30 Spookiest Halloween Destinations in the U.S. for a Haunted Getaway
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s the perfect time to explore the most haunted destinations in the U.S.
Whether you’re looking for ghost tours, abandoned asylums, or eerie small towns with chilling legends, these spooky spots promise an unforgettable adventure.
From historic cities with a dark past to haunted hotels where guests never check out, these destinations will send shivers down your spine. Pack your bravest friends, grab a flashlight, and get ready for the ultimate Halloween getaway!
1. Salem, Massachusetts
Famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this town fully embraces its haunted history. Visit the Witch House, the only remaining structure directly tied to the trials, or take a ghost tour through the eerie streets where accused witches once walked.
Halloween in Salem is an experience like no other. The Salem Haunted Happenings festival runs throughout October, featuring parades, haunted houses, and candlelit tours of local cemeteries. If you’re looking for peak spooky season vibes, this is the place to be.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
With its above-ground cemeteries, voodoo culture, and haunted mansions, New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in the country. Stroll through the French Quarter, where ghosts of past residents are said to linger, or visit the LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for its gruesome past.
Halloween in New Orleans is a wild mix of history and horror. The Krewe of Boo Parade is a must-see, while the haunted ghost tours will have you questioning every shadow in the dimly lit streets.
3. St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine has centuries of ghostly legends. The Castillo de San Marcos, a historic fort with a bloody past, is a known hotspot for paranormal activity. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is another chilling location, with reports of ghostly figures climbing the stairs.
Take a ghost tour by trolley or walking tour to hear firsthand accounts of eerie encounters. If you’re brave, visit Tolomato Cemetery, where restless spirits are rumored to roam.
4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg is a magnet for ghost hunters. The Gettysburg Battlefield is said to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers who died in combat, and the Farnsworth House Inn is one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
Join a lantern-lit ghost tour or visit Devil’s Den, a rocky area on the battlefield known for strange lights and eerie whispers. The town’s tragic history makes it one of the most chilling places to visit for Halloween.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s historic charm is shadowed by its dark past. The city’s old cemeteries, haunted mansions, and eerie squares make it a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts. The Sorrel-Weed House and Moon River Brewing Company are two of the most haunted spots in town.
October is the best time to explore Savannah’s haunted history. Take a ghost tour through Bonaventure Cemetery, hop on a haunted trolley ride, or even stay at the infamous 17Hundred90 Inn, where guests have reported ghostly encounters.
6. Sleepy Hollow, New York
This small Hudson Valley town is famous for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, and it fully embraces its spooky roots. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving himself is buried, and take a nighttime lantern tour for an extra dose of chills.
The town comes alive in October with the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, and Horseman’s Hollow, a terrifying haunted attraction inspired by the Headless Horseman.
7. Estes Park, Colorado
Home to The Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, Estes Park is a dream destination for horror fans. Guests have reported paranormal activity throughout the hotel, especially in Room 217, where King stayed.
Ghost tours of the Stanley Hotel are a must, and the town itself offers a variety of Halloween events. If you’re looking for an atmospheric getaway with Rocky Mountain views, Estes Park delivers both beauty and spine-tingling scares.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has a dark past filled with mob history, tragic fires, and unsolved mysteries. The Congress Plaza Hotel is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the city, while H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle remains a chilling legend of America’s first serial killer.
Take a ghost tour through Lincoln Park, which was built over an old cemetery, or visit the Graceland Cemetery, where restless spirits are said to lurk among the grand mausoleums.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings hold centuries of eerie tales. The Old City Jail, which once housed pirates and war criminals, is one of the most haunted places in the city, and The Dock Street Theatre is known for ghostly apparitions.
Halloween is a perfect time for a haunted harbor cruise or a ghost walk through the historic district. If you love Southern charm with a spooky twist, Charleston is the place to be.
10. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s history is filled with battles, legends, and hauntings. The Alamo, one of the most famous historical sites in the U.S., is rumored to be haunted by fallen soldiers. The Menger Hotel, located nearby, is another hotbed of paranormal activity.
Take a ghost tour along the River Walk or visit the San Fernando Cathedral, where spirits are said to appear at night. San Antonio’s blend of history and hauntings makes it a top Halloween destination.
11. Los Angeles, California
Hollywood has more than just movie magic—it’s also home to some of the most haunted places in the country. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been a ghostly hotspot for decades, with sightings of Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner in Long Beach, is another famously haunted location, known for its eerie corridors and ghostly passengers.
For a Halloween thrill, visit the abandoned Griffith Park Zoo, take a ghost tour through the Hollywood Hills, or explore the Cecil Hotel, infamous for its dark and tragic history.
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
One of America’s oldest cities, Philadelphia is rich in history—and hauntings. The Eastern State Penitentiary, once home to some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, is now a haunted attraction with ghost tours and a terrifying Halloween experience. The Betsy Ross House is also rumored to be haunted by the spirit of the famous flag maker.
During Halloween season, Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State is a must-see, turning the already eerie prison into one of the scariest haunted houses in the country.
13. Jerome, Arizona
Once a booming mining town, Jerome is now considered one of America’s most haunted ghost towns. The Jerome Grand Hotel, originally a hospital, is said to be haunted by former patients, and the entire town has an unsettling atmosphere after dark.
Ghost tours here are particularly intense, with many visitors reporting strange occurrences. Stop by the Haunted Hamburger for a bite before exploring the eerie ruins of the once-thriving mining community.
14. Louisville, Kentucky
Home to one of the most infamous haunted locations in the world, Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville is a dream destination for ghost hunters. This former tuberculosis hospital is known for ghostly figures, shadowy apparitions, and the chilling body chute, where thousands of deceased patients were transported.
During October, Waverly Hills offers both ghost tours and a full-scale haunted house experience. For something lighter, the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park is a mesmerizing Halloween event featuring thousands of glowing pumpkins.
15. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s haunted history runs deep, with abandoned buildings and eerie landmarks scattered throughout the city. The Whitney Mansion, once the home of a lumber baron, is now a fine dining restaurant known for paranormal activity, while Eloise Asylum, a former psychiatric hospital, is one of the creepiest places to explore.
For a classic Halloween scare, visit Erebus Haunted Attraction, one of the largest haunted houses in the country, or take a ghost tour through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
16. San Diego, California
San Diego may be known for its beaches, but it also has a haunted side. The Whaley House, one of the most famous haunted houses in America, has been the site of countless ghost sightings. The Hotel del Coronado, with its tragic history, is another place where guests report paranormal activity.
During Halloween, the Old Town ghost tours take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations. The combination of coastal beauty and spooky history makes San Diego a unique Halloween getaway.
17. Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is home to more than just politicians—there are plenty of ghosts too. The White House itself is said to be haunted, with multiple presidents and staff members reporting eerie encounters. The Old Stone House in Georgetown and the U.S. Capitol Building are also known for their supernatural activity.
For Halloween, take a ghost tour through Lafayette Square, visit the Smithsonian Castle, or explore Ford’s Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln’s spirit is rumored to linger.
18. Galveston, Texas
Galveston’s history is filled with tragedy, from devastating hurricanes to the dark days of the Wild West. The Bishop’s Palace and Ashton Villa are two of the most haunted mansions in town, while the Hotel Galvez is known for ghostly whispers and unexplained phenomena.
Join a ghost tour through the historic Strand District, where paranormal activity is common, or visit the haunted Seawall, built after the deadly hurricane of 1900.
19. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is home to the Hannah House, a mansion where a tragic fire trapped enslaved people in a secret underground tunnel, and the Indianapolis Central State Hospital, an abandoned asylum with a sinister past. The Slippery Noodle Inn, the state’s oldest bar, is also rumored to be haunted by spirits of the past.
For Halloween, check out The Thirteenth Hour, a haunted attraction known for its terrifyingly realistic sets, or take a ghost walk through Crown Hill Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the U.S.
20. Portland, Oregon
Portland’s eerie past is tied to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels, where victims were kidnapped and forced into labor in the 1800s. Today, these tunnels are a major stop on haunted tours, with many visitors reporting unexplained chills and ghostly figures.
The city’s Pittock Mansion and Bagdad Theater are also known for paranormal activity. For a different kind of thrill, visit The Fear PDX, one of Oregon’s best haunted houses, or take a haunted pub crawl through Old Town.
21. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s Revolutionary War history comes with its fair share of ghostly encounters. The Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried, is a known hotspot for eerie sightings. The Omni Parker House, one of the city’s most historic hotels, is rumored to have ghosts roaming its halls.
For Halloween thrills, take a haunted walking tour along the Freedom Trail, visit the Boston Athenaeum, where a preserved human bookbinding is on display, or explore Fort Warren on Georges Island, known for the spirit of the Lady in Black.
22. Asheville, North Carolina
This picturesque mountain town hides a dark past. The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, is said to be haunted by the spirits of its former residents, while the Battery Park Hotel is known for ghostly apparitions of a woman who mysteriously fell to her death.
Asheville’s Haunted LaZoom Tour is a fun and eerie way to explore the city’s haunted past. If you’re feeling extra brave, take a nighttime hike in Helen’s Bridge, where locals have reported strange whispers and shadowy figures.
23. Deadwood, South Dakota
Once a lawless gold rush town, Deadwood is steeped in Wild West ghost stories. The Bullock Hotel, named after Deadwood’s first sheriff, is believed to be haunted by Seth Bullock himself. The Adams House Museum still holds furniture and belongings of its former ghostly residents.
For Halloween, take a spirit tour of Mount Moriah Cemetery, where legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried, or visit the eerie remnants of Deadwood’s historic brothels, where past souls seem to linger.
24. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This charming Victorian town is packed with ghostly tales, particularly at the Crescent Hotel, often called “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Originally a luxury resort, it later became a fraudulent cancer hospital where patients were experimented on—many believe their spirits never left.
Join one of the hotel’s ghost tours, or explore the Basin Park Hotel, another paranormal hotspot. If you prefer an outdoor adventure, the haunted caves of Onyx Cave Park offer a chilling underground experience.
25. Bannack, Montana
This preserved ghost town looks like something straight out of a horror movie. Once a booming gold rush settlement, Bannack is now a state park where visitors report ghostly encounters at the Bannack Hotel and Meade Hotel, both of which have seen their fair share of tragedy.
During Halloween, the town hosts a spooky reenactment event, complete with historical ghost stories and eerie lantern-lit tours through the abandoned buildings. If you love deserted places with a haunted past, Bannack is a must-visit.
26. Charleston, West Virginia
West Virginia has a long history of hauntings, and Charleston is no exception. The West Virginia State Penitentiary in nearby Moundsville is one of the most terrifying places in the state, with reports of ghostly inmates and unexplained noises. The Craik-Patton House, a historic mansion, is another haunted spot worth visiting.
During October, the penitentiary offers paranormal investigations, where guests can explore the old prison overnight. For a more classic Halloween experience, visit Fear on the Farm, one of the most intense haunted attractions in the region.
27. Tombstone, Arizona
The Old West town of Tombstone is legendary for its violent past, and it remains one of the spookiest destinations in the U.S. The infamous O.K. Corral, where the famous gunfight took place, is said to be haunted by the spirits of the fallen outlaws. The Bird Cage Theatre, once a saloon and brothel, is also notorious for paranormal activity.
Take a ghost tour of Boot Hill Graveyard, where many of Tombstone’s most famous gunslingers are buried, or visit the Tombstone Courthouse, where executions once took place. If you’re fascinated by Wild West history with a haunted twist, this is the place to be.
28. Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Best known as the home of the Mothman legend, Point Pleasant has a mysterious and eerie vibe. The Mothman Museum details the cryptid’s sightings in the 1960s, while the TNT area, an abandoned wartime explosives factory, is considered the most haunted place in town.
Each October, the town hosts the Mothman Festival, drawing in fans of the supernatural. Take a Mothman bus tour or visit the Silver Bridge Memorial, the site of a tragic collapse that many believe was linked to the Mothman sightings.
29. Villisca, Iowa
Home to the infamous Villisca Axe Murder House, this small Iowa town is one of the most chilling destinations for true crime and paranormal enthusiasts. In 1912, an entire family was brutally murdered in their sleep, and their spirits are said to linger in the house to this day.
Visitors can take a daytime ghost tour or, for the truly brave, spend the night inside the house. Many guests report eerie whispers, moving objects, and shadowy figures appearing in their photos.
30. Alton, Illinois
Often referred to as “one of the most haunted small towns in America,” Alton is filled with ghostly locations. The McPike Mansion, with its disturbing history of seances and paranormal activity, is one of the creepiest places to visit. The Mineral Springs Hotel, once a luxurious retreat, is now known for its ghostly guests.
October is the perfect time to visit Alton’s annual haunted ghost tours, which take visitors through cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and eerie underground tunnels. If you’re looking for a classic small-town haunt with plenty of history, Alton delivers.
