Halloween time is often associated with costumes and trick or treating. But it is also a great opportunity to travel. Not only will you experience cooler temperatures and lower crowds (not to mention Fall travel deals), but you’ll also be witness to some amazing displays of fall color.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a hauntingly spooky adventure, these 13 destinations will really get you into the Halloween spirit.
No matter where you like to travel or your budget, there is a destination on this list that will meet your needs. Both theme park enthusiasts and history buffs can appreciate the season in their own way. The first half of this list is dedicated to festivities the whole family can enjoy together. The second half is for those travelers who want a little (or big) scare along with their pumpkins and candy. Those destinations are recommended for families traveling with teens or a getaway for Mom and Dad.
Family Halloween Travel
From elaborate pumpkin displays in the land of Icabod Crane to trick or treating in a theme park to a spook-tacular experience on the high seas, these destinations offer Halloween fun for the whole family.
Sleepy Hollow Country, Hudson Valley, NY
Historic Sleepy Hollow country in Hudson Valley, New York is all about celebrating Washington Irving’s classic haunted tale: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its famous ghost, The Headless Horseman. That makes it perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway during the Halloween season!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World
As early as late August, guests at Walt Disney World can enjoy a not-so-scary time at the Magic Kingdom with special Halloween performances, fireworks, parade, characters in costume, and trick-or-treating during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Halloween Time at Disneyland
Halloween is a little bit different over in Disneyland. Their special event party is called Oogie Boogie Bash, but they have more attraction overlays and special fireworks that happen outside of the party dates.
Halloween on the High Seas, Disney Cruise Line
On select sailings in the fall, you can celebrate Halloween with festive activities, experiences, and party aboard Disney Cruise Line.
Hersheypark in the Dark – Hersheypark
I can’t think of a better place to trick-or-treat than Hersheypark. For several weekends in October, Hersheypark in the Dark has characters, entertainment, rides with the lights turned off to make them extra spooky, and you guessed it…. CANDY!
Brick-Or-Treat, LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND theme parks are loads of fun (we can’t wait for the newest one to open here in New York!) We’re sure they’ll have Brick-Or-Treat weekends with special characters, trick-or-treating, and costumes like they do in Florida and California.
Haunted Halloween Travel
Explore the town of real life witches in Salem, ride a ghost train in West Virginia or channel your inner Ghostbuster at the most haunted places in New York City. These destinations are not for the faint of heart (or the little ones). Some of these places are the most haunted destinations in the United States. Be prepared for a good scare!
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios embraces the scarier side of Halloween and blends it with pop culture to bring some of our favorite scary movies and tv shows to life.
Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts
Known for its famous witch trials, a trip to Salem during Halloween blends history with scary good fun.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah Georgia is one of the most haunted cities in the country. There are plenty of ghost tours to take.
Waverly Hills, Louisville, Kentucky
Known as one of the most haunted places on earth, Waverly Hills Sanatorium gives tours throughout the year, but also runs a haunted house inside the real haunted sanatorium on weekends leading up to Halloween.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Another city that boasts being among the most haunted is New Orleans. And they embrace it. They claim a New Orleans Halloween is second only to Mardi Gras when it comes to wild parties with adults getting all dressed up.
Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA
There’s something about a haunted ship that is much spookier than a haunted house or cemetery. The Queen Mary is a ship of legend, and some of those legends are of the ghosts who are still on board. Tours are given all year long, but at Halloween, they turn the ship into a Haunted attraction drawing on the stories about her.
New York City
NYC is known for its famous Halloween parade which basically shuts down part of the city each October. But there are also loads of fun and spooky things to do around the city for those looking for some scary fun.
Where are your favorite places to celebrate Halloween? Have you been to any of these? Let us know in the comments.
Sanketa
Saturday 17th of March 2018
Hey, You've written such a nice article. Halloween is a trending now a days. Thank you for sharing.