Since its infamous Witch Trials in 1692 and 1693, Salem has become a byword for all things macabre and holds the spot for one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in the US. Explore novelty attractions like the Salem Witch Museum, which includes items from the real-life witch trials, opt for an after-dark excursion to Salem’s most haunted addresses, or—for the truly brave—sink your teeth into the town's history of voodoo and vampires.

With some 400 years of history, Boston has witnessed all kinds of violent altercations and unexplained happenings since its founding. Head out after dark and see landmarks like the Boston Opera House (supposedly the city’s most haunted destination) and the Granary Burying Ground, where the disembodied voices of crying children can be heard. You can also explore by trolley to discover historic neighborhoods—and learn about their history of serial killers, grave diggers, and more.

Along the red-brick streets of Old City—so named because it’s Philadelphia's oldest neighborhood—you won’t just be walking in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers. As legend holds, wayward spirits have frequented the area for centuries. And don't miss a visit to nearby Eastern State Penitentiary, located just a 30-minute walk from center city, considered one of the most haunted places in the world.

Old-timey Charleston offers up picturesque streets, Southern hospitality—and a wealth of ghost stories. It may be known as “the Holy City,” but that hasn’t scared away the spirits said to inhabit the city’s centuries-old cemeteries, or the poltergeists lingering in dark corners of its historical manors. Discover Charleston’s uncanny side for yourself with a nighttime walking tour and get exclusive after-hours access to the supposedly haunted Unitarian Church graveyard.

Despite its photogenic Spanish moss-draped trees and misty mornings, Savannah, Georgia is also known for its bloody history: from Civil War conflicts to its dark historical homes and cemeteries, the city’s tranquil appearance belies its sinister past. Learn about the city’s history of war, executions, murders, and mystery on a candlelit walking tour, many of which include a stop at the Andrew Low House, the death place of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Billed as the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine’s history dates all the way back to 1565—and its grim past events, ranging from colonial conflicts and piracy to Civil War violence, have all left a lasting impression on this seafront city. Delve into its darker corners such as the eerie Tolomato Cemetery, look out for ghosts of yellow fever victims at the Old City Gate, or discover St. Augustine’s spookiest landmark: the Old Jail.

Think tropical breezes, swaying palm trees, and white-sand beaches are at odds with the Halloween spirit? Think again. Key West, idyllic as it may seem, promises plenty of frights. It’s no surprise, then, that bookings for its occult-themed tours have more than tripled since 2019. Rub proverbial shoulders with Key West’s resident specters at the oldest and most haunted graveyard, located in the back of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church ... if you dare.

For many, New Orleans is best known for its riotous Mardi Gras revelry and swinging jazz bands—but it isn’t all laissez les bons temps rouler. New Orleans has a long history that comprises many gruesome episodes, above-ground cemeteries, and bloody lore, making it the most popular destination in the country for ghost and vampire experiences. To maximize your fright, explore the French Quarter after dark and visit landmarks like the infamous LaLaurie Mansion.

There are more things to do in Denver than ski, hike, or tour the Rocky Mountain scenery. If you’re in search of paranormal encounters, head to Capitol Hill: one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods that is also home to many of the city’s most haunted buildings. Don't miss local landmarks like the Molly Brown House, where a now-deceased survivor of the Titanic disaster still supposedly wanders the halls today.

There’s more to San Diego than laid-back beach days. Indeed, the city’s Gaslamp Quarter is reputed for its haunted saloons, hotels, and other historical landmarks—and you can wander through the neighborhood to discover the places where visitors have experienced paranormal encounters, including the Balboa Theatre, the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum, the Whaley House, and the El Campo Santo Cemetery.