The Jersey Shore may be sunshine and beach days during the summer, but during the off-season, it becomes a vacation destination for ghostly spirits. Learn about the spooky history of our coastal community when you visit these haunted places at the Jersey Shore.
Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May
The original haunted house of Cape May was the former residence of the Physick family. After the original owners were laid to rest, subsequent visitors and owners reported strange occurrences in the house. Unexplained voices and noises and mysteriously moving items have been since sending visitors quickly on their way. The haunting spirits are thought to be the aunts of the late Dr. Physick, making their presence known.
In the early 1970s, Cape May’s Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities saved the building. Now it is a museum dedicated to the Physick family. The property regularly holds spooky paranormal events for curious paranormal enthusiasts. During these events, they’ve heard phantom footsteps, experienced ghostly touches, and even seen spirits still in their vintage garb.
Hotel Macomber
Cape May
Hotel Macomber is also home to restless spirits. Room 10 on the hotel’s first floor is frequented by a ghost affectionately known as “the trunk lady.” While she was among the living, she made a habit of visiting the hotel and always stayed in Room 10. They say she shows up about four times a year looking for sun and relaxation, just like any other Jersey Shore vacationer.
The trunk lady isn’t the only spirit at the historic hotel. Employees have reported hearing footsteps shuffling around on upper floors even though the hotel is empty. It’s not uncommon to hear the sound of doors banging echoing through the hotel with no culprit to blame. Book a room if you dare!
Paramount Theater
Asbury Park
In 1927 a tragic fire destroyed a large section of the boardwalk on Ocean Avenue. A couple of years later, the Paramount Theater was built on top of the ruins. It first stood as a typical performance venue in the area. But in 1934, that all changed. The infamous Morro Castle ocean liner crashed just feet from the theater. Almost 140 lives were claimed in the disaster. Due to the close proximity to the crash, the theater was used as a makeshift morgue. We know now that some of those spirits stayed in the theater instead of leaving with their bodies. Objects mysteriously fall from their perches. Visitors have reportedly seen the spirit of an infant wandering through the shadows and leaving behind tiny footprints in the dust.
Absecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City
Before the lighthouse was built, the area was prone to shipwrecks and claiming the lives of all aboard. The steadily increasing death toll earned it the name of “Graveyard Inlet.” In 1854 a ship named The Powhatan crashed against the coast, and 311 lives were lost to the violent waves. Afterward, the US Lighthouse Service made the decision to erect the massive Absecon Lighthouse.
Since then, lighthouse keeps and visitors have frequently reported paranormal activity in the structure. Spirits have made themselves visible to the living. There’s been the echoing sound of laughter and banging doors. To this day, you can smell pipe and cigar smoke even when no one is smoking.
Stay at The Inns of Ocean Grove
After visiting these haunted places at the Jersey Shore, unwind in less spooky lodging. Book a room at The Ocean View Inn or The Ocean Plaza Hotel for all of the history of the Jersey Shore, minus the ghostly guests.
Visitors enjoy the unique mix of modern convenience, elegance, and Old-World charm. Our properties are just one block from the beach and provide the upscale service and amenities you need to truly relax. Book a Family Room to accommodate your group without compromising a great view of the ocean. Or reserve a Deluxe King Room and enjoy a king-size bed, daily maid service, and luxury linens and towels. No matter which room you choose, it’s easy to enjoy all of Ocean Grove with a stay at The Inns of Ocean Grove!