Home » California News » New Orleans, London, Sleepy Hollow, Edinburgh, and Transylvania, The Surging and Unmissable Halloween Travel Destinations Redefining Spooky Escapes This Year
Published on
October 18, 2025
Travelers often find themselves drawn to New Orleans not only for its lively festivals, jazz music, and vibrant cuisine but also for its rich history and supernatural allure. The city is famous for its ghost stories, Voodoo culture, and the mysterious spirits that seem to haunt its streets. For those seeking an authentic Halloween experience, New Orleans offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in both the eerie and enchanting aspects of the city. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, stands as a reminder of the past and a place where the living and the dead coexist. Hotel Monteleone, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is a well-known location for ghost sightings, particularly the spirit of Maurice Begere, a young boy who passed away in the hotel in the 1800s and is said to haunt the 14th floor. New Orleans offers thrilling ghost tours, swamp excursions, and a haunted ambiance that makes it a perfect destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
London: A City Where History and Horror Meet
When it comes to Halloween, London presents a perfect combination of ancient landmarks and ghostly tales that captivate both history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. The Tower of London, with its gruesome tales of executions, is a prime example of the city’s dark past. Visitors can feel the weight of history as they explore the centuries-old haunted buildings that dot the city. Hampstead Heath, known for its murder mysteries and ghost stories, adds another layer of eerie charm. For those with a taste for horror, Prince Charles Cinema hosts HorrOctober, where classic horror films like The Shining and Nosferatu are screened. St. James’s Hotel & Club Mayfair offers a refined stay with easy access to some of London’s most famous haunted spots. The city’s rich blend of macabre history and ghostly tales makes it an ideal location for those looking for a spooky, culturally immersive Halloween experience.
Sleepy Hollow: The Legend of the Headless Horseman
A short distance from New York City, Sleepy Hollow is a destination for anyone who is a fan of the famous Legend of Sleepy Hollow written by Washington Irving. Known for its haunted past, Sleepy Hollow has become an iconic Halloween spot where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Headless Horseman. A visit to the 19th-century cemetery, where Irving himself is buried, offers a reflective and spooky experience. The Old Dutch Church and other key locations from the legend are still standing today, giving visitors a chance to experience the history firsthand. The nearby Irvington Woods offers scenic autumn walks, where visitors can enjoy the changing leaves while being immersed in the village’s haunted past. Additionally, the Croton-on-Hudson Halloween event showcases a spectacular display of thousands of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, adding to the magic of this eerie destination. Sleepy Hollow is a perfect blend of literary history and Halloween fun, providing a memorable experience for all who visit.
Kilkenny, Ireland: The Celtic Roots of Halloween
With the origins of Halloween tracing back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, Kilkenny, Ireland, offers travelers a chance to experience the true roots of the holiday. Kilkenny celebrates Samhain throughout the entire month of October with traditional Irish dancing, fireside storytelling, and food tours that highlight local myths and legends. This festival marks the change of seasons and the thinning of the veil between the living and the dead, and it is celebrated with the same reverence today as it was in ancient times. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Mount Juliet Estate, a mansion set in stunning grounds, provides an ideal place to stay. Alternatively, Ballyfin Demesne, a grand Regency mansion nestled in the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains, offers a more secluded retreat. Whether visitors are interested in the rich cultural history or the spooky ambiance of Kilkenny, the town’s ancient traditions provide a unique Halloween experience.
Salem, Massachusetts: The Dark Legacy of the Witch Trials
Salem, Massachusetts, is steeped in one of America’s most infamous events—the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Today, the town embraces its haunted past with a variety of events that take place during the Halloween season. The Haunted Happenings Festival draws visitors from all over the world, offering ghost tours, psychic readings, and costume balls. One of the more immersive experiences is the Tales & Tombstones Night Tour, which takes visitors on a journey through Salem’s haunted history, including stories of witches, executions, and the ghosts that are said to still haunt the area. Pioneer Village, a living history museum that recreates life in Salem during the 17th century, offers a glimpse into the past. Visitors can also stay at the Inn at Hastings Park, a boutique hotel that combines luxury with the eerie ambiance of the town’s history. The combination of Salem’s dark past and the fun festivities of Halloween makes it an unforgettable destination for anyone interested in the supernatural.
Transylvanian Alps, Romania: Dracula’s Domain
For those looking for a truly iconic Halloween experience, the Transylvanian Alps in Romania offer an adventure like no other. Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula, stands majestically in the Carpathian Mountains, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the eerie atmosphere of this medieval fortress. The castle’s Gothic architecture and its association with Dracula create an unforgettable experience for travelers. Visitors can explore hidden rooms and secret passageways on exclusive private tours while soaking in the misty landscape of the Transylvanian Alps. Whether or not they believe in the legend of Count Dracula, the region’s mystical atmosphere and Gothic heritage make it an ideal Halloween destination. For those looking to venture further, the Carpathian Mountains provide a chilling backdrop that completes this spine-tingling experience.
Savannah, Georgia: Where Southern Charm Meets Haunted History
Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most haunted cities in the United States, combining Southern charm with a spooky history. The city’s Spanish moss-draped oak trees and gas lamps give it a distinctive eerie atmosphere that attracts visitors looking for haunted experiences. The Bonaventure Cemetery, with its Victorian design and haunting statues, is one of the most popular locations for ghost hunters. Visitors can also join nighttime tours that explore the haunted buildings throughout the city. The Pirate’s House, dating back to 1734, is the oldest tavern in Georgia and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ghostly tales. With its mix of history and supernatural charm, Savannah stands out as one of the best places to experience Halloween in the American South.
Edinburgh, Scotland: A City Steeped in Macabre History
Known for its macabre history, Edinburgh is an ideal location for a Halloween getaway. The city’s rich cultural heritage includes tales of witch-burnings, bloody battles, and Gothic architecture, creating a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween. Visitors can explore the haunted cemeteries, like Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the ghosts of the past are said to linger. The Surgeons’ Hall Museums offer a glimpse into the darker side of medical history, further enhancing the city’s chilling ambiance. On October 31st, the Samhain Fire Festival celebrates the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season. Edinburgh’s unique blend of dark history, spooky tales, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit Halloween destination for those seeking an eerie and educational experience.
California Ghost Towns: A Walk Through the Wild West
California is home to several ghost towns, which are remnants of the gold rush era. These deserted towns provide an opportunity for visitors to explore abandoned buildings and experience the eerie quiet of the past. Bodie State Historic Park is one of the most famous ghost towns, offering a frozen-in-time look at life during the Wild West era. The town was once a bustling mining community but was abandoned after a series of fires, mining accidents, and harsh weather. Today, Bodie stands as a reminder of California’s gold rush history, with its haunting atmosphere and stories of lost lives. Exploring these ghost towns provides a spooky, atmospheric experience for those looking to venture into California’s desert landscapes.
The Growing Popularity of Halloween Travel
The growing trend of Halloween travel is reshaping the way people experience the holiday. Travelers no longer seek the typical haunted house or commercialized experience; instead, they are increasingly drawn to destinations with deep historical significance and rich folklore. Cities like New Orleans, London, and Transylvania provide immersive experiences that blend both the supernatural and the cultural, offering a unique way to explore Halloween. As the popularity of Halloween tourism continues to grow, these destinations will play a pivotal role in the global travel industry, providing unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking a combination of history, mystery, and thrills.
