Okay, so Halloween is way more than just dressing up and hitting up the same old parties. If you’re ready to level up your spooky szn game, we’re talking about ditching the basic and embracing the actually haunted. Forget trick-or-treating – we’re chasing ghosts, exploring creepy towns, and staying in hotels where the guests might… linger. These Spooky Destinations for Halloween Travel are about to become your new obsession, offering the best Halloween destinations.

Sleep with the Spirits: The Most Haunted Hotels to Stay In

Okay, who’s brave enough to spend a night in a legit haunted hotel? These places aren’t just playing up the spooky vibes for tourists – they’ve got stories. Get ready to meet some of the coolest Spooky Destinations for Halloween.

• The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, USA: Ever heard of a little book/movie called The Shining? Yeah, this is the place that inspired it. Expect creepy vibes, unexplained noises, and maybe even a ghostly bartender. Room 217, anyone?
• The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, USA: This former ocean liner is now a floating hotel, and it’s packed with ghost stories. From a drowned sailor to a mysterious “lady in white,” you’re pretty much guaranteed a spooky encounter.
• Langham Hotel, London, England: This swanky London hotel is said to be home to several ghosts, including a Victorian doctor who murdered his wife and then himself on their honeymoon. Room 333 is supposedly the most active.
• Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada: This gorgeous castle-like hotel in the Canadian Rockies has a few resident ghosts, including a bride who fell down the stairs on her wedding day and a helpful bellman who never seems to clock out.
• Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California, USA: A beautiful Victorian-era hotel with a resident ghost, Kate Morgan. She checked in in 1892 and never checked out…
• Castello Della Castelluccia, Rome, Italy: What’s better than a haunted hotel? A haunted castle.
• Dragsholm Slot (Denmark): Another castle for the most adventurous.

These are some of the top haunted places you’ll ever visit! You can also read some paranormal travel stories if you like some bone-chilling tales.

City of Frights: Best Cities and Spooky Destinations for Halloween Travel and Festivals

If you’re looking for a full-blown Halloween experience, these cities know how to throw a spooky party. Get ready to explore the best Halloween destinations.

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: NOLA is already known for its mystical vibes, and Halloween just takes it to the next level. Think voodoo tours, cemetery walks, and some seriously elaborate costumes.
• Salem, Massachusetts, USA: You can’t talk about spooky cities without mentioning Salem. The infamous Salem Witch Trials make this a Halloween mecca, with haunted houses, witch museums, and psychic readings galore.
• Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA: Yep, the real Sleepy Hollow. Embrace the Headless Horseman legend with haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, and dramatic performances.
• Savannah, Georgia, USA: This Southern city is said to be one of the most haunted in America, with ghost tours, haunted pubs, and spooky stories around every corner.
• Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh’s dark history and gothic architecture make it the perfect backdrop for a spooky Halloween. Explore the haunted vaults beneath the city, take a ghost tour, and maybe even spot a ghost in the castle.
• Oaxaca, Mexico: For those looking for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, this is a MUST.
• These cities are packed with amazing ghost tours.

Face Your Fears: Scariest Haunted Houses in the World

Okay, this is for the serious thrill-seekers. These haunted houses aren’t messing around – they’re designed to scare the living daylights out of you.

• Netherworld Haunted House (Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA): This place is consistently ranked as one of the best haunted houses in the country, with elaborate sets, terrifying actors, and over-the-top special effects.
• 13th Floor Haunted House (various locations in the US): Another top-rated haunted house with multiple locations across the US. They’re known for their intense scares and creative themes.
• Erebus Haunted Attraction (Pontiac, Michigan, USA): This four-story haunted house is massive and packed with terrifying creatures and special effects.
• Haunted Houses in Japan: Explore them if you dare.

Echoes of the Past: Real-Life Ghost Towns to Visit

There’s something inherently creepy about a deserted town. These ghost towns are like stepping back in time, and they’re definitely not for the faint of heart. These haunted places offer the best ghost tours.

• Bodie, California, USA: A well-preserved gold-mining town that was abandoned in the early 20th century. It’s said to be cursed, so don’t even think about taking a souvenir.
• St. Elmo, Colorado, USA: Another former mining town with a few remaining residents (and maybe a few ghosts).
• Calico, California, USA: A former silver mining town that’s been partially restored as a tourist attraction.
• Bannack, Montana, USA: One of the best-preserved ghost towns in Montana, with over 50 buildings still standing.
• Craco, Italy: A medieval hilltop town that was abandoned due to natural disasters.

Unveiling the Mystical: Best Witchcraft & Occult Museums

If you’re fascinated by the mystical and the macabre, these museums are a must-visit for a different kind of Halloween destinations vibe.

• The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (Boscastle, Cornwall, England): Explore the history of witchcraft and magic in Britain, with a collection of artifacts, charms, and spell books.
• New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA): Learn about the history and practice of voodoo in New Orleans, a city steeped in mystical traditions.
• Salem Witch Museum (Salem, Massachusetts, USA):** A must for those looking for **Spooky Destinations for Halloween.

Plan Your Haunting: How to Plan a Spooky Road Trip

Ready to hit the road for a Halloween adventure? Here’s how to plan the ultimate spooky road trip, visiting some cool Spooky Destinations for Halloween.

• Choose Your Region: Pick an area with a high concentration of haunted locations, ghost towns, or Halloween events. The American Southwest, New England, and the Deep South are all good options.
• Research: Dive deep into the spooky history of the area. Find haunted hotels, ghost towns, cemeteries, and any local legends.
• Book in Advance: Haunted hotels and popular Halloween events can book up quickly, so make your reservations early.
• Plan Your Route: Map out your itinerary, but be flexible! You never know what spooky surprises you might encounter along the way.
• Pack Smart: Bring layers of clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and maybe a flashlight for those late-night ghost hunts.
• Camera Ready: You’re gonna want to document all the creepy goodness.
• Ghost Hunting Kit (Optional): If you’re really serious about finding some paranormal activity, you can bring along an EMF meter, a spirit box, or other ghost-hunting tools. Don’t forget to share your stories about the best ghost tours!

Paranormal Playground: Must-See Paranormal Hotspots

These locations are known for their high levels of paranormal activity. Visit if you dare… Here are the haunted places with the best ghost tours.

• Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA: The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg is said to be swarming with ghosts.
• Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, Kentucky, USA: This former tuberculosis hospital is considered one of the most haunted places in the world, with reports of apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots.
• Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California, USA: The infamous former prison is said to be haunted by the spirits of former inmates.
• Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-under-Edge, England: This 12th-century pub is believed to be built on a pagan burial ground and is notorious for its paranormal activity.

Conclusion

So, are you ready to ditch the pumpkin spice lattes and embrace the real spirit of Halloween? These Halloween destinations and Spooky Destinations for Halloween are waiting for you.

FAQ

What is the #1 Halloween town?

Salem, Massachusetts, is probably the most famous Halloween town, thanks to its history of witch trials.

Where is the spookiest place on earth?

That’s debatable, but some contenders include the Aokigahara Forest in Japan, the Island of the Dolls in Mexico, and Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky.

What is the most haunted city in the world?

New Orleans, Savannah, and Edinburgh are often cited as some of the most haunted cities.

What state is best for Halloween?

Massachusetts.