6 Halloween Destinations to Treat Yourself

Halloween isn’t just about neighborhood trick-or-treating these days. It’s also becoming a popular time to travel, with people heading to seasonal celebrations across the U.S.

From elaborate theme park events to historic haunted cities, these destinations offer unforgettable spooky experiences worth planning a trip around.

Orlando reigns supreme as the Halloween travel destination, with several major theme parks hosting special after-hours events. Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights runs Wednesday to Sunday through early November. The main draw is the 10 new haunted houses built inside the theme park, including experiences inspired by “Terrifier” and “Friday the 13th.”

Walt Disney World Resort has its own (tamer) after-hours event. Rather than haunted houses, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party offers trick-or-treating stations, but it’s already sold out for 2025. Still, daytime Disney World visitors will have a chance to see Halloween-themed shows and parades or buy seasonal food and merchandise.

Even the smaller Orlando theme parks have their own Halloween offerings, including SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream and Brick-or-Treat at Legoland.

Las Vegas has plenty of costumes and entertainment year-round, but Halloween is a particularly fun time to visit. For people who want the Universal Halloween Horror Nights experience without the rides, Las Vegas has Universal Horror Unleashed — a year-round horror experience with four mazes and themed eateries.

There is also a free annual Rock of Horror Halloween Bash on Fremont Street.

Immersive art collective Meow Wolf throws Cosmic Howl parties on October 31 at its locations in Denver; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Houston; and Grapevine, Texas. These are far from typical Halloween gatherings. Activities range from absinthe tastings and tarot readings to live bands and DJ sets.

More than a million visitors pour into Salem, Massachusetts, each October for Salem Haunted Happenings, billed as the largest Halloween celebration in the world. The month-long program includes a parade, ghost tours, haunted houses and costume balls.

While many of the festivities are free or cheap, lodging is another story. The city’s Hampton Inn, which typically charges less than $300 a night in November, can exceed $700 per night during October due to demand.

The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 18 and 19 in Northern California transforms this charming coastal town into a fall wonderland each October. Beyond the famous giant pumpkin weigh-off competition, visitors can eat pumpkin-themed foods, peruse local art vendors and watch live entertainment — all while taking in scenic coastal views.

The Great Big Boo at Gilroy Gardens is a prime Halloween destination for families with younger children. This family theme park transforms into a not-too-scary Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treating throughout the park, costume contests, pumpkin decorating and gentle Halloween-themed rides. Adults can enjoy Halloween-themed cocktails like Boo Butter Brew and Hocus Pocus Punch. The park’s beautiful gardens provide a scenic backdrop for Halloween festivities, offering a more intimate experience than larger theme parks.

Halloween is not just one day. It’s an entire month (or more) of festivities and spending. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey, Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion this year.

To keep costs down for your Halloween travel, take advantage of shoulder season prices during the long holiday window that’s already in full swing. You might not have to go to the events on Oct. 31st exactly to get your fill.

And find out what other Halloween destinations are nearby. Traveling could mean taking a day trip to another town with a giant pumpkin patch or finding a street with incredible displays of home decorations.

After all, it’s just one of many ways to celebrate spooky season.