Top Destinations for Halloween Travel
Groom Approved. Vegas Inspired.
PCK Travel Editorial
September 13, 2026
Las Vegas
The Feathered Post
Looking for the top destinations for Halloween travel? From haunted cities and ghost tours to festive theme parks, historic cemeteries, and unforgettable Halloween celebrations, these destinations offer the perfect mix of spooky fun, seasonal events, and autumn adventure.
Jump to a Destination:
Southern California:
Disneyland | Knott’s Scary Farm | Universal Studios Hollywood
The Whaley House | Queen Mary
Las Vegas:
Universal Horror Unleashed
Other Destinations:
The Stanley Hotel | Walt Disney World | Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
The Myrtles Plantation | Eastern State Penitentiary
Haunted Streets.
Spooky Nights.
Halloween Adventures.
Discover the magic of fall travel.
Whether you’re searching for legendary ghost stories, family-friendly festivals, elaborate haunted attractions, or lively costume celebrations, Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year to travel. Historic cities, charming small towns, and world-famous destinations come alive with seasonal decorations, themed events, haunted tours, and unforgettable experiences that embrace the spirit of the season.
Pro Tip:
Popular Halloween events, haunted attractions, and themed hotel packages often sell out weeks in advance. Book early for the best selection and pricing.
Photos courtesy of Pexels /User 21
Ghost Tours.
Historic Legends.
Seasonal Thrills.
More than haunted houses.
Halloween travel offers far more than scares. Explore centuries-old streets filled with fascinating history, stroll through beautifully decorated neighborhoods, experience fall festivals, visit pumpkin patches, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, or discover destinations where local folklore and ghost stories have become part of the culture. Whether you prefer spine-tingling adventures or lighthearted family fun, there’s a Halloween getaway for every traveler.
Pro Tip:
Many cities offer daytime walking tours that focus on history, while evening tours add ghost stories and paranormal legends for an entirely different experience.
Photos courtesy of Pexels/Bbailey
Spooky Destinations.
Countless Chills.
Halloween Awaits.
Find your perfect Halloween getaway.
From haunted historic districts and famous cemeteries to world-renowned Halloween festivals and immersive seasonal attractions, these featured destinations showcase some of the best places to celebrate Halloween across the United States. Whether you’re looking for ghostly encounters, family-friendly festivities, or unforgettable autumn adventures, these destinations deliver a Halloween experience unlike any other.
Pro Tip:
October weekends are among the busiest travel periods of the fall season. Consider arriving a day early or extending your stay to enjoy more attractions with fewer crowds.
"Every destination has a story. Some are simply told after dark."
Top Destinations for Halloween
Family Fun. Frightful Nights. Theme Park Thrills.
Celebrate Halloween like never before.
Few places embrace Halloween quite like America’s top theme parks. From family-friendly celebrations and dazzling seasonal décor to elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment, these destinations transform into unforgettable Halloween experiences throughout September and October. Whether you’re looking for spooky fun or heart-pounding thrills, these parks offer something for every age.
Disneyland Resort
Anaheim, California
It’s Halloween Time for one and all! Where loved ones, the Mickey Pumpkin, a Headless Horseman and happy haunts have a ball. With Characters in costumes and friendly spirits to be seen. Experience the joyful transformations and have the happiest Halloween! From August 21 through October 31, 2026, a cauldron of frightfully fun Halloween Time experiences can be found across the Disneyland® Resort, including Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, Downtown Disney® District and the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort.
Get your Halloween going in Disneyland® Park with a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. as the great Mickey Pumpkin makes its return. Keep an eye out on the way. You may spot Mickey Mouse and his pals dressed in brand-new Halloween costumes. Next, tour Haunted Mansion Holiday inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas with happy haunts and ghastly seasonal touches.
Over at the main entrance to Disney California Adventure® Park, you’ll find Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. His fiendish silhouette welcomes Guests. And don’t miss the Cars Land transformation into Haul-O-Ween. You’ll see Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree has taken a ghoulish turn as Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree. And only when night falls, head to the Collector’s fortress, where the power is off and the fun is on as you help Rocket at Guardians of the Galaxy—Monsters After Dark. And make sure you check out Mickey’s Trick and Treat, an interactive show at the Disney Theater.
With so much spirited fun, make sure you get to the Disneyland® Resort before the Halloween Time thrills and chills wear off after October 31, 2026. It’s time to have the happiest Halloween!
Both a Theme Park reservation and valid admission for the same Park on the same date are required for Park entry. Entertainment, experiences and offerings are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice or liability. Visit Disneyland.com for information. Check for show times. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.
Haunted Mansion Holiday inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, California
Knott’s Scary Farm transforms Knott’s Berry Farm after dark, inviting guests into an immersive Halloween experience filled with sinister surprises around nearly every corner. Held on select nights from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, 2026, the separately ticketed event offers a distinctly different experience from the park’s daytime operations, combining elaborate scares, live entertainment and an eerie atmosphere throughout the park.
As night falls, fog fills the midways and Knott’s Berry Farm takes on a darker personality. Haunted mazes and attractions, live shows, roaming monsters and immersive scare zones come together to create an expansive Halloween experience. The event extends well beyond individual attractions, with atmospheric streetscapes, themed food and drinks, nighttime entertainment and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures contributing to the transformation.
The dramatic contrast between day and night is part of the appeal. During regular daytime hours, Knott’s Berry Farm offers its signature mix of rides, entertainment and family-friendly attractions, while the fall season also brings the family-friendly Knott’s Spooky Farm celebration. After dark, Knott’s Scary Farm caters to guests seeking a more intense Halloween experience. Due to the event’s frightening content, Knott’s Scary Farm is not recommended for children under 13.
Highlights:
- Select nights from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, 2026
- Separately ticketed nighttime event at Knott’s Berry Farm
- Haunted mazes and attractions
- Immersive scare zones throughout the park
- Live shows and entertainment
- More than 1,000 horrifying creatures
- Themed food and drinks
- Not recommended for children under 13
- Select nights from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, 2026
Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights
Hollywood, California
Universal Studios Hollywood raises the bar every fall with its internationally acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights. Inspired by blockbuster horror films and iconic franchises, guests experience cinematic haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, live entertainment, and immersive attractions that blur the line between movie magic and nightmare.
Each year, Universal’s creative team partners with some of the biggest names in horror to transform popular films, television series, and original concepts into incredibly detailed walk-through experiences. State-of-the-art special effects, professional scare actors, elaborate set design, and haunting soundscapes place guests at the center of their own horror movie, creating an atmosphere unlike any other Halloween event.
Beyond the haunted attractions, the park comes alive with themed food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, and nighttime entertainment that extends the Halloween experience throughout the entire park. For horror enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers alike, Halloween Horror Nights remains one of the most anticipated seasonal events in the world and a bucket-list destination for Halloween travel.
Highlights: Halloween Horror Nights, movie-inspired haunted houses, immersive scare zones, live entertainment, exclusive seasonal food and merchandise, and world-class cinematic production values.
WARNING: EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. COSTUMES SUBJECT TO COSTUME POLICY. NO COSTUME MASKS ALLOWED.
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. No rain checks, returns or refunds. Prices, dates, times, attractions, entertainment, and/or experience details are subject to availability, changes and/or cancellation without notice. Park, attractions, entertainment or access to event may be restricted or unavailable due to capacity/closures/other factors and benefits are subject to change without notice. Parking not provided. Additional restrictions may apply.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
Select nights from August 7 – October 31, Guests can celebrate all the spooky and spectacular festivities of Halloween at Magic Kingdom® Park.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is making its return to Magic Kingdom® Park! Bring on the bats and join for a ghoulishly good time, 7 p.m.–midnight on select nights August 7 – October 31, 2026. Come on…Let’s Boo This.
Get into the spirit (and into your costumes*) for this exciting event that comes complete with exclusive offerings like the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show. During this spellbinding soiree at Cinderella Castle, the Sanderson Sisters run amuck, using their magic to throw the party of their afterlife alongside an ensemble of their most fiendish friends.
Then slither, walk, creep or crawl to Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade where the Headless Horseman himself begins the festivities down Main Street, U.S.A.®. Here, you can spot floats filled with Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween best. Watch sparks of magic fly with a spirited performance from the Haunted Mansion® graveyard diggers. See some favorite Disney villains. Plus, so much more.
Of course, Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without candy, so satisfy your sweet tooth as you trick-or-treat throughout the Park. There are even special, allergy-friendly options so everyone can join in the fun!
Be sure to put on your big ol’ pumpkin grin for photos with some favorite Characters…. and for enchanting photo ops celebrating Magic Kingdom® Park. Need to squeal out your excitement? Hop on popular attractions as they showcase some spooky twists just for the occasion.
And watch the skies above Cinderella Castle come alive as frights take flight during Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular hosted by Jack Skellington. This can’t-miss nighttime extravaganza features projections, special effects and lighting mixed with fireworks, music, and Characters.
Capacity for this event is limited, so get your tickets soon. Then show up wearing your best costume and roll into the Park with swagger. It’s fun for ghosts and ghouls of all ages, so the only thing truly scary would be missing out.
Entertainment offerings subject to change without notice. Please choose costumes that are not obstructive or offensive. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket valid only during specific event dates and hours. Inclement weather conditions may also affect outdoor entertainment.
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Universal Horror Unleashed
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas welcomes horror fans year-round with Universal Horror Unleashed, an immersive permanent horror destination unlike anything else in the country. Located at AREA15, this one-of-a-kind attraction combines cinematic haunted houses, immersive themed environments, live entertainment, specialty dining, themed bars, and exclusive merchandise into a terrifying experience inspired by some of Universal’s most iconic horror franchises.
The experience features four fully immersive haunted houses, each delivering its own unique storyline and atmosphere:
- Universal Monsters brings legendary horror icons to life as guests encounter Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, and other classic creatures inside an elaborate gothic nightmare.
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre recreates the terrifying 1974 horror classic, placing visitors directly into the film’s unforgettable scenes as they attempt to escape Leatherface and his deranged family.
- Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer immerses guests in a supernatural journey inspired by the film, following Katherine and Angela’s terrifying descent into demonic possession through detailed sets, unsettling special effects, and intense storytelling.
- Scarecrow: The Reaping, an original Universal horror story and fan favorite from Halloween Horror Nights, transports guests to a desolate Dust Bowl-era farm where vengeance-seeking scarecrows emerge from the fields in one of the attraction’s most visually striking experiences.
Beyond the haunted houses, guests can continue the experience through four themed immersive areas featuring roaming scare actors, live entertainment, interactive characters, themed bars, specialty cocktails, chef-inspired dining, and exclusive merchandise that extend the horror well beyond the attractions themselves.
Highlights: Four immersive haunted houses, Universal Monsters, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, Scarecrow: The Reaping, live scare actors, themed entertainment districts, specialty dining, themed cocktails, exclusive merchandise, and year-round Halloween thrills.
Pro Tip: Universal Horror Unleashed is one of Las Vegas’ newest marquee attractions, and October dates are expected to be among the busiest. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re planning a Halloween getaway.
PENDING: SAW Escape Room & Escape IT Room
Las Vegas, Nevada
For travelers looking to step inside the worlds of iconic horror films, SAW Escape Room and Escape IT Room deliver one of Las Vegas’ most immersive Halloween experiences. Featuring cinematic sets, live actors, challenging puzzles, and atmospheric storytelling, these award-winning escape rooms place guests in the middle of the action as they race against the clock. Whether you’re escaping Jigsaw’s deadly games or confronting Pennywise’s terrifying world, the experience combines suspense, teamwork, and Hollywood-quality production for an unforgettable adventure.
Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended throughout October, especially on weekends and around Halloween, as the most popular time slots often sell out well in advance.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Orlando, Florida
When night falls at Universal Orlando Resort, some of the biggest names in horror take over for one of the most anticipated Halloween events of the year. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights transforms Universal Studios Florida into a sprawling nighttime experience filled with elaborate haunted houses, sinister scare zones, live entertainment, and scares waiting around nearly every corner.
For 2026, Halloween Horror Nights returns on select nights from August 28 through November 1, featuring 10 terrifying haunted houses alongside immersive scare zones and additional entertainment. The event combines original nightmares created by Universal’s entertainment team with recognizable names from the horror genre, bringing cinematic scares and elaborate storytelling to life in highly detailed environments.
Part of the appeal of Halloween Horror Nights is the scale of the experience. Guests can spend an entire evening moving between haunted houses, exploring atmospheric scare zones, and experiencing select attractions throughout Universal Studios Florida. For travelers already planning an Orlando theme park vacation, Halloween Horror Nights also creates an opportunity to experience Universal Orlando by day before returning for an entirely different atmosphere after dark.
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event, so regular daytime theme park admission does not provide admission to the event. Universal also advises that the experience may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under 13. Costumes and costume masks are not permitted.
Event Disclaimer:
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. No rain checks, returns or refunds. Prices, dates, times, attractions, entertainment, and/or experience details are subject to availability, changes and/or cancellation without notice. Parks, attractions, entertainment, or access to events may be restricted or unavailable due to capacity/closures/other factors and benefits are subject to change without notice. Free self-parking after 6PM is not valid on Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Parking fees and other restrictions may apply. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
The Queen Mary
Long Beach, California
Few destinations blend authentic history and paranormal legend quite like the Queen Mary. Permanently docked in Long Beach, California, this legendary ocean liner has captivated visitors for nearly 90 years with reports of unexplained encounters, haunted staterooms, and ghostly tales that have earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted destinations.
Today, guests can experience the Queen Mary’s supernatural side through immersive haunted attractions, including the Haunted Encounters Tour, Paranormal Ship Walk, the late-night Graveyard Tour, and even an overnight stay in the infamous Stateroom B340.
Each fall, the Queen Mary transforms into Dark Harbor, Southern California’s premier Halloween event, held on select nights from September 18 through November 1. The historic ship and surrounding harbor come alive with haunted mazes, hundreds of monsters, immersive attractions, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides, festive food, and scare zones, all set against the authentic backdrop of one of the world’s most legendary haunted ships.
Beyond its haunted tours and overnight experiences, the Queen Mary is also home to Jackie’s Spirit Shoppe, a unique retail experience celebrating the ship’s paranormal legacy. Named after the legendary child spirit “Jackie,” the shop features ghost-themed books, collectibles, curios, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by one of America’s most famous haunted ships.
Pro Tip: Paranormal tours, specialty events, and overnight stays aboard the Queen Mary are especially popular throughout October. Reserve your tickets or accommodations well in advance to experience one of Southern California’s most iconic haunted destinations.
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The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
Perched high in the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining and remains one of America’s most famous haunted hotels. Built in 1909, the elegant Colonial Revival property combines breathtaking mountain scenery with more than a century of fascinating history and paranormal lore. Visitors and staff have long reported mysterious piano music echoing from the empty ballroom, unexplained footsteps in quiet hallways, flickering lights, and ghostly apparitions, particularly around the hotel’s legendary Room 217.
Guests can choose from guided daytime history tours, evening ghost tours, and overnight stays that offer the opportunity to experience the hotel’s legendary atmosphere firsthand. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural stories, classic horror, or simply appreciate historic luxury hotels with a fascinating past, The Stanley Hotel offers one of the country’s most iconic Halloween travel experiences.
The Whaley House
San Diego, California
Built on the site of a former execution ground, the historic Whaley House has earned recognition as one of America’s most haunted homes. Constructed in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, the elegant Greek Revival residence has served as a family home, courthouse, theater, and general store, creating a rich history filled with stories that continue to captivate visitors today. Many guests have reported cold spots, unexplained footsteps, mysterious voices, and sightings believed to be connected to the property’s former residents and its colorful past.
Located in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Whaley House offers both fascinating historical insight and an enduring reputation for paranormal activity. Daytime museum tours explore the home’s remarkable history and beautifully preserved interiors, while evening ghost tours delve into the legends and unexplained encounters that have made the Whaley House one of California’s most iconic haunted landmarks.
Photo courtesy of Historic Tours of America (www.historictours.com)
Save on tickets at The Whaley House Museum at PCK Travel.com.
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The Myrtles Plantation
St. Francisville, Louisiana
Dating back to 1796, The Myrtles Plantation is surrounded by centuries of mystery, history, and Southern folklore. Frequently recognized as one of America’s most haunted homes, the beautifully preserved plantation is known for its elegant architecture, sprawling oak trees, and captivating stories of unexplained paranormal activity. Visitors are drawn by tales of ghostly encounters, mysterious photographs, strange sounds, and the legendary spirit known as Chloe, whose story has become deeply intertwined with the property’s enduring reputation.
Today, guests can experience the plantation through guided historical tours, evening mystery tours, and overnight stays that explore both its rich past and the legends that continue to fascinate paranormal enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in Louisiana history, Southern architecture, or ghost stories passed down through generations, The Myrtles Plantation offers one of the country’s most memorable Halloween travel experiences.
Pro Tip: Evening ghost tours and overnight accommodations are especially popular throughout the fall season. Reserve your visit well in advance, particularly during October weekends, when tours and rooms often sell out quickly.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Once America’s most innovative prison, Eastern State Penitentiary is now one of its most haunting historic landmarks. Crumbling cell blocks, solitary confinement wings, and stories surrounding notorious inmates like Al Capone have created an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. During Halloween, the prison hosts one of the nation’s most famous haunted attractions alongside fascinating daytime historic tours.
Built in 1829, the massive Gothic-style prison pioneered the use of solitary confinement, a revolutionary concept at the time that has since become a significant part of American correctional history. Today, visitors can explore its decaying corridors, abandoned cellblocks, and towering stone architecture while learning about its complex past through self-guided tours and museum exhibits. Whether you’re drawn by its remarkable history, striking architecture, or enduring reputation for paranormal activity, Eastern State Penitentiary offers one of the most memorable Halloween destinations in the United States.
Moonlit Walks. Haunted Cemeteries. Ghost Tours After Dark.
Explore America’s most legendary ghost stories.
Some of the country’s most unforgettable Halloween experiences happen long after the sun goes down. Historic cities, centuries-old cemeteries, and legendary ghost tours invite visitors to step beyond the ordinary and discover the fascinating folklore, mysterious legends, and eerie history that have shaped America’s most haunted destinations. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply enjoy a good story, these iconic locations offer an unforgettable way to celebrate the Halloween season.
Stroll beneath the Spanish moss of Savannah, Georgia, where guided ghost tours wind through historic squares, haunted mansions, and the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the most photographed cemeteries in the country. In New Orleans, explore the legendary St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, famous for its elaborate above-ground tombs, rich voodoo history, and the final resting place of Marie Laveau. Meanwhile, Salem, Massachusetts continues to captivate visitors with evening walking tours that uncover the city’s infamous witch trials, haunted buildings, and centuries of supernatural folklore.
These immersive experiences blend history, architecture, local legends, and a touch of mystery into memorable evenings unlike anything you’ll find inside a traditional attraction. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply appreciate the stories that have been passed down through generations, America’s most famous haunted tours and cemeteries offer a unique perspective on the people, places, and legends that continue to inspire Halloween traditions today.
Pro Tip: Many ghost tours and cemetery visits are led by knowledgeable local historians. Book evening tours in advance, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a light jacket—October nights can be surprisingly cool, especially in historic districts.
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