Haunted Halloween: Explore the Most Haunted Places in Southern Delaware
Southern Delaware’s coastal towns are known for their serene beauty, but beneath the surface lies a rich history filled with eerie legends. As Halloween approaches, the area transforms into a hub of spooky attractions and paranormal hotspots.
From creepy lighthouses to haunted inns, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by exploring these ghostly locations. Whether you’re a ghost enthusiast or just looking for some spine-tingling Halloween fun, Southern Delaware offers plenty of opportunities to experience the supernatural.
This guide will highlight the most haunted spots around Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach, offering a mix of local history and travel tips for your Halloween adventure.
Haunted Places to Explore in Lewes, Delaware
The Haunting of the Cannonball House
Location: 118 Front St, Lewes, DE 19958
The Cannonball House, with a British cannonball still lodged in its foundation from the War of 1812, now serves as a maritime museum, but it’s also said to be haunted by soldiers and sailors. Visitors report seeing ghostly figures, hearing mysterious footsteps, and feeling unexplained cold drafts. A sea captain’s ghost is believed to haunt the upstairs rooms.
Join a night tour of Lewes’s haunted spots, including a visit to the Cannonball House.
Photo courtesy of Historic Lewes
The Mysterious Spirit of the Lewes Historical Society Complex
Location: 110 Shipcarpenter St, Lewes, DE 19958
This complex houses several historic buildings, including the Ryves Holt House, Delaware’s oldest surviving house, where ghostly presences have been felt. Legend has it the ghost of an early owner roams the house after dark.
October ghost tours offered by theLewes Historical Societyare perfect for exploring these haunted buildings.
Ghostly Encounters in Rehoboth Beach
The Phantom at the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Location: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE
The iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk has its share of ghost stories. One of the most famous involves sightings of a woman in white, thought to be a bride who drowned on her wedding day. The “Bride of Rehoboth” is often spotted wandering the beach, particularly on misty nights. Take a nighttime stroll along the boardwalk to see if you can catch a glimpse of this spectral bride.
Photo courtesy of Delaware State Parks
The Haunted Pines at the Indian River Life-Saving Station
Location: 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
With a long history of rescue missions, the Indian River Life-Saving Station is also known for eerie encounters. Visitors report hearing disembodied voices and the sound of boots on the wooden floors. Some say the ghost of a life-saver who perished in a rescue mission still patrols the station. Join a ghost tour at the station during October for a spooky evening outing.
Dewey Beach: Tales of Restless Spirits
The Specter of The Rodney Hotel
Location: 19598 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE
Although the Rodney Hotel no longer stands, some believe its ghostly residents still linger. Shadowy figures and strange noises are reported at the site where the hotel once stood. Former guests are said to have checked in but never left—at least in spirit. Book a stay at the Rodney and experience the eerie atmosphere yourself during a quiet evening.
Haunted Beaches of Dewey
Location: Dewey Beach, DE
On the shores of Dewey Beach, particularly near Dagsworthy Street, there have been sightings of ghostly sailors lost at sea. These apparitions reportedly appear just before Halloween to warn visitors of storms. Walk the beach late at night for a chance to encounter these spectral sailors.
Haunted Accommodation: Stay the Night if You Dare
Photo courtesy of Addy Sea
The Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast
Location: 99 Ocean View Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
A short drive from Rehoboth Beach, the Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast in Bethany Beach is famous for its paranormal activity. Guests have reported strange footsteps, flickering lights, and moving objects. Rooms 1, 6, and 11 are known to be particularly active, with sightings of a ghostly figure from the Addy family. Book a stay in October for a spooky overnight experience.
Halloween Events & Ghost Tours in Southern Delaware
Haunted Lewes Walking Tour
Explore Lewes’s most haunted spots on a guided walking tour that mixes history with eerie ghost stories. Book early for an October weekend tour.
Conclusion: Celebrate Halloween with a Paranormal Twist
Southern Delaware is rich in ghostly history, offering haunted spots perfect for Halloween. Whether you believe in the supernatural or just enjoy the thrill, exploring these locations around Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dewey Beach will give you a Halloween adventure to remember!
Grab your flashlight, and keep an eye out for spirits during your visit to these haunted spots. Plan your visit to Southern Delaware today and check out the Sea Witch® Festival 2024 later this month.
Make the most of your visit to Southern Delaware with Jack Lingo, REALTOR®. Find some of the best vacation rentals from across Lewes and Rehoboth, DE, and take your trip in style.
Every effort has been made for precise locations, however, locations are not exact, the site makes no claims or guarantees about the accuracy of the contents.
