There are numerous autumn boating destinations where you can enjoy beautiful sights all around the United States. But come Halloween, only a few haunted coastal cities can truly call themselves ideal places to tie up for a good scare.
Here’s a look at the eight most haunted boating destinations in the U.S. Cruise on in…if you dare.
What are the Top Haunted Boating Destinations?
1. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow made the Headless Horseman one of America’s most enduring Halloween icons. The tale, first published in 1819, has been retold for generations in film, on TV, on stage, and in audio productions.
Irving himself is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and every October, the New York village brings the legend to life with street fairs, blazing jack-o’-lanterns, and more.
While the local marinas are private along this stretch of the Hudson River, boaters can get within taxi distance either to the north, in Ossining, or across the bridge on the west side of the river in Nyack. Westerly Marina in Ossining and the publicly owned Nyack Marina both offer slips.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Ghost hunters love Savannah, whose Hamilton-Turner Inn was immortalized in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Visitors report hearing the sound of laughing children, and some claim to have seen a cigar-smoking man on the roof.
The inn is among numerous spots said to be haunted in Savannah, including a hotel that was once a hospital and an old saloon where pirates would capture unsuspecting seafarers.
Of course, modern-day boaters don’t have to worry about facing such a fate; options for tying up and safely enjoying the local fun include Bull River Marina, Isle of Hope Marina, and Thunderbolt Marine.
3. Salem, Massachusetts
It’s hard to forget the harrowing history of the trials that took place here in the 1690s, when hundreds of people were rounded up and accused of practicing witchcraft.
Modern-day Salem has chosen to embrace its undeniable past with a far softer sell—today, attractions like Witch Mansion, a haunted house that’s open every day in October, invite visitors to experience chills and thrills without the terror.
Pickering Wharf Marina is a two-block walk from the town center. Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove also takes transient bookings with slips and moorings.
4. Cape May, New Jersey
Numerous tales of ghosts and haunted Victorian houses abound in this southern New Jersey city. Even the lighthouse is said to be haunted!
Visitors can explore the town with guides who claim to sense paranormal activity in all kinds of nooks and crannies. A Halloween Parade is held each year to help celebrate the fall festivities.
Utsch’s Marina welcomes anyone who wants to plan their own spooky boat tour. Bicycles are available for rental, and the shopping district is a 15-minute walk from the docks. Taxis and car rentals are also an option if you want to head farther afield chasing ghost stories.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans famous French Quarter is legendary for its haunted sites. There are walking tours for visitors seeking a frightfully good time, and some hotels in the city actually advertise the fact that they’re haunted as a reason to stay there. One tour company, Gators and Ghosts, offers both daytime and nighttime walking tours that focus on the supernatural.
Orleans Marina welcomes boaters looking for a good scare, as does Sea Brook Harbor Marine.
Read Next: 9 Nautical Halloween Costume Ideas for Boaters
6. Friday Harbor, Washington State
This charming town in the San Juan Islands is a favorite among boaters, whether or not they realize they’re walking in the footsteps of what some people swear are ghosts. In the local bookshop, inn, museum, and courthouse, visitors have been adamant that apparitions come and go.
The Port of Friday Harbor is nearby (but call ahead, as this marina can see tremendous demand). The harbor is within easy walking distance of town, where boaters can check out the spooktacular sights.
7. Baltimore, Maryland
Edgar Allen Poe’s stories have scared readers for generations. To this day, his fans say that his ghost still wanders around Baltimore’s The Horse You Came In On Saloon.
There have also been reports of the dead haunting the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Harbor East Marina can put boaters within easy access of these spooky spots, as can Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina.
8. Block Island, Rhode Island
Most people associate Block Island with a summer paradise. Once Halloween hits, however, it’s the place to be, thanks to its haunted lighthouses and ghost ship legends. Hop in your boat and immerse yourself in a real-life ghost story.
New Harbor Boat Basin and Payne’s Dock welcome boaters who are ready to take part in Block Island’s spooky goings on. If you want to extend your trip, stay at Champlin’s Marina Resort, located on Block Island’s Great Salt Pond.
Take Your Halloween Celebration to the Next Level on a Boat
A boat ride to one of the most haunted cities on this list is sure to become an unforgettable experience you’ll remember for years to come. To make the most out of your haunted boat tour, bring along some glow-in-the-dark décor and share your favorite eerie tales along the way.
Originally published May 2022. Updated October 2025.
