The Rise of Scare-Cation Travel in Haunted Tourism - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

“Scare-cation travel” is on the rise: trips built entirely around visiting the nation’s premier haunted attractions. What were once seasonal diversions have grown into major tourism drivers, drawing visitors from across the U.S. and beyond each September and October. At the forefront is America Haunts, the association representing the country’s top haunted venues, which today announced its list of the Top 5 Haunted Attractions for 2025.

Haunts as full travel experiences

These destinations do more than frighten. They encourage travelers to build whole itineraries around them, complete with overnight stays, escape rooms, midway entertainment, and photo-ready moments designed for sharing. In an era where unique, immersive experiences fuel tourism, these haunted hotspots deliver.

America Haunts’ Top 5 for 2025

·         The Dent Schoolhouse (Cincinnati, OH) – A legendary school turned into a terrifying stage set, weaving the story of a murderous janitor with Hollywood-quality effects.

·         Erebus Haunted Attraction (Pontiac/Detroit, MI) – A four-story labyrinth of fear once named the world’s longest haunted walk-through, known for relentless scares and immense scale.

·         SpookyWoods (Greensboro/High Point, NC) – 80 acres of farmland transformed into haunted trails, wagon rides, and elaborate mazes, paired with shopping, dining, and Haunt Couture.

·         The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park (San Diego, CA) – A scenic outdoor fright walk beneath twisted trees in one of San Diego’s most famous parks, blending nature with decades of tradition.

·         Nightmare on 13th (Salt Lake City, UT) – Now in its 36th season, renowned for massive animatronics, Tesla coils, and movie-caliber sets, with new “Horror Cinema” finales each year.

A growing business of fear

Haunted attractions generate more than $500 million in annual revenue, with an increasing share coming from out-of-town visitors. “More than 30% of ticket sales at top U.S. attractions come from travelers—some flying across the country for these immersive scares,” says Amber Arnett Bequeaith, spokesperson for America Haunts.

Social media amplifies the phenomenon, with selfie stations, TikTok-ready jump scares, and exclusive merchandise boosting the “scare-cation” appeal.

Tourism with staying power

Cities hosting top haunts report repeat spikes in fall tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses building packages around haunted weekends. Much like ski lodges in winter, haunted attractions are anchoring annual travel rituals and creating community buzz.

With ever-evolving technology, cinematic storytelling, and next-level sensory immersion, America’s leading haunted attractions show no sign of slowing down. For thrill-seekers, a scare-cation is becoming the ultimate fall getaway.

Image Credit: © America Haunts