The Best Halloween-Ready Airbnbs, From a Historic Salem Home to a ‘Haunted Mansion’-Inspired Getaway
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When real life isn’t scary enough, thrill seekers, ghost hunters and horror movie lovers can test their courage at some of Airbnb’s spookiest stays. In addition to Hollywood-famous spots, the vacation rental platform is home to some of the coolest, most unique getaways for those who want to get into the Halloween spirit — and yes, some claim that there are otherwordly residents who’ve yet to move out.
Prefer not to check into a spooky room? Airbnb also offers experiences for supernatural enthusiasts and film aficionados around the world, such as ghost tours in Hollywood, San Francisco, Rome, Paris and beyond.
From destinations inspired by a beloved Disney theme park ride and abodes seen in Halloween and other movies or TV shows, to historic homes in Gettysburg and Salem, check out a handful of the best Airbnbs for last-minute Halloween getaways (or a memorable vacation any time of the year) below.
Haunted Mansion-Inspired Ghostly Retreat in Fullerton, Calif.
Can’t wait to hurry back to your favorite Disney theme park attraction? Check into the Haunted Mansion ride-inspired Airbnb in Fullerton, Calif., just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland in Anaheim. Explore the four-bedroom, two-bathroom abode, complete with a séance-ready dining room; “light-hearted elements of illusion, sights and sounds”; a six-person jacuzzi; and even an appearance by Madame Leota herself.
Historic Civil War Farm House, Gettysburg, Penn.
Located in historic Gettysburg, the David Stewart Farm was used as a field hospital immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg, which claimed the lives of at least 7,000 and left more than 33,000 Union and Confederate soldiers injured. (Another 10,000 on both sides were captured or missing). So if American history gives you the heebie-jeebies, then this Airbnb is the perfect spooky stay, as it’s just a short drive to the battlefields and tourist attractions; Washington, D.C. is also about a 90-minute car ride away. According to the rental listing, superhost Stephani has lived in her home for 36 years, and she’s happy to share her own ghost experiences with anyone who asks. Her two dogs and four cats roam freely on the property, so keep that in mind if you have allergies.
Haunted Magnolia Hotel Bed & Breakfast in Seguin, Tex.
If you’re a superfan of supernatural TV series including Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Caught on Camera and Ghost Brothers, Airbnb hosts Jim Ghedi and Erin Wallace’s Haunted Magnolia Hotel B&B in the historic downtown district of Sequin, Tex. might look familiar. (Erin has even written a book about her haunted abode.) The bed and breakfast was originally built in the mid-1850s as a 10-room stagecoach stop, hotel, saloon, brothel and restaurant — with plenty of history to boot. Book your stay when they offer a guided ghost tour (which takes place one Saturday per month), or explore the 3,000-square-foot rental space to read about its history and see photos of past hotel owners.
As noted in the listing, skeptics are encouraged to “open your mind to the possibility that spirits may exist … Listen for their whispers, expect them to touch you and enjoy the tinkling, cold spots and/or warm spots and watch for shadow figures.” Above all, the hotel’s current owners add: “Please be kind and respectful to our resident spirits, they are simply people like you and me who have passed then chose to remain at our Magnolia Hotel.”
Henry Derby House in Salem, Mass.
Yet another East Coast respite, the seven-bedroom Henry Derby House was built for its namesake tailor in 1838. The Colonial-style house is within walking distance of Salem’s historical witch trial sites, museums and memorial. Airbnb superhost Phil 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.”
SugarMynt Gallery’s Scare BnB in South Pasadena, Calif.
Horror fans can get spend the night next door to Michael Myers’ home (which is now called the Century House) when they book a stay at SugarMynt Gallery’s Scare BnB. Movie-loving guests can get shut-eye in a room decked out in Halloween movie memorabilia and decor, and stroll past the historic home where John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 slasher was filmed. Walk across the street to get a glimpse of the bricked building that previously housed Nichol’s Hardware Store (where the fictional serial killer steals his murder weapons).
The Haunted Bedroom at Talliston in Great Dunmow, U.K.
Author and Airbnb superhost John Tarrow’s fantasy stories come to life at the Talliston House & Gardens, a “magical labyrinth of rooms, each set in a different time and place, 25 years in the making.” The immersive getaway in Great Dunmow, U.K., is home to the Scottish Art Nouveau-style “Haunted bedroom,” a 1940s rustic cabin room, a Moorish bedchamber, a Victorian living and dining room, a New Orleans-inspired kitchen, a Japanese teahouse and many other meticulously decorated spaces. In a word, a night in any of the manse’s quarters is sure to ignite your imagination.
Downtown Jackson Retreat Haunted Historic Hangout in Jackson, Calif.
Nestlied in California wine country, the Downtown Jackson Retreat is a Folk Victorian home that boasts period furniture to give guests a cozy, historic stay. Superhost Elsie writes that her spectral roommate is “actually very welcoming.” She notes, “The house is haunted but mostly you will just hear occasional bangs or stomps or other non-threatening activity. Sometimes a light or appliance won’t work one day, and it will work the next. Basically, we have an annoyance who has a bit of a trickster side, but as long as you respect the house and me, they are happy to have guests.”
Parks-Bowman Mansion in New Orleans, La.
Superhost Adrienne is the owner of the three-story Parks-Bowman Mansion in New Orleans, where your room will include a private balcony with breathtaking views, a queen bed and the opportunity to mingle with the ghost of “a young girl in a yellow dress from the 1890s.” The Airbnb is located in the heart of the Garden District, a paradise for history and architecture enthusiasts that’s just a few streetcar stops away from cool boutiques, restaurants, the Audubon Park and Zoo and plenty more attractions.
Laura’s Cottage in Savannah, Ga.
This 18th-century abode in Savannah’s Landmark Historic District is where Robert Redford’s 2010 movie, The Conspirator, was filmed and is “a favorite with local ghost tours,” according to owner and Airbnb superhost Vicki. Just a short walk from River Street and its many restaurants, museums, shopping and art galleries, the historic cottage is a respite for travelers who want an authentic stay in the Hostess City of the South.
Victorian Gothic Castle Mansion in Ellicott City, Md.
Seen in many films and Discovery Channel and A&E TV shows, the Lilburn Mansion is a historic Gothic and Romanesque Revival getaway in Maryland — and reportedly the home of a 19th-century ghost, as the Baltimore Sun once wrote. Even if you don’t run into “Margaret,” you’ll still get to take in the 160-year-old castle’s beautiful decor, relaxing pool, serene woods surroundings and nearby downtown Ellicott City.
The Haunted House in Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
An 1885-built Victorian wonder awaits at the historic Beck House in Ontario, Canada. Built by lumber magnate Charles Beck, the mansion was once the town’s largest home, “the only one to have a slate roof, is one of the oldest still standing and of course haunted.” Writes superhost Brenda, “Whether you are a history buff or perhaps just ready to sleep in a haunted house you have come to the right place.”
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