Top 10 Haunted Cities in the US You Need to Visit
The United States is home to some seriously haunted cities. From tragic histories and ghostly legends to lingering energy you can feel in your bones, these towns are more than just spooky—they’re unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your first haunted getaway or you’re a seasoned spirit-seeker, this list will guide you to the best ghostly hotspots across the country.
And here’s the best part—spooky travel isn’t just for Halloween. These haunted cities are brimming with eerie energy all year long. You can wander haunted cemeteries in the spring, explore abandoned places in the summer, or take a ghost tour on a crisp winter night. Spirits don’t take time off—and neither should you.
So grab your flashlight and your travel journal—we’re going on a spine-tingling road trip through the most haunted cities in the U.S.
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Alton, Illinois
Alton doesn’t make every haunted list—but it should. Known as one of the most haunted small towns in America, this river town is soaked in Civil War-era tragedy, spiritualism, and deeply rooted hauntings. The McPike Mansion and First Unitarian Church are just the start. If you love under-the-radar creepy towns, Alton’s a goldmine. It’s also home to the annual American Hauntings Conference, where paranormal experts and curious minds mingle and learn from one another.
Read more about Alton, IL
Salem, Massachusetts
Yes, it’s witchy. But Salem is more than just Halloween hype. Beneath the costumes and kitsch, there’s a haunting energy tied to the town’s tragic past. Wander through the Old Burying Point Cemetery, stand where trials took place, or visit homes that have stood for centuries. Whether you’re chasing folklore, actual spirits, or just a gothic aesthetic, Salem always delivers.
Learn more about Salem’s Haunted History
New Orleans, Louisiana
If ghosts had a favorite party city, it’d be New Orleans. The veil feels paper-thin in the French Quarter, where every building seems to have a haunted tale. From voodoo queens to restless spirits in haunted hotels, NOLA blends music, magic, and the macabre into one unforgettable trip. Take a ghost tour by gaslight—just don’t be surprised if something follows you home.
Full haunted guide to New Orleans coming soon!
Atchison, Kansas
Don’t let the small-town charm fool you—Atchison claims to be the most haunted town in Kansas for good reason. The infamous Sallie House is the star, but it’s just one of many haunted homes and historic spots lurking behind friendly facades. With a haunted trolley tour and ghostly legends around nearly every corner, Atchison is a must-visit for anyone who likes their scares served slow and steady.
Full haunted guide to Atchison coming soon!
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah looks like a Southern postcard, but its past is full of secrets. Cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and a network of historic homes make this one of the most haunted cities in America. The Sorrel-Weed House, Bonaventure Cemetery, and countless haunted inns make Savannah an essential stop for any spooky traveler.
Full haunted guide to Savannah coming soon!
San Francisco, California
This city isn’t just about fog and sourdough—it’s got some seriously haunted history. Think abandoned prisons, lonely spirits, and haunted ships bobbing in the bay. Alcatraz might be the headliner, but spots like the Queen Anne Hotel and the Sutro Baths hide eerie surprises, too. If you love a layered haunt with both history and heartbreak, San Francisco will cast a shadow you’ll want to explore. Full haunted guide to San Francisco coming soon!
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome is perched high above the desert, clinging to the side of a mountain—and so are its ghosts. Once a booming mining town, Jerome has a haunted hospital, ghostly sightings in old saloons, and streets that echo with history. It’s a place where the past lingers like desert dust. Plus, that view of the Verde Valley? Unforgettable.
Full haunted guide to Jerome coming soon!
New York City, New York
Skyscrapers and spirits? Oh yes. NYC has layers of haunted history—from colonial graveyards hidden beneath parks to ghost-ridden theaters and the House of Death in Greenwich Village. Even bustling landmarks like the Empire State Building have a dark side. It’s chaos and charm—with a chilling twist.
Full haunted guide to New York coming soon!
St. Augustine, Florida
If you’re chasing ghosts and cobblestone charm, St. Augustine should be high on your list. It’s the oldest city in the U.S.—and it feels like it. Every corner hums with history, and the air gets heavy once the sun goes down. From the haunted halls of the Castillo de San Marcos to eerie sightings at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, this coastal town is packed with ghost stories that go back centuries.
Full haunted guide to St. Augustine coming soon!
Los Angeles, California
Beneath the glitz and palm trees, LA has a shadowy side. The city is full of haunted hotels, cursed film sets, and mysterious deaths tied to old Hollywood. Spots like the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the Knickerbocker, and the Cecil Hotel have stories that’ll make you sleep with the lights on. Fame may fade, but ghosts stick around.
Looking for a haunted LA hotel for your next trip?
Chicago, Illinois
Gritty, ghostly, and full of dark history, Chicago isn’t short on chills. The city’s haunted past includes gangsters, fires, and the Devil in the White City himself—H.H. Holmes. Explore spots like Lincoln Park, Congress Plaza Hotel, or take a boat tour that dips into the city’s most haunted tales. This is the kind of haunt that sticks with you.
Full haunted guide to Chicago coming soon!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to witchy coastal towns or haunted desert hideaways, these cities are perfect starting points for your eerie adventures. You don’t have to wait until Halloween—ghosts don’t follow calendars. If one of these places gave you chills (in a good way), keep an eye on the blog as I’ll be sharing full guides, haunted hotel reviews, and travel tips for each spot very soon.
Got a haunted city to add to the list? Drop your favorite in the comments or come hang out in the Spooky Traveling Facebook group and tell us all about it.
Is there a haunted city you want to learn more about? Drop a comment!
