Get ready to scream!!! Spooky season is officially here and I cannot stop planning activities.
I know I’m not alone when I say my besties and I LOVE Halloween time. We can’t wait for Horror Nights and pumpkin patches. And all of the scary movies we’re about to watch!
SoCal is dripping with Halloween-time activities for us big kids…aka adults. But I would really rather identify as just a kid with “sponsabilities” *Angelica Pickles voice*. Hahaha
There aren’t enough fun blog posts about Halloween activities for adults, so I had to put one together.
This post is all about fun Halloween activities for adults in Southern California.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a fan of more whimsical festivities, Southern California has something for everyone. So gather your friends, put on your best outfit, and get ready for a Halloween season full of spooktacular fun!
Halloween Activities in LA and San Diego
Southern California comes alive with festive, spooky spirit during Halloween! From terrifying haunted houses to cozy pumpkin patches, there are countless ways for adults to enjoy the Halloween season.
Whether you’re in search of bone-chilling scares or a more relaxed seasonal celebration, this guide has something for everyone.
Check out our top picks for fun activities and events to experience during spooky season:
1. Haunted Attractions and Events
For thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts, these haunted houses and scare zones will leave you screaming!
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Dive into the intense scares of HHN with movie-quality haunted houses and scare zones inspired by iconic horror films. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a Hollywood-caliber fright! - Knott’s Scary Farm (Buena Park)
Experience one of the largest and most immersive Halloween events in SoCal with dozens of haunted mazes, scare zones, and eerie shows. - Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego
Explore haunted houses, scare zones, and thrilling rides in the dark at SeaWorld’s first Halloween event. You’ll encounter creatures of the deep in an entirely new way. - Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (Long Beach)
Board the haunted Queen Mary ship for a night of spooky mazes, scare zones, and live entertainment. With its eerie history and spine-chilling atmosphere, it’s a unique haunted attraction. - The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park (San Diego)
Walk through a mile-long haunted trail filled with chilling scenes and scare actors. Don’t miss “The Experiment” maze for an added dose of fear. - The 17th Door Haunted Experience (Buena Park)
Known for its extreme scares and interactive elements, this haunted house pushes boundaries and isn’t for the faint of heart. - Haunted Hayride (Los Angeles)
Take a terrifying hayride through Griffith Park, complete with scare zones, haunted mazes, and themed attractions perfect for a night of fright. - Delusion: Interactive Horror Theater (Los Angeles)
Participate in an immersive horror play where you become part of the story. Navigate through eerie settings and interact with actors for a unique experience. - Haunted Amusement Park (El Cajon, San Diego Area):
- A spooky trail located at the historically haunted Marshal Scotty’s Playland. This haunted amusement park promises a creepy experience in a location known for its ghostly past.
2. Halloween-Themed Experiences
If traditional haunted houses aren’t your thing, check out these one-of-a-kind Halloween experiences for a mix of spooky and fun.
- Escape Rooms
Test your wits with Halloween-themed escape rooms like “The Basement” in Los Angeles or “Escape Room LA: The Theatre,” perfect for an adrenaline rush. - Sinister Pointe (Laguna Hills)
Explore multiple haunted mazes, interactive experiences, and a horror-themed marketplace for a night of eerie excitement.
3. Halloween Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Celebrate the lighter side of the season with enchanting pumpkin displays, Halloween festivals, and fall markets.
- Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch (Carlsbad Strawberry Company)
Wander through the corn maze, brave the haunted corn maze, and enjoy unique attractions like the speakeasy hidden in a corn maze! - Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (Culver City)
A celebrity-favorite, this stylish pumpkin patch features a fun mix of hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and seasonal snacks. A great spot for some Instagram-worthy photo ops! - Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch (Irvine)
Visit this working farm to pick pumpkins straight from the vine, explore the corn maze, and take a wagon ride. You can even join a U-pick veggie tour or visit the barnyard animals. - Pumpkin Fest (Pomona)
Wander through an enchanting pumpkin festival filled with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, immersive displays, and live entertainment. - Nights of the Jack (Calabasas)
Take a walking tour of thousands of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, themed installations, and art displays along a winding path.
4. Parades and Community Events
Get in the Halloween spirit with these community events, parades, and local celebrations.
- Annual Anaheim Halloween Parade
Join the community for a lively parade featuring creative floats, costumes, and performances that capture the essence of Halloween. - West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
Known as one of the largest street parties in the world, this event features elaborate costumes, live entertainment, and a vibrant, festive atmosphere. - Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Old Town San Diego
Celebrate Day of the Dead with vibrant altars, traditional music, and dance performances in San Diego’s historic Old Town.
5. Themed Halloween Bars
Enjoy a night out with Halloween-inspired drinks and spooky vibes at these unique themed bars.
- The Cauldron (Buena Park)
A witchy-themed bar with magical drinks, haunted decor, and cozy vibes, perfect for a spooky night out. - Beetle House LA (Los Angeles)
Inspired by Tim Burton’s movies, this themed bar offers an eerie, playful atmosphere with creative cocktails and decor. - The Blind Rabbit (Anaheim)
This hidden speakeasy is transforming into an “Afterlife” theme for October, featuring spooky decor and Beetlejuice-inspired cocktails in a cozy, haunted setting.
6. Unique Halloween Experiences
These one-of-a-kind Halloween experiences offer a mix of spooky and festive activities for adults looking to celebrate the season in a different way.
- Bob Baker Spooktacular (Los Angeles)
Experience the whimsical world of Bob Baker Marionette Theater with a Halloween-themed puppet show that blends nostalgia with spooky charm. - See a Movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles)
Watch classic horror films under the stars in one of LA’s most iconic cemeteries—a unique and memorable way to enjoy the season. - Haunted Tours in San Diego
Explore San Diego’s haunted history with guided tours through the city’s most famous spooky spots, including the Whaley House and the Gaslamp Quarter. - Old Town Music Hall (El Segundo)
This historic movie theater specializes in showing classic films, and during Halloween, it screens spooky vintage movies perfect for a nostalgic, eerie night out.
7. Immersive Light Displays and Shows
Enjoy the beauty of fall nights with these enchanting light displays and immersive shows.
- Boney Island Light-Up Experience at the Natural History Museum (Los Angeles)
Explore a light-up Halloween trail with creative displays, spooky themes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. - CARVED at Descanso Gardens
Enjoy mesmerizing light displays and thousands of hand-carved pumpkins in a beautiful garden setting.
Fun Halloween Activities for Adults
There’s a lot to do for Halloween season in Southern California. I’m always up for a night at Horror Nights, and the Haunted Trail at Balboa Park – it terrifies me!
I also love the more relaxed side of Fall, like wandering through pumpkin patches or tackling a good old-fashioned corn maze.
It’s all about finding that perfect mix of spooky and fun.
So, whether you’re looking for heart-pounding scares or just want to grab some friends and hit up a Halloween-themed bar, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy getting your spooky on!
XOXO,
Julia
Posts You May Like:
- Visiting the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
- Halloween Activities in North County San Diego
- Halloween Horror Nights Outfit
About the Author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic and terror of Halloween!
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