5 Spooky Road Trip Itinerary Ideas To Go On
If you’re anything like me, Halloween season isn’t complete without a little thrill and chill. And what better way to get your spooky fix than hitting the road for some seriously haunted adventures? Whether you’re into ghostly tales, eerie history, or just want an excuse for a fun, fall-themed road trip, I’ve got you covered with some spine-tingling itinerary ideas.
Imagine winding through foggy roads, exploring haunted towns, and visiting spots where things go bump in the night—sounds like the perfect Halloween trip, right?
In this post, I’m sharing 5 spooky road trip itineraries that are perfect for ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking to add a little haunted fun to their travels. From New England’s witchy haunts to eerie Southern ghost towns, these trips are packed with history, legends, and plenty of chances for goosebumps. Buckle up, because these spooky road trips will have you feeling the Halloween vibes all the way!
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5 Spooky Road Trip Itinerary Ideas To Go On
Halloween inspired road trip ideas:
1. New England Haunted History Tour
Route: Salem, Massachusetts → Portsmouth, New Hampshire → Portland, Maine → Bar Harbor, Maine
Duration: 5-7 days
New England is steeped in history, and with history comes plenty of ghost stories! Start your spooky Halloween road trip in Salem, Massachusetts, famously known for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Salem embraces its haunted past, especially during October, with witch-themed tours, haunted houses, and spooky street festivals. Visit the Witch House, the only remaining structure with direct ties to the witch trials, and the Salem Witch Museum for a deep dive into this dark chapter of American history. Don’t miss the old cemeteries, where many accused witches are buried, and a haunted walking tour to get you into the Halloween spirit.
Next, head north to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a coastal town with an eerie past. Check out the haunted Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands just off the coast that are rumored to be home to restless spirits. The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is also known for paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly sailors wandering the grounds. While in Portsmouth, explore the historic district with its colonial architecture, and enjoy the scenic fall foliage along the waterfront.
From there, make your way to Portland, Maine, a city with a long history of maritime hauntings. The Eastern Cemetery, one of Portland’s oldest burial grounds, is said to be haunted by Revolutionary War soldiers and early settlers. If you’re feeling brave, hop on a ghost tour of the Old Port district, where you’ll hear chilling stories of shipwrecks, pirates, and haunted buildings. Be sure to stop at the Victoria Mansion, an architectural masterpiece that’s rumored to be haunted.
Wrap up your road trip in Bar Harbor, Maine, home to Acadia National Park. While Acadia is more known for its natural beauty, it has its own share of spooky tales. Take a hike up Cadillac Mountain at dusk and watch the sunset over the ocean while listening to ghost stories around a campfire. Bar Harbor also has a haunted past—several inns and mansions in the area are said to be home to ghostly residents.
This New England itinerary is perfect for history buffs and ghost hunters alike, combining beautiful fall scenery with spooky tales at every turn.
2. Southern Gothic Ghosts and Legends
Route: Charleston, South Carolina → Savannah, Georgia → St. Augustine, Florida → New Orleans, Louisiana
Duration: 7-10 days
For a road trip that blends eerie Southern charm with rich history, this Southern Gothic ghost tour is the ultimate Halloween adventure. Start your journey in Charleston, South Carolina, a city that’s known for its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and a dark, haunted past. Take a ghost tour through the city’s oldest district, where you’ll hear tales of pirates, soldiers, and victims of the plague who still linger in the shadows. Don’t miss a stop at Boone Hall Plantation, where the spirits of former slaves are said to roam the grounds.
From Charleston, head down the coast to Savannah, Georgia, often cited as one of the most haunted cities in America. Savannah’s historic district is filled with haunted inns, cemeteries, and homes. Take a ghost tour through Bonaventure Cemetery, where the eerie Spanish moss drapes over gravestones, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Visit the Sorrel-Weed House, which is one of Savannah’s most haunted homes, and the Moon River Brewing Company, where patrons have reported ghostly encounters for years.
Next, make your way to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. St. Augustine’s colonial history provides the perfect backdrop for ghost stories. Visit Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort that’s rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers and prisoners. Take a ghost tour through the historic streets, stopping by the St. Augustine Lighthouse, where the spirits of former keepers and shipwrecked sailors are said to roam.
Finish your Southern Gothic tour in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city with a deep connection to the supernatural. New Orleans is famous for its haunted sites, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried. Take a haunted tour through the French Quarter, stopping at the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, known for its gruesome history and paranormal activity. The city’s voodoo culture, jazz-filled streets, and haunted landmarks make it the perfect finale for your spooky road trip.
3. Route 66 Spooky Adventure
Route: Chicago, Illinois → St. Louis, Missouri → Oklahoma City, Oklahoma → Santa Fe, New Mexico → Flagstaff, Arizona
Duration: 10-14 days
Route 66, the iconic American road trip, is home to more than just classic diners and motels. It’s also filled with spooky sites, making it the perfect Halloween road trip. Start your journey in Chicago, where you can explore haunted sites like the Congress Plaza Hotel, a notorious spot for ghost sightings, and Resurrection Cemetery, home to the famous ghostly hitchhiker, Resurrection Mary.
From Chicago, head to St. Louis, Missouri, home to one of the most haunted places in America: the Lemp Mansion. This mansion, once owned by a beer-brewing dynasty, is said to be haunted by multiple members of the Lemp family, who died under tragic circumstances. Take a ghost tour of the mansion and stay for a haunted dinner theater experience if you’re feeling brave.
Next, make your way to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where you’ll find the haunted Skirvin Hotel. Guests have reported strange noises, the sensation of being touched by unseen hands, and the sight of a ghostly woman roaming the hallways. Stop by Fort Reno, a historic military fort with a history of ghostly apparitions, including soldiers and Native American spirits.
Continue on Route 66 to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the historic La Fonda Hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who was murdered in the lobby. Santa Fe’s rich history as a Spanish colonial town means plenty of spooky stories, from haunted churches to ancient burial grounds.
Finally, end your road trip in Flagstaff, Arizona, where you can visit Hotel Monte Vista, one of the most haunted hotels in the West. Guests have reported ghostly encounters, including a bellboy who mysteriously appears at their door, only to vanish moments later. Don’t miss a side trip to Jerome, Arizona, a former mining town turned ghost town, where the spirits of miners still wander the streets.
4. The Haunted Heartland: Midwest Ghost Tour
Route: Chicago, Illinois → Milwaukee, Wisconsin → Minneapolis, Minnesota → Des Moines, Iowa → Kansas City, Missouri
Duration: 7-10 days
If you’re looking for a spooky road trip through the heart of America, this haunted Midwest itinerary is perfect. Start in Chicago, where the city’s rich history provides plenty of haunted hotspots. From the chilling ghost stories at Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery to the haunted halls of Hull House, Chicago’s ghostly past is enough to send shivers down your spine.
Next, head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the Pfister Hotel is said to be haunted by its original owner, Charles Pfister. Professional athletes who have stayed at the hotel often report strange noises, flickering lights, and even seeing a ghostly figure. Milwaukee’s historic breweries and theaters also have their fair share of ghost stories.
From Milwaukee, travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and explore haunted sites like the First Avenue Club, a music venue where performers have reported encounters with spirits. Minneapolis is also home to the historic Wabasha Street Caves, which were once used as speakeasies and are rumored to be haunted by former mobsters.
Next, stop in Des Moines, Iowa, where Terrace Hill, the governor’s mansion, is said to be haunted by former residents. The Roller Dam on the Des Moines River is also a local haunt, with reports of eerie sounds and shadowy figures. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the old cemeteries and haunted bridges that dot the Iowa landscape.
Finish your road trip in Kansas City, Missouri, where you’ll find the famously haunted Sauer Castle. The abandoned mansion is said to be home to several spirits, including that of its former owner, who committed suicide in the house. Kansas City’s haunted theaters and historic districts make it a fitting end to your Haunted Heartland road trip.
5. Pacific Northwest Paranormal Expedition
Route: Seattle, Washington → Port Townsend, Washington → Portland, Oregon → Salem, Oregon → Astoria, Oregon
Duration: 7-9 days
The misty, moody landscapes of the Pacific Northwest provide the perfect backdrop for a Halloween road trip. Start your journey in Seattle, where the Pike Place Market is known for more than just its fish-throwing vendors—many of the shops and restaurants are said to be haunted by former employees and customers. Smith Tower, one of the oldest skyscrapers in the city, also has its own ghostly lore.
From Seattle, head to Port Townsend, Washington, a Victorian-era town known for its ghostly residents. Stay at the Manresa Castle, where guests have reported strange noises, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Explore the town’s haunted lighthouse and old military bunkers for more paranormal activity.
Next, travel to Portland, Oregon, where you can take a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels. These underground passage
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