Haunted Towns in America: Best Halloween Getaways 2025
- Ryan Jones
- Aug 26
- 7 min read
If you’re craving a getaway that combines history, eerie legends, and atmospheric autumn charm, haunted towns in America deliver it all. Every October, destinations like Salem, Sleepy Hollow, Gettysburg, and St. Augustine transform into epicenters of spooky fun, blending authentic history with ghost stories and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend escape or a family-friendly adventure, these towns are among the best Halloween getaways in 2025.
Why Visit Haunted Towns in America This Fall
The Rise of Spooky Season Travel
Haunted travel is more popular than ever, with travelers seeking destinations that mix seasonal activities with a dash of the supernatural. Beyond the jump scares, haunted towns offer immersive history lessons, atmospheric streets, and unique traditions that make them unlike anywhere else. Visiting in October means pumpkin-lined sidewalks, ghost tours under lantern light, and seasonal festivals that bring the legends of these towns to life.
What Makes a Haunted Town Worth Visiting
Not all haunted towns are created equal. The best destinations balance authentic history—like Salem’s Witch Trials or Gettysburg’s Civil War battlefield—with engaging tours and seasonal events. You’ll want to look for towns that offer:
Historic sites tied to real events
Ghost tours and storytelling led by local experts
Seasonal festivals and Halloween parades
Walkable streets, photo-worthy architecture, and cozy lodging
Most Haunted Places to Visit in October 2025
Salem, Massachusetts – Halloween Capital of America
What to Expect in Salem in October
October in Salem is unforgettable—streets lined with pumpkins, costumed visitors, and a constant hum of activity. Expect large crowds on weekends, with the busiest times leading up to Halloween. Weather hovers in the 50s–60s, so layers are essential for both daytime wandering and brisk evenings. The earlier you start your day, the easier it will be to navigate attractions and tours.
Top Haunted Attractions & Historic Sites
The Witch House – the only building with direct ties to the 1692 Witch Trials
Peabody Essex Museum – world-class art and witch trial exhibits
House of the Seven Gables – a historic and literary icon on the waterfront
Witch Trials Memorial & Old Burying Point Cemetery
Ropes Mansion Garden (Hocus Pocus filming site)
Ghost Tours in Salem
One of the best ways to experience Salem is on a guided walk. The History & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour blends the town’s witch trial history with its ghostly legends. Other options include the Salem Trolley and the Crow Haven Witch Walk, each offering a unique perspective on the city’s spooky past.
Where to Stay in Salem
Hawthorne Hotel – historic, central, and rumored to be haunted
The Hotel Salem – modern, with a rooftop bar
Salem Waterfront Hotel – close to Pickering Wharf and harbor views
Where to Eat & Drink
From strong coffee at Odd Meter to seafood at Sea Level, Salem’s food scene keeps energy levels high during long days of exploring. Turner’s and Bambolina serve hearty dinners, while Notch Brewery and Goodnight Fatty are local favorites for beer and cookies after a ghost tour.
Sleepy Hollow, New York – Home of the Headless Horseman
What to Expect in Sleepy Hollow in Fall
Just 30 miles north of New York City, Sleepy Hollow is steeped in legend thanks to Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow. October is the busiest month, with foliage at its peak and Halloween festivals in full swing. Crowds are common, so booking tours and tickets in advance is essential.
Haunted Attractions & Landmarks
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – lantern tours and Irving’s final resting place
Old Dutch Church – historic 17th-century church central to the Headless Horseman tale
Philipsburg Manor – 18th-century mill and trading complex
Headless Horseman Bridge & Statue – iconic photo stops
Seasonal Halloween Events
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – 7,000+ illuminated pumpkins in Croton-on-Hudson
Haunted Hayride & Block Party – hay wagon rides + music on Beekman Avenue
SUP Witches Festival – costumed witches paddling the Hudson
Irving’s Legend Storytelling – live retelling of the classic tale
Ghost Tours in Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow is best explored after dark on cemetery lantern tours or at live storytelling events. “Irving’s Legend” brings the Headless Horseman to life, while seasonal murder mystery events in the cemetery add to the immersive experience.
Where to Stay in Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown
Sleepy Hollow Hotel – practical and central
Tarrytown House Estate – family-friendly with pools and Goosefeather restaurant
Where to Eat & Drink
Hudson Farmer & The Fish serves fresh seafood and pumpkin bisque, while J.P. Doyle’s is a classic Irish pub. Bridge View Tavern offers craft beer and smoked wings, and Santorini is a must for Greek cuisine.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – America’s Most Haunted Battlefield
What to Expect in Gettysburg
Gettysburg draws travelers for both its Civil War history and its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. October is prime ghost tour season, with cool weather adding to the atmosphere. The town is walkable, but the battlefields stretch out into the countryside, making a mix of walking and guided tours ideal.
Haunted Gettysburg Sites
Jennie Wade House – home of the battle’s only civilian casualty
Farnsworth House Inn – haunted inn with numerous reported spirits
Sachs Covered Bridge – site of desertion hangings, popular for ghost photos
Devil’s Den – eerie rock formation tied to fierce fighting
Children’s Orphanage – dark history of abuse and lingering spirits
Ghost Tours in Gettysburg
For the full paranormal experience, join the Late Night Ghost Hunt with Ghost Hunting Equipment. These tours let guests use ghost-hunting tools while exploring the battlefield. Family-friendly ghost walks are also available, offering history with a spooky twist.
Where to Stay in Gettysburg
Choose from historic inns like the Tillie Pierce House and Farnsworth House, or stick to chain hotels for modern amenities. Staying overnight in town makes it easier to join late-night tours.
Where to Eat & Drink
Gettysburg’s dining scene leans casual, with historic taverns, pubs, and family-friendly restaurants. Many embrace the town’s haunted reputation with themed décor and ghostly tales.
St. Augustine, Florida – The Nation’s Oldest City (and Haunted Too)
What to Expect in St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine blends centuries-old Spanish architecture with a reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. With cobblestone streets, coastal breezes, and year-round ghost stories, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking history with a supernatural twist.
Haunted Attractions & Landmarks
Old Jail – executions and notorious conditions
Castillo de San Marcos – fort with ghostly Spanish soldiers
Spanish Military Hospital – built on a Timucuan burial ground
Huguenot Cemetery – home to Judge Stickney’s restless spirit
St. Augustine Lighthouse – haunted by keepers and children
Ghost Tours in St. Augustine
The Ghosts & Gravestones Old Town Trolley Tour is among the most popular, combining history and theatrics. For a deeper dive, Ghost Tours of St. Augustine offers historical walking tours, while Ghost Augustine leads haunted pub crawls and paranormal investigations.
Where to Stay in St. Augustine
St. Francis Inn (1791) – historic inn with documented paranormal activity
Casablanca Inn – haunted B&B with a bootlegging past
Other historic inns and boutique hotels in the old town
Where to Eat & Drink
The St. Augustine Distillery and Ice Plant Bar provide a modern twist on the haunted theme with cocktails and tours. Local pubs and taverns often weave in ghost stories, making dining part of the experience.
How to Plan Your Haunted Halloween Getaway 2025
Best Time to Visit Haunted Towns in America
September – fewer crowds, early foliage
October – peak season for festivals, tours, and spooky events
Early November – lingering events + colorful leaves
Travel & Transportation Tips
Salem: MBTA train or ferry from Boston
Sleepy Hollow: Metro North train or car from NYC
Gettysburg: Best reached by car, with tours covering the battlefield
St. Augustine: Accessible by car or Jacksonville Airport
Budgeting for Haunted Town Trips
Lodging: book months in advance, especially for October weekends
Tours: $15–$45 per person depending on type
Dining: mix of casual cafés and “destination” dinners
Tickets: buy early for events like the Jack O’Lantern Blaze or Ghost Hunts
Ghost Tours in Salem, Sleepy Hollow, Gettysburg & St. Augustine
Ghost tours are the heart of haunted town travel. They combine history, storytelling, and atmosphere in ways that museums can’t match. Whether you prefer a theatrical experience with jump scares or a historically grounded lantern walk, there’s a tour for every traveler.
Featured Ghost Tours:
Salem: History & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Click For Info
Sleepy Hollow: Lantern Cemetery Tours & Irving’s Legend Storytelling - Click For Info
Gettysburg: Late Night Ghost Hunt with Equipment - Click For Info
St. Augustine: Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour - Click For Info
FAQs About Haunted Towns in America
What is the most haunted town in America?
Salem, Gettysburg, and St. Augustine often top the list, but each has unique claims to haunted fame.
Are these haunted towns family-friendly?
Yes—most offer family-friendly tours and activities, though some haunted houses or ghost hunts are designed for adults only.
Do you need to book ghost tours in advance?
Absolutely. October dates sell out quickly, so book tours and tickets as early as possible.
What should I pack for a haunted October trip?
Layers, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella, and a portable charger are essentials.
Are haunted inns and hotels safe to stay in?
Yes—haunted hotels like the Hawthorne Hotel or St. Francis Inn are safe, though many guests report eerie experiences.
Plan Your Haunted Town Adventure for 2025
If you’re looking for the best Halloween getaways in 2025, haunted towns in America are the perfect choice. From Salem’s witch trial history to the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, Gettysburg’s battlefield spirits, and St. Augustine’s centuries-old legends, each town offers its own blend of chills, history, and atmosphere. With ghost tours, haunted inns, and seasonal festivals, these destinations deliver unforgettable October adventures. Book early, pack smart, and get ready to embrace the spooky side of fall.
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