Terrifying Tours & Alarming Attractions
For fans of 1980s horror movies, Crystal Lake Tours is a must-see. The primary filming location for the first “Friday the 13th” movie in the cult classic series, this privately-owned camp is hidden in the Skylands and only accessible through guided tours. Be sure to secure your tickets early because past events have sold out in as little as eight seconds!
Rated by Fodor’s Travel Guide as the scariest haunted attraction in New Jersey, Brighton Asylum in Passaic delivers three spine-chilling experiences in one daunting destination. You can “check-in” to Brighton Asylum, explore the gruesome staff quarters in the Bleeding Grounds and encounter the facility’s most disturbing patients in SubCULTure.
Horrifying adventures await in New Jersey’s farmlands. While local farms offer sunshine and fresh produce most of the year, Halloween events pop up like Jersey corn each fall to delight and terrify even the most fearless travelers. For some of the best New Jersey Halloween attractions, check out farm frights like Haunted Casola in Manalapan, Farm of Horrors (Schaefer Farms) in Flemington, Night of Terror in Mullica Hill, Field of Terror in East Windsor and Scare Farm in Hillsborough – if you dare.
Hair-Raising History
As one of the original 13 Colonies, New Jersey boasts a long past – so you can only begin to imagine all the spooky mysteries that legendary history brings. Of course, we have to start with the folklore we’re most famous for – the Jersey Devil himself. You can join a guided hike with Pineland Adventures to learn more about this demonic creature. Then there are entire haunted destinations, many of them hugging the coastline – or should we say ghostline? Follow the phantoms of Victorian Cape May on a trio of thrilling tours provided by Cape May MAC, or dive into the Ghost Tour of Ocean City. Experience the darker side of the Jersey Shore and encounter a few Asbury Park apparitions during a haunting downtown tour from the Paranormal Museum. Or join an official New Jersey Paranormal Ghost Hunt.
Eerie Eateries
If you prefer your pasta with a side of poltergeist, you can explore restaurants with reported ghost sightings all across the state. Start up north at the Knotty Pine Pub (Wharton). Then, explore favorite haunts in the Gateway Region, including Old Canal Inn (Nutley) and The Brass Rail (Hoboken). A stop in Central Jersey will bring you to the 265-year-old Cranbury Inn (Cranbury) before continuing your search for spirits in the Delaware River Region at the Lake House Restaurant (Newfield). Hit the Greater Atlantic City Region for some paranormal activity at Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar (Somers Point). Finally, along the Southern Shore, you might just run into a ghost at Emily’s Ocean Room at The Flanders Hotel (Ocean City) or Elaine’s and Lucky Bones (both in Cape May).
Spooky Stays
Looking for accommodations that may conjure something (or someone!) that goes bump in the night? You have your choice of properties including Widow McCrea House B&B (Frenchtown), Grenville Hotel (Bay Head), Dunellen Hotel (Dunellen), The Publick House Hotel (Chester), The Dr. Jonathan Pitney House B&B (Absecon), plus Angel of the Sea and The Historic Hotel Macomber (both in Cape May).
Of course, New Jersey is more than just horrifying Halloween haunts. Tap into trip inspiration any time of the year with our free official travel guide and sign up for our e-newsletter too. And as always, be sure to check with your destination’s website and social media pages before you go for the latest updates and information.
