Visit some of the most haunted places in America this Halloween

Brush off those cobwebs and get ready for a Halloween adventure with Hertz. Picture crisp fall drives, eerie towns and the sound of wolves howling in the distance. From ghostly legends to chilling landmarks, we’ve mapped out the most haunted spots in America.

The best haunted attractions in the US are spread far and wide, but with a Hertz rental car you can explore the ones closest to you.

From the Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee to the Field of Screams in Pennsylvania, here’s your guide to the spookiest places in the country.

Read on, if you dare.

Bell Witch Cave – Adams, Tennessee

Ever heard of the Bell Witch? Legend has it that between 1817 and 1821, John Bell and his family were harassed by an invisible spirit. The Bell Witch could speak, shapeshift and spook in multiple spots at the same time. The family even believed that the sinister spirit was the cause of John Bell’s passing.

While the tale has dominated folklore, many believe there’s a supernatural presence connected to the land. Thousands of ghoul-chasers visit in the hope of experiencing paranormal activity first-hand at one of the most haunted places in America.

The Historic Bell Witch Cave is just 40 minutes outside of Nashville, so buckle up in a mid-size SUV and tackle the Tennessee roads in comfort. Brush shoulders with the supernatural on a tour of the Bell Witch Cave or John Bell Cabin Tower. You can even take a haunted hayride deep into the cursed woods of the Bell Witch Farm.

Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, California

The Winchester Mystery House is an architectural enigma in San Jose, crafted by Sarah Winchester from 1886 to 1922. Experience the 24,000 square-foot Victorian mansion enshrouded in a ghoulish charm, with staircases that lead to nowhere, hidden doors and even a séance room.

Rumor has it that Sarah’s single focus was to build a labyrinth of a home, trying to evade the spirits killed by her family fortune. As long as she built, she stayed alive.

Marvel at the mystery up close on a guided Mansion Tour and explore more than 100 captivating rooms. Since 1923, guests and staff have reported experiencing strange phenomena in the mansion. Will you be next?

With Hertz, spooky and stylish can go hand in hand. Rent a luxury car for your creepy California getaway.

Clown Motel – Tonopah, Nevada

No Halloween road trip is complete without a stop at one of America’s most unusual overnight stays, the Clown Motel. True to its name, it’s packed with more than 2,000 clown figurines, eerie dolls and plenty of late-night chills.

Rent a car and cruise through the Nevada desert before settling in for a night at this iconic roadside spot. Built in 1985 by siblings Leona and Leroy David in memory of their father, a lifelong clown collector, the motel has become a bucket-list stay for brave travellers.

And if that isn’t spooky enough, the Old Tonopah Cemetery sits just next door. Pull up, check in and embrace the eeriness of this unforgettable desert stop.

Salem, Massachusetts

Famous for the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century, this New England town has become a must-visit destination for anyone interested in America’s haunted past.

Every October, Salem transforms into Witch City, where haunted houses, historic tours and Halloween festivals fill the streets with energy and excitement. It’s the perfect mix of eerie and enchanting.

Load up your SUV and explore at your own pace. Visit the Salem Witch Museum, step inside the Witch House and take a reflective stroll through the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where history truly lingers.

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Do you dare to test your nerve at the Eastern State Penitentiary? Active from 1829 to 1971, America’s most historic prison detained almost 85,000 prisoners during its time – including the notorious bank robber Willie Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone.

Today, it’s a haunting world of gothic architecture, creepy cell blocks and eerie heaviness. Its spooky season attraction, ‘Terror Behind the Walls’, has been rebranded as ‘Halloween Nights’ – a 10-acre Halloween festival. Think spooky historic tours, immersive walk-through experiences, live haunted houses and more.

We recommend renting a compact car for creepy city cruising around Pennsylvania and the wider Philadelphia area.

The Whaley House – San Diego, California

Known as one of America’s most haunted landmarks, the Whaley House blends rich history with an air of mystery. Built in 1856 by Thomas Whaley using bricks from his own yard, it was once celebrated as one of Southern California’s finest homes.

But the site’s past tells a darker story. Before the house stood, it was the scene of horse thief Yankee Jim Robinson’s public execution. Not long after the Whaley family moved in, they faced personal tragedy - and many believe their spirits still linger.

Today, visitors report strange lights and ghostly shapes drifting through its halls. Rent a convertible for some coastal cruising around San Diego, and stop by to uncover the secrets of this legendary home.

Field of Screams – Mountville, Pennsylvania

We’re finishing our whistlestop tour of the best places to visit around Halloween with the blood-curdling, hair-raising adventure that is the Field of Screams in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

When it comes to thrills, chills and (blood) spills, America’s #1 haunted attraction has you covered with ultimate atmos-FEAR. Take a Haunted Hayride through a creepy cornfield on a tractor-pulled wagon or check into one of the spine-chilling floors of the Frightmare Asylum.

The spooky site also offers axe throwing, escape rooms and so much more to sink your teeth into. Why not seal the deal with a van rental from Hertz, and get your whole ghoulish gang involved?

Ready for a scare? Plan your haunted road trip with Hertz today.

Plan your haunted road trip with Hertz

Throw caution to the wind, explore America’s haunted side this fall. With tons of locations across the US, you’ll find a Hertz branch ideally located for every blood thirsty adventure.

Plus, our frightful fleet is our newest yet. Dare to discover spooky SUVs, creepy convertibles and vilified vans to get to your destination in style and comfort.

We may be suckers for the Halloween season, but there’s nothing scary about our rental process. It couldn’t be easier to get behind the wheel of a Hertz rental and kickstart your paranormal road trip through the US.