Spooky season is here and this year, it’s less about trick-or-treating and more about scary stays. The top trending haunted hot spot? Salem, Massachusetts, with its witch-trial history, Hocus Pocus tie-ins and Halloween celebrations on every block, is seeing Airbnb searches soar for Halloween stays—they’re up bydouble digits compared to last year. Not to be outdone, New Orleans, is known as America’s most paranormal playground, where guests routinely say they’ve seen ghosts in enchanting homes. San Bernadino, California, rounds out the top three spooky destinations, casting its spell on travelers with its haunted houses and Halloween EDM festival that draws crowds from all over. Want to find your perfect spooky stay? Here are 10 of the most haunted Airbnbs guests are dying to stay in this year:
Related: 24 Best Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts, for a Hauntingly Epic Halloween Getaway
Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom in New Orleans
Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Haunted Bedroom, New Orleans: Voted Top 10 Haunted Airbnb locations by Buzzfeed, the Parks-Bowman Mansion’s spooky third bedroom is located in the heart of the Garden District—and yes, you might see a ghostly young girl in a yellow 1890s dress. Fun fact: This is the most haunted Airbnb according to guest reviews!
Henry Derby House in Salem, MA
Henry Derby House (Salem, MA): This colonial home Salem’s downtown McIntire district was originally built for tailor Henry Derby in 1838 and features typical era design touches..including a few ghosts from days past. The listing even notes “the stairs will creak, the windows will rattle when it’s windy and you may experience paranormal activity in the house during your stay”—eek!
Related: 7 Hocus Pocus Filming Locations You Have to See in Real Life
Poltergeist Movie House in Simi Valley, CA
Poltergeist Movie House (Simi Valley, CA): If memories of Carol Ann still haunt your dreams, you’ll definitely want to stay in the original home featured in the 1982 Poltergeist film. The Simi Valley home even has custom extras curated for fans and film lovers, like an old tv similar to the one in the movie (getting chills yet?)
Linville Manor in Upper Marlboro, MD
Linville Manor in Upper Marlboro, MD: Dating back to the 1850s, Linville Manor is one of Maryland’s earliest land-grant properties, with direct connections to the Star-Spangled Banner—and it’s also known as one of Maryland’s most haunted spots. Legend says spirits gather here at 1:11 AM and mysterious noises echo through the halls.
Stranger Things – Byers Home in Fayetteville, GA
Stranger Things – Byers Home in Fayetteville, GA: Yes, you can actually visit the iconic filming location that served as the home to Jonathan, Joyce and Will Byers in the hit show Stranger Things. While this is the exterior used in filming, the hosts have painstakingly recreated all the set details from the show. Superfans will recognize all the easter eggs in its meticulously recreated details that transport guests straight into Hawkins circa 1983.
Historic Morgue and Paranormal Investigation in Ozark, MO
Historic Morgue and Paranormal Investigation in Ozark, MO: If you’re really in search of a terrifying night, this former morgue and funeral home offers eery ambiance and the promise of the unexpected. Antique décor, a clawfoot tub and paranormal research equipment are left brave guests daring to make it through the night.
The Manor Master Chamber in Saint Paul, MN
The Manor Master Chamber in Saint Paul, MN: Built in 1883 and held by one family for generations, this mansion was once voted Saint Paul’s most mysterious house thanks to its collection of oddities, antiques and history of paranormal investigations. Stay in its turreted room and relax in its enclosed courtyard…you just may feel a ghost or two brush by.
Twilight Swan House in Saint Helens, OR
Twilight Swan House in Saint Helens, OR: This charming 1930s house in downtown St. Helens was featured in the first movie of the cult following vampire franchise. You can take photos recreating all of your favorite Twilight scenes, including the dining table that was used in filming, Bella’s bedroom, the “lookout” room overlooking the front yard, where Bella looks out the window to see Edward parked and “Jacob Black guest room”, located off the main entry downstairs.
Mystic Falls Inn in Covington, GA
Mystic Falls Inn in Covington, GA: Used as the filming location in TV’s popular The Vampire Diaries as Caroline Forbes’ home, this cozy house was built in 1892 and is a beautiful piece of the Covington historic district. Minutes from Town Square, you’ll feel its historic vibes throughout.
Haunted Mansion Inspired Ghostly Retreat in Fullerton, CA
Haunted Mansion Inspired Ghostly Retreat, Fullerton, CA: Love Disney’s Haunted Mansion, but hate the lines? Now, you can have the whole house to yourself, with this replica version 15 minutes from Disney Park. Ghostly illusions, sights, sounds and features will make you feel as though you’re spending the night in the famed spooky and beloved attraction.
Related: The Charming Harbor Town Near Salem You Need to Visit This Fall
