The Best Cities for Halloween: 5 Spooky U.S. Destinations We Love!
From graveyard ghost tours to pumpkin-filled festivals, these Halloween travel destinations are our favorite getaways in October.
If you’re searching for the best cities for Halloween, these are our top picks!
1. Salem, Massachusetts
No Halloween list is complete without Salem. This New England town fully embraces its witchy past and goes all out in the fall. Our top recommendation is to fly into Boston and spend the night there, while taking day trips to Salem. It can get incredibly crowded during Spooky Season!
What to do while in Salem:
Haunted Happenings Festival: Every October, Salem hosts a month-long celebration filled with parades, psychic fairs, costume parties, and spooky markets.
Historic Attractions: Explore the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch House, and old cemeteries for a fascinating look into the city’s past.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the best Halloween destinations in the U.S., combining haunted history with voodoo culture. New Orleans is always a favorite city of ours, but it really comes alive in the fall months as the weather cools down.
What to do in New Orleans for Halloween:
Krewe of Boo Parade: In a city known for parades, the official Halloween parade is one you won’t want to miss!
Ghost Tours: New Orleans is known for its hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, voodoo history, and supernatural sightings. Take a ghost tour to learn more about them!
3. Savannah, GA
Savannah’s famous Spanish Oak trees lining the streets give the city a ghostly vibe, and visiting in October is a ton of fun.
How to celebrate the season in Savannah:
Haunted Tours: Savannah is known for having a lot of paranormal activity sightings. A haunted tour takes you through the city’s squares and cemeteries to tell you the tales of the town.
Explore River St.: Savannah’s famous River Street, which as the name suggests, lines the Savannah River, is full of beautiful, old buildings that give off spooky-vibes. Today, they’re home to some amazing shops, restaurants, and cafes. We definitely recommend going for a stroll down the street!
4. Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is a charming mountain town situated right near Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a beautiful town to visit year round for outdoor adventures, but we especially love it in the fall. The most famous landmark in town is the historic Stanley Hotel, which served as the inspiration for Steven King’s The Shining.
Ways to embrace haunted history in Estes Park:
Ghost Tour of the Stanley: The Stanley offers nightly ghost tours, providing a glimpse into the supernatural elements of the hotel. It's a great way to learn more about its haunted history!
Pumpkin & Pilsner Festival: All of Colorado is known for its incredible beer scene, so take in the great outdoors and enjoy a great drink at their annual Pumpkin & Pilsner festival!
5. St. Augustine, Florida
It’s no surprise that the oldest city in the United States has some spooky history to it. St. Augustine’s historic downtown is beautiful any time of year, but we especially love to visit in October. After enjoying a day at the beach, take advantage of some of these fall-centric activities!
Halloween-inspired activities in St. Augustine:
Haunted Pub Tours: St. Augustine has an incredible nightlife scene, and one of the most fun ways to enjoy the spirits of town is through one of the many haunted pub tours.
Ghost Tours: Or, opt for a trolley or walking ghost tour of the historic downtown and surrounding areas!
