Halloween is the best excuse to travel — and for thrill-seekers, ghost hunters, and pumpkin-spice lovers alike, there are two destinations that top every spooky-season bucket list: New Orleans, Louisiana and Salem, Massachusetts.
Whether you’re drawn to jazz and voodoo legends or witch trials and cobblestoned charm, both cities deliver unforgettable Halloween experiences filled with haunted tours, eerie history, and festive fun. So pack your costume, grab your camera, and let’s explore what makes New Orleans and Salem the best Halloween weekend getaways in the U.S.
New Orleans, Louisiana — Haunted, Historic, and Full of Life (and Afterlife)
New Orleans doesn’t just celebrate Halloween — it lives it. From the misty cemeteries to the lively streets of the French Quarter, this city blends spooky history with its signature flair for celebration.
Top Halloween Events in New Orleans
- Krewe of Boo Parade (Mid-October): Think Mardi Gras meets Halloween! Floats, costumes, and candy take over the French Quarter in one of the city’s most famous parades.
- Voodoo Music + Arts Experience: A massive outdoor festival in City Park featuring live music, art installations, and plenty of Halloween spirit.
- Frenchmen Street Halloween Party: On October 31st, the party spills into the streets — live bands, elaborate costumes, and nonstop energy until dawn.
Most Haunted Places in New Orleans
- LaLaurie Mansion: Perhaps the most infamous home in the city, rumored to be haunted by victims of Madame LaLaurie’s gruesome past.
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: Visit the tomb of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen. Ghost tours here are a must-do.
- Hotel Monteleone: One of the most haunted hotels in the country — and yes, you can stay there if you’re brave enough.
Local Food & Drink for Halloween Travelers
New Orleans is a foodie paradise. Try a bowl of gumbo, enjoy beignets from Café du Monde, and sip a Sazerac in the French Quarter. Many restaurants host themed Halloween dinners — book early!
Travel Tip
Arrive a day early to enjoy a cemetery tour before the weekend rush. And if you’re flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, remember: On Air Parking has great off-site parking deals nearby — so you can save money before spending it on costumes and cocktails.
Salem, Massachusetts — The Witch City of Halloween Dreams
No place in America does Halloween quite like Salem. Known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, this seaside town transforms every October into a month-long festival of history, hauntings, and community spirit.
Top Halloween Events in Salem
- Haunted Happenings (All October): A full calendar of events — psychic fairs, ghost tours, costume balls, and outdoor movies under the stars.
- Salem Halloween Ball: The biggest costume party of the year, held at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.
- Salem Witch Museum: A must-visit for first-timers. Step back into the 17th century and learn the real stories behind the witch trials.
Most Haunted Places in Salem
- The Witch House: Once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, this 1600s building is said to still host his ghostly presence.
- Old Burying Point Cemetery: The second-oldest cemetery in the U.S. and home to several key figures from the trials.
- The Hawthorne Hotel: Guests report lights flickering, doors opening, and mysterious footsteps — especially in Room 325.
Local Food & Drink for Halloween Travelers
Salem’s food scene is as charming as its cobblestone streets. Enjoy pumpkin beer from Notch Brewing, lobster rolls from Finz, and cozy fall pastries at Gulu-Gulu Café.
Travel Tip
Salem gets packed in October — especially Halloween weekend — so book lodging and parking early. If you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport, you can park affordably nearby with On Air Parking, then take the commuter rail or ferry to Salem.
Haunted Weekend Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet exploring historic streets and haunted houses).
- A light jacket — New England and the Deep South both cool off at night in October.
- A costume! Both cities are known for epic Halloween parties.
- Portable charger and camera — you never know what you might capture.
On Air Parking’s Halloween Travel Tip
Flying out for your haunted adventure? Don’t let expensive airport parking scare you away! On Air Parking offers affordable, secure off-site parking near major airports across the U.S., including New Orleans and Boston — so you can save your cash for something truly chilling (like a haunted tour or a ghostly cocktail).
Ready to Get Spooked?
Whether you’re wandering through candlelit graveyards in Salem or dancing through the French Quarter in a vampire cape, Halloween travel is the perfect mix of fright and fun. With On Air Parking, your haunted getaway starts the moment you park.
Happy Haunting — and safe travels