Spooky Places for Family Vacations
11 destinations with history, culture and spine-tingling fun
Looking for a unique twist on your next family getaway? Why not explore some spooky places that offer thrills and educational experiences for the whole family?
We’ve compiled a list of locations that aren't just for Halloween—they're fascinating year-round destinations that combine history, culture, and just the right amount of spine-tingling fun.
Let's dive into some of the best spooky places around the world for unforgettable family vacations.
Salem, Massachusetts
In 1692, the infamous Salem witch trials took place, forever marking the town's place in American history. Today, Salem's past has transformed it into a top destination for spooky tourism. Families can:
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum for an immersive historical experience
- Take part in reenactments and educational programs about the trials
- Explore the Witch House, the only structure still standing with direct ties to the trials
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Thanks to Washington Irving's 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this quaint village along the Hudson River is a haven for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. Sleepy Hollow and the area around it offers:
- Tours of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, including the grave of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow author
- The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, from mid-September through mid-November
- Colonial-era Philipsburg Manor, which inspired Irving’s tale and transforms into a haunted house in October
New Orleans, Louisiana
With a rich history of voodoo, jazz, and Creole culture, New Orleans has long been associated with the supernatural. The city's unique blend of African, French, and Spanish influences has created a mystical atmosphere that permeates its historic streets. New Orleans provides:
- Family-friendly ghost tours of the French Quarter
- Visits to allegedly haunted locations like the LaLaurie Mansion and Faulkner House Books
- Exploration of above-ground cemeteries, as the city is built below sea level, known as "Cities of the Dead"
Savannah, Georgia
Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of America's oldest cities. Its tumultuous history of battles, epidemics, and fire has left its mark, with many believing the city to be one of the most haunted in the country. Savannah offers:
- Ghost tours tailored for families, mixing history with spooky tales
- Visits to Bonaventure Cemetery, known for its beautiful statuary and moss-draped trees
- Exploration of historic homes with ghostly reputations
St. Augustine, Florida
Established by Spanish explorers in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. Its long history is full of pirates, plunder, and spirit tales. St. Augustine offers:
- Family-friendly ghost tours of the historic district
- Visits to the supposedly haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse
- Exploration of the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort full of ghost stories
Estes Park, Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel, which famously inspired Stephen King's novel The Shining after a stay in 1974. The town's stunning natural beauty contrasts with its eerie reputation, offering:- Family-friendly tours of the Stanley Hotel
- Ghost stories around the campfire in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Elk watching during the fall rutting season for a different kind of thrill
San Francisco, California
Built on the dreams of gold rush prospectors and shaped by earthquakes and fires, San Francisco has accumulated its fair share of ghostly tales. From Alcatraz Island to the winding streets of Chinatown, the City by the Bay offers:- Night tours of Alcatraz Island, once home to infamous criminals
- Walks through allegedly haunted Chinatown, with stories dating back to the 1800s
- Visits to the USS Hornet, a supposedly haunted aircraft carrier with a history spanning World War II to the Apollo program
Transylvania, Romania
This region in central Romania conjures up images of hauntings ever since Bram Stoker used it as the setting for his 1897 novel Dracula. Transylvania's medieval castles and forests create an undeniably spooky atmosphere. Visitors can:- Tour Bran Castle, built in 1382, often associated with the Dracula legend
- Explore medieval towns full of spooky folklore
- Walk through the misty forests of the Carpathian Mountains, which cover one-third of Romania’s territory
Dublin, Ireland
The Irish capital's history stretches back over a thousand years, and it's considered the birthplace of Halloween. The holiday has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (summer’s end), which marked the end of the harvest season. And Bram Stoker was born in Dublin. Dublin provides:
- Samhain festival celebrations, marking the Celtic roots of Halloween
- Ghost tours of Dublin Castle and other historic sites
- Visits to the Glasnevin Cemetery, the final resting place of many Irish historical figures
London, England
From the Tower of London to Jack the Ripper's Whitechapel, London's 2000-year history has many tales of intrigue, murder, and the supernatural. The city that survived plagues, great fires, and blitzes offers:
- Tours of the Tower of London, the city’s most notorious prison
- Jack the Ripper walking tours (for families with older children) in the East End
- Haunted strolls of London cemeteries or theaters in the West End
Oaxaca, Mexico
This southern Mexican city is renowned for its vibrant Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. It originated over 3,000 years ago with the Aztecs to honor Mictecacihuatl, the goddess who guarded the underworld. Far from being mournful, this colorful festival celebrates the memories of departed loved ones. In Oaxaca, families can:
- Participate in the lively neighborhood street festivals and markets
- Visit local cemeteries beautifully decorated with marigolds and candles
- Watch parades featuring elaborate costumes, puppets, and brass bands
Remember, while these destinations have spooky reputations, they all offer family-friendly experiences that focus more on history, culture, and fun rather than actual scares. Always check age recommendations for specific tours or attractions, and don't hesitate to ask your travel advisor about the suitability of offerings for your family. You know your kids best and what kind of adventures are appropriate for them.
Spooky adventure awaits!
