Halloween Happenings Across Town
In San Diego, Halloween isn’t a holiday — it’s a state of mind. With ghost tours, masquerade cruises, and other captivating displays of Halloween spirit, there’s not a dull moment all season long. Here’s a guide to the spooky schedule of Halloween happenings going down all across “America’s Finest City.”
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
After taking the season off in 2020, the San Diego Zoo is once again holding its HalGLOWeen extravaganza this year. The 2021 event will run from Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all month, and will feature live music, park-wide performances, games, costumes and more — all hosted by the Zoo’s very own mad scientist, Dr. Zoolittle. Keep an eye out for the Boo Crew, special spooky treats and eats, and plenty of creepy fun.
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
SeaWorld Spectacular and Howl-O-Scream
SeaWorld is hosting not just one, but two seasonal spookfests this Halloween. The “treats by day” Halloween Spooktacular is a family-friendly event where kids can come to trick-or-treat, show off their costumes, and visit their favorite animals and Sesame Street friends. The other side of the coin is the “frights by night” Howl-O-Scream celebration, where the SeaWorld you know and love will be transformed into a seriously sinister experience, complete with creepy creatures and haunted horrors. Visit if you dare!
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Photo credit: @seaworldsandiego
Haunted Trail and eXperiment Maze at Balboa Park
Named one of the 10 best haunted attractions in the country two years ago by CNN, Balboa Park’s Halloween offerings should not be missed. The tranquil grounds of the beloved park will change from peaceful to petrifying thanks to a pair of blood-chilling attractions. The Haunted Trail offers thrillseekers a mile-long twisted trail through the misty old-growth trees, each step packed with the potential for panic. And the eXperiment Maze offers a 3,500-square-foot labyrinth of fear, with spooky scares around every corner. Not recommended for kids under 10.
Balboa Dr & Juniper Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: @sandiegoreader
Haunted Hotel
San Diego’s Haunted Hotel earned an honorary mention in CNN’s list of the best haunted attractions in the country, and it’s always been a favorite with locals. This season promises three terrifying attractions in one place, all grouped under the appropriately named umbrella of “Disturbance.” The experience starts with guests descending in the “hellavator,” where they’ll meet the subhumans of the sub-basement — who are all dying to greet you. The backwoods bogeymen of Kill-Billy chaos are determined to hunt any invaders who cross into their space. And the dizzyingly disorienting denizens of the 3-D Freak Fest will have you questioning your very perception with their creepy carnival of carnage. Experience this terrifying trio!
1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Photo credit: @thedisturbancebyhh
WCKD Village
Long celebrated as one of the most looked-forward-to Halloween events in San Diego, WCKD Village makes a triumphant return after taking a year off. Details of this year’s block-party-style shindig are deliberately scarce, as the organizers plot and plan the most effective ways to entertain attendees. But past years have included live music, dancing, interactive entertainment, and cash prizes for the best costumes.
7th and Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Photo credit: @wckdvillage
LEGOland Brick-or-Treat
October Saturdays at LEGOLand are Brick-or-Treat time! As one of the premier family-friendly Halloween events in Southern California, Brick-or-Treat truly offers something for everyone. Kids can come in their favorite fun or spooky costumes and enjoy seasonal experiences like extended ride hours, special food-and-beverage menu options, live entertainment, and even an underwater pumpkin-carving display at Sea Life Aquarium.
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Photo credit: @legolandcalifornia
Black Pearl Costume Cruise
Ahoy! All aboard for San Diego’s most frightening floating fright fest! Saturday, October 30 is the day you want to get “decked” out in your most freaky finery and embark on a creepy “boos” cruise around the bay. This 21-and-up nautical nightmare takes place on the $15-million yacht “California Spirit” and features three decks with DJs, dancing, gourmet food, and an open bar. During the cruise, guests will enjoy incredible views and party favors.
990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Plan Your Scary Stay
Interested in enjoying all the Halloween happenings going on this month in San Diego? Take a look at our special offers and enjoy the best rates on your stay.