It's no secret that the US has some of the spookiest cities in the world, so why not get into the Halloween spirit by visiting them and experiencing their haunts firsthand? Whether it's a road trip to one of the most outrageous haunted houses or a quick weekend getaway to a town that's known for psychic readings and tarot cards, you can't go wrong with a chill-inducing trip this Fall. From graveyards to paranormal hot spots, we've rounded up the ultimate Halloween travel bucket list, so pack your witch's hat and manifest good vibes.
Sleepy Hollow is considered by some to be one of the most haunted town in America. It has become known as a Halloween town thanks to Washington Irving's short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the author himself being buried in the hilltop cemetery.
Leave trick-or-treating in the 'burbs for the 32nd annual adults-only Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood, Los Angeles's hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Halloween Carnaval is one of the most anticipated nights of the year, packed with DJs, dancing, and debauchery. Show up in a killer costume and enjoy bites from local vendors.
In Philadelphia is Terror Behind the Walls at the Eastern State Penitentiary, a massive haunted house inside a real prison. Terror Behind the Walls consists of six haunted attractions that will leave you feeling eerie. Oh, and Al Capone's old jail cell is there and kept intact.
Providence's Jack-o'-Lantern Spectacular from Oct. 3 to Nov. 3 at Roger Williams Park Zoo has over 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins. You can see the incredible display by air on the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, which includes a nighttime aerial view of the zoo and the ghoulish creations.
Throughout October, travelers can participate in paranormal investigation tours of the Historic Adams House in Deadwood. Led by professional paranormal researchers, you'll learn the history behind the darker stories associated with the Adams House on an exclusive 90-minute tour of one of the city's most haunted sites. Participants will search for paranormal activity using night vision cameras, full-spectrum cameras, a binoptic anomaly camera, parascopes, digital audio recorders, and EMF meters.
Savannah is home to The Kehoe House, which was built in 1982 for William Kehoe and his family. Guests who stay here have reported all sorts of haunted experiences since it's known that some of the family's children passed away inside of the house. Stay here for a bed-and-breakfast experience and you just may run into one of the spirits!
Today, the haunted Red Onion Saloon functions as a museum and is home to more than one spirit. Accounts of footsteps, cold spots, apparitions, and a strong perfume smell have all been reported on the upper floors that once served as the bordello. Built in 1897, the saloon and brothel was one of the hottest spots in Skagway, Alaska.
Both Universal City, California and Orlando, Florida turn into Halloween wonderlands from early September to early November with their annual Halloween Horror Nights celebration at Universal Studios. Join the popular scare fest, which includes rides, characters, and haunted houses themed after terrifying movies.
Overlooking the Eureka Springs, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is home to a family of spirits. The Crescent offers ghost tours and ESP packages for visitors who are eager to become ghost hunters.
Salem is famous for its 1692 witch trials, during which several locals were executed for allegedly practicing witchcraft. It's also where the beloved Halloween film Hocus Pocus is set. People from all over visit the city in October since it's filled with festive Halloween events, physic and tarot card readings, witch tours, local street foods, and more.
