Plus 6 more for a perfect Halloween
Every time I have visited San Diego the weather has been perfect. Summertime, 75 and sunny. December, 72 and sunny. October, 72 and spooky.
Yes, spooky. San Diego has plenty of fun and frightening things to do in autumn. Here’s our favorite San Diego Halloween events for you to check out this October.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream & Spooktacular
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego is a premier Halloween event that transforms the park into a terrifying and immersive experience after dark. Known for its high-quality production, detailed sets, and intense scares, Howl-O-Scream offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and families alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Houses: Navigate through multiple haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and terrifying experience. Detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors bring the horror to life.
- Scare Zones: Walk through various scare zones scattered throughout the park, where horrifying characters and unexpected scares await.
- Live Shows: Enjoy live entertainment, including spooky performances and thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Rides in the Dark: Experience some of SeaWorld’s most popular rides and roller coasters in the dark for an added thrill.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego offers an unparalleled haunted attraction experience that combines high-quality production, immersive storytelling, and intense scares. Whether you’re a seasoned haunted house enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this event promises to deliver scares and thrills that you won’t soon forget.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Included with regular park admission (starting at $74.99)
- Event Passes: Special event passes and upgrades available for Howl-O-Scream experiences
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Parking is available on-site for a fee. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
The Haunted Trail – Balboa Park
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park, located in San Diego, California, is a unique outdoor haunted attraction that takes guests on a terrifying journey through the park’s dark and eerie trails. Known for its high-quality production, detailed sets, and intense scares, The Haunted Trail offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- The Haunted Trail: Walk through the dark and twisted paths of Balboa Park, encountering horrifying scenes and unexpected scares. The trail is filled with detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors who bring the horror to life.
- The eXperiment Maze: Navigate through a maze filled with terrifying surprises and creepy characters. This attraction is designed to provide a spine-chilling experience with its elaborate sets and interactive elements.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, including spooky acts and thrilling shows that add to the overall experience.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $27.99 (prices vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Starting at $47.99 (includes Fast Pass for all attractions)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Parking is available in Balboa Park’s various lots. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company – Halloween
The Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a beloved seasonal event that offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. Located in Carlsbad, California, this event transforms the strawberry fields into a festive pumpkin patch, providing a perfect fall outing for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Pumpkin Patch: Choose from a wide variety of pumpkins, perfect for carving, decorating, or cooking. The patch is beautifully decorated, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
- Corn Maze: Navigate through a challenging and fun corn maze. This attraction is popular among both kids and adults, offering a delightful adventure.
- Tractor Rides: Enjoy a scenic tractor ride around the farm, taking in the beautiful fall scenery and festive decorations.
- Petting Zoo: Interact with friendly farm animals at the petting zoo. This activity is a hit with younger visitors.
- Hay Rides: Take a relaxing hay ride around the farm, perfect for soaking in the autumn atmosphere.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats, snacks, and refreshments.
What Visitors Say:
Visitors largely praise this event, but with a few caveats.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors praised the family-friendly environment, noting that the pumpkin patch and activities were enjoyable for children and adults alike.
- Variety of Activities: Guests appreciated the wide range of activities available, including the corn maze, tractor rides, and petting zoo. These attractions provided a full day of entertainment.
- Beautiful Setting: Several reviewers mentioned the picturesque setting of the pumpkin patch, noting that it was perfect for fall-themed photos and creating lasting memories.
- Parking and Logistics: While parking is generally available on-site, some guests mentioned that finding a spot could be challenging during peak hours. Arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits and ensure a smoother experience.
- Pricing: A few visitors felt that the additional charges for specific activities added up quickly, but many agreed that the overall experience was worth the cost due to the variety of attractions and the quality of the event.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $5.00 (prices may vary based on activities and events)
- Activity Tickets: Additional charges for specific activities like the corn maze, tractor rides, and petting zoo
- Group Discounts: Available for schools, parties, and large groups
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and during peak hours.
Ghosts & Gravestones
The Ghosts and Gravestones Tour in San Diego is a thrilling and spooky guided tour that takes you through some of the city’s most haunted sites. Known for its engaging storytelling, historical insights, and eerie atmosphere, this tour offers a unique experience for those interested in the paranormal and the darker side of San Diego’s history.
The main features of the tour include:
- Haunted Sites: Visit some of San Diego’s most haunted locations, including the Whaley House, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and other historic sites known for their ghostly activity.
- Engaging Storytelling: Professional guides provide captivating stories and historical context, bringing the haunted history of San Diego to life.
- Interactive Experience: The tour includes opportunities for guests to ask questions, take photos, and possibly even experience some paranormal activity firsthand.
- Scenic Ride: Enjoy a scenic ride through San Diego’s historic neighborhoods, adding an extra layer of charm to the spooky experience.
What Tourgoers Say:
This tour draws a lot of praise for historical insights as well as the smooth way it progresses. Here’s some of the highlights of what guests of the tour have shared.
- Engaging Guides: Many visitors praised the tour guides for their engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge of San Diego’s haunted history. Several reviewers mentioned that the guides made the experience both educational and entertaining.
- Historical Insights: Guests appreciated the historical context provided during the tour, noting that it added depth and authenticity to the ghost stories.
- Spooky Atmosphere: Several reviewers mentioned that the tour successfully created a spooky and eerie atmosphere, making it a thrilling experience for those interested in the paranormal.
- Well-Organized: Many visitors commended the organization of the tour, noting that it ran smoothly and efficiently. The timing and pacing of the tour were also highlighted as positive aspects.
- Crowd Management: Some reviewers on TripAdvisor and Yelp mentioned that the tours could get crowded, leading to larger groups and less intimate experiences. However, others noted that the guides managed the groups effectively.
- Value for Money: A few visitors felt that the ticket prices were on the higher side, but many agreed that the overall experience was worth the cost due to the quality of the storytelling and the unique access to haunted sites.
- Parking and Logistics: While parking is generally available near the starting point, some guests mentioned that finding a spot could be challenging during peak hours. Arriving early is recommended to avoid long waits and ensure a smoother experience.
Ticket Prices
- Adult Admission: Starting at $39.00
- Child Admission (ages 6-12): Starting at $29.00
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Parking is available near the starting point of the tour. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and during peak hours.
The Haunted Amusement Park
The Haunted Amusement Park, located in El Cajon, California, is a premier haunted attraction that transforms a traditional amusement park into a terrifying and immersive experience. Known for its high-quality production, detailed sets, and intense scares, The Haunted Amusement Park offers a variety of themed attractions that cater to horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Houses: Navigate through multiple haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and terrifying experience. Detailed sets, special effects, and professional actors bring the horror to life.
- Scare Zones: Walk through various scare zones scattered throughout the park, where horrifying characters and unexpected scares await.
- Live Shows: Enjoy live entertainment, including spooky performances and thrilling acts that add to the overall experience.
- Rides in the Dark: Experience some of the amusement park’s most popular rides and roller coasters in the dark for an added thrill.
- Food and Beverages: A variety of food options are available on-site, including seasonal treats and refreshments.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Starting at $25.00 (prices vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Starting at $45.00 (includes Fast Pass for all attractions)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Parking is available on-site for a fee. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween.
Other Halloween Happenings in San Diego
Looking for something a little different? Try this list of six more thrilling San Diego Halloween Events.
- HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo – Perfect for families, HalGLOWeen transforms the world-famous San Diego Zoo into a magical nighttime experience. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, dance parties, and special animal encounters. The zoo comes alive with glowing lights, pumpkin sculptures, and entertaining performances. It’s a not-so-spooky adventure that combines wildlife education with Halloween fun, making it an ideal outing for little ghouls and goblins.
- The Scream Zone at Del Mar Fairgrounds – For those seeking serious scares, The Scream Zone delivers heart-pounding thrills. This haunted attraction features multiple terrifying experiences, including the House of Horror, a twisted labyrinth of fears, and the Haunted Hayride, which takes brave souls through a nightmare-inducing journey. With professional scare actors and Hollywood-quality special effects, The Scream Zone is guaranteed to leave even the bravest visitors trembling.
- Julian Apple Days Festival – Embrace the autumn spirit at the Julian Apple Days Festival. This charming event celebrates the town’s famous apple harvest with pie-eating contests, apple displays, and live music. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, a beer and wine garden, and artisanal crafts. It’s a perfect way to experience fall in Southern California, complete with crisp mountain air and the sweet aroma of freshly baked apple pies.
- Haunted Hotel – Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Haunted Hotel offers a terrifying experience in the heart of downtown San Diego. This longstanding attraction features intense scares, detailed set designs, and a cast of nightmarish characters. Visitors navigate through dark corridors and unsettling scenes, facing their deepest fears. It’s a must-visit for horror enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush.
- Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch – For a classic fall experience, head to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. Their annual pumpkin patch offers a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes in a picturesque setting. Families can enjoy tractor hayrides, a straw maze, and pony rides. With its petting zoo and craft fair, it’s a delightful destination that captures the essence of autumn without the spooky elements of Halloween.
- Whaley House Museum – For a historical twist on Halloween, visit the allegedly haunted Whaley House Museum. This 19th-century Greek Revival home is said to be one of the most haunted houses in America. During October, the museum offers special nighttime tours where visitors can learn about the house’s eerie history and perhaps experience some paranormal activity themselves. It’s a unique blend of San Diego history and Halloween mystery.
Tips for Visiting our Favorite San Diego Halloween Events
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Many of these events are popular attractions, and tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween. Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and save time.
- Consider a VIP or Elite Ticket: When events have a fastpass like option, it’s a great way to avoid long wait times. These options allow you to bypass the regular lines and get into the haunted house faster, giving you more time to enjoy the experience.
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, arrive early. This helps with parking and gives you more time to explore the attractions and additional experiences.
- Dress Comfortably: Many of these events are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Likewise, for indoor events, be prepared for the crowds in dark cramped spaces. Layers you can remove to stay cool will help.
- Check the Weather: While some attractions are indoors, others are outdoors. Be sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. San Diego does have near perfect weather. But in the off chance that your day is not perfect, plan ahead so you can enjoy the fun.
- Follow Safety Guidelines: For your safety and the safety of others, follow all posted rules and guidelines. This includes not touching the actors or props and staying within designated areas.
- Take Advantage of Live Entertainment and On-site food options: Many of these events offer live entertainment outside of the main venue. Some have food trucks or dining options. On long evenings, those can help you pace yourself, or find a second wind to keep the night going.
- Have fun: Halloween is about having fun and enjoying a good scare. If you think an event is going to push your limits too far, skip and find another.
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