11 Best Places to Travel for Halloween in 2026
Haunted Hotels, Ghost Tours, and Spooky Towns
Last year, I met two other parents at my daughter’s conference, and we ended up at a bar swapping stories. Somewhere between drinks, we realized Salem was only a drive away, a place I had always wanted to see. So we went. A witch tour, good food, a few gifts, and oysters at Sea Level later, I knew one thing for sure: Halloween is not just for little kids.
Planning a Halloween getaway in 2026? Whether you are organizing a girls’ weekend, looking for a romantic haunted hotel, taking the family somewhere spooky, or finally checking Salem off your bucket list, I have gathered 11 of the best Halloween travel destinations across the United States in one place.
From ghost tours and haunted houses to costume parades, themed restaurants, and Halloween festivals, this guide covers where to go, what to do, where to stay, and what to know before booking.
Plus, there is a Halloween travel personality quiz at the end to help you find your perfect spooky getaway. Jump to the quiz
Quick picks: where to go for Halloween
| If you want… | Go to |
|---|---|
| The best overall Halloween destination and a girls’ weekend | Salem, Massachusetts |
| Halloween history and legends | Sleepy Hollow, New York |
| Food, parades, and ghost stories | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Halloween thrills | Orlando, Florida |
| Families | St. Helens, Oregon |
| A big-city celebration | New York City |
| A romantic spooky getaway | Savannah, Georgia |
| Nightlife | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| A small-town celebration | Anoka, Minnesota |
| An unexpected destination | Eureka Springs, Arkansas |
| A party weekend for adults | Key West, Florida |
| My personal bonus pick | Austin, Texas |
New in 2026
- Salem turns 400. Haunted Happenings ends with a 400-drone show over the North River on Halloween night.
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is open again. The famous New Orleans cemetery reopened Oct 1, 2026, after seven years, for guided tours.
- Halloween Horror Nights turns 35 at Universal Orlando.
- Halloween falls on a Saturday, so the whole weekend becomes the party.
A quick note on costs: for each destination, I rate hotels and activities as low, middle, or high. These are relative ratings, comparing the places on this list to each other. They are not price quotes for a specific weekend. Flights, transportation, and hotel prices change a lot depending on where you live and when you book.
1. Salem, Massachusetts: Best Overall Halloween Destination
Best weekend to go: Oct 16 to 18, or Halloween weekend for the drone show (expect the biggest crowds)
Best for: History lovers, girls’ weekends, and first-timers. I have been here.
Salem turns 400 this year, and Haunted Happenings fills the whole month of October. This is where the witch trials happened in 1692, when 19 people were executed, and today the town honors that history while it throws one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the country.
Top three things to do
- Watch the 400-drone finale over the North River, Sat, Oct 31, 10 PM.
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum (adults $19, ages 6 to 14 $16), then walk to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
- Shop the Salem Night Faire, Oct 16 to 17 and 23 to 24, 5 to 10 PM.
Where to stay: The Hawthorne Hotel, open since 1925 and named on a list of the most haunted hotels in America. Book early.
Where to eat and drink: Sea Level Oyster Bar on Wharf Street (my pick), and Hallowed Ground, a hidden speakeasy on Washington Street. Follow the red light in the alley.
Costs: hotels high, activities middle
Getting there: Fly into Boston Logan, about 25 minutes away, or take the MBTA train from North Station, about 30 minutes.
My tip: Take the train. It costs less than parking, and parking fills fast in October. Most restaurants are first come, first served this month, so eat early.
Official resources: Haunted Happenings · Salem Witch Museum · Hawthorne Hotel
2. Sleepy Hollow, New York: Best for Halloween History and Legends
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, for the Tarrytown Halloween Parade on Saturday
Best for: Legend lovers, couples, and families with older kids.
This is the home of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The Old Dutch Church, from about 1685, still stands, its burying ground is the Headless Horseman’s haunt, and Irving himself is buried next door. Misty roads, old stone walls, and thousands of glowing pumpkins make it feel like a storybook.
Top three things to do
- Walk the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, through Nov 8, from $24.
- Take a lantern tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, nightly in October.
- Catch the Tarrytown Halloween Parade, Sat, Oct 24, 5 PM, free, with a block party until 10 PM.
Where to stay: Tarrytown House Estate, which offers a Jack O’Lantern Blaze package.
Where to eat and drink: The Set Back Inn on Main Street, said to have a resident spirit (cash only), and Barley on the Hudson for its October Halloween party.
Costs: hotels middle, activities middle
Getting there: Metro-North from Grand Central to Tarrytown, about 35 minutes.
My tip: Buy tickets before you book anything else. Most events here are advance tickets only, and they sell out. Irving’s “Legend” sells out every year.
Official resources: Visit Sleepy Hollow · Jack O’Lantern Blaze · Historic Hudson Valley
3. New Orleans, Louisiana: Best for Food, Parades, and Ghost Stories
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25 for adults, or Oct 16 to 18 for families
Best for: Food lovers, parade lovers, and ghost story collectors. I have been here.
In 2018, I took both of my daughters to New Orleans. We rode a carriage around Jackson Square and walked Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, a year before it closed. This fall, it is finally open again. New Orleans does Halloween the way it does everything: with music, costumes, and a story on every corner.
Top three things to do
- Catch the Krewe of BOO! parade, Sat, Oct 24, 6:30 PM. It rolls down Decatur past Jackson Square. Free to watch.
- Tour Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, reopened Oct 1 for guided tours only: $30 adults, $15 ages 6 to 12.
- Bring the kids to Boo at the Zoo (Oct 16 to 18) or Ghosts in the Oaks in City Park (Oct 15 to 18). Both end Oct 18, and Ghosts in the Oaks usually sells out.
Where to stay: Hotel Monteleone, named one of the most haunted historic hotels in America, and home of the slowly turning Carousel Bar.
Where to eat and drink: Muriel’s Jackson Square, where legend says a former owner never left and a table is kept for him with bread and wine. Then the Black Lagoon Halloween pop-up at Anna’s on Royal Street, Oct 14 to Nov 2.
Costs: hotels middle, activities low
Getting there: Fly into MSY, about 20 to 40 minutes from the French Quarter.
My tip: Make Saturday, Oct 24 your big day. Run (or watch) the Zombie Run at 9 AM, rest in the afternoon, and catch Krewe of BOO! that night.
Official resources: Krewe of BOO! · Lafayette Cemetery tours · Ghosts in the Oaks
4. Orlando, Florida: Best Halloween Destination for Thrill Seekers
Best weekend to go: Oct 16 to 18
Best for: Thrill seekers, theme park fans, and families. I live here.
I am new to Orlando, and Halloween here is a whole season. Halloween Horror Nights turns 35 this year at Universal Orlando, with 10 haunted houses, including Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, and the one I am most excited (and scared) for, Evil Dead Burn. I am going Saturday, Oct 17, and I will report back.
Top three things to do
- Brave Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Nov 1, 6:30 PM to 2 AM. October tickets have run about $91 to $130; check Universal for current prices.
- Take the kids to LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat (Oct 16 to 18, 23 to 25, 30 to 31), included with park admission, or Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins (Oct 17, 18, 24, 25).
- Try Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld, select nights through Oct 31, from $47.99.
Where to stay: Loews Royal Pacific at Universal, home of the Universal Monsters Laguna Lounge through Nov 1.
Where to eat and drink: Dead Coconut Club at CityWalk on Horror Nights (no cover, $19 cocktails in souvenir cups), and Nightmare on Orange at The Courtesy Bar downtown, select dates through Nov 1.
Costs: hotels middle, activities high
Getting there: Fly into MCO, about 25 to 35 minutes from Universal.
My tip: Go on a Wednesday or Thursday if you can. Those nights cost less, and many fans find them less crowded.
Official resources: Halloween Horror Nights · LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat · Gatorland events
5. St. Helens, Oregon: Best Halloween Destination for Families
Best weekend to go: Oct 16 to 18 or Oct 23 to 25, when cast members visit
Best for: Families and anyone who grew up watching Halloweentown.
Disney Channel’s Halloweentown was filmed here in 1998, and every fall the town becomes the Spirit of Halloweentown. The plaza is free, the giant pumpkin lights up every festival night, and you can walk the same streets as the movie.
Top three things to do
- Watch the Great Pumpkin Lighting, every festival night, 8:30 to 9 PM. Free.
- Meet the cast, Oct 17 to 18 and Oct 24 to 25.
- Get the Access Pass ($40 plus fees for ages 13 and up, $20 for ages 6 to 12, 5 and under free) for the haunted house and the filming-location trolley tour.
Where to stay: Best Western Oak Meadows Inn, right in St. Helens, so you are not counting on a rideshare at the end of the night.
Where to eat and drink: Grab a bite at the festival, then head to Raven’s Manor in Portland, a year-round haunted mansion bar (check hours before you go).
Costs: hotels low, activities low
Getting there: Fly into Portland (PDX). Parking in St. Helens is $25 online.
My tip: Plan your ride home before you go. Rideshares are scarce out here, especially after the pumpkin lighting.
Official resources: Spirit of Halloweentown
6. New York City: Best Big-City Halloween Celebration
Best weekend to go: Halloween weekend, for the Village Halloween Parade
Best for: Big-city energy, people watching, and costume lovers. I have been here.
In 2024, my younger daughter and I spent a day at Harry Potter New York, posing with a broom and the flying car. New York at Halloween is bigger than that, of course. On Saturday, Oct 31, the whole city turns out.
Top three things to do
- Watch (or march in) the Village Halloween Parade, Sat, Oct 31, 7 PM, Sixth Avenue. Free to watch. Marchers in costume line up at Canal Street.
- Take a candlelight ghost tour at the Merchant’s House Museum (Oct 16 to 17, 23 to 24, 29 to 30, $45), where Gertrude Tredwell was born in 1840 and died in 1933. Many believe she never left.
- Bring the kids to Boo at the Bronx Zoo, weekends through Nov 1, included with zoo admission.
Where to stay: Hotel Chelsea, famous for its history and its ghost stories.
Where to eat and drink: Beetle House in the East Village, a Tim Burton-style restaurant open all year, and The Haunting pop-up at The Cabinet, through Nov 2.
Costs: hotels high, activities low
Getting there: Fly into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, then take the subway everywhere.
My tip: Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so expect huge parade crowds. Skip the cab and take the subway.
Official resources: Village Halloween Parade · Merchant’s House ghost tours
7. Savannah, Georgia: Best Romantic Spooky Getaway
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, or Halloween weekend for the bar crawls
Best for: Couples, history lovers, and ghost tour fans.
Savannah is moss-draped oaks, candlelit squares, and ghost stories around every corner. Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, closes at 5 PM, so after dark means a ticketed tour.
Top three things to do
- Take an after-hours tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, October weekends, from $44.95, ages 18 and up.
- Ride the Ghosts and Gravestones trolley, from $38. Oct 24 to 31 sells out fast.
- Trick or treat on River Street, Sat, Oct 24, 2 to 5 PM, free.
Where to stay: The Marshall House, built in 1851 and used as a hospital during the Civil War and two yellow-fever epidemics.
Where to eat and drink: The Olde Pink House, said to be haunted by James Habersham Jr., and Moon River Brewing Company, a former hotel and yellow-fever hospital.
Costs: hotels middle, activities middle
Getting there: Fly into SAV, about 20 to 35 minutes from the Historic District.
My tip: Book dinner at the Olde Pink House before you book the tour. Then walk the squares after dark. It is romantic and just a little bit creepy.
Official resources: Halloween in Savannah 2026 · Ghosts and Gravestones · Bonaventure After Hours
8. Las Vegas, Nevada: Best Halloween Nightlife
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, or Halloween weekend on Fremont Street
Best for: Night owls, adults, and anyone who wants Halloween to last until sunrise.
Vegas goes all in. Legend says Bugsy Siegel still roams the memorial garden at the Flamingo, which opened in 1946, and this October, the bars are just as spooky as the casinos.
Top three things to do
- Have a drink at The Haunted Inn at Palms, a free Halloween pop-up bar with seances and cocktails in blood bags, Wed to Sun through Oct 31, 21 and up.
- Enter Costumes Under the Canopy on Fremont Street, Sat, Oct 31. Registration runs 7 to 9 PM, the contest starts at 10 PM, 21 and up, with $8,500 in prizes.
- Visit Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum, from $54, ages 12 and up.
Where to stay: Palms Casino Resort, so the Haunted Inn is an elevator ride away.
Where to eat and drink: The Haunting on Spring Mountain at Sand Dollar Lounge, a Halloween bar takeover daily through Oct 31, and Atomic Liquors on Fremont East, the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas, before the costume contest.
Costs: hotels middle, activities middle
Getting there: Harry Reid International is minutes from the Strip.
My tip: Families, catch the free Parade of Mischief in Downtown Summerlin, Fridays and Saturdays at 6 PM through Oct 24. There is no show on Oct 30 or 31.
Official resources: Costumes Under the Canopy · The Haunted Museum
9. Anoka, Minnesota: Best Small-Town Halloween
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, for the Grande Day Parade
Best for: Small-town fun, families, and parade lovers.
Anoka calls itself the Halloween Capital of the World, and it has earned the title. In 1920, the town threw a citywide Halloween celebration to keep kids from pulling pranks, one of the first in the country. More than a hundred years later, the whole town still shows up.
Top three things to do
- Watch the Grande Day Parade, Sat, Oct 24, 1 PM, free. It draws tens of thousands of people.
- Run the Gray Ghost 5K at 12:45 PM, right before the parade.
- Take the Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour, select evenings through Oct 31, $18.
Where to stay: Comfort Suites in Ramsey or Country Inn & Suites in Coon Rapids, both right next door to Anoka. Anoka itself has very few hotels, so book early.
Where to eat and drink: Billy’s Bar and Grill on Jackson Street, in the 1880s Jackson Hotel, which local ghost tour guides say was a mob hangout (closed Mondays). Then grab a spot on the parade route.
Costs: hotels low, activities low
Getting there: Fly into MSP, about 30 to 40 minutes away.
My tip: Bring a blanket and a thermos. It is Minnesota in late October, and the best parade spots fill early.
Official resources: Anoka Halloween events
10. Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Best Unexpected Halloween Destination
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, for the Zombie Crawl and the horror film festival
Best for: Haunted hotel lovers, couples, and anyone who loves a surprise.
This little Ozark mountain town is home to the 1886 Crescent Hotel, often called America’s most haunted hotel. From 1937 to 1940, a man named Norman Baker, who had no medical training, ran a fake cancer clinic there. The ghost tour ends in his “morgue.”
Top three things to do
- Take the Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour, $29.50, ages 5 and up, nightly. It is selling fast.
- Walk the Voices from the Silent City lantern tour of the cemetery, Oct 15 to 17 and 22 to 23, $20 adults, $5 under 12.
- Join the Zombie Crawl, Sat, Oct 24, with the parade at 6 PM.
Where to stay: The Crescent Hotel, if you are brave.
Where to eat and drink: Local Flavor Cafe for brunch or dinner, and Rogue’s Manor at Sweet Spring for oysters and steak.
Costs: hotels middle, activities low
Getting there: Fly into Northwest Arkansas (XNA), about 1 hour 20 minutes away.
My tip: Book the ghost tour first, then the room. The tour is the part that sells out.
Official resources: Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour · Visit Eureka Springs events
11. Key West, Florida: Best Halloween Getaway for Adults Who Love a Party
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25, for the Fantasy Fest Parade
Best for: Adults, costume lovers, and girls’ weekends.
Key West does Halloween its own way. Fantasy Fest is ten days of costumes, parades, and street parties, Fri, Oct 16 to Sun, Oct 25, and this year’s theme is “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.” One honest note: this is a grown-up festival. Duval Street at night is not for kids, and the body paint and costumes go big. Families should stick to the daytime events.
Top three things to do
- Watch the Fantasy Fest Parade, Sat, Oct 24, 7 PM, on Duval Street. Free.
- Join the Masquerade March in costume, Fri, Oct 23. It is free.
- Meet Robert the Doll at Fort East Martello Museum, said to be the most haunted doll in America. Legend says you must ask his permission before you take his photo. Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, adults $17.
Where to stay: La Concha, right on Duval Street. Built in 1926, it has its own ghost stories, including a bellboy said to haunt the elevator. Book now. Fantasy Fest fills the island.
Where to eat and drink: The free Goombay Festival in Bahama Village for Bahamian food and music, then Sloppy Joe’s on Duval, a Key West bar since 1933, for a front-row seat to the costumes.
Costs: hotels high, activities low
Getting there: Fly into Key West International (EYW), or take the scenic drive down the Overseas Highway.
My tip: Pack a costume that fits the theme. Think Broadway, think legends, think sequins.
Official resources: Fantasy Fest · Fort East Martello Museum
Bonus: Austin, Texas (My Personal Pick)
Best weekend to go: Oct 23 to 25
Best for: Haunted house fans, cocktail lovers, and girls’ weekends. I lived here for four years.
Austin is not on most Halloween lists, but it should be. My family went to House of Torment, and I have the photo to prove we survived. I will be back in Austin Oct 22 to 25, and on Friday, Oct 16, I am sharing a whole local guide for you: Austin Halloween Events 2026: A Local’s Picks.
Top three things to do
- Brave House of Torment, through Nov 8, from $19.99.
- Drink at the Black Lagoon pop-up at King Bee on East 12th Street, through Oct 31.
- Celebrate at Viva la Vida Fest, Sat, Oct 24, downtown, free.
Where to stay: The Driskill Hotel, opened in 1886 and full of ghost stories.
Where to eat and drink: King Bee for Black Lagoon, and Twisted Carnival at Gibson Street Bar.
Costs: hotels middle, activities low
Getting there: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom (AUS), about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown.
My tip: Go to House of Torment on a weeknight if you can. Weekends close to Halloween get packed.
Official resources: House of Torment · Viva la Vida Fest · Austin Halloween cocktail pop-ups
Quiz: What is your Halloween travel personality?
Pick one answer for each question and count your letters. Tie? Question 6 decides.
See all five results
- Mostly A: The Haunted History Lover. You read the plaque. All of it. You want the real story behind the ghost story, and you will absolutely ask the tour guide a follow-up question. Your getaway: Salem, Savannah, or Sleepy Hollow.
- Mostly B: The Halloween Party Girl. Your costume has a group chat. You plan the outfit before the flight, you know where the after-party is, and you are still dancing when the parade ends. Your getaway: Key West, New Orleans, or Las Vegas.
- Mostly C: The Cozy Fall Traveler. Give you a flannel, a warm cider, and a pumpkin patch, and you are happy. You want the magic of Halloween without the midnight scream. Your getaway: St. Helens or Anoka.
- Mostly D: The Thrill Seeker. You do not walk through haunted houses. You run back in line for another round. If it does not make you scream, it does not count. Your getaway: Orlando, or Austin for House of Torment.
- Mostly E: The Spontaneous Adventurer. You are the friend who says, “Wait, what if we just booked the tickets?” You are collecting memories, stories, and maybe a few questionable decisions along the way. Your getaway: New York City or Eureka Springs.
Already sold out or closed
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Orlando: sold out
- St. John the Divine Halloween Extravaganza, New York: sold out
- The Shining Ball at the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park: sold out
- Freakling Bros, Las Vegas: taking 2026 off
Last-minute booking tips
- Buy event tickets first. Tours and events sell out before hotels do.
- Book a refundable hotel rate. Plans change, and October rates run high.
- Look at Wednesday and Thursday nights. Haunted events and hotels often cost less midweek.
- Take the train in Salem and Sleepy Hollow. Parking fills fast and costs more.
- Plan your ride home before you go out. Rideshares are scarce on big nights.
- Eat early. Many restaurants in these towns are first come, first served in October.
Plan for your energy
Halloween travel means a lot of walking, standing in lines, uneven cemetery paths, late nights, and crowds. A few reminders:
- Check walking distances. Many ghost tours run 1.5 to 2 hours on foot, often on brick or uneven ground.
- Ask about accessibility ahead of time. Theme parks, museums, and many tours offer accommodations, but some historic cemeteries and houses have steps and narrow paths.
- Build in rest. Plan one big night, then a slower morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes with your costume. Nobody is looking at your feet.
- Pick earlier time slots if late nights wear you out. Many events have an early session that is just as fun.
Halloween travel FAQ
Can I still have fun on Halloween in midlife?
Heck yes you can. Halloween is not just for little kids and college parties. Book the ghost tour, wear the costume, plan the girls’ weekend. Some of my favorite memories started in my forties.
What are the best Halloween trips for adults over 40?
Salem for history and a girls’ weekend, Savannah for a romantic ghost tour, New Orleans for food and parades, and Key West for Fantasy Fest if you want the party.
Where can I go for Halloween without kids?
Las Vegas, Key West, and New Orleans after dark are made for grown-ups. Salem and Savannah work for both.
Is a Halloween girls’ trip a good idea?
Yes. My first midlife adventure was a last-minute drive to Salem with two parents I had just met. Pick one event, book a refundable hotel, and say yes.
What is the best place to go for Halloween in the U.S.?
Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most celebrated Halloween destinations in the country, and 2026 is its 400th anniversary. New Orleans, Sleepy Hollow, and Orlando are favorites too.
Is Salem worth visiting in October?
Yes, if you plan ahead. Book lodging early, take the train, and expect crowds on weekends.
Where is the biggest Halloween parade?
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City is one of the biggest in the country. It marches up Sixth Avenue on Oct 31.
What is a good Halloween trip for families?
St. Helens, Oregon (the real Halloweentown) and Anoka, Minnesota (the Halloween Capital of the World) are both free to explore.
Is it too late to plan a Halloween trip?
No. Pick one of the last three weekends of October, book a refundable hotel, and buy your event tickets first.
Your turn
I am new to Orlando, so tell me: what is a must-do Halloween here? And wherever you are, I want to hear about your favorite Halloween trip, or the one you have always wanted to take. Write to me on my pen pal page.
Still to come this spooky season
I am not done with Halloween yet. Here is what is coming, and I will link each one here as it goes live:
- Tue, Oct 13: Most Popular Halloween Costumes for 2026
- Wed, Oct 14: How Much Will Halloween Cost in 2026?
- Thu, Oct 15: Should You Plan for More Trick-or-Treaters This Year?
- Fri, Oct 16: Austin Halloween Events 2026: A Local’s Picks
- Tue, Oct 27: Podcast, Midlife Is a Circus: Pumpkins, Prayers & Peer Pressure at Halloween
Before You Go…
Know someone planning a Halloween getaway? Share this resource with them! Whether they’re planning a girls’ weekend, a family adventure, or a spooky couples’ escape, there’s a little something here for everyone.
And if you enjoy resources like this, come hang out with me on Sunday mornings! Subscribe to The Sunday Scoop 🗞️, my weekly newsletter filled with midlife conversations, helpful resources, upcoming adventures, and a little bit of everything in between.
Till next time, stay sweet out there.
I love you, Jenn ❤️
Dates, prices, and sold-out status were checked October 12, 2026. Events change, so confirm on the official sites before you book.