The Most Haunted Places You Can Actually Visit in the US

It’s no secret that we love talking about weird and strange destinations. Spending a night in a haunted hotel? Sign me up! Visiting iconic cemeteries while exploring a new city? Just let me grab my bag. Exploring an abandoned asylum? I’m all in. There’s just something about these chilling and spine-tingling tales that makes my little adventure-loving heart beat faster. So, if you’re a lover of unusual and eerie places as well, join me on this tour of the most haunted places in the US that you can actually visit. 

The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

We’ve already talked about the Stanley Hotel in detail, but it would be such a shame not to mention it on this list as well. Perched high in the Rocky Mountains, this building is one of the most iconic locations in Colorado. Especially if you’re into paranormal travel. Best known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining,” this historic hotel is said to be haunted by a host of restless spirits, including its original owner, F.O. Stanley. Guests have reported a myriad of paranormal phenomena, from shadowy figures and mysterious footsteps to unexplained cold spots and eerie apparitions. For those brave enough to spend the night, a stay at The Stanley Hotel promises an unforgettable—and undeniably spooky—experience.

The Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana

Are you feeling like enjoying some Southern hospitality? I’m then we have something for you too. Nestled in the heart of Louisiana’s countryside, The Myrtles Plantation emerges as a reminder of darker times. Built in 1796, this mansion is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its former occupants, including the restless souls of slaves and tragic lovers. Visitors to the plantation have reported a wide range of supernatural phenomena, and even their website claims that this is one of the most haunted locations in the US. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to spend a getaway weekend here. From their bed and breakfast, numerous charming cottages, or old-fashioned restaurants — everything promises a hauntingly good time.

Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California

Known as “The Rock,” Alcatraz Island is synonymous with incarceration and intrigue. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly, this imposing fortress is now a popular tourist destination—and rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its former inmates. Visitors to the island have reported a wide range of paranormal phenomena, from ghostly apparitions and mysterious voices to unexplained cold spots and eerie feelings of unease. Nighttime tours of the island offer a spine-tingling journey into its haunted past, providing guests with a chilling glimpse into the darker side of Alcatraz’s history.

The LaLaurie Mansion – New Orleans, Louisiana

Back to Louisiana, get ready to step into the dark and twisted world of The LaLaurie Mansion. Of course, if you’re a fellow American Horror Story watcher, you already know what I am talking about. Built in the early 19th century by the socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie, this grand mansion was the site of unspeakable acts of torture and abuse inflicted upon its enslaved inhabitants. There are so many documentaries about it, and even AHS did a good job representing it. The whole story is just so cruel and shocking that it is unimaginable how that could have been our history not that long ago. And while you can’t spend the night here, you can still join a guided tour.