Ready to step into your favorite horror films? From haunted houses to eerie forests, America is home to some of the scariest movie settings. Here’s how you can visit these terrifying locations and relive the freaky details.
1. The Overlook Hotel – Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bob Pool
Movie: The Shining
Freaky Detail: Timberline Lodge served as the exterior for the iconic Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. The real hotel offers beautiful mountain views but knowing it inspired one of the most chilling horror movies will make you see those hallways a little differently.
Visit Tip: Take a guided tour to learn more about the hotel’s history and its role in the film.
2. The Myers House – South Pasadena, California
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Willrow Hood
Movie: Halloween
Freaky Detail: The original Myers house from John Carpenter’s Halloween still stands in South Pasadena. It’s a private residence now, but the exterior remains instantly recognizable.
Visit Tip: Drive by or take a walking tour of the area to see other iconic locations from the movie. Remember, it’s private property, so be respectful.
3. Camp Crystal Lake – Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Willrow Hood
Movie: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
Freaky Detail: The infamous Camp Crystal Lake scenes were filmed at Hard Labor Creek State Park. The serene park offers camping and hiking, but fans will recognize it as Jason Voorhees’ hunting ground.
Visit Tip: Stay in one of the cabins for the full camp experience – just don’t go wandering off alone at night!
4. 112 Ocean Avenue – Amityville, New York
Image Credit: Pexels / Nothing Ahead
Movie: The Amityville Horror
Freaky Detail: This infamous house inspired The Amityville Horror. Although the house’s address has been changed to deter tourists, the original structure still stands and continues to draw curious onlookers.
Visit Tip: Drive by to see the house from the outside. It’s a private residence, so be respectful and keep your distance.
5. The Blair Witch Woods – Seneca Creek State Park, Maryland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Robyn330
Movie: The Blair Witch Project
Freaky Detail: Seneca Creek State Park stood in for the haunted woods of Burkittsville in The Blair Witch Project. The eerie trails and dense forest make it easy to imagine being lost and hunted by the Blair Witch.
Visit Tip: Hike the trails during the day, and for a real thrill, try a night hike – if you dare.
6. The House from A Nightmare on Elm Street – Los Angeles, California
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elliott Cowand Jr
Movie: A Nightmare on Elm Street
Freaky Detail: The iconic Elm Street house where Freddy Krueger terrorized his victims is located in Los Angeles. The house looks much the same as it did in the film.
Visit Tip: Walk by to snap a photo, but remember it’s a private home. There are also other Elm Street filming locations nearby to explore.
7. The Exorcist Steps – Washington D.C.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicole Glass Photography
Movie: The Exorcist
Freaky Detail: The 75 steps leading down to M Street in Georgetown became famous in The Exorcist for Father Karras’ tragic fall. The steep, narrow steps are a must-see for horror fans.
Visit Tip: Climb the steps and visit nearby Georgetown University, which also features prominently in the film.
8. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado
Image Credit: Shutterstock / MHalvorson
Movie: The Shining (Inspiration for Stephen King’s novel)
Freaky Detail: The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining. The hotel embraces its eerie reputation with ghost tours and horror-themed events.
Visit Tip: Stay overnight in one of the haunted rooms, take a ghost tour, and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
9. Bates Motel – Universal Studios, Hollywood, California
Image Credit: Shutterstock / RichartPhotos
Movie: Psycho
Freaky Detail: The Bates Motel and Norman Bates’ creepy house from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho can be visited at Universal Studios Hollywood. The set remains a highlight of the studio tour.
Visit Tip: Take the studio tour to see the Bates Motel up close and learn about the movie’s production.
10. The Texas Chainsaw House – Kingsland, Texas
Image Credit: Shutterstock / JustPixs
Movie: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Freaky Detail: The house from the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has been relocated to Kingsland and converted into a restaurant. Dining there is a surreal experience for horror fans.
Visit Tip: Enjoy a meal at the Grand Central Café and explore the property for a taste of horror history.
Conclusion: Step into the Horror
Image Credit: Shutterstock / FOTOKITA
Visiting these iconic horror movie locations offers a thrilling way to relive your favorite scary films. From haunted hotels to eerie forests, each site provides a unique experience that brings the horror to life. So, pack your bags, and prepare for a spine-tingling adventure – if you dare!
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.