Haunted Travel Is Popular
As autumn begins to fan its way across the United States, thoughts start to turn to all things spooky, so it’s only natural that travel lovers may wonder, what are the best destinations for haunted travel? There are so many locations with paranormal reputations, with “dark tourism” bringing more visitors to these sites each year. Around 82% of Americans report visiting a “haunted” or paranormal location as tourists, while the dark tourism industry is worth around $31 billion. People enjoy visiting these sites for a variety of reasons, including education, nostalgia, and plain old morbid curiosity. Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most popular US paranormal destinations, with businesses and attractions in the town leveraging its history to draw tourists.
In the western US, where there aren’t as many early historic battlefields or settlements that are commonly visited by paranormal experience enthusiasts, there are still a wide variety of haunted travel destinations with their own unique stories that attract guests. Here we present three of these attractions that you can visit this Spooky Season.
The Whaley House
San Diego, California
The Whaley House, located in San Diego, California, is renowned as one of the most haunted houses in America, drawing visitors from around the world who seek to experience its eerie phenomena firsthand. Built in 1857, the house has a storied history, serving as a family home, general store, courthouse, theater, and even a morgue at one point.
Numerous paranormal encounters have been reported within the Whaley House, with visitors and staff alike recounting chilling experiences. One of the most commonly reported sightings is that of Thomas Whaley himself, the patriarch of the family, who is said to still roam the premises. Witnesses claim to have seen his ghostly figure in various rooms of the house, often appearing near the top of the staircase or in the courtroom area.
The spirit of a young girl named Violet is also said to haunt the Whaley House. Legend has it that she tragically died on the property, and her playful laughter has been heard echoing through the halls. Some visitors have reported feeling a small hand tugging at their clothing or hearing the sound of a child’s footsteps running across the wooden floors.
Other paranormal occurrences include unexplained cold spots, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. Electronic devices and cameras often malfunction inexplicably, adding to the sense of unease experienced by those who dare to venture into the house. Despite its haunted reputation, the Whaley House remains a popular tourist attraction and a fascinating glimpse into San Diego’s past. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the stories and experiences associated with the Whaley House continue to captivate and intrigue visitors, leaving them to ponder the mysteries that lie within its walls.
Stanley Hotel
Estes Park, Colorado
Nestled in the picturesque town of Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel stands as an iconic landmark with a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. Built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, the hotel’s grandeur and old-world charm have attracted guests from all walks of life, including celebrities and dignitaries. However, it’s not just the stunning architecture and scenic surroundings that draw people to the Stanley; it’s the reported paranormal activity that has captured the public’s imagination.
Numerous ghostly encounters have been documented at the Stanley Hotel over the years, fueling its reputation as a hotspot for supernatural phenomena. One of the most famous stories involves the ghost of F.O. Stanley himself, who is said to still roam the hallways and lobby of the hotel. Guests and staff have reported seeing his apparition dressed in formal attire, often accompanied by the scent of his cigar smoke lingering in the air.
Another well-known spectral resident is Elizabeth Wilson, a former housekeeper at the Stanley. Legend has it that she haunts Room 217, where she once worked. Guests staying in the room have reported encountering her ghostly presence, with some claiming to have felt her tucking them into bed or unpacking their luggage.
Other paranormal occurrences include mysterious footsteps echoing through empty corridors, doors slamming shut on their own, and flickering lights. The hotel’s famous concert hall is also said to be frequented by ghostly performers, with visitors reporting the sound of phantom music and applause late at night. Despite its haunted reputation, the Stanley Hotel continues to welcome guests eager to experience its rich history and otherworldly charm. Whether one believes in the paranormal or not, a stay at the Stanley is sure to leave a lasting impression, with the allure of the unknown lingering long after check-out.
RMS Queen Mary
Long Beach, California
The RMS Queen Mary, a majestic ocean liner docked in Long Beach, California, has a storied history intertwined with tales of paranormal activity. Launched in 1936, this luxurious vessel served as a transatlantic liner and later as a troopship during World War II, before finding its final resting place as a hotel and tourist attraction.
Despite its glamorous past, the Queen Mary is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished aboard the ship. One of the most famous ghostly residents is known as “the Lady in White,” believed to be the spirit of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances in one of the ship’s staterooms. Guests and staff have reported sightings of her ghostly figure wandering the corridors, her spectral form clad in a flowing white gown.
Other reported phenomena include disembodied voices, eerie footsteps echoing through empty hallways, and unexplained cold spots. The ship’s engine room is rumored to be particularly active, with visitors reporting feelings of unease and hearing the clang of metal against metal, as if the machinery is still in operation.
Numerous ghost tours and paranormal investigations are conducted aboard the Queen Mary, offering guests the opportunity to delve into its haunted history and perhaps even encounter a spectral presence firsthand. Despite the skepticism of some, the tales of paranormal activity aboard the Queen Mary continue to captivate and intrigue visitors, adding an extra layer of mystery to this iconic ocean liner’s legacy. If you’re planning to travel this Spooky Season, try adding some haunted destinations to your itinerary. You may find yourself learning some history along with your thrills and chills! For more paranormal attractions, check out our 2026 Vintage Haunted Places Deluxe Calendar, featuring 12 haunted travel locations with commentary telling their stories.
If you’re planning to travel this Spooky Season, try adding some haunted destinations to your itinerary. You may find yourself learning some history along with your thrills and chills! For more paranormal attractions, check out our 2026 Vintage Haunted Places Deluxe Calendar, featuring 12 haunted travel locations with commentary telling their stories.