Halloween [1] is upon us, and many destinations throughout America thrive on bringing this fun holiday to life. Whether it's hosting paranormal activity tours, haunted houses [2], or spooky walking tours, there's never a shortage of Halloween activities worth travelling for in the United States. From murder mysteries [3] in Finger Lakes, NY, to festivals [4] in Honolulu, here are some of the most underrated and festive places to celebrate Halloween across America.
Orlando, FL
Travellers can expect horrors inspired by the 1980s at Universal Orlando Resort's annual Halloween Horror Nights [6], a separate-ticketed experience taking place on select nights from Sept. 14 through Nov. 3. This year's edition will feature a haunted house based on Netflix's mega-hit Stranger Things [7]. Central to all major haunted happenings, Hilton Orlando [8], the newest Universal partner hotel, features its own "Room with a Boo" package complete with daily breakfast, premium Wi-Fi, and late check out for the creatures of the night.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles turns into a Halloween [9] wonderland throughout late September and October with spooky events for everyone leading up to Halloween [10], whether you're interested in thrilling rides or haunted houses. Don't miss Los Angeles' Haunted Hay Ride [11], which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Travelling with kids? Head to the Annual Halloween Party for Downtown L.A. Kids [12] with bounce houses, puppet shows, and faux trick-or-treat-doors.
Bristol, VA
Home to haunted graveyards filled with fallen soldiers from the Civil War and stories from America's old frontier, Bristol offers travellers access to spooky activities. Visitors can go on an Appalachian Ghost Walk, a thrilling night tour throughout the town's oldest streets and take part in Bristol's annual family-friendly Pumpkin Palooza, which includes a spooky costume contest and pumpkin carving for all ages.
New Orleans
When it comes to Halloween [13], New Orleans is a city that few others can rival. The Krewe of Boo, the official New Orleans Halloween parade since its inception in 2007, features 3-D papier mâché and fibreglass props that mimic all of Halloween's spooky creatures to frighten and excite the crowds. Located steps from the festivities, travellers can stay at Hilton New Orleans Riverside [14] and enjoy proximity to the parade, sip on themed cocktails at Public Belt like the Spell Caster, and Candy Apple Crush, and get insider tips from the hotel's resident Spookmaster concierge including local ghost tours and haunted houses.
Fort Worth, TX
This Halloween [15], venture to Fort Worth, TX, and go to Cutting Edge Haunted House for scares and screams. Visitors can become a ghost hunter and go on a 90-minute walking Stockyard's Ghost Tour though the historic Fort Worth Stockyard. Hear stories of paranormal activity and visit haunted places along the way, including Miss Molly's B & B – Fort Worth's oldest B&B and one of the city's most haunted properties.
Finger Lakes Region, NY
The Finger Lakes region [16] of central New York is known for interactive experiences, pumpkin patches, and spooky spots that travellers can book just in time for Halloween [17]. At the Inns of Aurora [18], private groups of 14-20 guests are invited to partake in a thrilling three-hour guided murder mystery followed by a three-course dinner with beer and wine pairings and overnight accommodations.
Charleston, SC
Get spooked with a visit to the haunted southern city where the 2018 reboot of the famed iconic slasher film Halloween [19] was filmed. Travellers can enjoy captivating tales of notorious ghosts while walking through Charleston's oldest graveyard after dark, go deep into the cells of the Old City Jail, and bike ride through the Holy City's downtown historic district where the actual movie filming took place. Guests staying at the only waterfront property in the city's downtown Historic District can embark on a spooky journey through the storied waters of the Charleston harbor with the HarbourView Inn's [20] Harbor and Hauntings Package.
Chicago
On Oct. 24, Chicago's "Halloween [21] Gathering" features a parade filled with large-scale spectacle, tarot card readings, acrobatics, music, and DJ dance party along the Chicago Cultural Mile in the downtown Loop. Located directly across from Hilton Chicago [22], Millennium Park and Grant Park come alive with performances during the festival, as well as face painting, mask making workshops, ghost stories, and interactive activities for all ages.
Black Hills, SD
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a top destination for the season, with everything from Halloween [23] night hikes to cemetery sights. The historic Hotel Alex Johnson [24] has long been known as one of the most haunted hotels in the country, and its guests can even book a Ghost Adventure Package [25]. Throughout October, travellers can participate in a Paranormal Investigation Tours of the Historic Adams House [26] in Deadwood, which is led by professional paranormal researchers.
Providence, RI
Imagine a place where you can meet wizards, witches, the luminaries of great myths and legends, and superheroes all at the same time. Imagination becomes reality in Providence at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular [27] taking place Oct. 4 through Nov. 4. Guests can enjoy more than 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins that illustrate the most beloved characters from literary favourites, comic book classics, and even historical figures.
Savannah, Georgia
Georgia's First City, Savannah, offers 40+ ghost tours in the Historic District that touch on why this southern city [28] is a hub for haunted spirits. On Savannah's Historic Grave Encounters Tour [29], visitors learn the spooky side of the city. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Downtown/Historic District [30] is an affordable option that boasts a prime location, perfect for a Halloween [31] weekend getaway.
Honolulu
Halloween [32] takes over Honolulu, from Waikiki Beach to the island's historic Chinatown Arts District. Visitors and kama'aina fill the streets in their best costumes to celebrate the spooky holiday. Head over to Chinatown for the not-to-miss annual Hallowbaloo Music + Arts Festival [33] on Oct. 27. The island's largest celebration transforms the historic downtown into a party of music, craft beer, culinary delights, and local art. Be sure to make your way down to Kalakaua Avenue on Waikiki Beach for the costume parade before stopping at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club [34] for a special pride-filled Halloween pool party at the property's Swim Club.
Marietta, Ohio
Marietta, along the state's southeast corner bordering West Virginia, is an underrated Halloween [35] hot spot with one of the area's most notoriously haunted hotels, the Lafayette Hotel [36]. Guests can book the Ghost Hunters Package [37] for a walking tour of historic and haunted downtown Marietta. Nearby is the Haunted Mansfield [38], home to the Ohio State Reformatory, where much of The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. Better yet, there is a whole trail dedicated to it.
New York
What better destination to celebrate Halloween [39] than the city that never sleeps? Locals and New Yorkers alike love to enjoy Halloween on the Hudson hosted by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises [40]. This festive cruise includes a Halloween DJ cruise on Saturday, Oct. 27 in honour of the holiday. Guests are encouraged to show up in costume and enjoy breathtaking views of New York City's skyline while they listen to spooky and classic tunes.