In the mood for something spooky? Come October, with Halloween on the horizon, something gets us in the mood for a fright. The chilly air sends chills down the spine and sets us off in search of thrills! If you want to get away to get your scares then you'll love these spooky towns. They're the best places to visit for Halloween in the United States, thanks to their haunted histories and local efforts for some Halloween hocus pocus. Some are for the brave, and others offer more family fun. If you choose to stay in one know that you'll find HomeExchanges there for a Happy Halloween at a price that won't scare you off!
Discover how HomeExchange works.1. Salem, Massachussets: Witch Lore & More
Salem is synonymous with Halloween, thanks to its infamous witch trials of 1692. The beautiful East Coast town transforms into festively beautiful destination every October with haunted happenings. Activities include a month-long celebration featuring parades, ghost tours, and witch-themed events. The Salem Witch Museum allows you to explore the history of the witch trials and learn about the legends of witches. Meanwhile, local ghost tours invite you to walk through the streets of Salem with guides who share spooky tales and local lore. Beyond all the spookiness, you'll appreciate this charming and historic town this time of year with autumn colors in full swing and lively local community.
See homes in Salem.2. Sleepy Hollow, New York: A Halloween Vacation in the Hudson Valley
Sleepy Hollow is a must-see for fans of the supernatural. It's known as the home of Washington Irving's classic tale of the same name about a headless horseman haunting the town. The Horseman's Hollow here brings the legend to life, with a haunted attraction along eerie trails with live actors. You can see the final resting place of Washington Irving and other notable figures with tours of the local cemetery, which is a spooky opportunity to learn about the town's history. The most majestic thing about Halloween here however is the The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. It's an awe-inspiring display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins set against the backdrop of the town's historic sites. It's so extraordinary we can't imagine a better way to see Sleepy Hollow in the heart of the Hudson Valley than for a Halloween vacation.
See homes in Sleepy Hollow3. Anoka, Minnesota: The Halloween Capital of the World
Anoka's claim to fame is the "Halloween Capital of the World" so now is the ideal time to visit this otherwise little-known midwest town. They go all out for the spooky season, notably with the annual Halloween parade that happens to be the oldest and largest in the U.S. featuring floats, costumes, and of course...plenty of candy! Local houses become haunted this time of year too, and you can experience different ones catering to all ages on a haunted house tour of the town. Pumpkin decorating and carving contests are also on the agenda for you to join in the fun with local residents and see if your creative skills measure up to the inhabitants of one of America's best Halloween towns!
4. New Orleans, Louisiana: Voodoo & Southern Spook
New Orleans celebrates Halloween with a unique flair that combines tradition and mystique that culminates in its famous French Quarter. Notably with Voodoo Fest, a lively music festival that coincides with Halloween, celebrating the city’s voodoo heritage. You can also visit the local Voodoo museums from some spooky fun. Halloween also offers a timely opportunity to appreciate the city's exceptional French-influenced architecture by taking haunted house tours across the town. You can explore the haunted locations of the French Quarter and learn about the city’s ghostly legends. Lastly, the Bourbon Street Halloween Parade also known as Krewe of Boo is one of the wildest Halloween parties in the country with extravagant costumes and lively entertainment, securing New Orleans spot as one of the places to go for Halloween.
5. Salem, West Virginia: A Stop On the Spooktacular Haunted Trail
Not to be confused with its Massachusetts counterpart, this other small town of Salem embraces Halloween with its own unique charm. Activities include the local Halloween Festival, where you can enjoy a weekend full of family-friendly activities, including costume contests, parades, and live music. The Local Craft Fairs this time of year are also a nice place to hunt for handmade goods and decor in the spirit of the spooky season. But the real draw to this area at Halloween is a spooktacular haunted trail, where you can experience and thrillingly fun and frightful walk through the woods of these beautiful mountains. Flinderation Tunnel in Salem is one stop of the famous West Virginia Paranormal Trail through the states spookiest spots. It's a chilling relic of the B&O Railroad era, and rumored to be haunted by spirits of its builders.
See homes near Salem.6. Galena, Illinois: The Best Place to Visit for Halloween in the Midwest
Galena is a picturesque town known for its well-preserved historic architecture and stunning fall scenery. They also love Halloween, with a great Annual Halloween Parade and Festival. This amazing celebration showcases stunning floats, lively marching bands, and participants in creative costumes, with fun prizes and candy for "guys and ghouls" young and old! Bring the little ones to the Kids Fest and enjoy a meal at the Food Festival before the parade kicks off. Other local Halloween Highlights that make this a great place for a Halloween Vacation in the midwest is the Pumpkin Fest, a weekend event with pumpkin carving, hayrides, and fall-themed activities, as well as local ghost stories and legends during guided walking tours.
See homes in Galena.7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Zombies in the Ozarks
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is one of the best places to visit for Halloween, where whimsy meets the supernatural! This charming Victorian town comes alive with its annual Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl, inviting ghouls of all ages to parade through the streets in their spookiest attire. The haunted history tours weave tales of ghostly encounters as you stroll past beautifully preserved homes and eerie landmarks. For those seeking thrills, the local ghost tours reveal the town's spine-tingling legends, making every corner feel like a scene from a hauntingly delightful story. And don’t miss the vibrant fall festivals, where you can enjoy pumpkin carving contests and indulge in seasonal treats. With its enchanting ambiance and lively festivities, Eureka Springs is the perfect destination for a memorable Halloween adventure!
See homes in Eureka Springs.8. Ellicott City, Maryland: One of the Best Halloween Towns
Ellicott City is one of the best places to visit for Halloween, bursting with spooky charm and festive activities starting with the Trick or Treat on Main Street! As the sun sets, join the Ellicott City Ghost Tours to uncover spine-chilling tales and local legends that will send shivers down your spine. Families can revel in the Halloween in the Park festivities, complete with hayrides, trick-or-treating, and plenty of fall-themed fun for the little ones. The town’s historic buildings and cobblestone streets create the perfect backdrop for a hauntingly delightful experience. Don’t forget to explore the various local businesses hosting themed events, where you can find treats and treasures to take home. With its blend of history, community spirit, and Halloween thrills, Ellicott City promises a bewitching adventure for all!
See homes in Ellicott City, Maryland.9. Fredericksburg, Texas: Ghosts & Grapes on a Hill Country Halloween Vacation
Fredericksburg, one of our favorite Texas towns to tour, is a colonial German gem that love to get their spook on at Halloween. The main street gets a makeover at Halloween with cute decorations, and the October ambiance fills the air with mild autumn weather perfect for hosting the local Oktoberfest in the traditional German spirit. For adults, you can enjoy tasting Texas wines at the local wineries that host special Halloween events this time of year. The biggest draw though that pulls Fredericksburg into the list of best places to go for Halloween are the Haunted History Tours. On the Ghost Walk and Jail Tour, you can explore ghostly tales and local history on guided tours through some of Fredericksburg most historic homes, a great combination for anyone passionate about architecture, history, and Halloween! Best of all is it's kid friendly so little ones can come too. You might also love the local bat caves as well for a Halloween fright!
See homes in Fredericksburg10. Transylvania County, North Carolina: Fall Foliage & Vampires
Transylvania County, North Carolina, is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit for Halloween, where mountain magic meets a touch of the supernatural! You don't have to go to Romania to the orignal Transylvania to get your thrills. Come here for a Halloween Vacation instead with its stunning fall foliage. Embrace your inner vampire and dive into the festivities with Boo in the Park, a family-friendly extravaganza filled with games, treats, and a costume contest that will leave you howling with delight. Explore the haunted historical tours that reveal spine-tingling tales from the past, perfect for those who want a taste of the eerie history that inspired its namesake. And don’t miss the local pumpkin patches, where you can pick your perfect gourd before it turns into a spooky jack-o'-lantern! Whether you’re seeking thrills or just some good old-fashioned fun, Transylvania County is one of the best Halloween destinations.
See homes in Transylvania CountyStay with HomeExchange in The Best Places to Visit for Halloween
As you plan your spooky getaway to the best Halloween towns, consider using HomeExchange to find the perfect place to stay. With a network of friendly hosts ready to share their homes in all the best Halloween towns, you can enjoy a unique and cozy experience and get your haunt on. Imagine sipping hot cider in a charming cottage after a day of ghost tours and pumpkin carving! So grab a costume, pack your trick-or-treat bag, and plan a Halloween vacation with HomeExchange. We can't promise the houses will be haunted, but we are confident you'll feel right at home!
