With Halloween right around the corner, there's no better time to explore the eerie side of the USA. From spine-chilling encounters in centuries-old buildings to ghost sightings on historic battlefields, the US is home to many haunted hotspots that offer more than just a scare—they connect you to America's rich history and culture. 

Whether you're a believer in the paranormal or just looking for a unique adventure, the travel experts at North America travel specialist Journeyscape, have uncovered which US state has the biggest reputation for being haunted and revealed the history behind the nation's most haunted destinations that will set the perfect tone for a spooky season getaway.

The US state with the most haunted locations 

All but six US states have at least one destination reported to be frequented by ghosts or other supernatural beings such as demons, but which has the most haunted hotspots?

Oregon - 49 haunted hotspots 

With over twice the number of reportedly haunted locations than any other state, Oregon has the biggest reputation for being a ghostly hotspot. Reported hauntings in the state are linked to historic places such as the Oregon Trail and early coastal communities, as well as the history of Portland, the state's largest city and metropolitan area. Visitors should be sure to check out the Hot Lake Hotel, which re-opened to the public in 2005. With history as a sanatorium and experimental medical facility, the hotel previously featured on the 'Scariest Places on Earth' series due to its reputation for ghostly sightings.

California - 20 haunted hotspots 

With 20 reportedly haunted locations, California comes in second for the US' spookiest state. Some of the locations that helped earn the state's reputation include the iconic Hollywood sign, the Hotel Union in San Francisco particularly room 207 and the Cecil Hotel. The Cecil Hotel has a long history of murders, suicides, and other unnatural deaths, with the latest death in the hotel occurring as recently as 2013. Currently listed for sale by its owners, the hotel also served as the inspiration for the fifth series of American Horror Story. 

District of Columbia - 19 haunted hotspots

While technically not a state, the District of Columbia rounds out the top three with a reported 19 haunted locations. Home to the US capital, Washington D.C, it's no surprise that many of the district's ghostly locations are tied to government buildings such as the Capitol Building and the White House itself. The White House's most famous alleged apparition is that of former president Abraham Lincoln with many staff and former presidents reporting either feeling Lincoln's presence or seeing his ghost. Winston Churchill also reported seeing a ghostly Lincoln as did Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who reportedly fainted at the sight of his spectre. 

The must-see haunted hotspots 

Waverly Hills Sanatorium – Louisville, Kentucky

Once a tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills saw over 60,000 deaths, leading to its notorious reputation, with many believing the restless spirits of those who passed remain. Visitors often report experiencing ghostly figures, shadow people, and even the ghost of a young girl wandering its eerie halls.

There were plans to turn the Sanatorium into a hotel and re-open it to the public, however these plans have since been abandoned. The location has left a lasting impression on the public with around 320 monthly searches. 

Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

Sarah Winchester built this architectural maze with staircases leading to nowhere and secret rooms, hoping to confuse the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. The eccentric design reflects her deep fear of vengeful ghosts, and today, visitors report eerie sensations, disembodied whispers, and sudden cold spots.

The lore surrounding Sarah Winchester and the Winchester Mystery House inspired famous horror writer Stephen King's miniseries Rose Red. The destination is searched 2,400 times every month on Google. 

Gettysburg Battlefield – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The bloodiest battle of the Civil War left thousands dead, and many believe their spirits remain trapped on the battlefield. Phantom gunfire, the smell of gunpowder, and full-bodied apparitions of soldiers are common occurrences for visitors, especially around Devil's Den and Little Round Top.

Over 1.5 million people visit the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg every year according to data from the National Park. Around 1000 people every month search for the Gettysburg Battlefield on Google. 

Salem, Massachusetts

The infamous 1692 witch trials have left a lasting supernatural mark on Salem. Many claim that the spirits of the accused witches still haunt Gallows Hill and the old cemeteries. Apparitions, cold spots, and unexplainable voices are common in this town steeped in tragic history.

Salem's impact on popular culture is undeniable with the town attracting nearly one million visitors each year during Halloween season. Unsurprisingly Salem also had the highest monthly search volume of any haunted hotspot, with around 6,600. 

Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California

Alcatraz's isolated cells housed some of America's most dangerous criminals, and its haunting stories have endured. Visitors and former guards have reported disembodied voices, sudden chills, and apparitions, particularly around the dungeon-like “D Block” where the most violent prisoners were kept.

No trip would be complete without a visit to cell 14-D, one of the notorious "holes" where rebellious inmates were confined in total isolation and widely considered to be the most haunted spot in the entire prison. Alcatraz Island's popularity earns it around 3,600 searches every month. 

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

Best known for inspiring Stephen King's The Shining, the Stanley Hotel is a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Guests have reported hearing phantom piano music played by Flora Stanley, ghostly figures wandering the halls, and even spectral children giggling at night in the corridors.

The hotel is still in full operation, making it the perfect pitstop on any tour of the US's most haunted destinations and currently sees around 3,600 searches a month. 

Marie Laveau's Voodoo House – New Orleans, Louisiana

Marie Laveau, the renowned “Voodoo Queen” of New Orleans, practised her craft in the heart of the French Quarter. Her former home is now a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts, with visitors reporting encounters with her ghost, often appearing in her iconic tignon (headscarf). 

The house exudes an air of mysticism, with many feeling a strong spiritual presence. Legend says she still grants favours to those who leave offerings at her nearby tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where visitors often experience strange, unexplained phenomena. Despite its rich cultural heritage, the voodoo house only gets around 110 monthly searches making it a true hidden gem for paranormal enthusiasts. 

Notes to editor:

Methodology - we compared the number of reportedly haunted destinations listed on Wikipedia across the US and broke this down by state - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reportedly_haunted_locations_in_the_United_States. We then used Google Keyword Planner to reveal the average monthly search volume around key haunted destinations. Figures represent the average monthly searches from September 2023 to August 2024. All data was collected in September 2024. 

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Brought to you by Journey Latin America, the team behind the UK's No.1 Specialist in travel to Central and South America, Journeyscape is a collection of inspiring, authentic and extraordinary journeys delivered with exceptional customer service across the USA and Canada. Our aim is to show our clients something different, taking them off the well-trodden tourist trail to experience the culture, landscapes, wildlife and cuisine of this vast continent.