1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Besides being a party spot, Myrtle Beach has its fair share of paranormal fans—especially after a rash of sightings involving shadowy figures on the boardwalk after dark. One popular local legend is about the “Gray Man,” a harbinger spirit who appears before hurricanes, according to Meghan Overdeep from Southern Living. Witnesses describe a misty figure that seems to glow faintly in the distance before vanishing completely. Strangely, after these sightings, tropical storms have followed days later.
Some beachgoers also report the sensation of being watched while walking alone after dark. Cameras sometimes glitch, refusing to focus near certain dunes. Theories range from electromagnetic fields to ghostly interference. Myrtle Beach’s haunted history only seems to grow with each tale.
2. Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach is known for its quirky daytime culture, but things get even weirder when the sun dips below the horizon, according to Michele McPhee from Los Angeles Magazine. Locals report seeing a strange green glow hovering near the shoreline—often mistaken for northern lights, which shouldn’t even be visible this far south. Some attribute it to bioluminescent algae, but others swear it’s something more extraterrestrial. The beach’s long history with UFO enthusiasts adds fuel to the mystery.
After dark, performers who normally juggle flaming batons during the day sometimes gather for silent rituals near the skate park. Tourists have reported masked figures dancing in the shadows and vanishing when approached. It’s unclear if it’s performance art or something more secretive. Either way, it’s made Venice Beach a hotspot for paranormal lovers.
3. Plum Island, Massachusetts
This quiet, picturesque beach has a spooky reputation thanks to the Montauk Monster that washed up nearby in 2008, according to Ellen Killoran from the Observer. While that was officially dismissed as a decomposed raccoon, the island still sees odd carcasses appear onshore—often missing limbs or with distorted features. Theories range from genetic experiments to pollution-related mutations. It’s enough to give any beachgoer goosebumps after sundown.
Campers report hearing animalistic screeches from the dunes late at night, with no known source. Some have even claimed to see glowing eyes darting through the marshland. The beach shuts down early, but that doesn’t stop the bravest from staking out strange sightings. If you’re into cryptid-hunting, Plum Island is a must-visit.
4. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki might be a surfer’s paradise by day, but by night, according to Catherine Toth Fox from Hawaii Magazine, it’s known for something far stranger: “Night Marchers.” These are ghostly Hawaiian warriors said to roam sacred paths across the islands, including this very beach. Witnesses describe hearing drums, chanting, and footsteps approaching—only to find no one there. Local legend warns against making eye contact if you do see them.
Some beachgoers have caught inexplicable orbs of light dancing across the sand in photos. Others mention sudden drops in temperature despite the warm tropical climate. Even skeptics admit the energy shifts after dark. Locals recommend offering respect—just in case the legends hold truth.
5. Cape May Beach, New Jersey
Cape May has long been one of the East Coast’s haunted hotspots, with the beach playing a central role in its ghost stories. Many claim to see the spirit of a woman in white wandering the shoreline—believed to be a grieving widow waiting for her lost sailor. Her appearances are most common on foggy nights, especially in fall. A few brave souls have even tried to communicate with her using EVP devices.
Unexplained footprints often appear in the sand with no human nearby. Ghost tours frequently start near the beach and share chilling accounts of voices whispering from the dunes. Paranormal investigators have picked up static and strange voices on audio. Whether it’s ghostly or just atmospheric, Cape May Beach definitely has a vibe.
6. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach offers stunning coastal views by day—but many claim the beauty hides a darker secret. Locals speak of the “Shifting Soldier,” a translucent figure dressed in Civil War attire seen pacing at sunset. Some say he vanishes into the sea; others say he salutes before fading into thin air. Theories link him to a shipwreck that never officially made port.
Even more intriguing are the mysterious stone stacks that sometimes appear overnight, stacked with perfect balance. No one has ever been seen making them, and they’re often gone by morning. Seismologists and artists deny involvement, leaving the mystery wide open. Sunset strolls here tend to turn into goosebump-filled adventures.
7. Galveston Beach, Texas
Galveston’s beach is layered with tragedy, stemming from the Great Storm of 1900 that killed thousands. Many believe the area still echoes with spiritual unrest. People have seen full-bodied apparitions strolling the beach at night, dressed in old-time clothing. Some report hearing phantom voices calling out names into the wind.
A particularly eerie tale involves a little boy seen building sandcastles well after midnight, only to disappear when approached. His prints remain, but he never leaves a shadow. EMF meters have spiked for no reason around these sightings. It’s enough to make even skeptics feel uneasy on an evening beach walk.
8. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks aren’t just known for wild horses and great surf—they’re also home to tales of the ghost ship Carroll A. Deering. This schooner ran aground in 1921 with no crew aboard, and mysterious lights are still seen off the coast near where it wrecked. Some visitors swear they’ve heard a ship’s bell ringing at odd hours with no vessels nearby. A few have even spotted an old-fashioned schooner fading into the fog.
Local legends also speak of ghostly sailors walking the beaches, leaving behind no tracks. Bonfires sometimes flicker oddly here, even on windless nights. The combination of sea mist and silence adds to the supernatural feel. It’s a beautiful place, but undeniably eerie after dark.
9. Crissy Field Beach, California
Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field is a favorite picnic spot—yet at night, it takes a turn for the bizarre. Park rangers and visitors have reported seeing a figure in a pilot’s uniform wandering aimlessly. Some believe it’s tied to military plane crashes that occurred in the area during WWII. His presence is said to bring with it a strong smell of jet fuel.
Photographers have captured streaks of light in the sky that don’t match any aircraft flight patterns. Dogs often react strangely in certain parts of the field, whining or refusing to move forward. Paranormal teams have conducted nighttime sweeps, capturing unusual readings. While stunning by day, Crissy Field feels like a different dimension after sunset.
10. Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island is known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” but what happens after that sun sets can get pretty weird. Locals frequently talk about ghost pirates wandering the beach, often seen holding lanterns or digging in the sand. These sightings are linked to the area’s history of hidden treasure and shipwrecks. Some visitors have even found rusted coins with no identifiable origin.
There’s also a strange humming sound sometimes heard near the Fort Gaines end of the beach. Scientists haven’t been able to pin down a cause, leading some to suggest supernatural origins. The sound is low and rhythmic, like a heartbeat buried in the earth. Beachgoers either find it soothing—or deeply unsettling.
11. Coney Island Beach, New York
Coney Island may scream “fun and games,” but there’s a weird vibe that settles in once the crowds go home. Security guards have reported seeing old-time carnival performers on the beach, dressed in turn-of-the-century outfits. They vanish the moment anyone gets too close. People chalk it up to residual energy from the area’s long carnival past.
Others say the beach itself gives off a weird hum—picked up on microphones but not heard by the human ear. One unexplained sighting involves a bright blue light flashing just under the water’s surface. Divers sent to investigate found nothing unusual. Between history and mystery, Coney Island keeps folks guessing.
12. South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre isn’t just for spring breakers—it’s a magnet for strange lights in the sky. UFO watchers regularly stake out spots along the beach and have recorded footage of dancing, multicolored orbs. These lights often hover, move erratically, and vanish with no logical explanation. Some believe they’re tied to military testing, while others lean toward the extraterrestrial.
Even stranger, electronics tend to malfunction during these events. Phones lose battery rapidly or glitch out when trying to film. The beach’s isolation only adds to the eerie atmosphere. For anyone curious about life beyond Earth, South Padre is the place to camp out.
13. Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Ocean City has a cheerful boardwalk and family vibes, but the beach hides an odd history of sea creature sightings. In particular, people claim to see a dark, serpentine figure moving just beneath the waves after dusk. Descriptions match old legends of a Chesapeake Bay sea monster, affectionately called “Chessie.” Though officially unconfirmed, these sightings span decades.
There’s also a recurring tale about “phantom surfers” who vanish mid-wave. Lifeguards have been called to help swimmers who seemingly disappear into thin air. Paranormal groups have set up shop here more than once, capturing audio anomalies. Ocean City might seem innocent, but don’t let the saltwater taffy fool you.
