The Best U.S. Destinations for a Spooky Weekend

5 Ghostly getaways

Fall starts off with cozy vibes: pumpkin spice, golden foliage, and crisp air. But as Halloween approaches, it’s time to lean into spooky season. And we’re not talking about haunted houses or campy ghost tours. This is the real deal—ghostly visitors, unexplained goosebumps, and genuinely haunted happenings. And a spooky weekend getaway is the perfect way to chase those chills.

Dive into scares, suspense, and surprises at one of these unforgettably eerie destinations.

• Gettysburg, PA

  Where history meets haunting.

  Few cities feel as tragically haunted as Gettysburg, the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles. Today, its rolling hills and sunken roads are home to spine-tingling supernatural encounters. If you’re a history buff, the Gettysburg National Military Park offers a guided ghost tour that honors the dead, combining stories of bravery and tragedy.

  What eerie experiences can you expect during a spooky weekend in Gettysburg? Think phantom gunfire, ghostly soldiers marching through the fog, and sudden drops in temperature if you visit the infamous Devil’s Den. You can also visit the Jennie Wade House, home to the battle’s only civilian casualty—and frequent reports of ghostly sightings.

• New Orleans, LA

  Where the supernatural feels, well, natural.

  While most spooky cities center around ghostly encounters, New Orleans has a unique history. Here, tales of voodoo, vampires, and pirate lore mingle with centuries of tragedy and mystery.

  Some of the most haunted experiences take place in the French Quarter. Just standing outside of haunted mansions like the LaLaurie Mansion can spark shivers. You can also visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, which pays homage to the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Be sure to leave a hair tie as an offering for good luck.

  Pro Tip: If it’s ghosts you seek, head to the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, with its crumbling mausoleums and stories of shadowy figures.

• Salem, MA

  The ultimate spooky capital!

  No list of haunted destinations would be complete without Salem. The town’s biggest claim to fame, of course, is the infamous 1692 witch trials. And you guys will still feel that eerie energy as you explore the city.

  Landmarks like The Witch House, the Salem Witch Museum, and the Old Burying Point Cemetery bring Salem’s haunted history to life. Ghost tours fill the cobblestone streets at night, while tarot readings and psychic visits are practically a rite of passage.

  Looking for a more hands-on scare? Visit the Witch Dungeon Museum for a guided dungeon tour and a haunting reenactment of the trials.

• Savannah, GA

  Southern charm with a spine-tingling twist!

  Built on Native American burial grounds and the site of Civil War battles, Savannah’s past is filled with tragedies. The result? Restless spirits and a well-earned reputation as America’s Most Haunted City. And Savannah has no shortage of things to do during a spooky weekend getaway.

  Stay at the Marshall House, a historic inn known as much for ghost sightings as it is for its hospitality. Take a candlelit tour through the historic district, where moss-draped oaks sway in the night breeze — beautiful but eerie. Then end your night sipping a drink at Moon River Brewing Company, the city’s famously haunted pub.

• St. Augustine, FL

  Coastal creepies? Yes, please!

  It’s no surprise that America’s oldest cities come with a ghostly reputation. And with over 450 years of history, waterfront St. Augustine is a tropical paradise for paranormal seekers. You can practically feel the spectral energy running throughout the historic district.

  At the famously haunted Castillo de San Marcos, ghostly soldiers are said to still stand guard. The Old Jail is one of Florida’s most haunted sites; if you’re feeling brave, a nighttime tour could prove that. Even the lighthouse has a supernatural edge. Visitors to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum often report mysterious footsteps and flickering lights. Your spooky weekend will be packed with places to visit.

The haunted fun isn’t just for Halloween. These cities pack a paranormal punch for a spooky weekend any time of year!

And to make sure your destination is the only scary part of your trip, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. No haunted hassles with suitcases, no eerie experiences at baggage claim. Just more time to chase chills, thrills, and ghostly sightings.