Halloween Travel: Five of the Most Haunted Destinations in the U.S

If you love travel and would like to do something special for Halloween this year, consider one of these five destinations for your "most haunted vacation."

San Francisco

San Francisco is not just sourdough bread and great clam chowder, it is a city full of wonderfully haunted places to visit. Its history of natural disasters as well as being one of the biggest boom towns during the gold rush days, make this a truly spooky, yet picturesque, city.

Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's famous landmarks, and also one of the most eerie destinations you can visit in the nation. It is full of ghost stories, having been one of the worst prisons a criminal could be housed in. Unexplained crying and moaning, cold spots, mysterious music, and even apparitions walking through walls, are just a few of the tales heard on "The Rock."

The historic Queen Anne Hotel, is a wonderful upscale Bed and Breakfast as well as being famous for its ghostly hauntings. A ghost named Mary, is said to continue her duties in death, as she keeps a watchful eye on guests to be sure they have a comfortable stay. Mary has a habit of tucking in her guests at night, and even unpacking and hanging up clothes.

Cripple Creek, Colorado

This area just west of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountain state is a spectacular destination in the fall, and is also home to one of the most haunted towns in America. Cripple Creek is a town where I have experienced more paranormal sightings than anywhere I've ever been.

The Hotel St. Nicholas was a hospital during the town's booming gold mining days, as well as a having a ward for the mentally ill. If you're interested in experiencing a paranormal event, I recommend a stay in room 11. Both paranormal investigators and myself have had some especially haunting events in that room. I had a ghostly apparition spent part of the night with me.

Cripple Creek offers frightening and adventurous events in October, including a Night at the Museum with ghoulish characters, cemetery and haunted home tours, and much more.

Salem, Massachusetts

There aren't many towns that fit the bill for Halloween as well as Salem. It's the home to the famous Salem Witch Trials, and many other "witchy" attractions.

The Hawthorne Hotel in downtown Salem, was owned by the first person who was hanged because of her love of practicing witchcraft, and the hotel today is considered one of the most haunted in the country. For Halloween this year, the hotel will hold the Salem Witches Ball, and even a Dinner with the Dead.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Even the name, Deadwood, evokes a haunting image, and some say it is the most haunted town in the country. I'd place it just behind Cripple Creek and Salem, but that's only based on my personal experience. It's a wonderful destination with an especially colorful history.

The Bullock Hotel was owned and built by Deadwood's first sheriff, Seth Bullock. Though Bullock died nearly a century ago, in 1919, it is said that he is still playing host at his beloved hotel. Some have claimed to see his apparition, but many have experienced strange occurrences here.

Alarm clocks that aren't plugged into the wall go off, televisions change channels on their own, and guests have felt a tapping on their shoulder only to turn and see that no one is there.

During October, Deadwood becomes "Deadweird", with haunted houses, spirit tours, costume costumes, and more. Halloween is celebrated in a big way in Deadwood, and they know how to do it right.

Tombstone, Arizona

Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone is known for its number of specters that wander through the old wooden grave markers, with some even captured on film. What could be more appropriate than a visit to the cemetery on Halloween?

Tombstone is also a fun Halloween family destination, with pumpkin carving and costume contests, or ghost stories around the campfire.

Numerous ghosts are said to roam this old western town, with sightings at the Bird Cage Theater, Big Nose Kate's Saloon, the Cooper Queen Hotel, and more.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

More from this contributor:

Salem, Massachusetts: A Perfect Halloween Travel Adventure

Cripple Creek, Colorado - One of the Most Haunted Towns in the West

A Guide to the Best Day Trips from San Francisco

A Guide to the Best Destinations for a Vacation in the Wild West