Family ghostly getaways in America’s most haunted vacation spots

With autumn in the air and Halloween looming, why not bring some spookiness to your vacation with a haunted itinerary. These chilling destinations are approved for family travel, offering spine-tingling histories, unexplained phenomena and the chance for an unforgettable ghost encounter for adults and kids of all ages.

A black and white photo captures a narrow, cobblestone street at night, reminiscent of America's most haunted alleys. Timber-framed buildings line both sides, their shadows deepening the mystery. A person, silhouetted against the dim streetlight, walks along the road as it curves into obscurity. — Haunted ghost town walk.

My family is BIG on Halloween. My daughter gets excited the minute she sees pumpkins, while my son starts begging for us to purchase Halloween candy the moment it appears in Costco's aisles. So one year, we decided to take them on a road trip to see some haunted vacation spots.

Who knew America had so many haunted vacation spots? We sure didn't!

Scary movies, haunted houses and ghoulish costumes are favorites during the month of October, delivering a dose of terror as Halloween draws near. But for those truly looking for a fright this year, plan a vacation to America’s most haunted cities.

These cities, with their rich histories spanning from sorrowful events to gruesome tales, are abundant with reported ghostly encounters and chilling narratives rooted in actual occurrences. As interest in spooky travel locations continues to grow, visitors now have an increasing array of options for delving for immersing themselves in eerie experiences.

The 2024 Haunt Industry Report from ticketing company Passage indicates visits to haunted attractions continue to grow. As a result, many cities have expanded tourism offerings around the ghostly and paranormal.

So this year, if your family is into spooky travel, add a dash of bone-chilling history alongside trick-or-treating and pumpkin pie at Halloween. Haunted buildings, walking tours, theatrical shows and even haunted restaurants let you explore a city in exciting — and sometimes frightening — ways, often seeing a side of your destination that you might otherwise miss.

Visit with historic ghosts in Atlantic cities

A person wearing a gray mask holds a baby dressed in a yellow outfit and boots. They sit on outdoor stairs next to a red dragon sculpture with horns, reminiscent of America’s most haunted sites. A brick building looms in the background.

European explorers first settled many Atlantic coast cities as far back as the 1500s, making them hundreds of years old. These cities' centuries of history brim with adventures and intrigues, turning them into cultural destinations. Now, people know these places for their frequent ghost sightings.

Tybee Island, Georgia

A tall black and white lighthouse stands against a blue sky with scattered clouds. Below, an American flag waves near a white picket fence, marking one of America's most haunted vacation spots. A sign reads "Tybee Island Light Station." Nearby are buildings with white exteriors and red roofs. — Tybee Island Lighthouse.

Tybee Island in Georgia is a beautiful island getaway outside Savannah with sandy beaches and a relaxing local vibe. But it's also known for its hauntings. You can explore all along the island with ghost walking tours, starting from the historic Carbo House to the island’s paranormal hot spots.

Visitors to the Tybee Lighthouse have reported seeing the spirits of the lightkeepers and the ghost of a young girl. Recently restored, Georgia’s oldest lighthouse now hosts an annual Halloween party.

Savannah, Georgia

A street scene at dusk in America reveals a historic brick building adorned with colorful neon lights. The cobblestone street, lined with small trees, features tram tracks. As the sky's gradient of blue and orange deepens, whispers of ghostly getaways linger in the ambiance. — River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Some consider nearby Savannah to be one of America’s most haunted cities. Savannah's historic walking tours reveal both the city's stunning sights and its eerie past. Ghost enthusiasts can visit the Sorrel-Weed House, a TV-famous location that hosts ghost tours and paranormal investigations.

For a unique dining experience, brave The Pirate's House, a restaurant in a former sailors' and pirates' inn, where you might dine alongside spectral seafarers. If you're feeling especially daring, spend the night in one of the city's many reportedly haunted hotels and inns, where ghostly residents are said to roam.

St. Augustine, Florida

A vintage car parked on a street beside a sidewalk, with modern cars and a historic building known as one of America's most haunted in the background. The sky is overcast, adding an eerie charm, and a few people are visible in the distance, perhaps seeking family ghostly getaways. — Vintage black car in St. Augustine, Florida

Take a ghost tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse to uncover both the area's nautical heritage and its chilling lore. Many walking tours include Flagler College, reportedly home to several spirits. Visitors claim to see apparitions of Henry Flagler, who built the hotel that later became part of the college, along with his wife and mistresses.

The Spanish constructed Castillo de San Marcos to guard their Florida trade route. Now, it's known for ghostly encounters. Locals report sightings of imprisoned Native Americans, Spanish soldiers, and a wayward woman who leaves behind a lingering scent of perfume.

Explore the South’s most haunted cities

A toddler in a yellow outfit stands on a leaf-covered sidewalk in front of a brick house, reminiscent of America's most haunted locales. The porch features a Halloween-themed display with black bags and caution tape. A sign reads "Venez nous Voir le soir. — Running away from haunted homes in New Orleans.

When it comes to spooky vacations, few destinations have the reputation for active hauntings as those in the South. New Orleans, Louisiana, often ranks as the most haunted city in America while Texas is the most haunted state, according to Forbes.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Black and white image of a large, historic cathedral with three spires and a clock on the central tower, known among America's most haunted sites. Tropical plants and trees are in the foreground, enhancing its mysterious allure under a clear sky. — Facade of the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana.

New Orleans blends stories of witchcraft, voodoo, and vampires that both thrill and frighten visitors. The French Quarter, established in 1718, serves as the backdrop for many of the city's ghostly tales. For a spine-tingling experience, book a room at the Bourbon Orleans, one of the city's most haunted hotels. Guests report seeing an elderly ghost reading a newspaper and smoking a cigar in the lobby, or a lone dancer twirling in the ballroom.

Daytime offers opportunities to explore the city's eerie side through walking and bus tours. These excursions take you to New Orleans' numerous cemeteries, plantations, and haunted houses, each with its own chilling history to share. When you need a bite to eat, order Bananas Foster at Brennan’s, a dish invented by Chef Paul Blangé, who now haunts his old restaurant.

San Antonio, Texas

A historic multi-story brick building, often touted as one of America's most haunted, with ornate architectural details and a central tower. The facade features arched windows and a sign that reads "San Antonio Brewing Association." Trees partially frame the view. — San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio stands out as a prime destination for a haunted getaway in Texas. The city is home to The Alamo, where a catastrophic battle claimed the lives of nearly 200 Texan soldiers—the entire defending force—against Mexican troops. Reports of spectral sentries at the fort began circulating shortly after the conflict.

Many San Antonio ghost tours include stops at The Alamo and The Menger Hotel, reputed to be one of America's most haunted lodgings. These tours also explore eerie churches, parks, and other historic structures. For those who prefer their spirits in liquid form, the city offers haunted pub crawls through its historic and allegedly haunted drinking establishments.

Haunted hotels and racetrack in California

A grand hotel exterior at dusk, decorated with festive lights, hints at its reputation as one of America's most haunted. Several cars are parked at the entrance, and a gazebo adorned with holiday lights and a wreath is visible. A fountain and flowering shrubs add an enchanting touch to this ghostly getaway setting. — Hotel Del Coronado

California boasts its own array of ghostly tales, from Old Hollywood's silver screen specters to Gold Rush-era miners in the Sierra Nevadas. San Diego, in particular, offers numerous haunted hotel experiences. The Victorian-era Gaslamp Quarter's Horton Grand Hotel reportedly houses the ghost of Roger Whitaker, a notorious card cheat. On Coronado Island, the opulent Hotel Del Coronado is said to be home to Kate Morgan's spirit, a young woman who ended her life there.

In Southern California, the Del Mar racetrack has its own supernatural resident. According to Mac McBride, Director of Media for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the ghost of 1940s actor and dancer George Raft, a close friend of track founder Bing Crosby and avid racing enthusiast, has been spotted queuing for tickets long after his death.

Visitors to the track have reported various paranormal occurrences, including disembodied voices in empty bars, phantom laughter and drink orders, mysterious apparitions in hallways, and inexplicable cold spots with subtle drafts in closed areas. Those keen on ghostly encounters can visit Del Mar starting on Halloween, coinciding with the beginning of the fall Bing Crosby Racing Season.

Enjoy a chilling Halloween vacation at these haunted hotspots

A woman smiles with two children, one in a striped beanie and face paint, the other in a green and pink outfit with pointed ears, resembling a character. They seem to be enjoying their time at one of America's most haunted vacation spots, with dim lighting and blurred lights adding an eerie charm. — Our family on haunted ghost tour in Halloween.

If you like to be scared, then a fall-time ghost tour through some of America's most haunted spots just may be for you. Whether you take a ghost tour around the city or dare to stay in a haunted hotel, a ghost-hunting vacation — or just a few stops at your destination’s spooky locales — is the perfect way to get in the spirit of fall. Wherever your ghostly getaway takes you, be sure to take lots of photos and study them carefully when you return. You never know what frights you might find.

Additional fall travel ideas

If you're looking for more travel ideas in the fall, why not try exploring the Quebec cider route! There is so much to see and do there for the whole family.

This article is based on a guide written by Lisa Wells of Coastal Wandering, which originally appeared on Food Drink Life.