While horror might not be for everyone, there’s something enchanting about a spooky atmosphere that can captivate even the most timid souls. Maybe it’s because Halloween season strikes the perfect balance: the air is crisp but not freezing, sidewalks are scattered with fallen leaves while trees still glow with autumn colors, and the excitement builds toward October 31st, with plenty of holiday cheer still to come. It’s a seasonal sweet spot, no question. And since Halloween falls just before the busy holiday season of parties and travel, it’s an ideal time to plan a getaway.
The best Halloween destinations typically feature moody autumn scenery, local legends of ghosts, vampires, or other eerie beings, and themed activities like pumpkin patches and cemetery tours. Add in seasonal treats like creamy butternut squash soup and local apple cider, along with charming hotels where the only frightening part is having to leave, and you’ve got the perfect fall trip—as seen in these 10 destinations.
New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s no surprise that in a city like New Orleans—where funerals turn into parades, Voodoo is still practiced, and tombs are above ground—Halloween is a major celebration. If you’re visiting in October, get into the spirit with a walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, a thrilling pontoon ride in the swamps, and a classic ghost tour of the historic French Quarter. For a truly haunted experience, book a room at Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street. Legend has it that a young boy named Maurice Begere, who stayed there with his parents in the 1890s, fell ill and died in one of the guest rooms. Today, his ghost is said to appear on the 14th floor. Beyond the supernatural, this Beaux-Arts hotel is a French Quarter gem, featuring a revolving carousel bar, gleaming marble floors, and a grandfather clock that has chimed in the lobby since 1909.
London, England
Most tourists come for the landmarks and museums, but for those drawn to the dark side, London’s grim history sets a chilling scene. After all, this is the city of Jack the Ripper and the Tower of London, where centuries of torture and beheadings took place. For a spooky stay, catch a film at Prince Charles Cinema during their HorrOctober month, featuring classics like The Shining and the original Nosferatu (the latter with a live score). Join a guided night tour of Hampstead Heath to hear tales of murder, disease, and hauntings under the moonlight. If you’re in town between October 30 and November 2, try to get tickets to The Mansion at Ladbroke Hall, a grand Edwardian venue dedicated to the arts. When it’s time to rest, the elegant St. James’s Hotel & Club in Mayfair offers a perfect base, conveniently close to the city’s most spine-tingling spots.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
True to its name, Sleepy Hollow is a Halloween haven. Start your visit with a stroll through the village’s 19th-century cemetery, where Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is buried. After paying respects at his grave, join a historical society walking tour to see Sleepy Hollow and nearby sites like the Old Dutch Church, which features in Irving’s tale. For some leaf-peeping, head to Irvington Woods for a scenic nature walk. By then, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so stop by a local pub like the Beekman Ale House for a bite and a pumpkin brew.If you love Halloween, take a short 15-minute drive north to Croton-on-Hudson to see their display of 7,000 glowing jack-o’-lanterns. For a special dinner, visit Goosefeather in Tarrytown, where chef Dale Talde serves modern Cantonese dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley. Then, head northeast to the Bedford Post Inn, an eight-room Relais & Châteaux hotel.
Kilkenny, Ireland
Halloween traces its roots back over two thousand years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This pagan celebration was held on October 31, when the Celts believed the boundary between our world and the spirit world was at its thinnest. They lit ceremonial fires and performed rituals to mark the end of one pastoral year and the start of the next. So, a trip to Ireland is a perfect Halloween getaway. Head to Kilkenny in the southeast, where celebrations last all month and build up to a Samhain festival. This year’s theme is “Fire, Feast, Folklore,” featuring traditional Irish dancing, food tours that share Samhain legends, and fireside storytelling and songs. For accommodations, the five-star Mount Juliet Estate is a beautiful Georgian manor house. If you don’t mind an hour’s drive north, Ballyfin Demesne is a stunning Regency mansion set on 614 acres at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem blends American history with ghostly tales, offering a fascinating look at the tragic Salem witch trials of 1692. Since 1982, the city has hosted its Haunted Happenings festival, with psychic readings, costume balls, ghost tours, and magic shows all month. Local pagan and witch communities also celebrate Samhain here, often sharing their traditions with visitors. Must-see spots include the 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin—the only remaining building linked to the trials—the historic Charter Street Cemetery, dating back to the early 1600s and home to a Mayflower passenger’s grave, and Pioneer Village, a living museum recreating Salem in 1630. For more thrills, join the Tales & Tombstones trolley night tour to hear stories of ghosts, murders, and executions. After exploring, drive about 30 minutes west to the Inn at Hastings Park, a luxury boutique hotel set in converted 19th-century buildings.
Transylvanian Alps, Romania
For a more adventurous Halloween trip, consider the Transylvanian Alps. While many debate whether Bran Castle inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, it certainly draws thousands of visitors eager for vampire lore each year. Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff, the castle makes a spooky side trip from Bucharest, about three hours south. For true enthusiasts, the castle offers exclusive private tours led by “Count Dracula,” guiding you through hidden rooms and dark passageways. Don’t miss the surrounding Carpathian Mountain scenery, with its misty forests, nearby castles, and medieval towns that are just as captivating.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s charm is also what makes it eerie: towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, Neoclassical Antebellum architecture, flickering gas lamps over cobblestone streets, and a humid, heavy atmosphere. Known as one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah’s spooky reputation comes from its violent past, history of fires and disease, and streetsExplore the historic squares and buildings of Savannah, many of which were built over burial grounds. Instead of a haunted pub crawl, visit landmarks that reveal the city’s eerie history. Stroll through the stunning Bonaventure Cemetery, admired for its Victorian architecture, or take a nighttime tour with the historical society. Stop for a drink at The Pirate’s House, Georgia’s oldest tavern, established in 1734 and once frequented by pirates. For a self-guided experience, walk among the city’s most haunted buildings, and consider staying at the Hamilton-Turner Inn on Lafayette Square—a historic home built in 1873 that offers a true Savannah experience.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland has a rich history of the macabre, with tales of witch-burnings, folklore, and centuries of conflict lending an unsettling vibe to places like Edinburgh. But a Halloween visit here isn’t just about scares—it’s a chance to delve into the past through cemetery tours and museums. Don’t miss the mysterious tiny coffins found on Arthur’s Seat, still unexplained after nearly 200 years. Visit Black Moon Botanica for ritual supplies, or if you have a strong stomach, explore the fascinating Surgeons’ Hall Museums. Edinburgh’s cemeteries are perfect for atmospheric walks, and if you’re there on October 31st, be sure to catch the Samhain Fire Festival. For accommodations, Gleneagles Townhouse offers luxury within the city.
New York City, New York
After a hot summer, October brings crisp weather and colorful leaves to New York, setting a perfect scene for spooky adventures. Skip the group tours and create your own itinerary. Start with a misty morning at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a 478-acre site founded in 1838, where notable figures like Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat are buried. Next, visit the Merchant’s House Museum, a four-story 1832 building rumored to be haunted by its original owners—or take a candlelit ghost tour after dark. If you’re in town on the 19th, the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is a must-see. Dine at Fraunces Tavern in Battery Park, the city’s oldest bar, once a haunt of George Washington and other founding fathers (and said to be ghost-ridden, with a Halloween ghost tour). In SoHo, check out The Dominick’s lobby, where a vintage phone booth features a Haunted Hotline with chilling NYC tales. End your day by the fireplace at The Bowery Hotel for a cozy night’s rest.
California Ghost Towns
It might be hard to picture California’s sunny, surf-friendly landscape as a setting for ghost stories, but the gold rush era left behind many eerie tales and abandoned towns. These Wild West relics, dating to the late 1800s, dot the state. Travelers can explore nine notable sites along the ghost town route, including the famous Bodie State Historic Park. Located near Bridgeport in northern California, close to the Nevada border, this deserted mining community is preserved in time along a dusty desert road. At its peak, Bodie was home to nearly 10,000 people and earned a reputation as a “shooter’s town” due to its lawless past.Frequent gunfights were common, and lives were also lost to harsh weather, fires, and mining mishaps, leading to Bodie’s eventual abandonment. Legend has it that the town is haunted by several ghosts, and a curse supposedly falls on anyone who takes an object from the site. After spending a day exploring Bodie’s 110 buildings, which have been preserved with their original interiors, head an hour north to Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountains for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about planning a spooky Halloween getaway
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is a Halloween getaway
Its a short trip planned specifically around the Halloween season to immerse yourself in spooky festive and autumnal activities Its about more than just trickortreating its a themed vacation
2 Why should I plan a Halloween trip instead of celebrating at home
It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit by visiting destinations famous for their history haunts and seasonal events creating a more memorable and unique experience
3 When is the best time to book a Halloween getaway
Aim to book in late August or early September Popular destinations and hotels in spooky towns fill up very quickly for October weekends
4 What are some classic Halloween getaway destinations
Salem Massachusetts Famous for the 1692 witch trials with museums tours and festivals
Sleepy Hollow New York The home of the Headless Horseman legend with historic sites and haunted hayrides
New Orleans Louisiana Known for its voodoo history aboveground cemeteries and vibrant ghost tours
Savannah Georgia Often called Americas most haunted city with beautiful squares and countless ghost stories
Planning Practical Tips
5 What should I pack for a spooky trip
Beyond your usual travel items pack comfortable walking shoes for tours a warm jacket for cool autumn nights a costume and a flashlight or use your phones light for evening walks
6 Are these trips familyfriendly or are they mostly for adults
There are options for both Many towns offer daytime pumpkin festivals kidfriendly haunted houses and corn mazes perfect for families Nighttime ghost tours and intense haunted attractions are typically geared toward adults and teens
7 How can I find authentic wellregarded ghost tours
Look for tours led by licensed local guides or historians Read recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and avoid tours that seem overly gimmicky A good tour will focus on local history and folklore
8 Whats a common mistake people make when planning these trips
Underestimating the crowds Halloween is an extremely