For horror fans, few things are more exciting than standing where their favorite terrifying scenes were filmed. From eerie lighthouses to creepy cemeteries, many horror movie locations are open to the public and even offer tours. Below are 10 iconic spots featured in classic and cult horror films that you can actually visit today.
Lord Summerisle’s Castle – The Wicker Man (1973)
Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland, is the dramatic clifftop estate that served as Lord Summerisle’s residence in The Wicker Man. Its turrets and sea-facing views are instantly recognizable. The castle is open to the public year-round for outdoor tours, with interior access available from April through October.
Although the movie’s interior scenes weren’t shot there, you can find those at Lochinch Castle, roughly an hour away. Lochinch isn’t open for tours, but the gardens at Castle Kennedy—also used during filming—are open and host events seasonally.
Evans City Cemetery – Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The legendary graveyard scene where Johnny taunts Barbara was filmed at Evans City Cemetery in Pennsylvania. The gravestones seen in the movie are real, including those of Grace and George H. Cole and Nicholas Kramer.
Every October, the town celebrates Night of the Living Dead with a fan event called The Living Dead Weekend. It includes cemetery tours, film screenings, and sometimes even actor meet-and-greets.
Orava Castle – Nosferatu (1922)
Located in Slovakia, Orava Castle was the filming location for Count Orlok’s eerie home in Nosferatu. Set high on a cliff with medieval architecture, this Gothic castle remains one of Europe’s spookiest tourist attractions.
Visitors can explore the castle daily, with guided tours covering its vampire film history. It also reappears in the 2020 Dracula mini-series from Netflix and BBC.
The Exorcist Steps – The Exorcist (1973)
In Georgetown, Washington D.C., fans can visit the infamous staircase where Father Karras plunged to his death. The Exorcist steps are open to the public and even feature a commemorative plaque added in 2015.
Though the MacNeil house was set back from the stairs, a fake front was built for the scene. During filming, each step was padded for stunt safety, and local students even sold rooftop tickets to watch it happen.
Timberline Lodge – The Shining (1980)
Stephen King’s inspiration came from The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, but Kubrick used Timberline Lodge in Oregon for exterior shots of The Overlook Hotel. You can stay at Timberline or take a day tour to explore its snowy façade.
The interior scenes were filmed on sound stages modeled after The Ahwahnee Hotel in California’s Yosemite National Park. While those sets no longer exist, the real Ahwahnee is still open for guests and fans to explore.
Oak Alley & Destrehan Plantations – Interview with the Vampire (1994)
The exterior of Louis’s lavish plantation was filmed at Oak Alley Plantation, located along the Mississippi River. This location is known for its columned mansion and eerie ambiance.
Meanwhile, the interior scenes, including Louis’s bedroom, were filmed at Destrehan Plantation nearby. Both plantations offer tours and provide historical context, especially about their ties to slavery.
Colonial Theatre – The Blob (1958)
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, is home to The Colonial Theatre, where moviegoers famously fled from the Blob in the cult classic. Every July, the town hosts Blobfest, including a reenactment of the theater run-out scene.
You can visit the restored theater year-round. Across the street, you’ll find the diner from the film, though it has since moved locations and no longer includes film props.
Point Reyes Lighthouse – The Fog (1980)
In The Fog, the lighthouse that DJ Stevie Wayne broadcasts from is real. It’s called Point Reyes Lighthouse and is located on California’s coastline. Visitors can walk down 308 steps to reach it and enjoy both tours and a small visitor center.
The interior scenes were shot at Raleigh Studios, but the surrounding coastal town of Point Reyes Station was also used for exterior shots of Antonio Bay in the film.
The Gas Station – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The infamous barbecue and gas stop from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre still exists in Bastrop, Texas. Now called The Gas Station, it’s been transformed into a horror-themed BBQ joint with retro pumps, memorabilia, and movie props.
Fans can even stay overnight in themed cabins. Owned by Roy and Lisa Rose, the spot was restored to resemble its original state. There’s also a gift shop filled with collectibles and references from the film.
Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco – Friday the 13th (1980)
The original Camp Crystal Lake is actually Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, a Boy Scouts of America camp in Hardwick, New Jersey. Though not open daily, guided tours are occasionally offered and sell out fast.
Visitors can see filming sites including the lake, generator shed, and cabins. Props like Jason’s canoe are displayed, and special guests like Adrienne King often make appearances. The nearby Blairstown Diner, featured in the film, is still in operation, although remodeled.
