The last thing you’re likely to imagine as you’re sunning yourself on the beach this summer is that you’ll be spooked.
And while you might not believe in ghosts or ghoulish apparitions, it might be wise to scan the list of the top 10 haunted beaches revealed by Hideaway Holidays just in case.
From sightings of a mourning mother appearing who appears on an Australian beach to a hypnotic howler said to sing on the shores of San Francisco, FEMAIL takes a look at the beaches that are sure to give you a scare.
This list of top 10 haunted beaches revealed by Hideaway Holidays might just be the one you want to have handy
1. JENNY DIXON BEACH, AUSTRALIA
While on the face of it this beach would appear as beautiful as any under the Australian sun, it’s one rife with paranormal activity.
According to legend, the beach is haunted by not one, but two ghosts.
Apparently, there have been sightings of a young woman hitch-hiking on a stretch of road heading towards Noraville in New South Wales. It’s understood she died shortly after a brutal sexual assault on the beach in the 1970s.
Jenny Dixon Beach – on the face of it, it’s as beautiful as any other, but it’s said to be one that’s rife with paranormal activity
The other apparition said to haunt this stretch of coastline is of a woman said to be mourning the loss of a child after a shipwreck which is meant to have happened in the early 1900.
Those who claim to have seen the distraught mother say she’s wearing clothing appropriate to the period, and can be seen standing with her arms outstretched to the sea.
According to legend, the beach is haunted by not one, but two female ghosts
Visitors to the area claim to have seen either a young woman hitch-hiking on the road to the beach or a mother standing on the sand, with her arms outstretched
2. KAUPOA BEACH, HAWAII
Local lore has it that Kaupoa literally translates as ‘Place of Thieves’. Once a thriving tourist destination, Kaupoa beach village on the island of Molokai is now largely deserted.
According to rumour, the now-abandoned beach camp, which also sits close to many hidden archaeological sites, was once an ancient hideout for criminals who had violated the tribal kapu system and were facing death.
In more modern times, it has been home to a more transient population and although farmers settled in the area during the last century, this was short-lived, despite relative prosperity – as they packed up and moved on, for reasons unknown.
Visitors to the beach today often say they feel anxious when hanging around the area.
Once a thriving tourist destination, Kaupoa beach village on the island of Molokai is now largely deserted
3. CHANGI BEACH, SINGAPORE
This beach has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Asia.
While on the surface it appears to be a beautiful destination, it has a gruesome past.
During World War II, thousands died in the area, and it’s said many visitors can vouch for hearing the victims’ scream across the beach.
Others have recounted even more creepy tales, including seeing ghostly headless figures appearing to walk on water.
While on the surface Changi Beach appears to be a beautiful destination, it’s has a gruesome past.
4. HIGBEE BEACH, NEW JERSEY
Cape Bay, New Jersey is home to a hotel called The Hermitage which locals suspect is haunted by its former owner Thomas Higbee.
The story has it that when Higbee passed away in 1879 he was buried onsite in a marble tomb, which was his dying wish.
His family later moved the body to Cold Springs Presbyterian cemetary, and soon after the area began experiencing an increase in paranormal activity.
Visitors to the area today have reported seeing an ethereal male figure cross Higbee beach, which is rumoured to be the man himself.
Cape Bay, New Jersey is home to a hotel called The Hermitage which locals suspect is haunted by its former owner Thomas Higbee
5. LITCHFIELD BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
This might be a tall tale, but if it’s true, it’s certainly one worth telling.
In 1822, a young man, on his way to meet his fiancée, was said to have fallen from his horse and drowned at Litchfield Beach.
While the identity of the man remains unknown, there is some suggestion the mysterious figure might have been the notorious English pirate Blackbeard, although this remains unconfirmed.
Residents of the area refer to ghostly apparition haunting the area as the Grey Man, and it’s believed he will appear on the beach to warn swimmers and fishermen of fierce storms on the horizon.
In 1822, a young man, said to be the famous English pirate Blackbeard, on his way to meet his fiancée, was said to have fallen from his horse and drowned at Litchfield Beach
6. MANZANITA BEACH, OREGON
According to the hidden legend of Manzanita Beach, back in the 16th century, a group of Spanish sailors were shipwrecked close to this stretch of coast. The sailors were on route to bury a chest of gold when they murdered a man, and buried his body with the loot to stop others stealing it.
Some say more than one person was killed by the sailors, and their ghosts still haunt the trails.
On the beach, piles of stones are often found in the sand, which have appeared overnight, but now one has ever seen, who (or what) makes them.
Back in the 16th century, a group of Spanish sailors were shipwrecked close to this stretch of coast
Piles of stones are often found in the sand on Manzanita Beach, which have appeared overnight, but no one has ever seen, who (or what) makes them
7. CAPITOLA CITY BEACH, CALIFORNIA
This stretch of pristine California coastline hardly seems the place where you’d expect to find an otherworldly visitor.
But as it turns out, visitors to the tourist hot spot claim they’ve encountered a ghost which appears to flash in and out of focus, and always at around 3am.
Little else is known about the behaviour of this spooky spirit.
Visitors to Capitola City Beach claim they’ve encountered a ghost which appears to flash in and out of focus, and always at around 3am
8. BAKER BEACH, SAN FRANCISCO
This beach has one of the creepiest reputations, and from all accounts is one to be avoided at all costs, especially after the sun goes down.
But if you’re up for some scares, apparently Baker beach is a favoured haunt for a ghostly woman who sings on the shore.
Some believe her voice has hypnotic powers, and she will lure you into the ocean under her spell.
If you’re up for some scares, apparently Baker beach is a favoured haunt for a ghostly woman who sings on the shore
9. DUMAS BEACH, INDIA
This beach, considered one of India’s most beautiful and scenic spots, is also said to be home to unhappy spirits roaming the shoreline.
Folklore has it, the beach was used as a burial ground for Hindus and the many remains of the many who are buried there are believed to have since turned to black sand.
What makes this beach even scarier, is some say the departed souls of evil spirits rise at midnight. Hideaway Holidays cautions if you do visit, tread carefully.
Folklore has it, Dumas Beach was used as a burial ground for Hindus
10. MOSS BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Moss Beach, California has its own resident ghost – the Blue Lady.
Legend has it, the famous figure was a married woman who was reportedly killed – stabbed to death – while walking on the beach with her lover. While the man survived the attack, her husband was never seen again.
The trapped spirit of Cayte is said to still be roaming the sands, looking for her lost love.
Moss Beach, California has its own resident ghost – the Blue Lady