Savannah Haunted Houses
Plan a spirited October getaway to Savannah, the most haunted city in America
Story by Lance Hanlin
Why settle for a staged haunted house when the real thing is waiting just across the Savannah River? This October trade artificial thrills for the authentic, spine-tingling experiences that only Savannah can provide. Named the most haunted city in America by the American Institute of Parapsychology, the Hostess City is home to many eerie landmarks and historic homes where ghosts are said to roam. Fuel up the car and embark on a spirited nighttime adventure where the paranormal may be more than just a story.
The Sorrel-Weed House
6 W. Harris St.
Looking for some juicy Southern drama mixed with ghostly apparitions? The Sorrel-Weed House is Savannah’s answer to a paranormal soap opera. This house, the scene of two tragic suicides, still has its original residents hanging around (because where else would you go after all that drama?). Visitors have seen shadowy figures and heard eerie whispers, perfect for those who like their history with a side of ghostly gossip.
On TV and in print
• Ghost Hunters, 2005
• HGTV’s If Walls Could Talk, 2006
• Ghost Adventures, 2014
• Travel Channel’s “The Most Terrifying Places in America,” 2010
• BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural, 2018
The Marshall House
123 E. Broughton St.
If you’ve ever been curious about rooming with a ghost, the Marshall House is happy to oblige. Built in 1851, this former hospital has hosted everything from soldiers to yellow fever victims, many of whom never quite checked out. The spirits here seem eager to lend a hand (or perhaps a chill) by turning faucets on and off, flickering lights, powering up electronics and causing the occasional toilet to overflow without warning. Disembodied voices echo through the halls, adding to the hotel’s spooky ambiance. For the bravest souls, Room 414 is said to be the epicenter of paranormal activity.
On TV and in print
• The Today Show, 2015
• Named “Most Haunted Hotel in Georgia” by Yahoo, 2015
• Listed among USA Today’s “Most Haunted Hotels” in the US, 2014
• Featured in Southern Living’s “The South’s Most Haunted Places,” 2016
• Mentioned in HuffPost “6 Hotels with Super Disturbing Pasts,” 2015
• Featured in America’s Most Haunted Roadside Attractions, YouTube, 2025
The Pirates’ House
20 E. Broad St.
What could be better than pirates and ghosts in the same place? The Pirates’ House dates back to 1753 and is known for its underground tunnels used for, shall we say, less-than-legal activities back in the day. If you’re lucky, you might spot a ghostly pirate still hanging around, perhaps searching for his lost treasure.
On TV
• Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food, 2018
The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn St.
This stunning 18th-century mansion is more than just a popular restaurant; it’s also a top spot for dining with the dead. Built in 1771, the Olde Pink House was once home to James Habersham, a big name in Savannah’s colonial history. His ghost is often spotted wandering the halls, keeping an eye on things like a very committed (albeit transparent) host. Guests and staff have experienced all kinds of spooky happenings, from flickering lights to objects mysteriously moving on their own, and, of course, those charmingly random cold drafts that just scream “ghost in the room!”
In print
• Southern Living, July 2025
The Davenport House
324 E. State St.
A gem of Federal-style architecture, the Davenport House is more than just a pretty façade. Rumor has it that the original residents decided they liked the place so much, they never left. Built in 1820, this historic home once belonged to Isaiah Davenport, his wife and their many children, several of whom are said to be haunting the house to this very day. Visitors have reported hearing the faint sound of children playing and soft footsteps on the staircase. Ghostly figures have been spotted near the bedrooms and attic, where some of the Davenport family members succumbed to illness.
The Kehoe House
123 Habersham St.
This stunning Victorian mansion, built in 1892 by iron magnate William Kehoe, has been transformed into a luxurious bed and breakfast. But don’t let the elegant facade fool you. Behind the charm lies a spooky history that seems to have left a little more than just memories. Legend has it that two of Kehoe’s children died under mysterious circumstances in the home, and it appears they’ve decided to make the place their eternal playground. Guests frequently report hearing the laughter of children, and some have even spotted small ghostly figures darting through the hallways.
The Owens-Thomas House
124 Abercorn St.
This grand mansion may be a masterpiece of Regency architecture, but it also comes with some very uninvited guests. Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House was home to both wealthy families and enslaved people, and its history is as dark as its hallways at night. Visitors regularly report cold spots, eerie footsteps and strange voices echoing through the halls. Shadowy figures have been spotted creeping around, believed to be tied to the house’s tumultuous past, including a devastating fire and a yellow fever epidemic.
