5 Scariest Towns In America To Explore This Halloween

Halloween is near, so let’s dive into some of America’s spookiest towns! These haunted towns are known for their eerie legends and ghostly tales.

Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good ghost story, these haunted towns have something to offer. From eerie cemeteries to old battlefields, each town has its own chilling past.

Ready for a spooky adventure? Let’s explore the top 5 haunted towns in America…

5. St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine, FL—often called the “Nation’s Oldest City”—offers plenty of ghostly encounters. With its rich history, it’s no wonder St. Augustine is known for its haunted places and restless spirits. Let’s explore some of the most haunted sites in this historic town!

Haunted Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida

1. Haunted Trolley Tour

Hop on the Haunted Trolley Tour to visit St. Augustine’s spookiest spots, including the Old Jail. Built in 1891 by the same company that constructed Alcatraz, this jail once housed notorious criminals. Today, it’s a hotspot for ghostly activity.

2. Haunted Walking Tour

For a more intimate experience, try the Haunted Walking Tour. This tour guides you through two historic cemeteries and shares eerie tales of supernatural events and ghostly sightings. Don’t miss the stories about the haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse—you might even have a ghostly encounter of your own!

Still looking for things to do in St Augustine? Read more here!

4. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is one of America’s most haunted cities due to its dark past. I’ve uncovered historical details that explain why it’s so spooky. Keep reading to learn about the eerie history of this vibrant city.

Haunted History of New Orleans, Louisiana

For a complete haunted experience in New Orleans, look no further than the Bourbon Orleans Hotel—ranked among the top 10 haunted hotels in the U.S.A. by USA Today. This historic hotel, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is a must-visit for those eager to encounter paranormal activity. Who knows? You might just have a ghostly encounter during your stay! 👻

3. Salem, MA

Salem, MA is infamous for the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s, a dark chapter when 19 people were hanged for alleged witchcraft. Today, many believe Salem is haunted by the spirits of those who died, especially at Gallows Hill, the site of their executions.

If you’re looking for a haunted experience, consider staying at the historic Hawthorne Hotel. It’s listed among the Top 20 Haunted Hotels in America and is known for its paranormal activity. Guests often report eerie experiences throughout the hotel, which stands on the former site of Bridget Bishop’s apple orchard—one of the women hanged during the trials.

For a spookier stay, request room 612 or room 325. Both are rumored to be hotspots for ghostly encounters.

2. Gettysburg, PA

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, was a key event in the American Civil War. It was also one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. history. The high number of casualties left a lasting impact on the area, leading many visitors to report encounters with lingering spirits and supernatural phenomena.

Haunted Places To Stay in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

1. Dobbin House Tavern and Gettystown Inn

Nestled just across the street from the cemetery where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, the Dobbin House Tavern and Gettystown Inn offers more than just historic lodging—it’s also steeped in paranormal lore.

This site was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, and legend has it that the spirits of runaway slaves still haunt the premises to this day.

2. Gettysburg Hotel

The Gettysburg Hotel, once a Civil War hospital, is known for ghostly encounters. The spirits of wounded soldiers and nurses are said to linger in the hallways.

3. Cashtown Inn

About 8 miles west of Gettysburg, the Cashtown Inn is steeped in haunted history. It served as a hospital for soldiers who couldn’t be moved, and their spirits are said to linger

1. Savannah, GA

During our wedding planning trips to Savannah, we noticed haunted night tours happening year-round. Savannah’s haunted history dates back to the 1700s, making it a fascinating destination.

Whether it’s Halloween or not, ghost tours are a must. Experience chilling stories of the Kehoe twins or Anne Powell from the back of a hearse, or choose a walking tour. Savannah is packed with paranormal activity, so get ready for a Ghosts and Gravestones Adventure! Book now—you won’t be disappointed.

Still skeptical? Let’s explore why Savannah is so haunted.

Haunted History of Savannah, Georgia

• Disease – In 1820, Savannah was struck by a devastating Yellow Fever epidemic that ravaged the town. The outbreak spread rapidly, leading to the deaths of approximately one-tenth of the city’s population. This tragic event left a lasting impact on Savannah’s history and contributes to the city’s rich tapestry of ghostly legends and hauntings.

• Battles – Savannah has been the site of numerous bloody battles throughout its history. Notably, the Siege of Savannah in 1779 was a particularly brutal conflict, resulting in around 600 wounded and 240 killed. The echoes of these violent events continue to contribute to Savannah’s haunted reputation and its rich tapestry of ghostly tales.

• Fires – Savannah faced two major fire outbreaks in 1796 and 1820, both of which occurred alongside the devastating Yellow Fever epidemic. These fires swept through the city, destroying hundreds of homes and buildings. The combined impact of the fires and the epidemic added to the city’s turbulent history, contributing to the eerie atmosphere and ghostly legends that surround Savannah today.

• Slavery – Georgia relied heavily on enslaved labor until the early years of the Civil War. The dark history of slavery in the region has given rise to haunting stories and legends. Some believe that the spirits of those who were enslaved seek vengeance against their captors, contributing to the eerie atmosphere that pervades Savannah and its surrounding areas.

Haunted Encouters in Savannah, Georgia

• Start your ghostly adventure with historic homes like the Hamilton-Turner Inn and the 17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant, both of which are known for their lingering former residents.
• The Marshall House has a chilling past as a Civil War hospital and was also used during Yellow Fever outbreaks.
• The Kehoe House, once a funeral home, now operates as an inn where the past still seems to linger.
• You might even spot the infamous lady in white at Moon River Brewing.

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