Is it just me, or does the atmosphere feel extra eerie as the temperature drops and the nights become longer? Growing up in a Victorian funeral home in New England, not too far from Salem, Massachusetts, I’ve always cherished this season, particularly the Halloween festivities.

This passion inspired me to create the books The Witches of Willow Cove and its sequel, The Curse of Willow Cove, which are set in a charming New England town with a secretive past linked to the Salem Witch Trials. These stories, filled with magic, intrigue, and adventure, are ideal for readers of all ages who enjoy a good scare.

With the launch of the second installment in the series – available now both in stores and online – I’m excited to share ten of my favorite spooky places for Halloween adventures across the country.

1. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is known year-round for its connection to the notorious Salem Witch Trials, celebrating the mystical and magical aspects of its history throughout the year. Must-visit spots include the Salem Witch Museum, Salem Witch Dungeon, and Salem Pioneer Village.

However, Salem really takes things up a notch for Halloween. Its long-standing annual celebration is the largest in the world, featuring parades, parties, ghost tours, haunted houses, museum exhibits, and a plethora of spooky activities throughout October.

The influx of visitors in the fall contributes to Salem’s continuous Halloween ambiance. Check out the city’s Haunted Happenings calendar for a schedule of events and activities during the season, and don’t hesitate to explore beyond Salem for more Halloween adventures. Family-friendly activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and apple picking are plentiful across New England in the autumn.

2. Sleepy Hollow, New York

As the leaves begin to change color, the real-life town that inspired Washington Irving’s iconic Headless Horseman transforms into a fall destination unlike any other. Families flock to Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley to enjoy Halloween getaways featuring haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, historic mansions, and themed 5k runs.

Nearby Croton-on-Hudson hosts the annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, showcasing over 7,000 intricately carved pumpkins. The nighttime displays are enhanced with synchronized lighting accompanied by an original music score, adding an extra layer of spookiness. Don’t forget to see the giant Kraken appearing from the Croton River!

3. Anoka, Minnesota

It requires a distinct spirit for a city to claim the title of Halloween Capital of the World, but Anoka earned this recognition more than a century ago for hosting the first large-scale Halloween celebration in the United States on October 31.

Today, celebrating Halloween in this riverfront town, located about half an hour from Minneapolis, means enjoying ghost tours, scarecrow competitions, pumpkin weighing contests, outdoor movie nights, house decorating contests, a ghost-themed 5k run, and both a nighttime illuminated parade and the daytime Grande Day parade, which is the largest in the state. Anoka truly distinguishes itself among Halloween towns.

4. St. Helens, Oregon

For many, Disney Channel’s 1998 movie “Halloweentown” is the embodiment of Halloween. And the real Oregon town featured in the movie is St. Helens, located near Portland. Each year, it celebrates its cinematic charm with the Spirit of Halloweentown festival.

As October rolls in, this quaint city welcomes many Halloween enthusiasts to its Riverfront District, which gets a makeover into the Spirit of Halloweentown when the Great Pumpkin lights up. The festivities feature costume contests, haunted tours, parades, and a variety of spooky scarecrows throughout the month. Most events occur on weekends, but the Halloweentown spirit can be felt every day in October.

5. Orlando, Florida

The theme park capital of Florida kicks off Halloween festivities as early as August every year. Highlighted events include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World (suitable for all ages) and Halloween Horror Nights (aimed at teens and adults) at Universal Studios Florida. Other parks like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND also host various spooky events throughout the Halloween season.

Like many Halloween destinations, tickets for special Halloween events at Disney and Universal go fast, so it’s wise to book in advance. However, even if you don’t plan ahead, you can experience the Halloween festivities just by visiting the parks, where stunning decorations await throughout the season.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Rich in more than 300 years of history, New Orleans proudly showcases its eerie side. Ghost tours highlight the city’s famous haunted spots year-round and are especially spine-chilling during Halloween. Yet, there are family-friendly activities too, like the Boo Carré festival at French Market and the Ghosts in the Oaks event at City Park. A complete list of Halloween events in New Orleans is available here.

Many locals go all out with their Halloween decorations, making visits to places like the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum particularly fun this time of year. And if you’re keen on staying somewhere with a haunting reputation, consider the Hotel Monteleone, where the 14th floor is rumored to be haunted (actually the 13th floor). The Bourbon Orleans Hotel also has a notable ghostly history.

7. Hershey, Pennsylvania

If the spooky side of Halloween isn’t for you, visit Hershey, Pennsylvania, known as the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” This candy-themed destination has a range of Halloween activities suitable for the entire family. At Hersheypark, children aged 12 and under can gather candy at various park locations, and everyone can enjoy the Hershey Character Glow Dance Party. For those seeking more excitement, some popular rides are dimmed during the last hour, and the Dark Nights event features haunted houses and other thrilling scares.

During October, Hershey’s Chocolate World hosts a Trick-or-Treat Trail filled with treats. Recently, they launched the Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition, an immersive theater experience themed around trains. Various packages and deals are available in October that include park entry and stays at either The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge.

8. St. Augustine, Florida

Being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., St. Augustine boasts a rich history filled with ghost tales. Reports say that three children haunt the area around the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Castillo de San Marcos is located by a river whose name translates to “massacre” in Spanish. Naturally, it’s not hard to find a spine-tingling ghost story in this historic city.

Explore the city with a mix of walking and trolley tours.

You can also stroll through the city’s historic streets at your own pace, looking out for ghostly happenings while admiring the striking Spanish Colonial buildings. If you’re interested in staying somewhere known for its spooky reputation, consider options like St. Francis Inn, Casa de Sueños, Casa de Solana, and the Casa Monica Resort and Spa.

9. Dearborn, Michigan

Dearborn, the birthplace of automotive innovator Henry Ford, goes all out for Halloween. The yearly Hallowe’en event at Greenfield Village features a variety of daytime activities that are more cheerful than scary, along with evening happenings like the Hallowe’en Express, which indulges in a bit more fright. Guests can engage in traditional autumn activities such as corn husk crafts, meet characters in costume, enjoy seasonal food and drink, and take advantage of complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides.

The Henry Ford site also offers a fairy tale feast for younger kids during Halloween, where they can meet storybook characters and enjoy themed treats like mummy dogs and Halloween punch. Additionally, the city’s parks and recreation department sets up a scary Haunted Trail in October that older kids are sure to enjoy. If you’re after a hotel with a haunted past, consider staying at The Henry.

10. Savannah, Georgia

Renowned as one of America’s most haunted locations, Savannah is a fantastic spot to visit during Halloween. For those keen to encounter some ghostly residents, various ghost tours are available to lead you to areas noted for paranormal occurrences. With historic landmarks throughout the city, there are endless spooky stories to uncover.

Much like several areas in the path of Hurricane Helene, Savannah faced significant damage post-storm. While Halloween festivities are planned for later in October, it’s wise to confirm details with the city or your accommodation prior to your trip.

Josh Roberts is the writer of The Witches of Willow Cove and its eerie sequel, The Curse of Willow Cove.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• A firsthand experience of a lights-on tour at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights
• Your ultimate guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
• Discover the best national parks for family visits during the fall