Best Places to Visit for Halloween Activities in the US This 2023

Are you afraid of the dark? Or do you seek spine-chilling experience? Then the United States offers a number of spooky Halloween activities you’ll enjoy! Here's a list of the best places to go for Halloween this 2023.

For Halloween, Universal Studios transforms its park into a terror zone where icons from the studio’s spine-tingling films come to life. For a limited time, the beloved park will have several haunted houses and terror zones for the brave to explore during Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. All the while, face terrifying creatures lurking in the darkness and prepare for jump scares and spine-tingling encounters at every turn.

Salem offers captivating Halloween activities for history and mystery enthusiasts, such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, dedicated to the memory of those accused and executed during the famed witch-hunt. Visit the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a prominent figure in the witch trials and join guided ghost tours that explore Salem's most haunted locations, like the Joshua Ward House and the Hawthorne Hotel.

New Orleans is another iconic destination for where to go this Halloween, offering a wide array of voodoo-themed events, including immersive haunted history tours. Discover the profound influence of West African, Haitian, and Creole cultures on voodoo practices as you embark on guided tours to voodoo-related landmarks like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Witness the final resting place of Marie Laveau, the renowned Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, and explore the hidden voodoo shrines and altars scattered throughout the city. New Orleans promises a unique fusion of culture and chills to elevate your Halloween experience.

While often dubbed the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland transforms into a pumpkin-filled wonderland during spooky season. The park’s iconic Haunted Mansion undergoes an eerie yet captivating transformation as Halloween and Christmas collide and Jack Skellington takes over the decor. Join in the fun of trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland Park and brave nighttime rides on classic attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll also meet your favorite Disney characters, dressed in Halloween costumes. Experience Disney's magic in a new light!

Thanks to its rich history that dates back to the 19th century, Gothic architecture and serene landscapes, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery has an eerie allure. Learn about its role as the final resting place for notable figures, including Washington Irving, the creator of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and one of America's most renowned authors.

Enter the eerie world of the Eastern State Penitentiary and experience "Terror Behind the Walls." Built in the early 19th century, it was one of the first true penitentiaries, known for its unique philosophy of isolation and reform, employing solitary confinement for rehabilitation. Know the stories of infamous inmates like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, daring escapes, riots, and the harsh conditions prisoners endured. The prison's haunted reputation is deeply intertwined with its history, making your journey a chilling adventure into its enigmatic depths.

A Halloween activity you definitely can’t miss is a visit to Knott’s Scary Farm, a massive immersive experience that evolved into an unrivaled hallmark of spooky season events. It features scare zones with intricate artistry, shows with exceptional performances and eerie storytelling, and plenty of ghostly lighting and spooky props. Brace yourself for ghoulish surprises around every corner in this deeply immersive Halloween theme park.

Go on a trip for the brave to Nashville Nightmare, a haunted house complex, each with a distinct, heart-pounding Halloween theme. From classic horror to original concepts, these attractions offer immersive storytelling beyond jump scares. Your choices influence the experience, while integrated escape rooms add puzzles and mysteries to the horror theme. Whether you're a horror aficionado or a first-time visitor, Nashville Nightmare has spine-tingling thrills for all.

Uncover the mystique shrouding The Queen Mary's haunted reputation as you delve into its legends and paranormal tales during Dark Harbor. The genuinely haunted ship offers an authentic backdrop to the eerie experience.  Learn about documented accounts of ghostly apparitions and reported paranormal activity aboard this historic vessel.

Experience the immersive play of the McKittrick Hotel, where you'll encounter a diverse cast of characters with intertwining storylines. Its meticulous set design, costumes, and props create an immersive Halloween activity—amplified by the mandatory masks that give the audience anonymity.  Engage in a scavenger hunt-like experience to unravel enigmatic elements of the story, all while embracing unsettling atmospheres and captivating storytelling.

Now that you know all about these exciting but hair-raising Halloween activities, are you ready to spend spooky season in the US? From Universal Studios to Salem and New Orleans, you’re guaranteed unforgettable adventures!