If you live for costume parades, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses, you’re not alone. Halloween has become one of the most exciting times of year to hit the road. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a spooky weekend with friends, or searching for the best Halloween towns in the country, this Halloween vacation guide has you covered. From family-friendly theme parks to haunted tours, these are the best U.S. destinations for Halloween, and they’re all worth the trip.
U.S. Cities That Know How to Do Halloween Right
Costume Parades, Haunted Tours, and Over-the-Top Halloween Fun in New Orleans, LA
There’s Halloween… and then there’s New Orleans Halloween. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and love of a good party make it one of the most unforgettable places to travel for Halloween. You’ll find everything from ghost tours in the French Quarter to the massive Krewe of Boo parade, where costumed floats roll through downtown. Add in vampire-themed bars and haunted mansions, and you’ve got a Halloween trip for the books.
Ghost Stories, Cobblestone Streets, and Old-School Halloween Charm in Savannah, GA
Savannah’s beautiful, eerie atmosphere makes it feel like Halloween year-round, but it really shines in October. The city’s blend of Southern charm and supernatural legends is perfect for a spooky stroll. Explore historic homes by day, then book a candlelit ghost tour after dark. Don’t miss Bonaventure Cemetery and the famously haunted Gribble House for a chill down your spine. It’s one of the best places to visit for Halloween with family or a partner who loves the paranormal.
Big-City Thrills, Halloween Festivals, and Family Fun in Chicago, IL
Chicago pulls out all the stops for Halloween, making it one of the best U.S. travel destinations for Halloween. The Arts in the Dark parade lights up State Street with glowing costumes and spooky floats, while haunted houses like Basement of the Dead and 13th Floor offer thrills for the brave. Want something less spooky for the little ones? Head to Lincoln Park Zoo’s family-friendly Spooky Zoo or explore fall markets with cider in hand.
Haunted Hotels, Chilly Air, and a Mountain-Backdropped Halloween in Denver, CO
Denver brings major fall vibes to your Halloween getaway, with crisp mountain air, beautiful views, and a surprisingly spooky side. The city’s historic spots, including the famously haunted Oxford Hotel, offer spooky storytelling and paranormal tours, while nearby Glow at the Gardens is perfect for families and Instagram photos. It’s a great pick for those wondering where to go in the U.S. for Halloween that balances fall charm and festive frights.
Witchy Forest Walks, Fall Color, and Small-Town Halloween Magic in Asheville, NC
If your dream Halloween vacation includes foggy forests and cozy cider shops, Asheville is calling. This artsy, mountain town delivers big on fall color and small-town magic. Take the Haunted Asheville walking tour, stroll through downtown shops, and enjoy a peaceful foliage drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s one of the best places to visit for Halloween with family.
Theme Park Thrills, Kid-Friendly Treats, and a Spooktacular Halloween in Orlando, FL
Orlando might be known for sunshine and Mickey ears, but come October, it’s one of the top places to travel for Halloween with kids. It’s the best place to visit during Halloween with family. They can enjoy Disney’s “Not So Scary” Halloween Party, complete with parades, trick-or-treating, and themed rides, while thrill-seekers brave Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. With countless events across the city, Orlando tops the list of best U.S. destinations for Halloween.
Where to stay in Orlando, FL:
- Estates at Park Avenue places you near shopping, restaurants, Orlando’s arts district, and it’s only 4 miles from Universal Studios, with amenities like a yoga studio, clubhouse, and everything you need for a relaxing stay after a day of thrills.
Foggy Streets, Quirky Costumes, and Offbeat Halloween Energy in Portland, OR
Portland does Halloween its own way. Browse haunted bookstores, visit the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, or hop on a ghost tour through historic downtown. Locals go big with decorations, the fall colors are picture-perfect, and the air smells like rain and cider. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into a Halloween movie.
Haunted Houses, Warm Weather, and Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Phoenix, AZ
Prefer your Halloween costume without a winter coat? With October temps still sitting in the 70s, you can enjoy haunted houses like Fear Farm & Corn Maze or visit the Spooky Safari at the Phoenix Zoo without freezing. There are pumpkin patches, night markets, and even desert hikes under the full moon. It’s a great warm-weather option if you’re searching for the best places to travel for Halloween without needing to bundle up.
Where to stay in Phoenix, AZ:
- The Access in Tempe puts you steps from ASU, the light rail, and Mill Avenue’s buzzing Halloween scene, perfect for hitting haunted houses and costume bar crawls. Plus, it comes complete with a rooftop basketball court and resort-style pool.
- Brix Warehouse District, right in downtown Phoenix, is walking distance from local bars, themed pop-ups, and Halloween events. Unwind after the festivities with rooftop views or a swim in the resort-style pool.
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Stay Your Way This Spooky Season
From costume parades in Orlando to haunted house hopping in Phoenix, these Halloween towns offer something for everyone, and Landing helps you stay right in the middle of the fun. After a day of ghost tours, theme park thrills, or trick-or-treating with the kids, come home to a fully-furnished Landing stay where you can carve pumpkins, bake spooky treats, or queue up a horror movie marathon. With full kitchens and premium amenities, Landing makes it easy to settle in, whether you’re staying for the weekend or the whole spooky season.
