Spooky U.S. Travel Destinations: Ghost Towns, Haunted Hotels, and Historic Sites
There’s something undeniably fascinating about the eerie silence of an abandoned town or the creak of floorboards in a centuries-old hotel.
Across the United States, ghost towns and haunted sites tell stories of boom-and-bust mining days, tragic pasts, and the people who once called these places home—and maybe still linger in spirit.
For travelers who crave a little chill with their adventure, exploring these spooky destinations offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and a dash of adrenaline.
Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good story, America’s haunted past is waiting for you to discover it.
1. Bodie, California – A Frozen Gold Rush in Time
If there’s one ghost town that feels like a time capsule, it’s Bodie. Once a booming gold rush town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” That means the buildings are left just as they were found—dusty, weathered, and filled with old furniture and relics. Walking its streets feels like stepping back in time.
Locals say Bodie is haunted by spirits who protect the town. In fact, there’s a well-known “Bodie Curse.” Visitors who dare to take even a small artifact—say, a nail or a coin—report bad luck until they return it. Creepy, right?
Travel Tip: Visit Bodie State Historic Park during late summer or early fall when the roads are clear but the mountain air adds an extra chill. Bring layers—it can get cold fast at 8,000 feet.
2. Jerome, Arizona – The Wickedest Town in the West
Perched on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was once called “the wickedest town in the West.” It’s easy to see why. This old mining town was full of saloons, brothels, and brawls back in its heyday. When the mines shut down, Jerome nearly became a ghost town—but then artists and travelers brought it back to life.
Still, not everything left with the miners. The old Jerome Grand Hotel, once a hospital, is said to be haunted by the spirits of patients who never checked out. Guests have reported hearing coughing in empty hallways and the squeak of hospital gurneys rolling by.
Travel Tip: Stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel if you’re feeling brave—or just grab dinner there and enjoy the view of the Verde Valley. The ghost stories are part of the fun, even if you don’t spot anything yourself.
3. St. Augustine, Florida – America’s Oldest (and Most Haunted) City
St. Augustine might be sunny and charming by day, but once the sun sets, the city’s history comes alive in a whole new way. Founded in 1565, it’s full of old Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, and more ghost stories than you can count.
The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of soldiers and prisoners. Guides love to share tales of mysterious lights and whispers along the fort’s coquina walls. And then there’s the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing footsteps up the spiral staircase.
Travel Tip: Book a nighttime ghost tour—St. Augustine has some of the best in the country. Even if you’re not easily spooked, you’ll get a fun and historical view of the city’s oldest landmarks.
4. Centralia, Pennsylvania – The Real-Life Inspiration for Silent Hill
Few places in the U.S. are as eerie as Centralia. Once a thriving coal-mining town, it was abandoned after an underground fire ignited in 1962 and has been burning ever since. Today, only a handful of residents remain, and smoke still seeps through cracks in the ground.
Walking through Centralia feels like being in another world. The streets are empty, nature is reclaiming the land, and graffiti covers the old highway. While the town itself isn’t “haunted” in the traditional sense, it’s one of the most haunting places you can visit.
Travel Tip: Respect the area—it’s still private property in some sections, and parts of the ground can be unstable due to the fire. Visit during the day, bring a camera, and don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes.
5. Savannah, Georgia – Southern Charm Meets the Supernatural
Savannah is often called one of the most haunted cities in America, and honestly, it earns that title. With its moss-draped oak trees and antebellum homes, it’s the perfect setting for a ghost story.
The Bonaventure Cemetery is both beautiful and eerie, with elaborate tombstones and quiet paths lined by ancient trees. And then there’s the Marshall House, one of the oldest hotels in Savannah, where guests claim to hear children playing in empty hallways or see Civil War soldiers in mirrors.
Travel Tip: Visit around Halloween when the city really leans into its haunted side. Ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and candlelight walks through cemeteries—it’s the ultimate spooky getaway.
6. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Spirits of the Battlefield
You can’t talk about haunted U.S. destinations without mentioning Gettysburg. The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, it’s said to be home to countless restless spirits.
Visitors have reported hearing cannon fire, footsteps, and voices in the fields late at night. The Farnsworth House Inn, which sheltered Confederate sharpshooters, is another hotspot for paranormal activity. Some say the spirits of soldiers still linger in its rooms.
Travel Tip: Take a battlefield ghost walk after sunset. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the history alone will send chills down your spine.
7. Virginia City, Nevada – The Wild West Lives On
Once one of the richest mining towns in the country, Virginia City is packed with haunted saloons, tunnels, and hotels. The Silver Queen Hotel is especially famous for ghostly sightings—guests often report seeing “Rosie,” a former working girl said to haunt Room 11.
The Mackay Mansion is another must-see, where the ghost of a little girl reportedly greets visitors. What’s cool about Virginia City is that it hasn’t lost its Wild West feel—you can grab a drink at an old-time saloon and almost imagine the clinking of spurs on the wooden floors.
Travel Tip: Visit in October when the town hosts ghost tours and themed events. The crisp desert air adds to the spooky atmosphere.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana – Haunted History and Voodoo Legends
New Orleans wears its haunted reputation proudly. Between its French Quarter charm, voodoo legends, and old cemeteries, it’s basically the perfect storm for supernatural stories.
One of the city’s most famous haunted spots is the LaLaurie Mansion, where gruesome tales of mistreatment and tragedy have lingered for centuries. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is another must-see, where above-ground tombs create a labyrinth of stone and shadow.
Travel Tip: Take a ghost or voodoo walking tour in the evening. Even if you’re a skeptic, you’ll love hearing the legends and seeing the atmospheric architecture. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes—the cobblestones can be tricky!
9. Rhyolite, Nevada – Art Meets Abandonment
Rhyolite is a ghost town with a twist. Once a bustling gold mining town, it’s now mostly ruins—but nearby, artists have transformed the desert into an eerie open-air museum. The Goldwell Open Air Museum features ghostly sculptures, including a full-size recreation of The Last Supper made of plaster.
The contrast between decaying buildings and surreal art makes Rhyolite a photographer’s dream—and a little spooky, too.
Travel Tip: Visit around sunset for the best light and most atmospheric experience. The combination of desert colors and ghostly art installations is unforgettable.
10. Salem, Massachusetts – Witches, Trials, and Tales
Of course, no list of haunted U.S. towns would be complete without Salem. Known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem has fully embraced its spooky reputation.
You can tour old jails, visit the Witch House (once home to a trial judge), or stroll through historic cemeteries. Beyond the witch lore, Salem’s waterfront, museums, and old architecture make it a genuinely charming place to explore.
Travel Tip: October is peak season here—expect crowds but also the best energy. The city hosts parades, haunted houses, and costume events all month long. If you prefer a quieter visit, try late spring instead.
Final Thoughts
Exploring ghost towns and haunted sites isn’t just about chasing chills—it’s about connecting with America’s layered history. Every abandoned mine, battlefield, or creaky old hotel tells a story of the people who built, lived, and sometimes never left. So whether you’re out west chasing the spirits of gold miners or walking cobblestone streets under Spanish moss, you’re in for a thrill.
Would you dare to spend the night in one of these haunted places? Or are you more of a daylight explorer? Either way, grab your camera, pack your curiosity, and get ready for a road trip that’s equal parts eerie and unforgettable.