Horror Movie Filming Locations To Visit This Halloween Season
Every Halloween season, fans of horror movies look for new ways to feel a chill down their spine. Visiting real filming locations from iconic horror films brings that thrill to life in an unforgettable way. These eerie settings, once seen on screen, hold a unique atmosphere that blends fear with fascination. From haunted hotels to eerie forests, each destination captures the magic and mystery that makes horror such a timeless genre.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining and continues to draw visitors seeking its haunting charm. Located in Estes Park, it’s famous for its grand yet unsettling atmosphere. Guests can explore its historic halls or join nightly ghost tours that bring the story to life. Even without the supernatural, the quiet mountain setting and creaky floors set a chilling tone worthy of any horror fan’s visit.
Georgetown Steps, Washington, D.C.
The steep staircase in Georgetown became iconic after The Exorcist shocked audiences in 1973. Fans still visit to stand where the film’s dramatic ending unfolded. The steps are marked as a historic landmark, offering a glimpse into one of horror’s most memorable moments. Surrounded by the charm of old Georgetown, it’s a surreal mix of beauty and lingering dread that attracts film lovers year after year.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow has long been synonymous with spooky legends, but Tim Burton’s 1999 film brought it vividly to life. The town embraces its eerie heritage with haunted trails, Halloween parades, and historical tours. Visitors can wander the Old Dutch Church and cemetery featured in the story. The blend of folklore and real world charm makes it a perfect autumn escape steeped in cinematic history.
Point Reyes Lighthouse, California
The haunting coastal fog surrounding Point Reyes Lighthouse played a key role in John Carpenter’s The Fog. Perched on the cliffs north of San Francisco, it offers breathtaking views and an unmistakable sense of isolation. The crashing waves and shifting mist make it easy to understand why the director chose it as his ghostly setting. It’s a destination where atmosphere and imagination easily intertwine.
Blairstown, New Jersey
Fans of Friday the 13th flock to Blairstown each year to relive the film’s eerie beginnings. The small town streets and surrounding forests still look much like they did in the 1980 slasher classic. Visitors can tour filming sites and even attend local screenings each summer. For horror enthusiasts, it’s a nostalgic return to the birth of one of cinema’s most enduring villains.
The Myers House, California
The quiet Pasadena neighborhood where Halloween was filmed remains a must see for horror buffs. The simple white house that introduced Michael Myers has become an icon of suburban terror. Visitors often take photos along the street that defined the slasher genre’s aesthetic. Though the house is now private property, fans can still experience its eerie familiarity from the sidewalk.
The Monroeville Mall, Pennsylvania
George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead transformed this shopping mall into a battleground between humans and zombies. Located near Pittsburgh, it still attracts fans eager to see where the classic scenes unfolded. The mall celebrates its horror heritage with annual events and memorabilia. Walking its halls feels like stepping straight into one of the most influential horror films ever made.
The Overlook Film Location, Oregon
Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood served as the exterior for The Shining’s Overlook Hotel. Its remote mountain setting creates the same isolation that defined the film’s tension. Visitors can explore the grounds and admire views that mirror Stanley Kubrick’s chilling shots. Though the interiors differ from the movie, the atmosphere alone delivers enough suspense to satisfy any horror aficionado.
