America's Most Haunted Vacation Destinations

By Lisa Wells, Food Drink Life

With fall within the air and Halloween upon us, bring some spooky to your vacation with a spooky itinerary. These spooky destinations offer spooky stories, unexplained phenomena and the possibility for an unforgettable ghost encounter.

Scary movies, haunted houses and spooky costumes are the preferred fall decorations and add a dose of fright as Halloween approaches. But for those really on the lookout for a scare this 12 months, plan a vacation to America's most haunted cities. These cities are wealthy in history starting from the tragic to the macabre, and wealthy in ghost sightings and scary stories based on the reality.

As immersive destinations turn out to be more popular, the opportunities to explore have expanded. The Haunt Industry Report 2024 Ticket company Passage points out that the variety of visits to haunted attractions continues to extend. As a result, many cities have expanded their tourism offerings across the ghostly and paranormal.

In addition to trick or treating and Pumpkin pie Immerse yourself in spooky history in your travels this Halloween. With haunted buildings, walking tours, theater performances and even haunted restaurants, you’ll be able to explore a city in exciting – and sometimes frightening – ways, often discovering a side of your destination you may otherwise miss.

Visit historic ghosts in Atlantic cities

Many of the cities along the Atlantic coast are a whole bunch of years old and were settled by European explorers as early because the fifteenth century. These centuries of history, adventure and intrigue make them cultural destinations notorious for ghost sightings.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island in Georgia is a good looking island getaway outside of Savannah with sandy beaches and a relaxed local vibe. It can also be known for its haunted experiences. Ghost walks take you from the historic Carbo House to the island's paranormal hotspots.

People relax on the beach at Tybee Island, Georgia.
People chill out on the beach at Tybee Island, Georgia on April 25, 2020. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Visitors to the Tybee Lighthouse have reported seeing the ghosts of the lighthouse keepers and the ghost of a young girl. Georgia's oldest lighthouse was recently restored and now hosts an annual Halloween party.

Savannah, Georgia

Some think nearby savannah being probably the most haunted cities in America. Historical walking tours help you explore Savannah's darker past in addition to town's beautiful sights. The Sorrel Weed House, featured on several television shows, offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations at the home.

Dine among the many spirits of sailors at The Pirate's House, a restaurant that was once an inn for sailors and pirates. Many hotels and inns in town have also reported ghost residents in the event you are brave enough to remain in a haunted constructing.

St Augustine, Florida

Explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse on a ghost tour and learn in regards to the area's maritime past and spooky history. Flagler College is a feature of the St. Augustine walking tours and is claimed to be haunted by several ghosts. Apparitions include Henry Flagler, the person who built the hotel that later became one in every of the school's buildings, in addition to his wife and mistresses.

Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish to guard their trade path to Florida. Today, locals report sightings of the ghosts of Native Americans once imprisoned there, Spanish soldiers and an unfaithful woman who leaves behind the scent of perfume.

Discover probably the most haunted cities within the South

When it involves spooky vacations, few destinations have a status for being as energetic as those within the South. New Orleans, Louisiana is usually considered probably the most haunted city in America, while Texas is probably the most haunted state Forbes.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans brings together stories of witchcraft, voodoo and vampires that bring each joy and terror. Founded in 1718, the historic French Quarter is home to lots of the city's ghost stories. Stay in one in every of the haunted hotels just like the Bourbon Orleans, considered one in every of the haunted hotels in New Orleans. You may encounter an elderly ghost smoking a cigar and reading a newspaper within the lobby or a lone dancer within the ballroom.

A person smokes outside a voodoo shop in the French Quarter during a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana
An individual smokes outside a voodoo shop within the French Quarter during a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

During the day, you’ll be able to take walking and bus tours to town's many cemeteries, plantations, and haunted houses, each with their very own unique stories. If you would like something to eat, order Bananas Foster at Brennan'sa dish invented by chef Paul Blangé, who now haunts his old restaurant.

San Antonio, Texas

Of all of the cities in Texas, San Antonio is among the finest to your haunted vacation. The city is the positioning of The Alamo, a devastating battle by which nearly 200 soldiers, everything of the Texas troops, lost their lives against Mexican forces. Shortly after the battle, there have been reportedly sightings of ghostly guards within the fortress.

Ghost tours in San Antonio often visit the Alamo and the Menger Hotel, often known as probably the most haunted hotels in America, together with haunted churches, parks and other historic buildings. You also can take a spooky pub crawl through town's historic and haunted pubs and taverns.

Haunted hotels and race tracks in California

From screen ghosts in Old Hollywood to gold miners within the Sierra Nevada, California has its own ghost stories. San Diego, particularly, is right for those on the lookout for an enchanted hotel stay. In the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter, the Horton Grand is home to the ghost of card fraudster Roger Whitaker. On Coronado Island, the luxurious Hotel Del Coronado continues to deal with Kate Morgan, a young woman who committed suicide on the hotel.

A rider waits to lead horses to the track before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint race at Del Mar Race Track
A rider waits to steer horses to the track before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint race at Del Mar Race Course on November 5, 2021 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The Del Mar racetrack in Southern California is claimed to be haunted by George Raft, a Forties actor and dancer, in response to Mac McBride, media director for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Raft, an in depth friend of track founder Bing Crosby and an avid racing fan, was reportedly seen waiting in line to buy a ticket long after his death.

Others have reported paranormal experiences on the track, including voices in empty bars, laughter and drink orders, strange apparitions in hallways and cold spots with a slight draft in enclosed areas. Those hoping to see ghosts can visit Del Mar starting on Halloween, when the Bing Crosby racing season begins in the autumn.

Enjoy a soothing autumn holiday in these enchanted hotspots

Whether you’re taking a ghost tour of town or dare to remain in a haunted hotel, a ghost hunting vacation—or simply a couple of stops at your destination's spooky locations—is the right option to get into the autumn spirit. Wherever your ghostly escape takes you, make sure to take a number of photos and study them fastidiously once you return. You never know what horrors you may find.

Originally published:

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