America’s Best Halloween Getaways: From Haunted Houses to Pumpkin Patches and Beyond
- Christianne Klein
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
We all have our own memories of fall in America - picking apples in an orchard, trying delicious seasonal treats you can only get in that one special place, and wandering through pumpkin patches where every child examines dozens before choosing “the perfect pumpkin” for their Halloween jack-o-lantern. By mid-October, the country comes alive with a spirit that’s part nostalgia, part thrill. Whether you’re drawn to spine-tingling haunted houses or cozy afternoons among autumn foliage, here are some of the best Halloween getaways and harvest destinations across the U.S.
Sleepy Hollow, New York — Classic Halloween Charm
Few towns embrace Halloween quite like Sleepy Hollow. Yes, that Sleepy Hollow - the one made famous by Washington Irving’s headless horseman. The entire Hudson Valley transforms into a storybook come to life, with haunted hayrides, lantern tours through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and the stunning Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze featuring more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins glowing against a backdrop of 18th-century architecture.
Salem, Massachusetts — History and Hauntings
Salem’s storied past draws visitors from around the world, especially in October. The Salem Witch Museum, haunted walking tours, and historic reenactments make it the ultimate Halloween destination for those who like their spooky with a side of history. It's a must-visit this time of year. Add in a stop at Harbor Sweets or one of the cozy harbor cafés, and you’ve got the perfect mix of eerie and enchanting.
Oak Glen, California — Apple Orchards and Autumn Magic
Just an hour and a half from Los Angeles, Oak Glen feels like stepping into another world each fall. This was my favorite place to go growing up in Southern California (it's where I first tried the delicious combination of Apple cobbler with melted cheddar cheese on top- a MUST-try!) Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this charming mountain community is known for its historic apple orchards, warm cider doughnuts, and sweeping views of autumn leaves. Families flock to Riley’s Farm for old-fashioned harvest festivals and u-pick apples, while Los Rios Rancho offers horse-drawn wagon rides, live folk music, and fresh-pressed cider. It’s a slice of small-town Americana hidden in Southern California - the perfect blend of rustic charm and golden-hour glow.
Anoka, Minnesota — The Halloween Capital of the World
Declared the “Halloween Capital of the World” back in the 1920s, Anoka hosts parades, pumpkin-carving contests, and community celebrations that are pure small-town Americana. It’s family-friendly, festive, and filled with nostalgic charm.
St. Helens, Oregon — Straight from the Silver Screen
This picturesque Pacific Northwest town was the filming location for Disney’s Halloweentown - and it still celebrates with themed festivals, costume contests, and outdoor movie screenings. Locals dressed as witches and warlocks fill the streets, adding to the cinematic magic.
Half Moon Bay, California — Pumpkin Paradise by the Sea
Fall on the California coast? Absolutely. But don't be fooled by the word "California"- bring a coat! Half Moon Bay’s Pumpkin Festival is one of the nation’s largest, complete with world-record-breaking gourds, farm stands, and sweeping ocean views that make it unlike anywhere else.
Apple Country, Vermont — Cozy Fall Perfection
For those seeking more serenity than scares, head to Vermont’s rolling orchards. Pick your own Honeycrisps, sip warm cider, and take in the spectacular foliage - the kind of autumn postcard scene you never want to leave.
Top Experiences Across the Country
Best Haunted House: The 13th Gate, Baton Rouge, Louisiana — consistently ranked among the scariest in America, with movie-quality sets and live actors that blur the line between fantasy and fright.
Best Pumpkin Patch: Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, Wheatland, California — more than just pumpkins, it’s a full fall festival with hayrides, corn mazes, and a pumpkin pie bakery worth the trip.
Best Apple Orchard: Sky Top Orchard, North Carolina — perched on a mountain ridge with panoramic views and hot apple cider doughnuts that define autumn.
Best Small-Town Halloween: Mystic, Connecticut — coastal charm meets classic New England Halloween, complete with haunted harbor tours and pumpkin-lit pathways.
Luxury Stays to Elevate Your Fall Getaway
For those looking to elevate their autumn escape, consider pairing your Halloween adventure with a boutique or historic stay nearby. The Tarrytown House Estate in New York offers fireside cocktails just minutes from Sleepy Hollow, while The Merchant in Salem provides a stylish retreat steeped in colonial history. Out West, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay brings California coastal elegance to pumpkin season (our family was just there- don't miss the bagpiper at dusk), and Vermont’s Twin Farms offers one of the most luxurious countryside experiences in America.
Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, giant pumpkins, or the perfect cider-scented weekend, fall in America offers something for every traveler. It’s a season where spooky meets spectacular - and the memories you make will last long after that final leaf has fallen.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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