Top Virginia Crime Tours in 2026

Take a walk on the dark side and explore the tales of the most infamous murders, crimes, and mayhem in Virginia Beach. From terrifying serial killers to the city’s struggles during the “crime wave” of the ’70s, and the crime that “ended the hitchhiking era”, learn about all these and more on the true crime tour.

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-AGES 17 +* During this one-hour walking tour, hear the darker side of 18th-Century Williamsburg. Stories of murder, mayhem, and scandal--those things talked about in taverns, back alleys, and the courts--straight from the town's citizens. Each tour will be different, and the stories are a-plenty. Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects and the salty language of the time, this tour is recommended for mature audiences 17 and older. Please note that since every tour is different, the routes advertised may also differ. Please note: Due to staff participation in other events, tours may be unavailable on some days. Please see our website for information. Shades of Our Past is not affiliated with Colonial Williamsburg; therefore, this tour does not include entrance or admission into Colonial Williamsburg-owned buildings. Since the tour is through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg it is weather contingent. Please be prepared for all weather conditions.

Delve into the chilling past of Colonial Williamsburg on this adult-only walking tour that reveals the town's most sinister stories. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, uncover the ghoulish tales of murders and haunted happenings that linger in the shadows. This is perfect for those with a penchant for the macabre. This tour promises a spine-tingling journey through one of America’s most haunted locations. - Adult-only tour revealing the dark history of Colonial Williamsburg - Learn about notorious murders and paranormal events from expert guides - Handicap accessible, though the tour involves a lengthy walk

Booking a tour with us will add just the right amount of spooky to your evening. Whether you are from out of town or the city is your hometown, you'll learn about stories that many keep to themselves. Our 60-minute walking tours are packed with stories that will leave you with more questions than answers!

Richmond has rebuilt itself many times, but some stories refuse to stay buried. The Dead Don’t Forget is a 90-minute adults-only ghost walking tour through Shockoe Bottom, designed for guests ages 16 and older who want a deeper look at the city’s darker history. This tour also explores local paranormal traditions tied to Shockoe Bottom, including reports of footsteps, voices, shadowy figures, uneasy sensations, and stories that remain attached to places where the past was never fully resolved. This is an outdoor walking tour, and guests do not enter museums, stations, buildings, or tour stops. The Dead Don’t Forget is not built around cheap scares or invented legends. It uses Richmond’s real history and reported hauntings to examine what remains when a city builds over painful ground, softens uncomfortable stories, and tries to move forward without fully remembering who was left behind.

Explore the dark side of Richmond's history on this tour of Richmond's most unusual true crime locations, from murders that shocked the nation with their disturbing details, to cases that required leaps in investigative technology to solve, murders that make us question our ideas of justice, and cases that created a controversial media circus. The true crime tour of Richmond focuses on illuminating the history and significance of these strange murders, while providing a new perspective on the tragic and disturbing tales that lurk in the dark side of Richmond's history. The tour has no official age minimum. Due to the mature content of the tour, we advise guests to exercise discretion.

Uncover the dark side of Norfolk’s recent and distant past alike on this guided exploration of Norfolk’s true crime stories. From newsmen murdered in the street, to corrupt misdeeds of the powerful, respected mayors turned murderous, and the dark past of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks,

Go beyond the usual ghost walk this Halloween season with exclusive access to Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 and the private Masonic Cemetery—two historic sites normally closed to the public. Follow your lantern-carrying guide through downtown Fredericksburg for a special seasonal route featuring all-new cemetery stories and haunted stops that differ from our regular Ghost Tour. The evening also includes after-hours entry into Amy Lou’s Apothecary, in a building that served as a Civil War hospital. Hear chilling stories rooted in historic records, eyewitness accounts, and generations of local lore. A portion of every ticket supports the restoration and preservation of the Masonic Lodge and cemetery.

Listen to ghostly maritime histories as you discover a darker site to the Atlantic coast on this haunted walking tour of Virginia Beach. Pass by a selection of paranormal hotspots along the boardwalk, including the Norwegian Lady Statue—a memorial to an 1891 shipwreck—and the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum.

Meet your ghost guide to start your tour of Richmond’s Historic Church Hill, where you will visit several landmarks on your search for ghosts. This is a small), and will run for about an hour and a half. You’ll stop at Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille, an old tobacco warehouse, the Bellevue Elementary school, and more, learning about all the spooky haunts along the way.

Explore the history of Danville's most infamous true crimes and murders on this guided true crime tour. From deadly cases of domestic violence, to crooked cops committing murder, and grizzly public executions, explore the dark side of Danville's history.

Discover the amazing spooky history of Old Town Alexandria on this 90-minute guided ghost tour. Bring the whole family! This tour is all-ages friendly. A costumed guide will lead you through hidden alleyways and tell tales from the historic places and haunted buildings along the way. Lovers of history and ghosts will love discovering all Old Town has to offer. We'll pass by Carlyle House, Union Street Public House, and enjoy meandering along the cobblestone streets. Stories range from siren voices heard at the edge of the waterfront, to Revolutionary soldiers still marching the cobblestone streets. You'll also learn the tragic tale of Laura Schafer, the Burning Bride. One of the most famous ghost stories of Alexandria. This is a great tour for guests of all-ages to explore the history and mysterious ghostly side of Old Town Alexandria.

In 1870, Richmond was a powderkeg. Racial tension following the American Civil War soon boiled over into outright hatred, and a plan was hatched to reinstate a system of White Supremacy by force. However, formerly enslaved African Americans and their allies did not back down without a fight and refused to let their city be taken over. The ensuing siege and battle would leave many dead, and Richmond's history would never be the same. Join this guided historic tour of one of Richmond's darkest chapters: the Municipal War of 1870, and explore the untold history of Richmond during the Reconstruction Era.