Rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, modern-day Halloween festivities include a fun-filled day — or days, depending on your enthusiasm — of activities. Costumed trick-or-treaters spilling into streets collecting sweets and festive gatherings for carving jack-o’-lanterns are a few common ways people celebrate Halloween in the United States. However, if you’re seeking new ghosts and ghouls this season, consider a vacation to one of these top Halloween destinations.
4 Spooky Halloween Vacation Destination Ideas
1. Sedona, Arizona
Why go: Whether you’re hunting for a haunted excursion or family-friendly trick or treating, Sedona has both waiting for you this October. You’ll be spooked by Sedona’s historical sites, from a ghostly dinner to a haunted hotel.
What to do: If you are looking for a ghostly meal, look no further than Relics Restaurant & Roadhouse at Historic Rainbow’s End. Relics is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Sedona, so you may catch some spirits dining beside you — particularly in the “Gibson Room” built in the early 1900s to house the Gibson family.
Today, customers experience the eerie vibe of the old restaurant, coupled with the occurrences of orbs and blurred forms of spirits in photos taken inside. The restaurant embraces the hauntings by providing a table that is always “reserved for ghosts.” If you visit Relics and take a picture, check to see if a ghost has photobombed you. Photographed ghost sightings can get you a $100 dinner gift certificate.
Visit A Desert Ghost Town
Jerome, also known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” is a ghost town in central Arizona and home to old, deserted mines and “haunted” hotel attractions. History buffs will love Jerome’s museums and tours, and who knows, you may glimpse the spirit of past hospital patients while sitting at dinner in the Asylum Restaurant, located inside the Jerome Grand Hotel.
The Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” crew also visited the hotel to produce an episode based on the old former hospital.
Where to stay: Sedona is home to two Hilton Vacation Club resorts where you can escape your ghostly adventures.
2. Lake Tahoe, California
Why go: The clear waters of Lake Tahoe beckon travelers to a cozy retreat between the borders of Nevada and California. Year-round, visitors can find outdoor activities for the whole family — and the Halloween season is no different.
What to do: Looking for an authentic haunted mansion to explore this Halloween? Look no further than the Nevada Governor’s Mansion in Carson City. The mansion has reportedly been haunted by the spirits of a woman and a young girl for several years, as noticed by residents, staff and guests.
At night, some witnesses have heard footsteps on the stairs, witnessed doors that seemed to have opened themselves, and glimpsed apparitions of the woman and child on the mansion’s second floor.
Some visitors report feeling a cold spot, a common sign of a ghostly presence, if you stand near the grandfather clock on the first floor.
Fun For The Whole Family
For families looking for a safe candy-filled night, check out the Downtown Halloween Trick-or-Treat event on the northwest edge of the lake. Drive about an hour up the beautiful lakeside to start in Heritage plaza. Then, you can make your way through local shops and businesses to collect a hefty stash of candy for the kids. Your kids will have a blast, and you can enjoy immersing in the local culture as you make your way through Downtown Tahoe.
Where to stay: Hilton Vacation Club - Lake Tahoe Resort is just a short drive from local haunts and family fun.
3. Los Cabos, Mexico
Why go: For centuries, Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) has been celebrated in Mexico to honor lost family members. The tradition comes from a belief that on All Soul’s Day, the souls of lost family members can come back into the world for just a little while. The altars — adorned with photographs, sugar skulls, colorful flowers, food, personal objects, candles and more — guide the spirits back to their families.
What to do: Secrets of the Catrinas Festival offers a firsthand look atthe meticulous work that goes into the holiday. Participate in workshops to make traditional flower arrangements, baked goods and decorations that will adorn the town. Once you’ve learned your new skills, soak up art installations and live performances with new appreciation.
Altares en el Mar (Altars of the Sea) Boat Parade
Join locals at the marina for a spectacle of vessels decked out and lighting the night sky for Day of the Dead. Immerse yourself in cultural experiences, including musical shows, folk storytelling and gastronomic delights.
Where to stay: La Pacifica Los Cabos, a Hilton Club is an ideal launchpad for an authentic (and unforgettable) Día de los Muertos experience.
4. Lancaster, England
Why go: When you visit England during October, you’re in for a bewitching treat. Lancaster and the surrounding towns hold chilling history and Halloween-themed events that will sink you into the local haunts.
What to do: Begin your ghostly excursion with a short drive to Lancaster Castle. In 1612, the castle famously served as the site for the Pendle Witch Trials. After trials in which every woman was found guilty, the 10 prisoners were publicly executed at the Lancaster Moors. Today, you can book an hour-long tour to experience it for yourself.
If you haven’t had enough of the chilling Pendle Witch Trial history, drive down to Pendle Hill and the small town of Newchurch — sitting at the base of the hill. Supposedly the spirits of the executed witches still roam this town, including one whose body is buried near Newchurch. The hill is also reportedly haunted, and many locals refuse to climb it after dark due to reports of eerie spiritual encounters.
Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Blackpool Tower Dungeon is the self-declared “Home of Halloween” in the Lancaster area. You can book tickets for Halloween festivities, including themed live shows, a 60-minute tour and escape rooms.
Blackpool Ghost Walks
Author Stephen Mercer, who wrote Haunted Blackpool, hosts the Blackpool Ghost Walks to take you through some of the most famous haunted areas in the town. Discover why Blackpool Ghost Walks is a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice seal recipient.
Where to stay: Hampton by Hilton Blackpool is just the place to put your feet up after a day of haunted excursions.
Read “4 Destinations with Spine-Chilling Ghost Tours” for more Halloween-inspired vacation destination ideas.