For those who love the macabre, it’s the most wonderful time of year. Plenty of historic hotels around the world are great for haunted stays, but Airbnb also has a number of options for spooky slumber parties for paranormal investigations or cinema buffs who want a shot at staying in a movie house.
Here’s some inspiration for to die for Halloween getaway this October.
Top 3 Halloween Destinations
No. 1: Salem, Massachusetts
Essex Street in Salem.
With the countdown to Halloween on, Airbnb says its top trending destination for a spirited weekend is Salem, Massachusetts. This Halloween headquarters is famous for its witch trials and Halloween celebrations and has starred in movies like “Hocus Pocus.”
Stay at the Henry Derby House, which was built in 1838 for tailor Henry Derby. The Salem home features creaky stairs and rattling windows.
Henry Derby House
No. 2: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is the country’s most “paranormal playground,” according to Airbnb. In fact, a mansion in the Garden District is the platform’s most haunted, according to reviews. (More on that below!)
No. 3: San Bernardino, California
Another top spot for horror seekers, San Bernardino is known for its top-notch haunted houses plus a Halloween EDM Festival.
7 Airbnbs Perfect for Spooky Season Stays
Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom in New Orleans, Louisiana
The haunted room at the Parks-Bowman mansion on Airbnb
Some guest reviews claim that this Garden District mansion is haunted. The historic mansion is famed for sightings of a ghostly young girl in a yellow 1890s dress. The listing says: “Don’t worry, our ghost is very shy; you probably won’t see her, although some people swear she exists!”
Poltergeist Movie House in Simi Valley, California
Poltergeist movie house
Stay in the original home from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film “Poltergeist,” which is about a family that’s haunted by ghosts. This four-bedroom suburban house blends Hollywood history with eerie nostalgia and is perfect for movie fans and has some cool amenities like a pool, hot tub and fire pit. Note: Ghost hunting is not permitted without a written agreement. Ouija boards, séances, spirit summoning are also strictly prohibited.
Twilight Swan House in Saint Helens, Oregon
Twilight Swan House
You can book a stay in the iconic movie home of Bella and Charlie Swan, where the fan-favorite series first began. Featured in the first movie of the cult following vampire franchise, this charming 1930s house in downtown St. Helens is perfect for fans and close to the riverfront and Portland.
Linville Manor in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Linville Manor
Dating back to the 1600s, Linville Manor is known as one of Maryland’s most haunted spots and was featured on HGTV’s :Scariest Houses America” this season. Legend has it that spirits convene in the house at 1:11 AM, and mysterious crashes echo through the halls. The four-bedroom historic home sits on four acres.
Stranger Things – Byers Home in Fayetteville, Georgia
Book a stay at the The Stranger Things’ Byers home
Did you know that you can stay in the home where Strangers Things was filmed? The Byers home isn’t associated with Netflix, but it’s the iconic location that served as the home to Jonathan, Joyce, and WIll Byers in the hit show.
For more than a year, dozens of fans and professionals worked to design this vacation rental, curating every VHS tape, vinyl record, board game, and trinket for you. Unique amenities include the opportunity to watch “Stranger Things” episodes under the interactive Christmas light wall inspired by the Byers’ living room from the series and play board games or Dungeons and Dragons in the Upside Down-inspired bunk room. You can also listen to vinyl records or play Amiga 500 games in Jonathan’s recreated room and ride BMX bikes around the property.
Haunted Mansion Inspired Ghostly Retreat in Fullerton, California
Haunted Mansion Inspired Retreat
This immersive retreat features fan-favorite replicas and ghostly illusions, making guests feel like they’re spending the night in the beloved theme park mansion. If you choose, the home contains elements of illusion, sights, and sounds that occur throughout your entire stay.
Historic Morgue and Paranormal Investigation! In Ozark, Missouri
Historic Morgue and Paranormal Investigation
This eerie madeover morgue offers antique décor with a modern touch and even provides paranormal research equipment for brave guests.