14 Spooky Movie Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit

SpOoOoOoky Halloween, everybody!

Have you ever watched a horror movie and thought, “Ok, I know I shouldn’t, but I’d absolutely love to visit that creepy place?”

Well, you’re in luck because some of the most spine-tingling filming locations—and places that have inspired tales of terror—are open for a visit. From haunted houses to eerie woods and everything in between, let’s explore some chilling destinations made famous by our favorite scary movies!

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado (The Shining)

Of course the Stanley Hotel would be first on our list! It’s where Stephen King spent a night that was so unsettling, it inspired one of his most famous novels—1977’s The Shining. The hotel itself wasn’t the actual filming site for the Kubrick movie of the same name (that honor goes to the Timberline Lodge in Oregon) but the Stanley has a reputation for being the real deal when it comes to hauntings.

Ghostly tales include stories of piano music coming from empty rooms and unexplained laughter echoing down the halls. Guests have reported seeing apparitions of children playing in the corridors and mysterious figures that vanish before you can say “REDRUM.” If you’re a horror fan, it’s a creepy bucket list spot for sure, and they even offer ghost tours if you want to up your fright factor.

Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon (The Shining)

This is where Stanley Kubrick’s vision of the Overlook Hotel comes to life. Timberline Lodge provided the exterior shots for The Shining, and it still looks every bit as isolated and ominous as you’d hope. The mountain setting creates an eerie feeling of solitude, which is why it was perfect for Jack Torrance’s descent into madness. While the inside shots were all movie sets, the lodge’s immediately recognizable exterior will delight any confirmed ghost story and horror film addict.

It’s open to the public, and if you’re worried about seeing apparitions, don’t worry! There are two adorable Saint Bernards on the property to keep the ghosts away and make you feel right at home.

The Gas Station, Bastrop, Texas (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre)

This one’s for the brave. The gas station featured in 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has since been transformed into a BBQ joint and a mini horror-themed getaway. Yup, you can eat, shop for some spooky souvenirs, and even stay the night in a cabin if you’re feeling particularly daring. The owners have embraced the movie’s terrifying history, turning it into a place for horror buffs to gather.

The Exorcist Steps, Georgetown, Washington, DC (The Exorcist)

Go beyond the white marble of Washington, DC and into the cobblestone side streets of Georgetown, where you can find the iconic Exorcist Steps! These steep, narrow stairs are infamous for being the site of Father Karras’ tragic tumble, and they’re a popular stop for horror movie lovers. Climbing them gives you a serious workout, and at the top, you can practically picture Regan’s house just beyond the railing. When I lived in DC, these steps were always on my Halloween stop, just before trick-or-treating at the Embassies!

The Myers House, South Pasadena, California (Halloween)

If you were traumatized by Halloween as a kid, then even the simple facade of the Myers house is enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Located in South Pasadena, this seemingly normal house was the backdrop for John Carpenter’s classic film in 1978. It’s now an office, so you can’t drop in for a visit—but you can still snap a photo from outside! It’s a must for horror fans wanting to feel like you’re walking through Haddonfield—just without the knife-wielding maniac following you.

The Amityville House, Long Island, New York (The Amityville Horror)

Speaking of houses whose exteriors give you chills just looking at them: the Amityville house is just as famous—if not more so—than the Myers house because it’s a real home with a terrifying, tragic history. Whether anything paranormal actually happened there is a question in itself…but in 1974, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. murdered six members of his family there, and rotted in prison until he died in 2021. The next family who moved in only stayed for about a month before fleeing, claiming they were terrorized by paranormal entities. Their story led to the bestselling book The Amityville Horror, which was quickly followed by the cult classic horror film of the same name.

While the house is still there on Long Island, it’s a private residence and has been modernized a bit. So if you drive by, you’ll recognize its arched roof, chimney, and windows, but it’s not open for visitors.

Seneca Creek State Park, Maryland (The Blair Witch Project)

Want to test your survival skills in some witch-infested woods? Seneca Creek State Park in Maryland was where they filmed much of The Blair Witch Project, and while there are no creepy stick figures hanging from the trees (at least not usually…), hiking through the woods still has an edge of creepiness. The shaky cam, found-footage look of the movie was very much a reality for the actors who spent their nights out here, and you can walk the same trails—though hopefully with a bit more direction!

Bodega Bay, California (The Birds)

Hitchcock had a way of making everyday things into nightmares, and Bodega Bay is no exception. Visiting this quaint seaside town is a surreal experience—you’re stepping into the world of The Birds. While it may not have actual flocks attacking tourists (that’s a good thing), just remembering Tippi Hedren’s frantic running is enough to make your heart pound. Plus, it’s a great spot for a vintage horror movie photo op!

Bates Motel and the House, Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California (Psycho)

The Bates Motel and the iconic house on the hill aren’t out in the middle of nowhere—they’re part of the Universal Studios backlot. But that doesn’t make them any less spine-chilling! The outline of that Victorian-style house, silhouetted against the sky, will instantly make you imagine Norman Bates peeking through a window. If you take the studio tour, you can get up close and imagine yourself in the infamous shower scene—just watch out for Mother.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Twelve Monkeys)

Now this place isn’t just famous because of movies—it’s genuinely creepy. Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison known for being super haunted, served as a location for Twelve Monkeys. With its decaying cells and ghostly atmosphere, the penitentiary will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a dystopian nightmare. Guided tours are available, and who knows? Maybe a ghost or two will tag along…

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, Louisiana (Interview with the Vampire)

This iconic plantation gives off all the brooding, Gothic vibes you need for a deep dive into vampire lore. Oak Alley featured prominently in Interview with the Vampire, and it’s easy to see why. With its sprawling live oaks and dripping Spanish moss, it’s a hauntingly beautiful spot that almost makes you feel Lestat could be watching from the shadows. Tours of the property are available, and every corner has that Southern Gothic charm that’s equally enchanting and unsettling.

The Dakota Building, New York City (Rosemary’s Baby)

Standing in for The Bramford apartment building in Rosemary’s Baby, The Dakota has a history that’s every bit as mysterious as the film’s plot. The place is famously eerie, with intricate architectural details and a vibe that somehow feels isolated—right in the middle of Manhattan. It’s not open for tours, given that it’s a private residence, but just standing outside gives off a distinctly unsettling feeling, especially if you know the movie well. Plus, it has real-life connections to a whole bunch of legends, making it even more of a must-see for fans of the macabre.

Palacio de los Hornillos, Cantabria, Spain (The Others)

Nicole Kidman’s eerie thriller, The Others, found the perfect atmospheric location in Palacio de los Hornillos. This sprawling estate, with its fog-draped gardens and endless rooms, serves up the perfect environment for a story filled with supernatural twists and quiet terror. The grand old house feels both majestic and full of secrets, which made it ideal for the film. It’s a private property, but its imposing façade is definitely worth seeing if you’re nearby. Just don’t expect to find any helpful house staff waiting around—they may all be ghosts.

Fairhope, Alabama (Get Out)

The isolated house from Get Out might look like a typical Southern estate, but it’s loaded with disturbing secrets—both on screen and for the fans who visit. Located in Fairhope, Alabama, this house gave Get Out that disconnected, eerie vibe that made the movie so unforgettable. It’s a private property, so keep your distance, but driving by gives you that uneasy feeling that there’s something hidden beneath the surface—just like in the film. It’s Southern charm with a twist of something much darker, and it makes for a great drive-by haunt for fans.

Over to you! What’s your favorite scary movie? Have you visited a spooky filming location? Share your stories and recommendations with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Lance Anderson on Unsplash