Last year, Salem, MA, saw an astonishing 1.2 million visitors — more than 25 times its population of just 45,000. With crowds like that, the charm of this historic town can quickly fade. Instead of being one of the world’s best Halloween destinations, it can become overwhelming.
While Salem remains a favorite for Halloween lovers, many travelers are now seeking alternatives that offer the same eerie vibe without the chaos. Fortunately, there are plenty of other places where you can celebrate Halloween and enjoy spine-tingling thrills — minus the massive crowds.
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Why Consider Alternative Halloween Destinations?
These alternative Halloween destinations offer a unique blend of history, culture, and spooky charm, and many without the crowds that often take over popular tourist spots.
By choosing an alternative destination, you can:
- Avoid the crowds: Enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
- Discover unique attractions: Explore lesser known destinations and experiences.
- Support local communities: Contribute to the economic growth of smaller towns and villages.
- Experience a more authentic Halloween: Immerse yourself in local traditions and customs.
Consider exploring these alternative options for a truly unforgettable experience.
North American Spooky Destination Alternatives
Instead of Salem, MA → Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow, just an hour from NYC by train, gets about 100,000 visitors each October. The crowd is festive but manageable. Evening lantern tours through the cemetery often sell out months in advance. Sleepy Hollow also offers various guided tours in October and November, covering topics like history, literature, and folklore. You can join a spooky lantern tour or explore at your own pace. One popular tour even spotlights the ‘good, bad, and unusual’ residents!
Consider staying in nearby Tarrytown where hotels run $180-220 instead of Sleepy Hollow’s $300+ per night October rates. Just avoid weekends – weekday crowds are 50% smaller, and you’ll actually get photos without tons of strangers in them.
Instead of Halloween Horror Nights → Other Theme Park Halloween Events
- Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream: This popular event features haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows.
- Kings Island Halloween Haunt: With a variety of haunted attractions and rides, Kings Island offers a spooky good time.
- Six Flags Fright Fest: Enjoy haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows at Six Flags parks across the country.
- Cedar Point Halloweekends: This event features haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment.
- Scarowinds: enjoy 14 rollercoasters, scare zones and more.
You can also search for smaller local events. If you are in Florida, here are some other events you an check out.
New Orleans
Halloween in New Orleans is an unforgettable experience, even with the big crowds. The French Quarter and Garden District come alive with festive decorations. A highlight is the Krewe of Boo parade on the weekend before Halloween. It’s full of colorful floats, costumes, and beads, making it a must-see event for both visitors and locals. The city’s bars and clubs also get into the spirit, offering Halloween-themed parties with live music, costume contests, and drink specials.
If you are seeking a more immersive New Orleans experience, consider visiting some of the historic cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. These cemeteries are said to be haunted, and visitors can often spot tour guides leading groups of people through the eerie grounds.
Accommodation Tip:
The best areas to stay in New Orleans during Halloween aren’t just in the French Quarter. Book a hotel in the Warehouse or Garden District instead. You’ll might find better rates, quieter streets, and you’re closer to both Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the Commander’s Palace.
Safety Tip:
Do not walk off Bourbon street alone late at night especially when the other streets start getting lonely.
While ordering an Uber, make sure you know where your pick up point is. Your Uber will not be able to pick you up on Bourbon street because Bourbon street and some other streets may be closed off for car traffic.
Instead of New Orleans → Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge offers a unique and festive Halloween experience, away from the crowds of New Orleans. While it may not have the same international fame, Baton Rouge boasts rich history, and a variety of spooky attractions.
During Halloween, Baton Rouge comes alive with a series of events and activities. For a more historical experience, consider taking a ghost tour of Baton Rouge, where you can learn about the city’s haunted past and legends. Beyond haunted attractions, Baton Rouge also hosts Halloween-themed festivals and events, featuring live music, food, and other activities. The city’s historic districts, such as the Governor’s Mansion and the Old State Capitol, also offer a spooky atmosphere and opportunities to explore the city’s rich history.
Instead of Salem, MA → Savannah, GA
If you are attracted to the appeal of Salem but want a location with even more eerie history, Savannah provides a complete dose of haunted. Savannah, Georgia is known as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, with its spooky, mossy trees and gas-lit squares creating a haunted gothic vibe. Reserve a ghost tour to explore spooky houses, hotels, and cemeteries.
The famous Bonaventure Cemetery is a must-visit, beautiful during the day and eerie at night. Savannah provides a less crowded, ghostly experience compared to Salem, with boutique accommodations spread across the historic district. The perfect Halloween retreat combines a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of supernatural mystery.
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Instead of Savannah, GA → Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, VA, combines colonial history and spooky ghost tales, making it a great Halloween spot for those in search of both a charming, yet scary destination. Ghost tours through the historic district bring the town’s spooky history to life, with stories of Revolutionary War soldiers and lingering restless spirits. Colonial Williamsburg’s cobblestone roads and 18th-century structures establish a spooky yet enchanting ambiance.
To have a more immersive experience, investigate the haunted Governor’s Palace and other historic sites known for reported paranormal sightings. Williamsburg offers a calmer Halloween experience compared to the busy scene in Savannah. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet, spooky setting and explore the town’s eerie past without big crowds.
European Spooky Destination Alternatives
Instead of Prague → Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Exchange the overly crowded tourist streets of Prague for the stunning town of Kutná Hora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for the Gothic architecture, including the famous Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church. The ossuary is adorned with the skeletal remains of over 40,000 people, creating a macabre atmosphere that is bone chilling.
St. Barbara’s Church is a stunning Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its soaring spires, flying buttresses and intricate stone carvings that reflect the town’s rich silver mining history. Construction began in the late 14th century to honor St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners, and the church features beautiful stained glass windows, ornate altars, and historical artifacts that tell the region’s story.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours to learn about the cultural significance and stunning architecture. Concerts held within the acoustically rich interior create an unforgettable experience. The church’s elevated position also offers panoramic views of the town, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Czechia.
Instead of Dublin’s Halloween Parade → Derry, Northern Ireland
Derry, Northern Ireland, is home to Europe’s largest Halloween festival, and it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! With its Celtic traditions, this festival transforms the city into a blend of spooky fun and cultural heritage. The energy is exciting as locals and visitors come together to celebrate the haunting beauty of the season.
The festival is known for its performances. These stories explore themes of life, death, and the supernatural, connecting you to the rich cultural roots of the region. In Derry, Halloween is a celebration of history, community, and the magic of the unknown.
Global Spooky Alternatives
Instead of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead → Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
f you’re seeking a more intimate and authentic experience, consider visiting Pátzcuaro, a Magical town located in the state of Michoacán.
Pátzcuaro is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and stunning lake. During Día de los Muertos, the town comes alive with festive decorations, traditional music, and a sense of community.
During Día de los Muertos, Pátzcuaro is filled with festive decorations, traditional music, and a strong sense of community. Candlelit cemetery vigils are a special part of the celebration, as families gather to honor their loved ones. You can also take a midnight boat ride to nearby Janitzio Island, which transforms into a magical sight during the holiday.
Responsible Tourism Tips
Timing Is Everything
- Book hotels or places to stay early for Halloween week. I recommend booking during the summer or earlier.
- Consider visiting during the last week of September or the first of October for fewer crowds
- Visiting during the middle of the week typically results in smaller tour groups and less congestion, but make sure to verify that your preferred activities are not exclusive to weekends by checking event schedules.
- Early morning or late afternoon light creates perfect photo opportunities
Supporting Local Communities
- Stay at woman-owned B&Bs and guesthouses
- Book tours with female guides who often share unique perspectives on local history
- Purchase handmade Halloween crafts from local artisans
- Support small museums and historical societies
- Respect quiet hours in residential areas during night tours
- Follow local customs regarding Halloween costumes and makeup
Getting There and Around
- Use public transportation if it is an option. Many towns like Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown encourage
- Consider joining small group tours for remote locations specially if you are traveling solo
- Connect with other solo travelers through hostel events or walking tours
So, what are you waiting for?
Escape the crowds and discover the best Halloween destinations that offer a unique blend of history, culture, and spooky charm. These alternatives to Salem provide a more authentic and unforgettable experience, far removed from the chaos of popular Halloween tourist spots. By choosing one of these alternative destinations, you’ll not only enjoy thrilling attractions but also support local communities and contribute to sustainable tourism. Happy haunting!
Resource List
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? If this is your first time considering solo travel, you might find my Guide to Solo Travel helpful. It covers everything from planning your first trip and even Travel Hacking 101.
? For things to do in Kutna Hora, click this link.
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