Haunted U.S. Cities to Visit

Ghost-hunting families and thrill-seeking kids may already know the United States has some seriously haunted cities. Plan a seasonal trip with the family and spook yourselves out in some of the country’s most haunted heavy hitters.

Boston, Massachusetts

Home of historic massacres, Revolutionary War sites, ancient burial grounds and murder, Boston is a must-visit for haunted locales. Visit historic sites of frequent and famous paranormal activity and even sneak in a little history lesson for the kids. Between Haunted Boston, ghost tours and trolley rides, you’ll have your pick of expert guides.

Charleston, South Carolina

Known for its haunts, history and not-so-friendly ghosts, Charleston should be on every shadow-hunter family list. Between the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon (once a prison for Revolutionary War soldiers) and Powder Magazine, currently haunted by a female pirate, Charleston has a diverse lineup of spirits to track down.

City Jail in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo: Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

With more haunted hotels than you’ll have time to stay in, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is rife with haunted history and is a great family-friendly destination. Historically known as the site of a turning point in the Civil War, Gettysburg is easy pickings for haunted tours and activities with a full calendar of events year-round.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Learn about the haunted, sorted history of New Orleans on a myriad of tours — some from an actual hearse. In fact, there are so many haunted tour options, sites and famously spooky spots to visit, you will need to come back for more, including visits to any one of the many haunted mansions.

Savannah, Georgia

One thing you can count on in the South, other than the hospitality and comfort food, is the region’s many, many haunted landmarks. Savannah, Georgia, is iconic for ghost tours and creepy, dark history and rebellious residents. Visit some of the most haunted locations in the country all in one place. Go a step further and even stay in a haunted hotel, just to really get the full experience.

While some tours may be more terrifying than others and not necessarily for all ages, there are countless to choose from. Depending on your children’s ages and freak factor, you may want to take a day tour with more historic information than scary stories, or speak to an expert guide and stick to sites more family-forward and less frightening.