When most think of Cape May, sunshine and relaxation come to mind. But what if we told you that beneath that sunny exterior is a mysterious world full of ghosts existing alongside unsuspecting vacationers. Discover more of the spooky history of our community when you visit the most haunted places in Cape May.
The Southern Mansion
The Southern Mansion was once used as a seaside summer escape by a wealthy businessman, George Allen, and his family, plus descendants, for 83 years. The mansion was built with the finest details, an expansive Italian garden, and Southern charm, which completed the masterpiece. After the Allen family sold the estate, the subsequent owners turned the home into a boarding house. For the next 50 years, the Southern beauty became run down and dilapidated. The current owners bought the home in 1994 and restored it into today’s treasure. The beautiful and colorful Southern mansion is now one of Cape May’s crown jewels and hosts visitors from all over the world. The happy ghost of Ester Allen (George Allen’s niece) still lingers in the house, enjoying its new and elegant renovations, reminiscent of the house she once enjoyed many years ago.
Emlen Physicks Estate
Built in 1879, the Emlen Physick Estate was once the home of Emlen Physick Jr. but stands today as a museum run by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. Many of the staff have reported figures walking into rooms, only to report there was actually no one there. There are claims that the second-floor hallway is the most haunted spot in the house. Visitors report seeing the image of a woman as she was looking into the mirror near the stairs.
Congress Hall
First built in 1816, Congress Hall stands today after being re-built since being destroyed by the 1878 great fire. Its walls are lined with photographs, letters, and documents of its past within Cape May’s history. The third-floor hallway is said to be haunted. There are several different ghostly encounters that send chills up people’s spines. Reporting’s from the cleaning staff said they would hear the radio or television on and hear people talking, but no one would answer when they knocked on the door. There have also been reports of children playing about when no children were present. This report seems to be backed by the 10-year-old boy who drowned in front of the hotel in 1876.
Hotel Macomber
Built in 1916, The Hotel Macomber on Beach Avenue was a bustling vacation spot for Cape May visitors. The hotel has since been home to its fair share of tragedy. Ghosts of previous owners and visitors now frequent the building spooking guests. One particular ghostly guest is affectionately known as Miss “Trunk Lady.” She was a regular vacationer, always staying in Room 10 during the summers and always accompanied by her steam trunk. Today guests of Room 10 report hearing banging on doors and even ghostly whispers letting you know she’s still here.
The Cape May Lighthouse
Whether you enjoy sightings from “the other side” or not, the Cape May Lighthouse is a must-see during your stay in Cape May. Those who have climbed the lighthouse’s stairs to take advantage of the breathtaking views have seen a ghostly woman in white floating in the lighthouse. She is wearing a flowy dress, holding a lantern in one hand and a child in the other. Be sure to climb the lighthouse at night as part of the Ghost of Cape May Trolley Tour.
Stay at Southern Mansion
Enjoy a stay at one of Cape May’s haunted houses and book a room at Southern Mansion. Our award-winning lodging in Cape May offers luxurious amenities, beautiful furnishings, and a convenient location to Cape May’s restaurant, beaches, and shops.
