Best Haunted Destinations Across The US

What to Expect When Visiting a Haunted Destinations

Haunted houses come in a variety of styles, from interactive theatrical experiences to historical locations with reported paranormal activity. Most fall into two main categories:

 

1. 1. Theatrical haunted attractions: These are designed to scare and entertain, with actors, special effects, and elaborate sets. They often have a specific theme or storyline.

1. 1. Historical/paranormal locations: These are real places with a spooky history, offering tours focused on ghostly legends and possible supernatural encounters.

Common scare tactics include:

 

• • Jump scares from hidden actors

• • Creepy sound effects and music

• • Strobe lights and fog machines

• • Unsettling visuals like fake gore or disturbing scenes

Remember, it’s all in good fun! The actors can’t actually harm you, so try to relax and enjoy the adrenaline rush. If you’re nervous, bringing friends along can help make the experience more enjoyable.

Why Are These Locations Haunted?

Haunted locations often have complex histories and explanations behind their spooky reputations. Paranormal enthusiasts and researchers categorize several types of hauntings, each with distinct characteristics.

Residual hauntings are like echoes of past events, where spirits replay scenes without interacting with the living. These may be triggered by traumatic events that leave an energetic imprint on a location. Intelligent hauntings involve spirits that can interact and communicate, and they are often associated with classic haunted house stories. 

Poltergeist activity is known for noisy, mischievous behavior and physical manipulation of objects, though some researchers believe this may stem from the psychic energy of living individuals rather than ghosts.

Legends and myths often grow around certain locations due to tragic histories, unexplained phenomena, or simply vivid storytelling passed down through generations.

Environmental factors may also contribute, such as electromagnetic fields or infrasound causing sensory disturbances. Some researchers have found correlations between reported hauntings and the presence of toxic mold, which can cause hallucinations and other strange sensations.

 

Preparing for a Best Haunted Destinations Tour

Getting ready for a haunted destination tour can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Here’s a quick rundown on how to prepare for your adventure:

Packing essentials:

 

• • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (you might be doing a lot of walking)

• • Flashlight or headlamp (some tours are in dimly lit areas)

• • Camera or smartphone (if allowed – check the rules first)

• • Light jacket or sweater (old buildings can get chilly)

• • Water bottle (staying hydrated is important, even when ghost hunting)

When it comes to timing your visit, the Halloween season (September-October) is the peak haunted house season. You’ll find the most options and often the best experiences, but expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Off-peak visits can offer a more intimate experience and sometimes special events like paranormal investigations. Remember, the key to a great haunted destination tour is to keep an open mind and have fun.

 

Top 16 Haunted Destinations Across The US

Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California

Winchester Mystery House is a spooky old mansion. It was built by Sarah Pardee Winchester to appease spirits. Construction started in 1884 and lasted until 1922. The house has stairways that lead nowhere and doors that open into walls.

Numerous ghostly encounters have been reported by visitors and staff:

 

• • Phantom footsteps: Maintenance worker Denny reported hearing footsteps in the water tower that always seemed one step ahead of him

• • Gentle tugs on clothing during tours

• • Shadow figures are seen roaming hallways and appearing in windows.

• • Disembodied voices and whispers were heard throughout the house.

• • Objects moving on their own, particularly in the séance room.

Visitors often report ghostly encounters, including seeing “Clyde,” a spectral figure. Paranormal investigations have been happening here since 1924, even Harry Houdini visited! For a real scare, try the “Unhinged” experience after dark—it runs until November 2.

The Whaley House, San Diego, California

The Whaley House is in San Diego, California. Built in 1856 by Thomas Whaley, this house has Greek Revival architecture. People call it “America’s Most Haunted House®”. Many people have reported seeing ghosts here.

Visitors and staff have reported various ghostly encounters:

 

• • Phantom footsteps

• • Apparitions in windows

• • Cold spots throughout the mansion

• • The scent of French perfume (believed to be Anna Whaley’s)

• • Objects moving on their own, such as the chandelier swinging without wind

You can explore this spooky site through a Daytime Self-Guided Tour or an Evening Guided Tour. For the brave ones, there’s even an After Hours Paranormal Investigation! The house has been on shows like Travel Channel, SyFy Channel, and Discovery Channel.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Opened on July 4, 1909, The Stanley Hotel boasts 140 rooms. This grand hotel inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Room 217 is famous for ghost stories linked to Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, the head housekeeper.

Commonly reported experiences include:

 

• • Unexplained noises and voices

• • Objects moving on their own

• • Lights turning on and off

• • Ghostly apparitions, including F.O. Stanley himself

• • Feelings of being watched or touched

• • Guests often report odd pranks and hearing piano music from Flora Stanley.

Known as “the Vortex,” the main staircase is said to be a paranormal portal. Half of the hotel’s yearly visitors are there for these spooky experiences. The Stanley Hotel was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile.

The Driskill, Austin, Texas

The Driskill in Austin, Texas opened its doors in 1885. This grand hotel has eerie tales to tell. One involves a little specter named Samantha who roams the halls. Another is about a phantom with a fondness for cigars.

Guests and staff have reported various unexplained phenomena:

 

• • Phantom footsteps and children’s laughter

• • Objects moving on their own

• • Unexplained cold spots

• • Feelings of being watched or touched

• • Elevators operating on their own

• • Guests sometimes see Colonel Jesse Driskill himself chatting in the lobby.

Intriguingly, Peter Lawless’s ghost often exits elevators as if it’s part of his routine. There are stories of two separate incidents involving brides who took their lives in the hotel, though details and room numbers vary in different accounts

A young girl, often referred to as Samantha, is frequently spotted near the grand staircase. Legend has it she was the daughter of a Texas senator who died in 1887 after falling down the stairs while chasing a ball.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is a spooky spot. Built in 1829, it’s known for its isolated cells and spooky past. The prison closed in 1970 but now serves as a museum. Since its closure in 1971, Eastern State Penitentiary has gained a reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Reported paranormal experiences include:

 

• • Disembodied laughter and whispers

• • Shadowy figures moving through cellblocks

• • Unexplained footsteps

• • Feelings of being watched

Here, you can hear stories about infamous inmates like Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton.

Visitors often report disembodied laughter and shadowy figures roaming the halls. From late September to early November 9, you can join “Halloween Nights” for extra chills. 

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, West Virginia

Visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia. Opened in 1864 and closed in 1994, this place is a National Historic Landmark. It saw Civil War raids and even a gold robbery! From late March to mid November you can take both historic and paranormal tours.

Expect eerie occurrences and reports of lingering spirits. The last historic tour begins at 5:00 p.m., while the final paranormal tour kicks off at 4:00 p.m. This haunted spot offers a spine-chilling journey into its dark past if you dare!

Visitors and staff have reported encounters with various spirits, including:

 

• • Little Lily: A child spirit known for playful interactions

• • Dean: A quiet spirit murdered by other patients

• • Civil War soldiers in the dedicated wing

• • Nurse Elizabeth: Said to roam the halls, still caring for patients

Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg Battlefield is spooky. The 1863 battle left over 50,000 casualties. Today, many say it’s one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Visitors report seeing ghost soldiers and hearing Civil War music at night.

Visitors and locals have reported numerous ghostly encounters across the battlefield:

 

• • Apparitions of soldiers, both Union and Confederate, seen marching or fighting

• • Phantom sounds of battle, including gunfire, cannon blasts, and drum beats

• • Ghostly horsemen riding across the fields

• • Disembodied voices and screams

For more chills, visit the Gettysburg Orphanage or Jennie Wade House. Don’t miss Sachs Covered Bridge, linked to Confederate deserters’ ghosts. The anniversary of the battle (July 1-3) is also a popular time for those seeking paranormal experiences.

Numerous companies offer ghost tours throughout Gettysburg, especially popular during the Halloween season. These range from walking tours of the town to bus tours of the battlefield. Some companies even offer paranormal investigation experiences.

Cahawba, Alabama

Cahawba, Alabama is a ghost town with a spooky past. It was the first permanent capital of Alabama in the 1800s. After the capital moved to Tuscaloosa in 1826, Cahawba lost its charm.

By the 1890s, it became deserted.

During the Civil War, Cahawba played a significant role as the site of Castle Morgan, a prison for Union soldiers. This dark chapter in its history has contributed to the town’s reputation for paranormal activity. Today, visitors to the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park often report strange and unsettling experiences, particularly in the town’s cemetery and other historic locations.

Among the most famous ghostly tales is that of the “Pegues’ Ghost,” a mysterious glowing white orb first spotted by a young couple near Colonel C.C. Pegues’ home in 1862. Other reported phenomena include:

 

• • Apparitions of former residents and soldiers

• • Unexplained sounds, including children’s laughter in the woods near the “New Cemetery”

• • Strange sensations and sudden temperature drops

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois

Lincoln Park Zoo sits at 2001 N Clark St. It was built on the former Chicago City Cemetery. Over 35,000 bodies were buried there, and about 12,000 still lie beneath the zoo. Ghosts in Victorian clothes roam around, adding a spooky air to your visit.

Reported paranormal activity includes:

 

• • Ghostly figures in Victorian-era clothing have been spotted wandering the park, appearing and disappearing suddenly.

• • Near the Lion House, visitors and staff have reported seeing a spectral Victorian-era woman walking around, seemingly oblivious to modern visitors.

• • The same ghostly woman has been seen in a nearby ladies’ restroom, with her reflection appearing in mirrors only to vanish when people turn around.

• • Unexplained phenomena like flickering lights and doors slamming on their own have been reported throughout the zoo.

For those interested in exploring the zoo’s spooky side, Lincoln Park Zoo offers Haunted History Tours. Led by Adam Selzer, an author, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours, these popular walkabouts delve into the zoo’s cemetery roots and allegedly haunted locations. The tours typically run on select dates in October and often sell out quickly.

San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas

San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest and most haunted churches in America. Built between 1738 and 1750, it has a long history of supernatural occurrences. In 1936, construction workers renovating the church unearthed bones, nails, and tattered military uniforms near the altar, which some believe belonged to Alamo defenders. 

Reported Paranormal Activity:

 

• • Shadowy figures and apparitions are seen wandering the grounds

• • Ghostly monks in hooded robes were spotted in the cathedral

• • A spectral man in black clothing following tour groups

• • Orbs and strange lights captured in photographs

• • Unexplained cold spots and sudden temperature drops

• • Disembodied voices and whispers heard inside the walls

• • Objects moving on their own, especially in the séance room

• • Feelings of being watched or followed, particularly in the basement

The cathedral’s haunted reputation has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Many believe the spirits are connected to those buried within the church walls or under the floor, a common practice in the cathedral’s early days.

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure Cemetery was established in 1846 on the grounds of a former plantation. The City of Savannah purchased it in 1907, expanding it to nearly 103 acres. Its name “Bonaventure” means “good fortune” in Italian, which is somewhat ironic for a cemetery.

Many visitors and locals report supernatural experiences at Bonaventure, including:

 

• • Sightings of ghostly figures

• • Unexplained sounds and whispers

• • The feeling of being watched

• • The statue of Gracie Watson allegedly crying tears of blood

Bonaventure Cemetery is in Savannah, Georgia, and oozes Southern Gothic vibes. Spanish moss hanging from ancient trees adds to its spooky charm. Famous people like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken rest here.

Many visitors say they see her ghost or hear unexplained sounds near her tombstone. Join a guided tour with the Historical Society for an eerie yet informative stroll.

Pine Barrens, New Jersey

The Pine Barrens covers over 1.1 million acres in southern New Jersey, spanning seven counties and occupying about 22% of the state’s land area. This vast, forested region is characterized by sandy, acidic soil that supports a unique ecosystem of plant and animal life.

The area has tales of the Jersey Devil. This creature creeps through the woods at night. Reevestown Cemetery adds to the shivery feel, dating back to 1862 with about a hundred burial plots.

Come for the ghost stories; stay for the endless forests.

RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

Launched in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary now rests in Long Beach. This grand ship served as a warship during WWII. It completed 1,001 trans-Atlantic crossings and saw 49 recorded deaths on board.

Today, many believe the ship is home to about 150 different spirits. Visitors often report drastic temperature changes and slamming doors. Some even see ghosts like a crew member crushed by a watertight door.

If you’re looking for one of the most haunted spots in America, this might be it!

Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk, Connecticut

Sheffield Island Lighthouse will send chills down your spine. Built in 1868, this Victorian-style lighthouse has ten rooms and was meant to guide ships safely. The place became spooky after the sudden death of the original keeper in the early 1970s.

In the 1990s, eerie events started to happen. Visitors reported seeing strange lights and hearing ghostly whispers. There were even tales of a foghorn blaring when there wasn’t one on the island! Some people think it’s linked to Captain Robert Sheffield’s spirit.

Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina

Dock Street Theatre, first opened in 1736, was America’s first theatre. It has a long history filled with ghostly tales. Destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740, it reopened in 1937 and had another major renovation in 2010.

Ghost hunters say three spirits haunt this place. One is Junius Booth, father of John Wilkes Booth. Another is Nettie Dickerson, who appears as a woman in a red dress moving like a zombie.

Some claim they see her on stage or wandering the halls! Dock Street Theatre is known as the most haunted spot in Charleston.

Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

Explore the Pittock Mansion in Portland. Built in 1914, it spans 16,000 square feet with French Renaissance style. Henry and Georgiana Pittock lived here but died five years later.

Inside, you’ll find a library and a Turkish smoking room. Visitors report ghostly sightings and strange noises. The mansion opened to the public in 1965, making it perfect for a spooky visit!

 

Travel Tips for Haunted House Tours

Ready to face some ghosts? Plan your visit during late evening hours for an extra spooky experience.

Best times to visit for paranormal activity

Planning a visit to haunted attractions can be an exciting and spine-chilling experience. To make the most of your ghostly adventures, consider timing your visit for maximum spookiness. Late evening hours often provide the most atmospheric conditions, with darkness enhancing the eerie ambiance. The Halloween season, typically from late September through October, is prime time for many haunted locations, with special events and increased paranormal activity reported.

Safety tips and respectful practices

When embarking on your haunted house tour, keep these safety tips and respectful practices in mind:

 

• • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls

• • Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and evacuation procedures

• • Stay with your group and follow all instructions provided by the staff

• • Respect the property and history of the location – don’t remove or damage any items

• • Obtain permission before visiting private properties to avoid trespassing

• • Follow photography rules, as some places prohibit photos or videos

• • Be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas

Remember, while the goal is to have a thrilling experience, safety should always come first. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you feel overwhelmed or scared during your visit. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a memorable and respectful exploration of haunted attractions, balancing the excitement of ghost hunting with proper etiquette and safety precautions.