tragically, she slipped during this attempt and fell to her death. Current guests report experiencing her presence through disturbances such as vibrating beds, unexplained movement of furniture, and unusual light phenomena.
Hotel Macomber
727 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Hotel Macomber in Cape May is considered a significant haunted location in New Jersey, reportedly inhabited by multiple spirits. One prominent entity is that of a waitress in worn attire, primarily active in the dining room and kitchen, where staff and guests report unexplained noises and disturbances like moving silverware. Another frequently mentioned spirit is believed to be a former guest from the 1940s who only makes her presence known during summer months, specifically associated with Room 10. Guests have reported hearing sounds consistent with someone dragging a trunk across the floor within this room.
The Inn of Cape May
7 Ocean St, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
The Inn of Cape May is rumored to host spirits enjoying an eternal vacation. While some claim mischievous spirit children play within its walls, more specific encounters have been reported by staff. One story involves 'Captain Jack,' a presumed spirit who playfully plucked a sweater from a staff member's shoulders in the kitchen. Another staffer reported witnessing cups spontaneously falling from shelves. Adding to the lore, a 'lady in blue' is said to be seen gazing forlornly from one of the Inn's windows, contributing to its haunted reputation.
Haunted History of Cape May, New Jersey
Welcome to Cape May, a town so steeped in Victorian elegance and paranormal activity that it's often called one of the most haunted places in America. As the nation's oldest seaside resort, its history is a long and storied one, filled with tales of sea captains, wealthy vacationers, and everyday citizens from a bygone era. The town's stunning preservation of 19th-century architecture gives it a timeless quality, making it easy to believe that many of its former residents simply decided to never leave.
The Great Fire of 1878, which consumed 38 acres of the town center, was a pivotal moment in Cape May's history. From the ashes rose the grand Victorian "cottages" and inns that define the town today. This history of dramatic loss and rebirth, combined with centuries of turbulent storms, shipwrecks, and the personal tragedies of its inhabitants, has created an incredibly dense concentration of spiritual energy. In Cape May, the ghosts aren't confined to one or two houses; the entire historic district is considered their playground.
Other Haunted Attractions in Cape May, New Jersey
- Emlen Physick Estate: This magnificent 1879 Stick Style mansion is Cape May's most famous haunted landmark. Now a museum, it's believed to be haunted by its original owners, Dr. Emlen Physick, and his family. Visitors and staff have reported hearing disembodied conversations, smelling phantom perfumes, and encountering the ghostly apparitions of the family's beloved dogs. Official Website
- Cape May Lighthouse: Standing guard at the tip of the cape since 1859, this iconic lighthouse is a beacon for ships and spirits alike. Legends tell of a "Lady in White" who endlessly climbs the 199 steps, perhaps searching for a lover lost at sea. Other reports include hearing the disembodied footsteps of past lighthouse keepers making their eternal rounds. Official Website
- Historic Cold Spring Village: This open-air museum is a collection of historic buildings from the 17th to 20th centuries, moved from their original locations. Paranormal enthusiasts believe that when you move a building, its ghosts come with it. Staff and visitors have reported ghostly activity in numerous buildings, particularly the Spicer-Leaming House and the old country store. Official Website
- Cape May Ghost Tours: With an entire town of haunts to explore, a guided tour is a must. Reputable companies like Cape May MAC's Ghost Tours lead visitors by lantern light through the gas-lit streets of the historic district. These tours are the best way to hear the chilling and often tragic tales of the city's most famous spectral residents.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Cape May, New Jersey
- Take a Ghost Tour First: Cape May is famous for its ghost tours for a reason. Joining one on your first night is the perfect way to get acquainted with the town's haunted hotspots and legendary spirits.
- Walk the Gas-Lit Streets: The historic district is incredibly walkable. A late-night stroll through the quiet, gas-lit streets is wonderfully atmospheric and the best way to soak in the town's spooky, timeless charm.
- Visit in the "Shoulder Season": While beautiful in the summer, Cape May is arguably spookiest in the quieter fall and spring months. With fewer crowds, the town's ghostly ambiance feels much more personal and profound.
- Keep Your Camera Ready: The stunning Victorian architecture is a photographer's dream. You'll want to take plenty of pictures, and you never know when an unexplained shadow, orb, or misty figure might appear in one of your shots.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Cape May, New Jersey
Are haunted hotels in Cape May, New Jersey safe to stay in? Absolutely! The haunted inns and B&Bs of Cape May are renowned for their charm and hospitality. The ghosts are considered part of the town's historic character, offering a spooky story, not a physical threat.
What is the most haunted hotel in Cape May, New Jersey? It's almost impossible to name just one. The entire town is a paranormal hotspot, and dozens of its beautiful Victorian inns, B&Bs, and grand hotels have well-documented stories of their own resident ghosts.
Do haunted hotels in Cape May offer ghost tours? Many of the local ghost tours make the haunted hotels their star attractions. While the hotel itself may not run the tour, you will almost certainly hear its story on a guided walk through the historic district.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Cape May, New Jersey? Yes, Cape May is a very family-friendly destination. The local ghost stories tend to focus more on history and mystery rather than gore, making them a fun and spooky adventure for older kids and curious teens.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Cape May, New Jersey? October is a fantastic and popular time to visit, with many Halloween and Victorian-themed events. For a more intimate and eerie experience, consider visiting during the quieter months of September or May when the ghostly atmosphere truly shines.