Get ready to get your scare on this October! Here are the best 15 Best Halloween Getaways in the U.S. for 2026

Halloween is no longer just one night of costumes and trick-or-treating. Some destinations take spooky season so seriously that Halloween is reason enough to plan an entire vacation. And honestly? I’m here for it.Give me glowing pumpkins, fall weather, ridiculously over-the-top decorations and an excuse to pack my bags and I’m ready to go.

From trick-or-treating through a theme park and walking beneath thousands of glowing pumpkins to haunted houses that will make you question why you bought a ticket in the first place, there are some incredible Halloween getaways around the country.

The best part is that they’re not all scary.

There are plenty of Halloween vacations perfect for younger kids, along with destinations for tweens and teens who want something a little spookier and full-blown haunted experiences for anyone who loves a good scare.

If you’re looking for an excuse to take one more trip before the holiday season arrives, grab your costumes and candy bags.

These are some of the best Halloween getaways in the U.S. to add to your fall travel list.

Best Halloween Getaways at a Glance

1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida

If your idea of Halloween involves more Mickey Mouse than masked murderer, Walt Disney World might be your perfect Halloween getaway.

Magic Kingdom gets a spooky-but-not-too-spooky makeover for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights leading up to Halloween.

And yes, adults finally have an excuse to wear a costume to Disney.

Guests can trick-or-treat throughout Magic Kingdom, meet Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and enjoy special entertainment only offered during the party. Hello, Headless Horseman! 

The Boo-to-You Halloween Parade is always one of the highlights, especially when the Headless Horseman makes his way down the parade route.

You’ll also find Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular featuring the Sanderson Sisters.

The 2026 party runs on select nights from August 7 through October 31. Party guests can enter Magic Kingdom beginning at 4 p.m., with the official event running from 7 p.m. until midnight.

One important thing to know: the 2026 parties have already sold out. So if Disney is on your Halloween travel bucket list for next year, don’t wait to buy those tickets once they’re released. If you’re still trying to snag tickets this year, call every day. You might just be able to snag a ticket! 

Best for: Families, Disney lovers and anyone who likes Halloween without the scares.

Make it a getaway: Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and spend a few days exploring the rest of the parks while you’re in Orlando.

2. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, Florida

Now let’s go completely in the opposite direction.

Halloween Horror Nights is for people who actually WANT to be scared.

Universal Studios Florida transforms after dark into one massive Halloween experience filled with haunted houses, scare zones and characters lurking around seemingly every corner.

Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2026 with the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares.

There are 10 haunted houses this year, including houses inspired by Stranger Things 5, Sinners, Fallout, Terrifier, The Mummy and Ozzy Osbourne.

This is definitely not Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Universal does not recommend Halloween Horror Nights for children under 13, and costumes and costume masks are not permitted.

The event runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1, 2026 and requires a separate ticket.

If you love horror movies and haunted attractions, though, this is one of those Halloween events worth planning an entire trip around.

Best for: Teens, adults and serious horror fans.

Scare level: VERY scary.

Make it a getaway: Spend a few days exploring Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe before heading to Halloween Horror Nights after dark.

3. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort – Anaheim, California

Disneyland goes all-in on spooky season too.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort runs August 21 through October 31, 2026, bringing pumpkins, seasonal treats, Halloween entertainment and attraction overlays to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

Main Street, U.S.A. fills with pumpkins, including the giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern that practically begs you to stop for a photo.

Some of the best Halloween fun happens on the rides.

Haunted Mansion becomes Haunted Mansion Holiday with its The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, while Cars Land celebrates Haul-O-Ween with attractions including Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.

Disney California Adventure also hosts Oogie Boogie Bash, a separately ticketed Halloween party on select evenings.

Between the parks and everything else there is to do in Southern California, this is one Halloween trip you could easily turn into a week-long vacation.

Best for: Families, Disney fans and anyone looking for a West Coast Halloween getaway. 

4. The Haunting of River Ranch at Westgate River Ranch – River Ranch, Florida

There’s much more to Halloween in Florida than theme parks.

For something completely different, head into Central Florida’s countryside for a Halloween getaway at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.

This is the kind of place that caught my attention because the resort itself is part of the adventure.

Instead of checking into a traditional theme-park hotel, you can turn your Halloween weekend into a ranch vacation complete with glamping, outdoor adventures and that Old Florida atmosphere.

During spooky season, The Haunting of River Ranch adds Halloween fun to the mix with haunted experiences and ghostly stories.

I love adding this one to the list because it proves a Florida Halloween getaway doesn’t have to mean Orlando. We absolutely LOVED our stay at Westgate River Ranch and you can read all about it HERE. 

You can trade roller coasters for a weekend under the stars and still get your Halloween fix.

Best for: Families, couples and anyone looking for a unique Florida weekend.

Make it a getaway: Splurge on one of the glamping accommodations (the Conestoga wagon is so much fun) and enjoy the ranch experiences while you’re there.

5. Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND  Resort – Winter Haven, Florida & Goshen, NY

If you have younger kids who want Halloween fun but absolutely do not want someone chasing them with a chainsaw, head to LEGOLAND. Both Legoland in Florida and New York host Brick-or-Treat each year 

Brick-or-Treat is designed with kids in mind.

Families can dress up, collect candy, meet LEGO Monsters and enjoy special Halloween entertainment throughout the park.

For 2026, Brick-or-Treat Street adds a new immersive experience where families can explore the homes of LEGO Monsters, collect treats and LEGO bricks and help create a giant Halloween build.

Another bonus?

Brick-or-Treat is included with regular park admission on participating dates.

LEGOLAND recommends the event primarily for families with kids ages 2–12, so this is one of my picks for families with younger children. And I’d definitely says it’s best for the under 10 crowd. 

Best for: Kids 2–12 and LEGO fans.

Scare level: Cute, not scary.

6. SeaWorld Spooktacular – Orlando, Florida

Another Orlando Halloween event that’s perfect for younger kids is SeaWorld Spooktacular.

Running on select dates from August 29 through November 1, 2026, Spooktacular brings costumes, trick-or-treating and colorful Halloween characters into the park during the daytime.

Kids can follow the trick-or-treat trail and collect candy while families still enjoy the regular SeaWorld attractions.

Even better, Spooktacular is included with regular park admission.

If you’re already planning an Orlando vacation and have younger kids, this is an easy way to work some Halloween fun into your trip without buying another expensive nighttime event ticket.

Best for: Families with younger kids.

Scare level: Not scary. Looking for a great hotel near Sea World, check out Caribe Royale. 

7. Dollywood Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Fall in the Smoky Mountains is reason enough to pack your bags. Add Dollywood covered in thousands of pumpkins and I’m sold.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival runs September 14 through October 31, 2026 and combines everything I love about a fall trip: beautiful mountain scenery, seasonal food, live music and plenty of pumpkins.

Then the sun goes down and Great Pumpkin LumiNights begins.

More than 12,000 pumpkins illuminate the park, including a massive 40-foot pumpkin tree, Hoot Owl Hollow and a giant glowing guitar.

And this isn’t meant to scare you.

It’s whimsical, colorful and one of those Halloween experiences that works for everyone from little kids to grandparents.

New for 2026 is Harvey’s Boo Bash, a separately ticketed after-hours celebration on October 16, 23 and 30 with treat trails, character meet-and-greets, dance parties and rides open late.

The regular Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights are included with Dollywood admission.

One of the best things about choosing Dollywood for a Halloween getaway is everything else you can do nearby.

Make it a long weekend and explore Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park while you’re there.

You can read all about our Fall trip to Dollywood HERE and our stay at Dollywood DreamMore Resort HERE 

Best for: Families and multigenerational trips.

Scare level: Not scary.

Don’t miss: Stay until after dark. Great Pumpkin LumiNights is the whole reason I’d plan this trip. I’d totally stay at a Dollywood Resort but if you’re looking for more options, the Embassy Suites in Gatlinburg or Treehouse Grove are my picks. 

8. Hersheypark Halloween & Dark Nights – Hershey, Pennsylvania

Where better to celebrate a holiday centered around candy than Hershey?

Hersheypark is one of my favorite choices for families because you don’t have to decide between cute Halloween fun and serious scares.

You can have both.

Hersheypark Halloween runs for eight weekends from September 12 through November 1, 2026.

During the day, families can enjoy more than 50 rides and attractions, Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, Halloween character appearances and roller coasters after dark.

Then 6 p.m. rolls around. That’s when Dark Nights begins.

For 2026, Dark Nights features five haunted houses and five scare zones, including the new Reese’s Depot of Doom.

And unlike some theme parks that charge separately for their major nighttime haunt, Dark Nights is included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket.

Beginning October 16, ZooAmerica also hosts Creatures of the Night, giving visitors the chance to explore after dark and see nocturnal animals by flashlight.

That gives you an entire weekend of Halloween activities without leaving Hershey.

Best for: Families with kids of different ages, tweens and teens.

Scare level: You choose. Stick with the family Halloween activities or venture into Dark Nights. Stay at a Hersheypark Resort for even more fun! 

9. Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge – Multiple Locations

Sometimes you just want an easy weekend getaway. Great Wolf Lodge makes that especially easy during October with Howl-O-Ween.

The resorts add Halloween activities including trick-or-treating, Monster Bash dance parties, Halloween crafts, games and other seasonal activities to the indoor water park experience.

That means the kids can spend the day racing down waterslides and still trick-or-treat in their costumes later.

Many Howl-O-Ween activities are included with an overnight stay, although activities can vary by location.

Some locations also offer Ghostly Globes, private Halloween-themed spaces with lights, music, cider, treats and activities.

For families with younger children who aren’t interested in scary haunted houses, this may be one of the easiest Halloween weekend getaways on this list. Last year we attended the Howl-O-Ween at the Mashantucket, CT location and it did not disappoint. While it is geared towards the younger crowd, my girls still had fun. 

Best for: Younger kids and quick family weekend trips.

Scare level: Not scary.

Make it a getaway: Choose the Great Wolf Lodge closest to home and turn it into an easy one- or two-night trip.

10. The Curse of Camelback – Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for something scarier, head to the Pocono Mountains.

Camelback Resort already makes a great fall getaway thanks to the mountain setting and changing leaves, but Halloween adds another reason to visit.

The Curse of Camelback takes things in a much darker direction with an immersive chemical-apocalypse theme, monsters and haunted mazes.

This isn’t the one I’d choose for little kids.

But for families with older teens or adults who love haunted attractions, the combination of fall in the Poconos and a scary nighttime experience makes this a fun Halloween road trip.

And that’s what I like about including Camelback.

You’re not just driving somewhere, going through a haunted house and driving home.

Stay at the resort and turn the entire thing into a fall weekend away.

Best for: Teens, adults and haunted-attraction fans.

Scare level: Scary.

11. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place – Langhorne, Pennsylvania

For the littlest Halloween travelers, Sesame Place is hard to beat. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular turns the park into a colorful, kid-friendly Halloween celebration with Sesame Street characters, costumes, trick-or-treating and seasonal entertainment.

This is the Halloween getaway for families who want their kids excited – not terrified.

And for families traveling from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware or New York, it’s easy enough to turn into a weekend without spending half the trip getting there.

Pair Sesame Place with a night or two in the Philadelphia area and you’ve got an easy fall family getaway.

Best for: Toddlers and younger elementary-age kids.

Scare level: Not scary.

12. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia

Beautiful Williamsburg gets much darker after the sun goes down.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream transforms the park with haunted houses, scare zones and Halloween entertainment.

It’s a good choice for families with older kids and teens who have graduated from cute Halloween parties and are ready for something a little more intense.

But what really makes Williamsburg worth including on a Halloween travel list is everything surrounding the park.

You can pair the Halloween event with Colonial Williamsburg and turn it into a full Virginia weekend instead of simply visiting another theme park.

History during the day.

Haunted houses at night.

That’s a pretty good October itinerary.

Best for: Older kids, teens and adults.

Scare level: Scary after dark.

13. Sleepy Hollow, New York

There may not be another town in America with a name more perfect for Halloween.

Sleepy Hollow’s connection to Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow makes it one of those destinations that simply feels right in October.

And the town embraces it.

Visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving is buried, explore the area’s historic sites and soak up the Halloween atmosphere throughout town.

Nearby, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor fills the landscape with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins arranged into elaborate illuminated displays.

This is one of those trips where the destination itself is the Halloween attraction.

You’re not walking into a theme park that has been decorated for October. You’re visiting the home of one of America’s most famous ghost stories.

And at roughly 40 minutes from New York City, it’s easy to combine Sleepy Hollow with a longer New York fall getaway.

Best for: Families, couples and anyone who loves classic Halloween.

Scare level: Spooky rather than terrifying.

14. Haunted Happenings – Salem, Massachusetts

If you’re serious about Halloween travel, eventually you have to make it to Salem in October.

The entire city gets involved.

Salem Haunted Happenings takes over October with parades, markets, entertainment, Halloween activities, historic attractions and events throughout the city.

And 2026 is an especially interesting year to visit because Salem is celebrating its 400th anniversary.

 

This year’s Haunted Happenings begins October 1 with the Grand Parade and culminates on Halloween with a 400-drone show over the North River.

But Salem isn’t just a Halloween backdrop.

The city’s association with the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 is real history involving real people, and I think any trip here should make room for learning about that history along with enjoying the modern Halloween festivities.

That’s part of what makes Salem such an interesting Halloween destination.

You get history, beautiful New England in the fall and a city that completely embraces spooky season.

Just be prepared for crowds. October is Salem’s season, and the city reports that Haunted Happenings attracts more than one million visitors. TIP: Stay at the historic and haunted Hawthorne Hotel. 

We stayed at the Hawthorne back in 2018 and can attest to the supernatural experiences. You can read about our stay here. 

Best for: Halloween lovers, history lovers, families with older children and couples.

Make it a getaway: Give yourself more than one day. There’s too much to see in Salem to rush through it.

15. Halloween in New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans doesn’t need a theme park makeover to feel spooky.

The city already has centuries of history, above-ground cemeteries, ghost stories and legends woven into its identity.

That makes it a completely different kind of Halloween getaway.

Spend your trip exploring the French Quarter, take a ghost tour, learn about some of the city’s most famous legends and enjoy a destination that feels atmospheric even before anyone puts up a Halloween decoration.

There are adult-oriented haunted and cemetery tours throughout the city, but families can also find tours designed to tell New Orleans’ spooky stories without making the experience inappropriate for kids.

And, of course, you’re still in New Orleans.

That means incredible food, music and plenty to explore once you’re done chasing ghosts.

Best for: Families with older children, couples and adults.

Scare level: As spooky as you want to make it.

Which Halloween Getaway Is Best for Your Family?

With so many Halloween trips to choose from, I’d pick based on how much your family actually likes being scared.

For little kids, look at Great Wolf Lodge, Sesame Place, LEGOLAND Florida and SeaWorld Spooktacular.

For a family-friendly theme park trip, Disney World, Disneyland and Dollywood are hard to beat.

For families with tweens and teens, Hersheypark is especially fun because you can start with regular Halloween activities and work your way up to Dark Nights.

If your teenager thinks nothing scares them anymore, send them through Halloween Horror Nights or Howl-O-Scream and see if they still agree.

For a true Halloween destination, rather than a Halloween event, put Salem and Sleepy Hollow near the top of your list.

And if you want something completely different, spend Halloween weekend glamping at Westgate River Ranch or surrounded by fall foliage in the Poconos.

Tips for Planning a Halloween Vacation

Book earlier than you think you need to.

Halloween travel has become incredibly popular, and special event tickets can sell out. Disney’s 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates sold out before October even arrived.

If you’re traveling with kids, check the scare level before buying tickets. “Halloween event” can mean Mickey Mouse handing your child candy at one park and a chainsaw-wielding character chasing you at another.

Also check costume policies. They vary significantly between destinations and can be different for children and adults.

And finally, don’t overlook the destination beyond the Halloween event.

Some of my favorite trips on this list – the Smoky Mountains, Hershey, Williamsburg, Salem and the Poconos – give you plenty to do during the day before the Halloween festivities even begin.

That’s what turns a Halloween event into an actual getaway.

Halloween Getaway FAQs

What are the best Halloween getaways for families?

Families with younger children should consider Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween, LEGOLAND Florida’s Brick-or-Treat, Sesame Place’s Count’s Halloween Spooktacular and Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. These experiences focus more on costumes, pumpkins and trick-or-treating than scares.

Where is the best place to travel for Halloween in the United States?

It depends on the kind of Halloween experience you’re looking for. Salem and Sleepy Hollow offer entire destinations steeped in Halloween history and atmosphere. Orlando offers several major Halloween theme park events, while destinations like Hershey and Pigeon Forge combine Halloween attractions with a larger family vacation.

What are the best non-scary Halloween vacations for kids?

Great Wolf Lodge, Disney World, Disneyland, LEGOLAND Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, Sesame Place and Dollywood all offer Halloween experiences geared toward families without relying on intense scares.

What are the best Halloween trips for teenagers?

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Hersheypark Dark Nights, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Camelback’s Halloween experiences are better suited to older kids and teenagers who enjoy being scared.

Is Disney or Universal better for Halloween with kids?

They offer very different Halloween experiences. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is designed as a family-friendly celebration with trick-or-treating, Disney characters and Halloween entertainment. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is an intense horror event that Universal does not recommend for children under 13.

For younger children, Disney is the more age-appropriate of those two specific Halloween events. For teens who love horror, Universal offers the much scarier experience.

Is Salem worth visiting in October?

October is when Salem’s Haunted Happenings celebration takes place, so it’s an incredible time to experience the city’s Halloween atmosphere. It’s also the busiest time of year, however, so accommodations and transportation should be planned well in advance.

What is the best East Coast Halloween getaway?

The East Coast has plenty to choose from. Salem and Sleepy Hollow offer classic Halloween atmosphere, Hershey combines family activities with serious haunted attractions, the Poconos offer a mountain getaway, and Williamsburg combines history with Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream. And nothing can beat Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for the young and young at heart. 

Pack the Costumes. We’re Going on a Trip.

I love a good summer vacation, but there is something special about traveling in the fall.

The temperatures cool down. The crowds start to change. The leaves put on their own show.

And apparently half the country starts decorating with pumpkins.

I’m not complaining.

Whether you’re watching 12,000 pumpkins light up Dollywood, collecting candy at Disney World, screaming your way through Universal or walking the streets of Sleepy Hollow, these Halloween getaways turn one night of the year into an entire vacation.

So maybe this year we don’t just trick-or-treat.

Maybe we travel, too.

Dawn