Every October, the U.S. transforms into a playground for thrill-seekers, ghost hunters, and lovers of all things spooky. If you’re planning a Halloween getaway, these ten destinations offer haunting experiences that go far beyond costumes and candy.
1. Salem, Massachusetts
The infamous site of the 1692 witch trials invites visitors to delve into its eerie past. Explore the Witch Museum, haunted walking tours, and candlelight ghost stories along cobblestone streets.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
A city steeped in voodoo, legends, and jazz, New Orleans celebrates Halloween with masquerade balls and haunted carriage rides through the French Quarter. Don’t miss a late-night ghost tour through the city’s historic cemeteries.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Inspired by Washington Irving’s chilling tale, Sleepy Hollow hosts a Jack O’Lantern Blaze with thousands of glowing pumpkins and spooky storytelling beneath ancient oaks.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
America’s oldest city boasts centuries of ghostly tales. Visit the Old Jail or join a nighttime trolley ride where history meets haunting.
5. Estes Park, Colorado
At the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, you can experience a ghost tour or spend a night trying to spot the supernatural in its historic halls.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Oak-lined streets, colonial architecture, and lingering spirits make Savannah one of the South’s most haunted cities. Combine southern comfort food with a moonlit ghost walk.
7. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Civil War’s most haunted battlefield offers candlelight tours and paranormal investigations for anyone fascinated by ghostly history.
8. Jerome, Arizona
Once a thriving mining town, Jerome is now a living ghost town filled with abandoned buildings and spine-tingling ambiance perfect for Halloween.
9. San Francisco, California
From the eerie corridors of Alcatraz to haunted Victorian homes, San Francisco’s fog sets the perfect mood for supernatural adventures.
10. Anoka, Minnesota
Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka hosts parades, pumpkin contests, and small-town charm for families who like their scares light and festive.
Wherever you go, bring your curiosity, your camera, and maybe some sage—just in case the ghosts follow you home.