Best Haunted Weekend Getaways in America (2026 Guide)
- Desirae-Haunted Traverse
- 9 hours ago
- 11 min read
Spine-tingling destinations for ghost hunters, history lovers, and thrill-seekers — with guided tour recommendations at every stop.
Quick Navigation: Savannah, GA | Gettysburg, PA | New Orleans, LA | Salem, MA | Jerome, AZ | San Antonio, TX | Deadwood, SD
Are you searching for the best haunted weekend getaways in America that combine rich history, ghost sightings, and unforgettable experiences? Whether you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or a curious traveler looking for a haunted road trip, this guide covers the most terrifying — and fascinating — destinations across the country.
From the cobblestone streets of Savannah to the blood-soaked battlefields of Gettysburg, these haunted travel destinations offer more than just cheap scares. They're layered with centuries of American history, tragedy, and mystery that keep visitors coming back year after year.
Let's explore the most haunted cities in America worth visiting this weekend. Here are 7 of the Best Haunted Weekend Getaways in America.
7 of the Best Haunted Weekend Getaways in America
1. Savannah, Georgia — America's Most Haunted City {#savannah}
Best for: Ghost tour first-timers, history buffs, couples weekend getaways
Why Savannah Is Haunted
Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of America's oldest cities — and its dark history runs deep. The city was built on top of colonial-era cemeteries, and bodies were reportedly never moved when construction expanded. Yellow fever epidemics in the 1800s killed thousands of residents, and during the Civil War, Savannah served as a major strategic hub, with immense suffering on all sides.
Locals say the dead never really left. Chippewa Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the old Sorrel-Weed House are considered among the most active paranormal hotspots in the country.
The Marshall House Hotel, operating since 1851, still has guests reporting flickering lights, disembodied footsteps, and full apparitions — a legacy of its time as a Civil War hospital where limbs were amputated in the halls.
Top Haunted Spots in Savannah
Colonial Park Cemetery — Dating to 1750, this graveyard holds victims of the 1820 yellow fever epidemic. Visitors report shadowy figures and EVP readings at night.
The Sorrel-Weed House — Featured on Ghost Hunters, this antebellum mansion has documented hauntings tied to a tragic double suicide.
Moon River Brewing Company — Once a Civil War-era hotel and later a morgue, this brewery is one of the most aggressively haunted buildings in America.
Haunted Tours in Savannah
Where to Stay
The Marshall House Hotel and The Kehoe House are top picks for travelers seeking haunted accommodations in Savannah. Book early — haunted rooms fill up fast on weekends.
Book Haunted Hotels in Savannah — Hotels.com / Booking.com]
2. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania — The Haunted Battlefield {#gettysburg}
Best for: History lovers, paranormal investigators, group weekend trips
Why Gettysburg Is Haunted
Few places in America carry the weight of Gettysburg. Over three days in July 1863, more than 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The sheer scale of trauma, grief, and sudden death left an imprint on the land that visitors have been reporting for over 160 years.
Witnesses describe seeing uniformed soldiers marching across fields at dusk, hearing cannon fire on still nights, and spotting apparitions near Little Round Top — where some of the most brutal hand-to-hand combat took place. The Farnsworth House Inn, used as a Confederate sharpshooter position during the battle, has been reported as one of the most haunted inns in Pennsylvania.
At the Farnsworth House, I captured SLS Camera Paranormal Phenomenon as well as my ghost investigators witnesses first hand an apparition of a male soldier walking toward them down the hall.
Top Haunted Spots in Gettysburg
Little Round Top — A hotbed of paranormal activity; rangers and visitors alike report hearing commands and distant cries after dark.
Devil's Den — The rocky outcropping where Confederate snipers took position. Photos from this location frequently capture unexplained mists and figures.
Spangler's Spring — Soldiers from both sides drew water here during battle. Evening visitors report whispers and cold spots with no natural explanation.
Haunted Tours in Gettysburg
Where to Stay
The Farnsworth House Inn and Tillie Pierce House let you sleep where history — and the paranormal — happened.
Book Gettysburg Haunted Hotels
3. New Orleans, Louisiana — The Most Haunted City in the South {#new-orleans}
Best for: Solo travelers, foodie couples, Halloween weekend trips
Why New Orleans Is Haunted
New Orleans has been shaped by centuries of conquest, slavery, plague, and tragedy. The city changed hands between French, Spanish, and American rulers — each leaving behind layers of suffering and cultural memory. The French Quarter, established in 1718, sits atop some of the oldest — and most troubled — ground in the country.
The LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street is perhaps the most infamous haunted house in America. Madame Delphine LaLaurie tortured enslaved people in her attic in the 1830s, and the resulting fire exposed horrors that shocked even hardened New Orleanians. The mansion has changed hands many times; every owner has reported violent paranormal activity.
New Orleans' above-ground burial culture — required due to the high water table — means the dead have never truly been underground. The cities of the dead, as the cemeteries are called, are among the most visited paranormal sites in the country.
Top Haunted Spots in New Orleans
LaLaurie Mansion — Site of documented antebellum atrocities. Apparitions, screams, and moving objects have been reported for nearly 200 years.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — The oldest cemetery in New Orleans (1789) and resting place of alleged Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors report being touched, scratched, and followed.
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel — Built on the site of a 19th-century orphanage; children's laughter and figures in period dress are frequently reported.
Haunted Tours in New Orleans
Where to Stay
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel and Hotel Monteleone (a celebrated Literary landmark with its own ghost stories) are prime picks.
4. Salem, Massachusetts — The Witch Trial Capital of America {#salem}
Best for: Halloween weekend trips, history enthusiasts, family-friendly haunted travel
Why Salem Is Haunted
In 1692, mass hysteria gripped the Puritan settlement of Salem. Twenty people were executed — nineteen by hanging, one pressed to death with stones — after being accused of witchcraft. Hundreds more were imprisoned in horrific conditions, and many died awaiting trial.
The Salem Witch Trials left a permanent mark on the psyche of this Massachusetts town. The residual energy of false accusation, mob justice, and unjust death draws paranormal investigators from around the world. The Charter Street Cemetery, one of the oldest burying grounds in America, holds the graves of several trial judges — and is a consistent hotspot for unexplained phenomena.
Salem leans into its haunted identity year-round but reaches peak intensity in October, when Haunted Happenings transforms the entire city into a month-long festival.
Top Haunted Spots in Salem
The Witch Trials Memorial — A solemn and reportedly active location where visitors frequently capture anomalies in photography.
The Witch House — The only remaining structure with direct ties to the 1692 trials; home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Proctor's Ledge — The confirmed execution site of the accused witches. Visitors report oppressive feelings and inexplicable cold pockets.
Haunted Tours in Salem
Where to Stay
The Salem Inn (built in 1834) and Hawthorne Hotel (opened 1925, named for author Nathaniel Hawthorne) both carry their own ghost lore.
👻 Haunted Destinations to Explore
Haunted travel doesn’t stop here. I’m continuing to explore some of the most paranormally active destinations across the U.S., including Savannah, Salem, Charleston, and beyond.
5. Jerome, Arizona — The Most Haunted Small Town in America {#jerome}
Best for: Southwest road trips, off-the-beaten-path travelers, ghost hunters
Why Jerome Is Haunted
Perched high in the Black Hills of Yavapai County, Jerome was once a booming copper mining town with a population of 15,000. At its peak in the early 1900s, it was one of the wealthiest cities in Arizona. Then the mines dried up, and Jerome became a ghost town in the most literal sense — dropping to fewer than 100 residents by the 1950s.
The history of Jerome is marked by mining accidents, prostitution, opium dens, and violence. The Jerome Grand Hotel, originally the United Verde Hospital built in 1926, was where injured miners went — and often didn't come back. It sits above the town on a hill, visible for miles. Guests report slamming doors, a mysterious shadow figure in the halls, and a maintenance man who appears and vanishes.
Top Haunted Spots in Jerome
Jerome Grand Hotel — One of the most haunted hotels in Arizona; a TV-famous paranormal investigation destination.
The Sliding Jail — Jerome's original jail, which literally slid downhill due to dynamite blasts from nearby mines. It's moved over 225 feet from its original location.
Spirit Room Bar — A former bordello where the spirits (paranormal and poured) both flow freely.
Haunted Tours in Jerome
Where to Stay
The Jerome Grand Hotel is a must — book directly into the haunted epicenter of the town.
6. San Antonio, Texas — Where History and Horror Collide {#san-antonio}
Best for: Family haunted trips, history lovers, Texas road trips
Why San Antonio Is Haunted
San Antonio carries more than 300 years of history — and trauma. The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 is the most famous chapter: 189 defenders held a former Spanish mission against thousands of Mexican Army soldiers for 13 days before being overrun. All defenders were killed.
The Alamo's haunted reputation predates modern ghost tourism. When Santa Anna's soldiers attempted to demolish it after the battle, they reportedly fled in terror, claiming ghostly figures with flaming swords guarded the walls. The city is also home to Brackenridge Park, where the ghost of a headless horseman has been reported for over a century, and The Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders — and where over 30 ghosts have been catalogued.
Top Haunted Spots in San Antonio
The Alamo — The most visited site in Texas is also its most haunted; apparitions of defenders are reported regularly by staff and tourists.
The Menger Hotel — Thirty-two documented ghosts, including the apparition of Sallie White, a chambermaid murdered in 1876.
San Fernando Cemetery — Where unexplained lights and figures have been reported for generations.
Haunted Tours in San Antonio
Where to Stay
The Menger Hotel, built in 1859 and directly adjacent to the Alamo, is the definitive haunted hotel experience in Texas.
7. Deadwood, South Dakota — The Wild West's Most Restless Dead {#deadwood}
Best for: Wild West history buffs, couples weekend trips, road trippers
Why Deadwood Is Haunted
Deadwood was born in sin and violence. Founded illegally on Lakota Sioux treaty land during the 1876 Gold Rush, the town exploded overnight into a lawless boom camp of miners, gamblers, gunfighters, and outlaws. Wild Bill Hickokwas shot dead at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon in 1876, holding the now-famous "Dead Man's Hand" — aces and eights.
The town's Mount Moriah Cemetery, known as Boot Hill, holds the graves of Hickok, Calamity Jane, and many others who died violently. The old Bullock Hotel, built by Seth Bullock in 1895 (Deadwood's first sheriff), is famous for apparitions of Bullock himself still making his rounds — as if he never left his post.
Top Haunted Spots in Deadwood
Bullock Hotel — Seth Bullock's ghost has been encountered by dozens of guests and staff; he reportedly appears in mirrors and at the foot of beds.
Mount Moriah Cemetery — Wild Bill's grave is a paranormal lightning rod; orbs and mists are routinely captured in photography here.
Saloon No. 10 — Where Wild Bill was murdered. Staff report moving objects, unexplained cold drafts, and a shadowy figure near the poker tables.
Haunted Tours in Deadwood
Where to Stay
The Bullock Hotel is the only choice for serious ghost hunters visiting Deadwood.
How to Plan Your Haunted Weekend Getaway
Practical tips to maximize your experience — and your chills.
Best time to visit: While these destinations are active year-round, October brings heightened programming, special ghost tours, and Halloween events at every location on this list. Book accommodations 2–3 months in advance for October travel.
What to bring on a ghost hunt:
EMF meter and digital thermometer
Full-spectrum camera or night-vision camcorder
Voice recorder for EVP sessions
Notebook and red flashlight (preserves night vision)
Book tours in advance: The most popular ghost tours — especially in Salem in October and New Orleans year-round — sell out weeks ahead. Always pre-book.
🔦 Investigating This Location Yourself?
If you're visiting a haunted city and want to explore beyond a guided tour, many investigators bring simple tools to monitor environmental changes:
• EMF Meter
• Digital Voice Recorder
• Flashlight
Even if you’re just curious, understanding how investigators detect anomalies adds depth to your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haunted Weekend Getaways
What is the most haunted city in America?
Savannah, Georgia and New Orleans, Louisiana consistently top paranormal researchers' lists. Both cities have centuries of tragedy embedded in their architecture, and both offer world-class ghost tour infrastructure.
What is the best haunted weekend getaway for beginners?
Salem, Massachusetts is ideal for first-timers — it's walkable, has excellent ghost tour infrastructure, and the historical context makes every location meaningful even for non-believers.
Are haunted tours worth it?
Absolutely. Beyond the paranormal angle, the best haunted tours are outstanding history lessons. You'll leave knowing far more about the Civil War, the witch trials, or frontier America than any textbook could teach you.
What is the scariest haunted hotel in America?
The Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome, Arizona and the Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota are frequently cited by paranormal investigators as among the most active properties in the country.
Can you do a haunted trip on a budget?
Yes — most cities on this list have free self-guided options. Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah, Proctor's Ledge in Salem, and Devil's Den in Gettysburg are all publicly accessible at no cost.
Final Thoughts: America's Haunted History Is Worth Exploring
The best haunted weekend getaways in America aren't just about scares — they're windows into the most turbulent, tragic, and compelling chapters of American history. Whether you're chasing EVPs in Gettysburg or sipping a cocktail in a French Quarter speakeasy where a Voodoo priestess once walked, these destinations deliver experiences that are impossible to forget.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your travel crew, and start planning. The ghosts have been waiting.
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Thank you for visiting this article!
Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are our own.
Tags: haunted travel USA, ghost tours America, paranormal weekend trips, haunted hotels, best haunted cities, ghost hunting travel guide, Halloween travel, haunted getaways couples, spooky road trips
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