Fall doesn’t just mean pumpkin spice lattes and colorful leaves; it also welcomes in the holiday season with some Halloween fun for all ages. From parades to parties and all the haunted houses in between, here’s our list of the top destinations to visit for a spook-tacular time.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
The most haunted city in America
New Orleans tops our list for a reason. With its deep roots in voodoo, ghostly legends, and nonstop nightlife, this city knows how to throw a party.
Don’t miss:
- The Krewe of Boo parade through the French Quarter
- Boo at the Zoo for family-friendly fun
- Year-round haunted tours and historic cemeteries
2. New York, New York
The city that never sleeps…especially on Halloween
NYC turns into one giant costume party. Haunted houses, rooftop bashes, ghost tours, you name it. But the Village Halloween Parade steals the show, shutting down 6th Ave with dancing, music, and endless creativity.
Pro tip: Wear a costume and join the parade for free. No ticket required!
3. Orlando, Florida
Theme park magic with a spooky twist
Orlando is a Halloween paradise for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Must-dos:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios for serious scares
- Head to the beach for some sunshine and palm trees. No bulky costumes needed
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where history meets horror
Philly’s Eastern State Penitentiary transforms into one of the country’s most famous haunted attractions into a Halloween festival with haunted houses, tours, and even a speakeasy in Al Capone’s old cell.
More thrills: Join the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour for an R-rated walk through ghost stories, grave robberies, and pirate legends.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Gangsters, ghosts, and ghouls
The Windy City delivers big Halloween energy.
Try these:
- Ghosts and Gangsters Kayak Tour on the Chicago River
- Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Botanic Garden
- The Godfrey’s Haunted Hotel rooftop bash (21+ only)
6. Sleepy Hollow, New York
A small town with a legendary past
Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes to life in this charming Hudson Valley town.
Don’t miss:
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for 7,000 glowing pumpkins
- Tours of Irving’s estate and the town cemetery
- Haunted hayrides and fall festivities all season long
7. Anoka, Minnesota
The Halloween capital of the world
Anoka hosted the first recorded Halloween celebration, which still goes all out today.
Join the fun:
- Great Pumpkin Expo for some out-of-this-world pumpkins
- A community-wide Halloween Parade
- Medallion Hunt for a chance to win $400
View the whole Halloween calendar of events here.
8. St. Helens, Oregon
Welcome to Halloweentown
This real-life movie town celebrates its claim to fame with the Spirit of Halloweentown festival, complete with giant pumpkins, parades, and celebrity guests.
Bonus: Visit Bella’s house from Twilight or join a haunted tour at the Klondike Tavern.
9. New Hope, Pennsylvania
Charming, cozy, and full of fall fun
This riverside town goes big on seasonal spirit.
Highlights:
- Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village
- Sesame Place The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
- Lantern-led ghost tours and Haunted Hay Rides
10. Salem, Massachusetts
The OG city of witches
Salem’s haunted history makes it the ultimate Halloween destination.
Can’t-miss events:
- Haunted Happenings: a month-long Halloween celebration
- Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball
- Festival of the Dead with psychic fairs and ghost hunts
Where are you headed this Halloween?
Eat, drink, and be scary this Halloween season with Faye Travel Insurance.
These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for a Halloween getaway.
