Haunted Weekend Getaways from Boston
Four haunted New England escapes for ghost lovers, history buffs, and Halloween travelers.
Four Haunted Destinations to Get you Out of Boston (and Into the Spirit)
Boston has its own fair share of ghost stories and dark history, but sometimes you just need to get out of town and explore some new haunts. Luckily, you don’t have to go far — New England is crawling with dark tourism destinations, witch trial lore, and ghost stories that refuse to die.
If you’re in the mood for paranormal history, foggy graveyards, and charming inns that may or may not come with an extra… ethereal roommate — here are four haunted weekend getaways from Boston that deliver just the right mix of spooky and cozy this Halloween season.
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1. Salem, Massachusetts – Witches, Trials & a History of Haunts
If Halloween had a capital city, it would be Salem, Massachusetts. The 1692 Witch Trials left behind a lasting legacy of superstition, tragedy, and a year-round obsession with all things witchy — not to mention an entire industry built on broomsticks and black candles. From the Old Burying Point Cemetery to the Witch House and the eternally haunted Hawthorne Hotel, Salem’s ghostly energy feels permanently baked into its cobblestones.
Pst! - For a deeper dive into things to do during your trip to Salem, check out my Salem, Mass Travel Guide HERE!
Essex Street in Salem, Mass
Things to Do in Salem
Stroll the shops along Essex Street — part tourist trap, part witchy retail paradise, and 100% worth the visit. Expect crystals, spell kits, oddities, and plenty of retail therapy for the strange.
Visit Proctor’s Ledge — the believed execution site of the witch trials.
Hunt down Hocus Pocus film locations like Ropes Mansion and Old Town Hall.
Step inside theSalem Witch Museum orThe House of the Seven Gables for a crash course in Salem’s dark, literary, and supernatural history.
Local Tours
Salem History & Hauntings Tour – A storytelling-heavy ghost walk that mixes fact and folklore.
Salem Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl – A tipsy tour through Salem’s haunted taverns. Adults only.
Salem “Hocus Pocus” Movie Locations Tour – A 2.5-hour guided walk through film sites, complete with local and movie-inspired trivia.
Where to Stay
Hotel Salem – A modern boutique stay, right in the center of downtown.
Hawthorne Hotel – One of the most haunted (and historic) hotels in the city.
The Coach House – A charming, design-forward inn with cozy fall vibes.
The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast – Built in 1667 and absolutely brimming with history (and maybe a ghost or two).
Travel from Boston
🚗 Driving Distance: ~40 minutes north
🚇 Public Transportation: Take theMBTA Newburyport/Rockport (Purple) Line fromBoston’s North Station toSalem Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes and drops you right downtown.
2. Fall River, Massachusetts – The Lizzie Borden Legacy
Once a thriving mill town,Fall River, Massachusetts is forever tied to one of the nation’s most notorious murders. In 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of brutally killing her parents with an axe—a case that shocked the country and cemented her name in true-crime legend. Though she was acquitted, the story never faded, and neither, apparently, did the spirits said to haunt her family home. Today, guests can visit or even stay overnight at theLizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast & Museum, where creaking floors, cold spots, and the occasional whisper keep the mystery very much alive.
Fall River, Massachusetts
Things to Do in Fall River
Tour the Lizzie Borden House — step inside the most famous crime scene in Massachusetts and decide for yourself whether Lizzie was guilty.
Grab a coffee next door at Miss Lizzie’s Coffee — located in the former home of Lizzie’s great-aunt, Eliza Darling Borden, who tragically drowned her two children in the basement well decades before the infamous murders.
Visit Oak Grove Cemetery — the final resting place of the entire Borden family. A quick Google search will take you to each family member’s grave.
Visit the Fall River Historical Society — Home to the largest collection of Lizzie Borden artifacts, including personal items, crime scene evidence, and even the braid reportedly cut from Abby Borden’s head during the murder (though it’s not always on display).
Walk by Maplecroft – The Queen Anne–style mansion Lizzie purchased after her acquittal. It’s a private residence now (so no tours), but the exterior is beautifully preserved and easy to view from the street.
Local Tours
Lizzie Borden House Guided Tour – Explore every corner of the home while guides recount the chilling events of August 4, 1892.
Fall River Ghost Walks – A moonlit stroll through the city’s haunted landmarks and lesser-known local legends.
Where to Stay
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast & Museum – Spend the night where the infamous murders occurred.
The Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport – For travelers who prefer comfort and free breakfast over ghostly encounters.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fall River / Westport – A modern extended-stay option with full kitchens, an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to the Lizzie Borden House and other Fall River sites.
Travel from Boston
🚗 Driving Distance: ~1 hour south
🚌 Public Transportation: Take a Peter Pan or Greyhound bus from Boston’s South Station to Fall River. From there, the Lizzie Borden House is just a short rideshare away.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York – The Headless Horseman’s Haunt
Just 30 miles north of New York City,Sleepy Hollow, New York is the Hudson Valley village that turned one ghost story into an American legend. Immortalized by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this riverside town is the birthplace of the Headless Horseman and a fall destination that feels straight out of a Gothic novel. Wander through candlelit graveyards, historic manors, and foggy paths where folklore and history overlap.
Jack O’ Lantern Blaze - Sleepy Hollow, NY
Things to Do in Sleepy Hollow
Visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery — Walk alongside the graves of Washington Irving, industrialists, and plenty of whispered legends.
Explore Philipsburg Manor — A working colonial estate that hosts special haunted events in autumn.
Check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze —Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins set against the backdrop of 18th-century buildings.
Experience Irving’s Legend at Sunnyside — An evening performance set at Washington Irving’s riverside home, where the story of Ichabod, Katrina, and the Headless Horseman is brought to life each year from October - November.
Stroll through the historic Main Street in Tarrytown — Quaint shops, colonial architecture, and plenty of horseman-themed takehomes.
Tour Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home —The cottage that inspired much of Irving’s inspiration.
Local Tours
Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour of Sleepy Hollow — A audio walking experience you do at your own pace, with local lore and ghost stories narrated.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tour - Guided tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, with evening lantern tours are hosted each September - October.
Where to Stay
Tarrytown House Estate – A grand historic mansion turned boutique stay, full of character.
The Sleepy Hollow Hotel – Convenient, comfortable, and close to cemetery and village attractions.
Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel – Modern guest rooms and suites, indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant (Oceano Tapas). Easy access to Irving’s historic sites.
🚆 Travel from Boston
🚗 Driving Distance: ~4.5 hours southwest
🚆 Public Transportation: Take Amtrak or the Metro-North Hudson Line to Tarrytown Station, then a short taxi or rideshare into Sleepy Hollow.
4. Newport, Rhode Island – Ghosts of Gilded Mansions
Newport, Rhode Island may be best known for its ocean views and Gilded Age glamour, but behind the ornate facades and sweeping lawns lie stories of ghostly residents who may have never checked out. From haunted mansions and candlelit inns to whispers along the Cliff Walk at dusk, Newport’s past lingers in more ways than one. Whether you come for the sea breeze or the spine-tingling history, this seaside city proves that luxury and the supernatural can make a surprisingly elegant pair.
The Breakers - Newport, RI
Things to Do in Newport
Tour the Newport Mansions — step inside the opulent summer “cottages” of America’s wealthiest families, where tales of lingering spirits are just as grand as the decor.
Walk the Cliff Walk — a 3.5-mile trail where ocean mist meets mansion views — and a few ghost stories whispered by locals.
Explore Fort Adams State Park — a historic military fort overlooking Narragansett Bay that’s said to echo with the footsteps of soldiers who may still walk the grounds.
Visit the White Horse Tavern — America’s oldest tavern (est. 1673) and one of its most haunted, rumored to host the ghost of a long-dead sailor.
Browse Thames Street’s boutiques and antique shops — perfect for finding curiosities, local art, and maybe something with a story attached.
Local Tours
Newport Walking Ghost Tour – Step into the city’s eerie side with stories of lost souls, sea captains, and mysterious mansion guests.
Belcourt Mansion Tour – Visit one of Newport’s most haunted and eccentric Gilded Age homes, known for its opulent interiors and paranormal activity.
Boston to Newport Small-Group Day Trip - Guided day-trip that includes admission to the Breakers and the Marble House.
Where to Stay
The Attwater – A stylish boutique hotel with bold design and a prime location near the harbor.
Hotel Viking – One of Newport’s most historic hotels, beloved for its ghost stories, rooftop views, and old-world elegance.
The Cliffside Inn – A cozy, art-filled B&B just steps from the Cliff Walk. Perfect for autumn stays and quiet seaside mornings.
The Wayfinder – A modern boutique hotel with local design flair, spacious rooms, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Travel from Boston
🚗 Driving Distance: ~1.5 hours south
🚌 Public Transportation: Take aPeter Pan Bus fromBoston’s South Station to theNewport Gateway Center. From there, most hotels and attractions are walkable or a short rideshare away.
Until Your Next Haunted Roadtrip
Whether you’re tracing witch trial history in Salem, staying overnight with the Bordens in Fall River, wandering the foggy streets of Sleepy Hollow, or exploring Newport’s haunted mansions by the sea, New England delivers no shortage of stories that linger long after you’ve headed home.
So, pack your coziest sweater, queue up your favorite ghost story podcast, and set out to chase a few chills of your own! Happy haunting, Boston!
