As Halloween approaches, the time to plan a spooky trip is now. We’ve put together a list of some of the scariest spots we serve. If you’re looking to plan a trip full of haunted attractions, eerie experiences, or creepy corridors, here’s where to head:
Philadelphia is known for its rich American history and character. However, within the exciting city lives one of the most haunted attractions in the country, Eastern State Penitentiary. This old prison held infamous criminals such as Al Capone.
Today, you can tour the prison and walk through the cells, hallways, and even death row. Every year, the prison hosts a Halloween festival that features different haunted houses, food vendors, and a speakeasy right in Al Capone’s cell. (Just be careful not to get too spooked by the ghosts that are rumored to haunt the establishment.)
Salem, Massachusetts (via a flight to Boston)
Just a 40-minute drive from Boston is the infamous town of Salem – the site of the Salem Witch Trials. The Witch House still stands and is one of the last remaining structures from the trials. This house was home to judge Jonathan Corwin and his family. Corwin was responsible for the executions of countless accused witches, resulting in the so-called Corwin curse. The curse is said to have claimed the lives of the entire Corwin family and to this day people report hearing distant voices and the feeling of being watched even when no one is there.
When visiting Salem around Halloween, take a short drive to Connors Farm. This family-friendly farm has loads of fall day activities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and even a ropes course. At night, the farm takes a scarier turn with attractions such as haunted hayrides and fields.
New Orleans is known to be one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. thanks to its creepy history. The Haunted Hotel is credited for being among the most paranormal locations in the South. This small hotel is the speculated home of the Axman, a villain who terrorized New Orleans in the early 1900s. Although his identity was never known, a bloodied axe was found in the attic during a remodel a few years ago. Now, the axe sits on display in the hotel where guests report feelings of panic when stepping through the door. The Axman isn’t the only poltergeist that resides within the walls. He is joined by the former owner Maime, who has been accused of flickering the lights, moving objects, and speaking to guests.
New Orleans also has an impressive lineup of Halloween events like parades and parties. The Krewe of Boo parade goes through the French Quarter and is a hit year after year. The day of the parade is filled with various exciting events like dances and royal luncheons.
Long Beach, California (via a flight to Los Angeles)
A short drive from Los Angeles sits The Queen Mary. Now permanently docked in Long Beach, the history of the ship is fascinatingly frightening. While the ship survived the Great Depression and WWII, many of its passengers did not. Since first setting sail, 49 souls have been lost on board. The ship currently serves as an active hotel but do be warned: there have been countless reports of strange things occurring. The alleged paranormal phenomena include footsteps, knocking, running water, elevators suddenly stopping, strange sounds from the engine room, and ghost sightings.
If trying to get a glimpse of the ghosts isn’t for you, there are plenty of less scary Halloween attractions that are just as thrilling. Fright Dive is a lively event that takes place in the Long Beach aquarium featuring live music, food trucks, and themed cocktails.
If you’re ready to get your spooky season trip in the books, we’ve got you covered. Plan your perfect Halloween vacation today!