Discover all of the creepy things to do in SoCal this October.
October in Southern California is special. Sure, it’s still 100 degrees, but the area doesn’t let the heat hold it back. While there are many things to do that aren’t Halloween-themed, few places go as hard for the holiday as SoCal. There are seriously scary events and more family-friendly ones. Whether you’re a scaredy cat or the lone survivor in a horror movie, you can find exactly what you’re looking for, from Los Angeles to San Diego.
From real ghost stories to scare actors in a car wash (you read that right!), there are endless activities to celebrate spooky season.
Los Angeles
1. Catch a Halloween movie at New Beverly Cinema
Address: 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
If you’re a cinephile, you’ve likely been to the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. Owned by Quentin Tarantino, this isn’t your typical movie theater. They show everything on film, either 33mm or 16mm, often from Tarantino’s own collection. Year-round, they take pride in their programming, showing a wide variety of films. In October, they curate a spooky schedule filled with classic horror films and cartoons for the kids.
Almost every showing is a double-feature. Some upcoming showings include a Vincent Price and Edgar Allan Poe double feature, “The Fly,” and “Beetlejuice” during their weekly kiddie showing. Everyone 12 years and younger gets a free bag of popcorn! The theater even has a Cartoon Club every Saturday morning, and this month, they’ll feature a long list of Halloween-themed favorites. Night owl? There are midnight showings, too.
Ticket prices range from $10 to $12. Their concessions are incredible and always include seasonal candy and drinks. My favorite is the Fitz Pumpkin Soda.
2. Check out Horror Row in Burbank
Address: 3512 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank is in Halloween mode 365 days a year. Horror Row is a group of horror-themed stores that span Magnolia Boulevard. Of course, there is a costume store, Halloweentown, which has been a staple in the community for over 25 years, but there are also incredibly unique spots you have to check out.
The Horror Bodega is exactly what it sounds like: A convenience store with only horror-themed items. From an energy drink with Michael Myers branding to every Halloween candy you could imagine, it’s the perfect spot to grab your snacks for a scary movie night. More into healthy food? Fret not. Bone Juice has a wide variety of juices, acai bowls, and smoothies.
Another must-do on Magnolia during spooky season is the Mystic Museum. It’s an interactive exhibit and shop. You won’t want to miss photo ops in the current exhibit, When Monsters Attack!, and the oddities and horror-themed merchandise in the store. Museum tickets start at $22.78 per person, and the retail space is free to explore, even if you’re not checking out the exhibit.
3. Take a Haunted Hayride through Griffith Park
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Park is a 4,210-acre park located in the middle of the city. Throughout the year, there are countless fun things to do in the park, but each October, the grounds become seriously spooky. The Haunted Hayride runs until Nov. 1 and has multiple experiences.
Riding through the park on a hay wagon is the main attraction. Scare actors make you jump as you go through an area controlled by the Witch of the Woods. Plus, explore haunted mazes like the Fallen Angels attraction, based on a legendary rock band’s fall from grace.
Fan of Elvira? Check out her official merchandise sold on-site. Don’t forget to grab an apple cider and donut while you’re exploring.
Ticket prices start at $42.99, but weekend tickets go up to $50.99. Snag yours online before you get to the park.
4. Go through scare zones on a notoriously haunted ship
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
A little outside of LA in Long Beach is the notorious Queen Mary. Construction began in 1930, and the vessel made its maiden voyage in 1935. She retired from service in the 1960s after carrying 2.2 million people through World War II, and she was a luxury liner that some of Old Hollywood’s biggest names traveled on. Now docked and open to visitors and overnight guests, the haunting history will send chills up your spine.
With over 49 recorded deaths on the ship, there are reportedly over 150 spirits who still haunt the halls. From a little girl who hangs out near a drained pool to Stateroom B340 (which had to be closed to the public for several years because guests reported something pulling the covers off of them in the middle of the night), there is so much history to learn.
Every October, the ship takes it a step further, hosting its own haunted mazes throughout the vessel. Dark Harbor includes jump scares from actors, but you might run into a real spirit. If you’re a real thrill seeker, this is the haunt you need to check out.
The event runs through Nov. 1 with tickets around $60, depending on the day you visit. The ship also offers a ghost tour if you’d rather hear about real haunts than pretend ones.
Orange County
5. Drive through a haunted car wash
Address: Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
If you grew up afraid of going through the car wash with your parents, then stay away from Anaheim’s Haunted Car Wash: Instead of walking in a haunted maze, you drive your car through one. In the dark, scare actors hide behind every corner, ready to hop out and frighten you.
If you’re afraid of clowns, you may want to skip this one. Or, challenge yourself to face your fears for a truly scary October. This year’s venue is Big Wave Carwash, and vehicle restrictions apply based on size (some cars are too big or too low to go through the tunnel). You can find the details on their website. For safety, guests stay in their car at all times and keep their hands off the wheel.
It’s $30 per vehicle, not per person. Grab all your friends and enjoy a unique experience in Anaheim. They’re open Friday through Sunday during October. Tickets are available on their website.
6. Visit the boutique at Roger’s Garden
Address: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Being scared isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather be shopping, Roger’s Garden is the perfect place to spend an October day. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the outdoors, but it’s known for one specific thing each fall: The Midnight Masquerade boutique.
This space is a dream. The store is brilliantly curated with every Halloween decoration you could imagine. This isn’t your typical Spirit Halloween selection; everything on-site is stunning and well-made. You can find everything from traditional pumpkins to high-end designed masks.
Each year, the store has a different theme. This is something you’ll want to check out every year! The store is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
7. Throw axes among slashers
Address: 1941 Newport Blvd., Unit 105, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Looking for a fun night out with friends? Grab a beer and throw some axes at Slasher’s Axe Throwing and Ales. Ever wondered what it would be like to spend time at one of those iconic summer camps from an 80s slasher film without the risks? Slashers give you that experience.
This isn’t your typical axe-throwing space. They teach techniques on-site and send you off with 13 unique games to choose from. The goal is to defend yourself from the monsters who have contaminated the bar!
Price varies on how long you’d like to throw. $40 per person for a one-hour session, $55 per person for 90 minutes, and $75 per person for a two-hour session. Check the website before you go because they are holding costume contests each week in October, including themes like horror movies and totally 80s.
San Diego
8. Take a tour through San Diego’s haunted Old Town
Location: Old Town San Diego
San Diego’s Old Town is the perfect place to spend an October night. The rich history fills the air, almost like you’re transported back in time. Some of that history is a bit dark, and you can learn about it on the Ghosts & Graveyards bus tour.
The bus will take you through Old Town and show you the literal haunts of its former residents. The tour includes a walking portion through El Campo Santo Cemetery, a tiny burial ground established in 1849. It’s one of the oldest and most ghostly cemeteries in Southern California.
The tour does involve walking on uneven ground and is not wheelchair accessible. It’s also PG-13 and not suitable for kids. Tours take place daily, and the price varies by day of the week. Tickets start at $41.65 and are available for purchase online.
9. Visit America’s Most Haunted House
Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Also in Old Town is the notorious Whaley House, allegedly the most haunted house in the United States. Construction began in 1856, and it would become the home of Thomas Whaley and his family. The family faced several tragedies while living in the house, which helped create its reputation for ghosts. Several spirits remain on the property, including one of the Whaley children and a beloved house cat.
The home offers several tour options. Daylight tours are self-guided and start at $15 per person; evening guided tours are $20, and after-hours paranormal tours start at $109.
Before you go, grab a ticket online and come prepared to look for parking. Old Town is a beloved spot in the city; street parking can be difficult.
10. Take a glowing stroll through the zoo at night
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most prestigious zoos in the world. Visiting on any day is worthwhile. The animals are special, and its conservation work is incredible. Plus, they have pandas. However, the zoo experience is even better in October with their HalGLOWeen event.
Open from Oct. 3 through Halloween, the zoo lights up at night with fun activities and games. Kids can win spooky prizes while adults enjoy a beer and a walk around the well-lit grounds at night. Enjoy performances from the Skeleton Band, interact with the Boo Crew, and check out the Spooky Revue. Learn about all the creepy, crawly events unfolding every night in October.
Plus, kids are free all October long! That includes day access to the zoo. Come early and stay late for the full HalGLOWeen experience. Adult tickets start at $78. Halloween festivities begin at 5 p.m., but make sure to take advantage of the free kids’ tickets for a full day at the zoo.
