Let’s be honest, Halloween may be the ultimate excuse to dive into the world of the creepy and paranormal, but true horror fans know that the thrill of haunted places and spine-chilling vibes is a year-round obsession. For those of us who geek out on the eerie and unexplained, why limit the fun to just one season? If you’re looking to go beyond the usual haunted attractions this Halloween, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re into haunted houses or bone-chilling landmarks, these 20 spooky spots in the U.S. and a few abroad are sure to send a delightful shiver down your spine. Buckle up for a thrilling adventure that’ll make your heart race and your curiosity scream.
These haunted hotspots are some of the most popular and eerie destinations for Halloween enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a spine-tingling ghost tour, a stay in a haunted hotel, or a brush with dark history, these locations have it all. Perfect for those who want more than just trick-or-treating this Halloween!
Warning: This article is not kid-friendly—these spots are for true horror geeks looking to celebrate Halloween in style!
1. The Queen Mary – Long Beach, CA
Arguably one of the most haunted places in the world, The Queen Mary is infamous for its ghost sightings. With over 150 recorded spirits, the ship offers ghost tours through areas like the engine room and the first-class swimming pool, where many eerie occurrences have been documented. Brace yourself for Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor—where the haunted ship’s ghosts get a Halloween upgrade, and you’ll be questioning whether those eerie shadows are part of the show or something much darker lurking in the depths.
- Cost: Tours start at $44 per person | Dark Harbor event starts at $53.99 (get tickets)
- Days/Hours: | Dark Harbor every night through 11/2 excluding Mondays (10/21 & 10/28)
2. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, CO
Made famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, The Stanley Hotel offers haunted tours and overnight stays in its notorious rooms, especially the infamous Room 217.
If you’re looking to combine your love of Stephen King’s horror masterpieces with Halloween festivities, The Shining Ball at the Stanley Hotel is the place to be! Taking place on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, this celebration marks 50 years since King’s iconic stay that inspired The Shining. The ball features live music from DJ Queen C and the Triple Kick Live Percussionist, plus an exciting King-Themed Costume Contest. Dress up as your favorite King character—whether it’s Pennywise, Carrie, or even Jack Torrance.
This event is currently waitlisted, but you can still sign up for the Shining Ball Waitlist.
- Days/Hours: Year-round
- Cost: $25 for tours; Additional Cost for Special Events; Room rates vary
3. The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, LA
Considered one of the most haunted places in America, Myrtles Plantation is rumored to have been built on a burial ground, with several spirits, including a slave girl named Chloe, haunting the premises.
- Cost: Ghost tours start at $15
- Days/Hours: Year-round
4. Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, PA
This former prison is notorious for its paranormal activity, offering one of the most spine-chilling Halloween experiences with its Terror Behind the Walls event, where real hauntings are complemented by live scare actors.
- Cost: Tickets start at $34
- Days/Hours: Runs until November 11
5. Villisca Axe Murder House – Villisca, IA
This house is where a family was brutally murdered in 1912. The Villisca Axe Murder House is believed to be haunted by both the family and the killer. Paranormal investigators have reported eerie voices and sounds throughout the house.
- Cost: $10 for day tours; Overnight stays can be over $400
- Days/Hours: Year-round
6. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – New Orleans, LA
Forget haunted houses—this is haunted resting places we’re talking about. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans’ oldest and most famous cemetery, home to above-ground tombs and some restless spirits. It’s most known for the legendary Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, whose grave still draws visitors seeking good fortune, love, and protection. The cemetery is a must-see for fans of the supernatural, with its eerie tombs and stories that date back to 1789.
If you’re looking for a spot where the veil between the living and the dead feels especially thin, this historic cemetery is the place. But, to keep those spooky vibes in check, you’ll need to join a guided tour.
- Private tours required. Book here
- Cost: Varies by tour company
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the haunted side of New Orleans, here are a few other noteworthy spots:
- Hotel Monteleone: This French Quarter hotel is known for its haunted rooms and eerie elevators.
- The Bourbon Orleans Hotel: Said to be haunted by Confederate soldiers and nuns from its days as an orphanage and hospital.
- Muriel’s Jackson Square: Dine with a ghost! This restaurant is rumored to have a resident spirit in the upstairs seance lounge.
7. The Bell Witch Cave – Adams, TN
A paranormal hotspot, The Bell Witch legend remains one of America’s most famous hauntings. Visitors report strange occurrences in the cave where the Bell family was tormented by a malicious spirit.
- Cost: $12 per person
- Days/Hours: Year-round
8. The Ridges – Athens, OH
This former asylum, known for its unmarked graves and tragic history, is said to be haunted by former patients. Paranormal investigators have captured ghostly images on the property.
- Cost: Free to explore the exterior
- Days/Hours: Year-round
9. Poveglia Island – Venice, Italy
Known as one of the most haunted islands in the world, Poveglia was used as a quarantine zone during the plague and later as an insane asylum. Visitors brave enough to venture here often report an overwhelming sense of fear.
- Cost: Private boat rental required
- Days/Hours: Year-round (access may vary)
10. The Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, CA
Designed by the troubled Sarah Winchester, this sprawling mansion with its stairs to nowhere and endless rooms is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. If that’s not spooky enough for you, this Halloween season they’re cranking up the fear factor with their Unhinged Hotel event. For an immersive experience, the house offers Haunt Nights, featuring mazes, outdoor scare zones, drinks, treats, and plenty of bone-chilling photo ops. It’s not just a tour—it’s a terrifying adventure!
Special Event: Unhinged Hotel, running select nights from September 22 – November 4, 2024. Tickets for Unhinged are sold separately and include access to scare zones, an indoor maze, and a spooky-themed Halloween museum.
Cost: Tours start at $49, but for a deeper scare, Unhinged Hotel Admission starts at $64.
Days/Hours: 10am to 5pm weekdays / 10am to 6pm weekends and slightly shorter hours during the summer (May – Aug)
11. The Joshua Ward House – Salem, MA
Located in Salem, a town known for its history of witch trials, the Joshua Ward House is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Sheriff Corwin, the man responsible for many witch trial executions.
Nowadays, the Joshua Ward House has transformed into a swanky boutique hotel known as The Merchant—a far cry from its haunted history, but who knows? Maybe the ghosts are just enjoying the upgrade!
Days/Hours: Varies by tour group
Cost: Ghost tour group prices vary; hotel rates seasonal variability
12. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery – Midlothian, IL
A hotspot for paranormal activity, this haunted cemetery has been the site of ghost sightings, strange lights, and even phantom vehicles.
- Cost: Free
- Days/Hours: Daylight hours only
13. The Amityville Horror House – Amityville, NY
The Amityville Horror House is infamous for the gruesome murders that inspired the Amityville Horror franchise. While it’s private property, it’s still a popular drive-by for horror fans.
- Cost: Free to visit the exterior
- Days/Hours: Year-round
14. The Black Monk House – Pontefract, UK
Known as Europe’s most haunted house, this unassuming spot has gained a notorious reputation for violent poltergeist activity that’ll make your hair stand on end. Paranormal investigators and ghost hunters from all over the globe flock here, hoping to encounter the terrifying spirit that resides within. If you’re interested in visiting, there are two separate booking options:
- For the truly brave, you can book an overnight stay directly through the house’s contact form. Just note, you’ll need to provide your own bedding and brace for an unpredictable night.
- Ghost tours through Haunted Happenings UK, often heavily waitlisted during the spooky season.
- Cost: Direct booking £400 on weekends/bank holidays for 1-4 people; £300 for Monday-Thursday stays | Ghost tours with Haunted Happenings starting at £65
- Days/Hours: Year-round
15. St. Augustine Lighthouse – St. Augustine, FL
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former lighthouse keeper. Brave visitors can explore the lighthouse at night with their famous Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours, where ghost stories and paranormal activity are shared. If you’re feeling adventurous, this spooky site offers some of the most chilling nighttime experiences in Florida.
- Cost: $29.95 for Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour
- Days/Hours: Ghost tours are available year-round. General admission is from 9 am – 6 pm daily (last admission 5:30 pm). Dark of the Moon Ghost Tours run during select nights from 8 pm – 10 pm.
For an even more immersive experience, be sure to check out their Sunset/Moonrise Tour and the Lighthouse Illuminations during the winter season.
16. Moon River Brewing Company – Savannah, GA
A haunted bar where the ghosts of former guests are said to roam the halls, Moon River Brewing Company offers ghost tours while you enjoy a pint.
- Cost: Free to enter; Ghost tours start at $25
- Days/Hours: Year-round
17. The Skirrid Mountain Inn – Abergavenny, Wales
The Skirrid Mountain Inn claims to be Wales’ most haunted pub, with centuries of gruesome history involving executions and bloody battles.
- Cost: Rooms start at £70
- Days/Hours: Year-round
18. The Whaley House – San Diego, CA
Known as one of the most haunted houses in America, with sightings of the Whaley family ghosts and Yankee Jim.
- Days/Hours: Year-round
- Costs: General admission starts at $14 for adults. Night ghost tours are available for a higher price.
19. The Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, MA
For true crime enthusiasts and paranormal lovers alike, The Lizzie Borden House offers a spine-tingling opportunity to explore the home where the infamous axe murders of 1892 occurred. Whether you’re interested in the gruesome history or the haunted happenings, the house serves as both a museum and an overnight accommodation for those brave enough to stay.
- Cost: Tours: starting at $25 for ghost tours, with options like a $40 ghost hunt (offered nightly from 10 pm to midnight) | Overnight Stays: While typically ranging from $125-$250 per night, bookings are fully reserved through October. For now, you can still explore the darker side of Fall River via the house’s tours!
- Days/Hours: Nightly Ghost Tours from 7 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm to midnight | House Tour: Daily tours run from 11 am to 4 pm.
20. Hellfire Caves – West Wycombe, England
The Hellfire Caves are said to be haunted by the spirits of those who participated in the Hellfire Club’s secretive and sinister rituals. The dark, winding caves offer a chilling experience.
- Cost: £8 per person
- Days/Hours: Year-round
Whether you’re drawn to haunted houses, cursed ships, or abandoned cemeteries, these spots are guaranteed to up the Halloween ante. Get your camera ready for some eerie Instagram posts, and make sure you bring friends—safety in numbers is key when you’re this deep in the paranormal. Happy haunting!
Honorable Mentions
The Michael Myers House – South Pasadena, CA
The original house from John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween still stands in South Pasadena and is a mecca for horror fans. While it’s now used for offices, it’s still a great spot for photo ops.
- Cost: Free to visit the exterior
- Days/Hours: Year-round
The Pittock Mansion – Portland, OR
This historic mansion is said to be haunted by its former owners. Guests report hearing footsteps and seeing strange apparitions. It’s especially eerie during Halloween time.
- Cost: $12 for adults
- Days/Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, MO
Known for its tragic history, The Lemp Mansion is haunted by the spirits of the Lemp family, many of whom died tragically. They offer ghost tours and even a Halloween murder mystery dinner.
- Cost: $35 for tours; dinner prices vary
- Days/Hours: Year-round
The Salem Witch House – Salem, MA
One of the most famous sites in the historic witch trial town of Salem, the Witch House was once the home of a judge who presided over the trials. Visitors say they feel an eerie presence inside.
- Cost: $9 per person
- Days/Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fort Mifflin – Philadelphia, PA
One of the most haunted battlefields in the U.S., Fort Mifflin offers a variety of paranormal programs that cater to every level of ghost-hunting enthusiasm. From open investigations to the full-on Sleep with the Ghosts overnight experience, visitors have reported eerie sightings of soldiers, the sound of phantom cannon fire, and the overall spooky atmosphere that lingers throughout the grounds.
- Cost: Starts at $10 per person for candlelight ghost tours. Prices vary for private investigations and overnight stays (starting at $60 for six-hour investigations, $80 for overnight bookings per person with an additional $10 fee per participant).
- Days/Hours: Candlelight ghost tours are available on select nights (Fridays & Saturdays) throughout October. Public ghost investigations and private bookings are offered year-round. Open investigation evenings start from 7 PM to midnight on select nights during the Halloween season. Check their website for full details and availability.
Fort Mifflin promises more than just a tour—it’s an experience for thrill-seekers hoping to encounter the ghosts of America’s past.
The Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, AR
Known as America’s Most Haunted Hotel, the Crescent Hotel is infamous for its ghost sightings. They offer regular ghost tours that delve into the hotel’s chilling history.
- Cost: $22 for ghost tours
- Days/Hours: Year-round
Moundsville Penitentiary – Moundsville, WV
This former prison is infamous for its history of violence and death, making it one of the most chilling places to visit for paranormal enthusiasts. Ghost tours at Moundsville offer a terrifying glimpse into the ghosts of former inmates who are said to still wander the cell blocks, with sightings reported frequently by visitors. The penitentiary offers a variety of tours, from Public Ghost Hunts to private investigations and even a spine-tingling “Dungeon of Horrors” haunted house experience during the Halloween season.
- Cost: Ghost tours start at $35 per person. Private investigations and special events vary.
- Days/Hours: Year-round availability for ghost hunts and other tours; special Halloween events run in October, including the infamous “Dungeon of Horrors” haunted house. Check WV Pen Tours for specific event details.
Spadena House – Beverly Hills, CA
The Witch’s House is one of Beverly Hills’ most iconic homes, with its spooky, fairy-tale-inspired architecture that draws Halloween fans for a perfect Instagram moment. Located at 516 Walden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Cost: Private home, but free to visit the exterior
- Days/Hours: Year-round
California State University Channel Islands – Camarillo, CA
Once a state mental hospital, CSU Channel Islands carries a heavy, eerie history. Rumored to have ghostly remnants of its past, the campus is said to be haunted by former patients. Underground tunnels, once used for transporting patients between buildings, still exist today but are sealed off. Despite that, visitors and students have reported hearing ghostly whispers and the unsettling feeling of being watched.
- Cost: Free to explore campus grounds; paranormal tours not offered officially.
- Days/Hours: Public campus, but ghostly encounters? Anytime—if you dare.
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