Best Halloween Travel Destinations for Spooky Fun This Year

As October approaches, towns and cities across the United States take on a different rhythm. Streets glow with carved pumpkins, and local traditions come alive with themed events. Halloween shapes the atmosphere in ways that are not limited to costumes and candy.

Certain destinations have become notable for the ways they celebrate this season. Some are filled with lively parades and public festivals, others offer ghost tours through centuries-old streets, and a few host events that make the night itself feel alive.

The energy and creativity in these places create experiences that appeal to families looking for a touch of thrill. For those, this blog presents fifteen of the best places to visit for Halloween this year across the United States.

Why Travel for Halloween?

Each town and city brings its own stories, traditions, and seasonal atmosphere. Traveling allows you to experience glowing streets, haunted locations, festive parades, and unique local events that change from place to place.

Visiting during this season gets you experience stuff that isn’t available at other times of the year. This makes Halloween travel a memorable way to enjoy culture, history, and seasonal excitement. 

Best Halloween Travel Destinations in the USA

Across the country, certain towns and cities have developed unique ways to celebrate Halloween. Our list has some of the best places to visit for Halloween that allow you to experience this festival in many forms.

1. Salem, Massachusetts – The Halloween Town

Salem’s history is inseparable from its Halloween celebrations. The city comes alive every October with ghost tours, historic walking trails, and events inspired by its witch trials of the 17th century. Local museums and lantern-lit streets give visitors a chance to learn about the history and have some seasonal fun.

2. Sleepy Hollow, New York – Home of the Headless Horseman

Walking through Sleepy Hollow feels like stepping into a storybook. Lantern-lit streets, haunted hayrides, and pumpkin festivals bring the legend of the Headless Horseman to life. The town captures a cozy, spooky vibe that blends small-town charm with classic Halloween thrills.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana – Haunted History and Voodoo Magic

In New Orleans, Halloween has a dramatic twist. Ghost tours take you through historic mansions and hidden cemeteries, while the streets fill with parades and themed parties. Voodoo legends and local folklore give the city a mysterious edge, which makes every corner feel alive with stories.

4. Savannah, Georgia – The Most Haunted City in the South

Savannah’s cobblestone streets and grand old homes set the scene for ghostly tales. Lantern tours and guided walks through haunted inns or cemeteries tell stories that span centuries. Even with all the seasonal excitement, the city keeps a peaceful, historic charm that makes exploring its haunted sites a unique experience.

5. Orlando, Florida – Theme Park Halloween Capital

Orlando knows how to celebrate, and it is one of the best places to go for Halloween. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights scare and excite, while Disney’s events keep the fun family-friendly. Lights, decorations, and themed attractions transform the parks, which give visitors immersive seasonal experiences that are hard to forget.

6. Anoka, Minnesota – The Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka has been celebrating Halloween for over a century, and the tradition shows in every corner of town. Streets come alive with parades, pumpkin contests, and community events that invite families and visitors of all ages. The city’s long history with the holiday gives it a charm that feels warm and festive.

7. St. Helens, Oregon – The Halloweentown

St. Helens is known as the inspiration for Disney’s Halloweentown. The town hosts parades, costume contests, and seasonal events that feel playful and fun. Walking through its streets during October, you can feel the excitement in the air, where families and fans alike embrace the whimsical side of the season.

8. Los Angeles, California – Glamorous and Ghostly Fun

In Los Angeles, Halloween has creativity, entertainment, and a hint of spook. The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival draws thousands in elaborate costumes, while haunted attractions, themed parties, and movie-inspired tours appear throughout the city. Los Angeles offers multiple ways to celebrate the season, and it's your loss if you never get to experience it.

9. Chicago, Illinois – Big City Haunts and Festivals

Chicago offers history, architecture, and festive energy in a way that makes Halloween memorable. Ghost tours explore historic streets, riverfronts, and hidden corners, while parades like Arts in the Dark showcase the city’s creative side. Seasonal events have thrills and entertainment, which let visitors experience Halloween in a big-city setting with a unique Midwestern twist.

10. Estes Park, Colorado – The Shining’s Real-Life Inspiration

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, and its Halloween events live up to that eerie legacy. Ghost tours, themed parties, and sweeping mountain views give visitors both chills and beauty. The combination of historic charm, natural scenery, and autumn colors makes Estes Park a destination that feels spooky.

11. San Francisco, California – Fog, Legends, and Ghosts

San Francisco’s foggy streets create a natural atmosphere that makes it one of the best Halloween destinations. Haunted Alcatraz tours let visitors explore one of the city’s most infamous landmarks, while historic neighborhoods host ghost walks and themed events. The mix of eerie stories, striking architecture, and seasonal celebrations makes the city feel mysterious during October.

12. Key West, Florida – Fantasy Fest Extravaganza

Key West turns Halloween into a week-long carnival with Fantasy Fest. Streets are filled with colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively street performances. The island’s tropical setting adds a playful twist. This makes it one of the most energetic and imaginative Halloween destinations in the country.

13. St. Augustine, Florida – Colonial Ghost Stories 

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine has centuries of stories waiting to be discovered. Lantern-lit ghost tours wind through historic streets, and old inns host seasonal events that bring the city’s haunted past to life. Every corner feels like a mix of history and Halloween magic.

14. Jerome, Arizona – America’s Famous Ghost Town

Jerome’s history as a mining town sets the stage for spooky adventures. Haunted hotels, abandoned buildings, and guided ghost walks give visitors a glimpse into its eerie past. The town is surrounded by rugged landscapes and has both mystery and adventure for those who want a spooky Halloween experience.

15. Las Vegas, Nevada – Sin City Halloween Spectacle

Las Vegas celebrates Halloween with bold events. Costume parties, themed attractions, and interactive experiences fill the Strip. It is a vibrant playground for adults and thrill-seekers. The city’s energy makes it a unique place to enjoy the season in style.

Tips for Planning a Halloween Getaway

A little planning can make a Halloween trip even more memorable. Start by checking schedules and booking tickets early for haunted houses, parades, and theme park events, since October is one of the busiest months for seasonal attractions.

Packing the right gear helps, too. Costumes, themed outfits, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers ensure you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities without hassle. Here is a tip: use Halloween coupons to get a discount while buying costumes.

Moreover, to save on your trip, look for travel coupons for hotels, transportation, or experiences can help you enjoy more while keeping costs under control. Also, organize your itinerary around local events, so every stop offers a memorable slice of Halloween spirit.

Conclusion

Halloween is best experienced by visiting places that offer thrills and fun. The towns and cities on this list showcase a mix of history, seasonal celebrations, and festive energy, giving travelers countless ways to enjoy the season. Haunted streets, pumpkin festivals, ghost tours, and themed events create experiences that stay with you long after October ends. Always plan ahead and choose the right destinations to enjoy your Halloween getaway full of excitement, history, and seasonal fun.