WASHINGTON, October 1, 2026 – As the cool autumn air descends upon Washington, the nocturnal explorers of the city are swapping out their air conditioning for dark cobblestone alleyways. Ghost walks in the old and historic Georgetown area of the city are now underway, attracting visitors eager to experience the shadowy side of this place.
It’s difficult to express just how much the environment transforms after the setting of the sun behind the Potomac River. The walking trails are illuminated by lanterns, passing in front of impressive Georgian buildings, pre-Revolutionary buildings, and quiet brick courtyards. The guides take their visitors through centuries of local gossip, strange happenings, and legendary tales.
Every evening tour that leaves Georgetown passes by the famous Old Stone House on M Street NW, which dates back to 1765 and is the oldest building in Washington remaining on its original foundations. The starting point is perfect for introducing visitors to the history of colonial-era residents and ghostly accounts of Civil War-era field hospitals. The guides can also talk about the local custom of painting “haint blue” colors on porch ceilings to ward off spirits.
The duration of the typical walk through Georgetown is around 90 minutes and 1.5 miles long. Guides tell tourists about the rich history of the area while walking along M Street, Wisconsin Avenue, and side streets of Georgetown. Often, before ending the tour close to 36th and Prospect Street NW, the guides retell some ghost stories and lead the way up to the stone staircase made famous in the horror film The Exorcist (1973).
Now that the evenings have cooled down and the fall colors are showing up, these evening strolls give a new perspective on the historical aspects of Washington. For those who are skeptical about the history of the neighborhoods and just want to enjoy a Halloween walk, Georgetown’s historical streets will not disappoint.
