7 Haunted Places in Atlantic City

Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean ghosts and ghouls will take a break until next year. Besides casinos, Atlantic City is also known for having some spooky spots that keep the Halloween spirit alive.

It’s spooky season again. And with such a rich and unique history, Atlantic City is one of the best places to get your fill of ghost stories and ghoul encounters. From casinos with storied pasts to nearly century-old hotels, this East Coast gambling mecca offers more than just games and plenty of chances to win big. Here are seven haunted places in and around Atlantic City to get you in a spooky mood.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City

Right in the heart of Atlantic City is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino AC, formerly known as the Trump Taj Mahal. While this hotel and casino has quite the troubled past in terms of financing, building, and switching owners, it also has some interesting ghost stories.

One story in particular involves multiple sightings of a man thought to have jumped from the 10th floor before it was ever the Hard Rock we know and love. But this ghoul seems harmless enough; he just walks the hallways at midnight, almost like clockwork. Next time you’re in town, ask the hotel staff if they’ve seen this ghost and request a room in his hallway — if you’re brave enough.

Absecon Lighthouse

The Absecon Lighthouse is a historic landmark in the Atlantic City area. It was first activated in 1857, over 160 years ago, making it one of oldest lighthouses in the continental U.S. And the reason it was built could be why the place is so haunted.

In 1854, just three years before the lighthouse was erected, the ship Powhattan wrecked on the nearby coast. Records state that between 200 and 365 people were killed in this incident. There have been reports of suspicious paranormal activity near the site and at the lighthouse since 1905. A former lighthouse keeper claims he saw the Jersey Devil on the tower one night. Others have reported seeing a sailor watching the ocean from land. Some people have even heard eerie footsteps and seen doors close on their own.

And these reports aren’t just from locals and everyday visitors. The original cast of Ghost Hunters visited the Absecon Lighthouse in 2010 and used a variety of paranormal detection technology to find evidence of activity. The team couldn’t say whether or not they believed it was haunted because of a storm off the coast that hindered their investigation and could have tainted their evidence. However, they did have one suspicious incident that they just couldn’t explain…

If you want to visit the lighthouse for yourself, book one of their haunted tours to try to catch your own sights and sounds of the Absecon Lighthouse ghosts.

Flanders Hotel

Just down the coast in Ocean City, New Jersey, is the Flanders Hotel, which was originally built in 1923.

While this hotel has had previous famous guests like Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart, it is now the ghostly home of a spirit named Emily, who is sometimes referred to as “The White Lady.” Guests of the hotel have spotted Emily wearing a white nightgown and walking throughout the building. She also seems to be somewhat of an intelligent spirit, one that can interact with people and objects. She’s often credited with knocking objects off of tables and unlocking doors. But Emily’s human self made a great impression because they even named the hotel’s restaurant after her.

In addition to Emily, people have also reported seeing other specters, the victims of past mob hits down in the building’s catacomb basement.

Dr. Jonathan Pitney House

Dr. Jonathan Pitney is often considered the “Father of Atlantic City” because he first saw the area as a potential destination for rest and relaxation back in the mid-19th century. And as we all know, Atlantic City is much more than that now. But his historic home still stands. Originally built in 1799, the house was restored in 2015 and turned into a cute bed and breakfast that brings a touch of history to your stay in Atlantic City.

Those who’ve stayed at this house have reported hearing soft flute music when there were no instruments around. There are also reports of people hearing voices and conversations in the middle of the night when there are no other guests staying there. So if you want to hit the slots in Atlantic City but need a creepy-but-cute place to crash for the night, then the Pitney House is your ideal stay.

Ocean City Mansion

The Ocean City Mansion is another historic and, allegedly, haunted building in, you guessed it, Ocean City, New Jersey. This place was originally built in 1898 by long-time residents, the Lake Family. And before the inn was founded in 2003, there were only four previous owners, including the originally Lake family.

Now that the building is a bed and breakfast — and an adorable one at that — guests have reported a few unexplained events. Lovey-dovey couples staying in the Honeymoon Suite have experienced stuff being moved around in the room. Some have heard eerie, sinister voices and footsteps.

Washington Inn

Just under an hour down the coast in nearby Cape May is the Washington Inn. This place is a stellar restaurant inside a gorgeous old house that was built in 1846. And with an old house comes old ghosts.

One person reported taking a photo of their daughter at the dinner table and in the resulting photo, there was a second little girl! Those who work at the inn reported that the little girl, whom they call Elizabeth, will call out their names.

The Southern Mansion

Another haunted Cape May property is the Southern Mansion. This historic house turned bed and breakfast serves up Southern hospitality, delicious local wine from the Mansion’s own winery, and, of course, ghost stories.

Ester is a resident ghoul who, during her years alive, was the niece of businessman George Allen, the home’s original owner. She has been seen roaming the halls, and people report hearing her laugh. And though the Mansion says Ester is a pleasant ghost, those who say her laugh is menacing wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that. Others also report seeing a soldier who passes through walls.

The next time you’re in AC, consider visiting these spots to see if you can’t have your own paranormal experiences. If you’re not into ghostly encounters, then play your favorite casino games from the comfort of your non-spooky home. There are many online casinos in New Jersey that host poker, slots, and many more casino games where you can wager — and win — real money.