10 Best Halloween Hotspots In San Diego
There are so many awesome Halloween events occurring all over San Diego, we’ve taken the work out of making your October plans and rounded up the ten best events whether you want a boozy night out with the girls or a sweet time with family.
1. Haunted Trails Balboa Park/Del Mar Fairgrounds Scream Zone
For a spooky night out, check out two of San Diego’s most beloved Halloween attractions.
The Haunted Trails at Balboa Park is perfect for fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things as this year’s theme features a scream-filled journey through the upside down. The Haunted Trail is not age restricted, but is recommended for children ten and over. Children under ten are welcome at the parents discretion but may not be carried at any time during the attraction, and must be able to walk and stand unassisted. There are emergency exits throughout the Haunted Trail which can be used by individuals who find the attraction too scary or disturbing to continue but refunds will not be given.
The Scream Zone at the Del Mar fairgrounds features several attractions including the famous Haunted Hayride, House of Horrors, and “The Chamber,” a dark take on The Wizard of Oz sporting the spooky tagline, “There’s no place like HELL.” The Scream Zone is age restricted to children ten years old and over only, and warns that some of their attractions are unsuitable for pregnant women or those with sensitivities to strobe lights.
2. A Ghosts and Graveyards Tour
San Diego is known for it’s many graveyards and cemeteries. A ghost tour can be a fascinating way to appreciate the haunts and history of San Diego. Board the trolley and be swept back in time to hear and learn about the many people who have lived and died in historic San Diego. Visit well known attractions like the Whaley House in Old Town and take a stroll through the Pioneer Park graveyard in mission hills. The information given on these tours interweaves history with local legend and haunted tales. These tours are not recommended for children under 13 years old and requires 24 hour notice for wheelchair accessibility.
3. The Whaley House
Rated by the Travel Channel as one of the most haunted places in America, the Whaley House in unmissable for spook-enthusiasts. Suitable for all ages, and featuring a world famous museum, the Whaley House is the perfect Halloween destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. The Whaley House is a San Diego favorite with good reason and Halloween is the perfect time to appreciate this historical gem. Built atop a former gallows’ site it is believed that the Whaley House is haunted by the victims of said gallows out for revenge on the living occupants of the site. Visitors are said to experience the chills and some have even reported being pushed or scratched by a mysterious entity.
4. Boomont Park
For the fifth consecutive year, San Diego’s famous beachfront amusement park, Belmont Park will be transformed into a Halloween themed spook-fest for the every weekend in October. Perfect for families, the attractions are suitable for all ages and parking and admission are FREE. Available attractions will include a pumpkin patch, superhero zipline, zombie laser tag, and free trick or treating.
5. Participate in a Pub Crawl
Looking for a little more adult Halloween fun? We’ve got you covered. Take part in one (or more!) of San Diego’s Halloween-themed pub crawls. Top on our list is the famous Zombie Crawl and the PB Halloween Pub Crawl.
Take in the historic gaslamp district of beautiful downtown San Diego and have fun getting decked out in a costume and makeup at the Zombie Crawl. All costumes are welcome, not just zombies and tickets will secure entry to 20 of San Diego’s hottest Halloween parties plus 10 bartender’s choice welcome shots. Maps are provided and guests can stick with the group or crawl at their own pace.
For a more-laid back atmosphere, head out to PB to enjoy the PB Halloween Pub Crawl on October 26, 2019. Tickets include a map of the crawl and free entry to over 20 of Pacific Beach’s best bars and nighclubs as well as admission to the Zombie Crawl after party. Costumes are encouraged.
6. Attend a Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
The crown jewel of San Diego is its diversity. Partake in a bit of multicultural fun and appreciate the significance of Dia de Los Muertos at one of several celebrations around the county. We recommend the Day of the Dead Festival in North Park or Did de Los Muertos at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but there are plenty of other options as well.
The Day of the Dead Festival in North Park is suitable for all ages and will feature artisan vendors, top rated food trucks, beer and tequila vendors, music, face-painting, and a variety of other authentic entertainment options. It will take place on October 26, 2019 from 11-5 and is a free community event.
The Dia de Los Muertos celebration at the San Diego Zoo Safari park will take place from November 1-4 and is completely family friendly, with children under 11 receiving free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.
7. Trick or Trot 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run
For the more active families the Trick or Trot 5k is a great way to have some Halloween fun and support Roosevelt IB Middle School. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for race winners and best costumes. Pumpkin decorating and a pumpkin sprint will also be part of the fun. This event is open to all ages and takes place on October 27, 2019 from 8:00 am-11:30 am at 2221 Morley Field Dr.
8. Hallo-Wine and Spirits
For those with a bigger budget, head out to the Hotel del Coronado, San Diego’s famous haunted hotel on October 26, 2019 for this 21 and up Halloween party. Costumes are encouraged! This event promises to be a fun-filled evening of drinks, dancing, and delectable culinary delights. The 2019 theme is Night of 1000 Clowns. Buy tickets before October 1st for a discounted early-bird rate of $125. There will be a separate party offered for children with costumes, dinner, and trick or treating for $100/per child.
9. Haunted Tales on the Star of India
Hop aboard the Star of India on October 19th or 26th from 6:00-7:30 for this all ages spooky tour of the historic Maritime Museum. These lantern-led theatrical tours will be presented by the award winning Living History Education staff. Ghost stories and spooky tales of the Star of India’s past voyages. The Haunted Tales tour is free with general admission and is only be given on these two days. Space will be limited, so plan accordingly! Tickets are available in advance online.
10. Bate’s Nut Farm
Bate’s Nut Farm is open year round for agricultural family fun, but they really shine during the Halloween season with a pumpkin patch and festive events. San Diego’s dog lovers are sure to enjoy their October 26th Howl-O-Ween Doggie Costume Contest and Parade. On the 27th they will be holding a family friendly costume contest and parade which is the perfect opportunity for your little one to show off their Halloween Costume. They also have a free admission petting zoo featuring a variety of farm animals. Parking is $5 on weekends in October.
