Top 10 Haunted Places to Visit in the USA

1. Savannah, Georgia

Often called America’s Most Haunted City, Savannah’s cobblestone streets and oak-shaded squares whisper with ghostly tales. Explore the Mercer-Williams House, site of true-crime intrigue, or wander through Colonial Park Cemetery, where graves date back to the 1700s. For the ultimate thrill, join a nighttime ghost tour—bonus points if you ride in a converted hearse.

Best time to visit: October for Halloween-themed tours, or spring for a hauntingly beautiful mix of azaleas and eerie ambiance.

2. St. Augustine, Florida

As the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine has centuries of haunted history. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is notorious for unexplained shadows and footsteps, while the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress, is said to house restless spirits. A nighttime trolley ride is the perfect way to explore the city’s narrow, ghostly streets.

Best time to visit: Fall, when cooler evenings add to the atmosphere.

3. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem’s legacy from the 1692 witch trials makes it one of the most famous spooky destinations in the U.S. The Witch House (home of Judge Jonathan Corwin) still stands as a chilling reminder, while the Salem Witch Museum tells the full story of the hysteria. October is when Salem truly comes alive—with haunted happenings, festivals, and candlelit tours.

Best time to visit: October for the full Salem experience, though it can be crowded.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

A city where jazz, voodoo, and ghostly legends intertwine, New Orleans is endlessly atmospheric. The French Quarter is filled with haunted hotels and shadowy courtyards, while St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 draws visitors to the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Evening walking tours under flickering gas lamps are essential for soaking up the city’s haunted energy.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though Halloween and Mardi Gras bring extra theatrics.

5. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles, Gettysburg is regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the country. Visitors report phantom gunfire and ghostly soldiers on the battlefield. Key stops include the Jennie Wade House and Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.

Best time to visit: Summer and fall, when battlefield tours are in full swing.

6. San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo remains a solemn site of history and hauntings alike, with visitors claiming to hear battle cries from long ago. Just steps away, the grand Menger Hotel is said to host the ghost of Theodore Roosevelt himself, still recruiting Rough Riders. San Antonio’s mix of history and mystery makes it a must for spooky travelers.

Best time to visit: October, when evening ghost tours are especially lively.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charming yet chilling, Charleston hides a haunted past. The Old City Jail, which housed pirates and Civil War prisoners, is said to be one of the most haunted spots in the South. Ghost walks through the city’s narrow alleys reveal centuries of eerie tales lurking behind pastel facades.

Best time to visit: Fall or spring for pleasant weather during walking tours.

8. Sleepy Hollow, New York

Immortalized by Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this Hudson Valley village is perfect for autumn adventures. Visit the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving himself is buried. In October, the town transforms with hayrides, lantern tours, and Headless Horseman reenactments.

Best time to visit: September–October, when fall foliage adds to the atmosphere.

9. Jerome, Arizona

Once a rowdy mining town, Jerome is now famed as one of the most haunted towns in America. The Jerome Grand Hotel, a former hospital, is a hotbed of paranormal activity, and local ghost tours recount tales of miners who never left. Its perch on the side of Cleopatra Hill gives it an eerily isolated feel.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall, when Arizona’s desert heat is more forgiving.

10. Portland, Oregon – Shanghai Tunnels

Beneath Portland’s lively downtown lies a network of tunnels with a dark history. Once used for smuggling and kidnapping sailors (known as “shanghaiing”), the tunnels are now infamous for ghostly encounters. Tours lead visitors through the damp, dimly lit passageways where echoes of the past seem to linger.

Best time to visit: Year-round, though rainy weather adds extra atmosphere.

🕯️ Final Thoughts

From moss-draped Southern cities to eerie, isolated mountain towns, these haunted destinations prove that America’s rich and complex history is never truly at rest. Whether you’re chasing spine-tingling ghost stories, snapping atmospheric and moody photos, or simply embracing the heart-pounding thrill of the unknown, these spooky and mysterious places offer both spine-chilling excitement and plenty of travel inspiration.

✨ Ready to plan your next haunted getaway? Stay tuned to Coastline + Castles for more travel guides and itineraries that mix history, adventure, and just the right amount of mystery.