Southern California 2016 Haunted Attractions Guide

All Around SoCal

Hi there, kids! It's after Labor Day, and you know what that means... it's officially Halloween Season!! Now, I know I've said that before, but this time, I mean officially--not just for those us haunt nerds who really, really, really, really like spook, scary things, but for theme parks and independent haunted attractions and such! So with that, we're taking some inspiration from our friends at Theme Park Adventure and putting out our own spin at a directory for haunts in Southern California (which basically involves categorizing them by geography rather than by type. We actually did this last year, but you know... site went kaput, so that database was lost to the netherworld forever. But don't worry, the 2016 version will be better than ever! (Not that that's saying much...)

Los Angeles County Area

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- When: Friday, September 16 - Saturday, November 5 (select nights)
The place to live horror movies is back with a line-up dedicated to some of horror's most prolific icons! Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, and Michael Myers anchor an event that might be reusing a lot of themes but promises to be epic this year. Mazes dedicated to American Horror Story, The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Freddy vs Jason, Halloween, and the Krampus should thrill. Meanwhile, Eli Roth presents this year's Terror Tram, which features a killer clown theme centered around a mysterious and murderous "Hollywood Harry." Also open will be the year-round The Walking Dead Attraction and a new Jabbawockeez show. Meanwhile, rather than individual scare zones, The Purge takes over the entire park. It should be interesting--and bloody!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here and here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 reviews for mazes part 1, the Terror Tram, and scare zones.)

Yes, zombies will once again return to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. And probably also water sprays, misdirection->loud sound effect->strobe scares, miscellaneous odors, fire towers, dancing girls, and chainsaws.

Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary
- Where: 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90802
- When: Thursday, September 29 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
The only major haunt set in a location with numerous reports actual supernatural activity returns for another season of watery scares. 2016 introduces a new icon--The Ironmaster, and his maze, Intrepid. Back for another year are Deadrise, featuring The Captain and Half-Hatchet Henry; The Circus, featuring the Ringmaster; B340, featuring Samuel the Savage; Lullaby, featuring Scary Mary; and Soulmate, featuring Graceful Gale. This event is one of Wescoaster's favorites!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here and here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 reviews for mazes and everything else and the Sliders Unite special event)

Dark Harbor features intimate mazes, with groups sent in spaced apart to prevent "Haunted Line Syndrome," which makes the even great--but also creates long lines. A front of line pass is definitely recommended.

Delusion: His Crimson Queen
- Where: 2200 S. Harvard Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018
- When: Thursday, September 29 - Sunday, November 13 (select nights--first run sold out)
The premiere haunted live theater experience is back after a hiatus in 2015. This is the haunted attraction that has consistently has amazed reviews with people blown away at the immersive storyline, impressive practical and visual effects, and overall quality of production. Although the initial run has already sold out, check back (or subscribe) to see if another run gets added.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Los Angeles Haunted Hay Ride
- Where: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
- When: Saturday, October 1 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
The Haunted Hay ride has been spooking the Old Zoo at Griffith Park for over half a decade now. Bringing the Midwestern tradition of haunted hay rides--wagon rides through static and dynamic horror sets--to accompany a couple of mazes, this even offers a unique Halloween experience.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

The L.A. Haunted Hay Ride is set in the already-creepy abandoned Old Zoo in Griffith Park.

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns at Los Angeles Convention Center
- Where: 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- When: Thursday, October 13 - Sunday, October 16
Less scares and more visuals, this is one of the more photogenic experiences for Halloween. 5000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns are on display in an epic exhibit of light and sculpture. This is fun for the family, and there are even Groupon, Living Social, and Goldstar deals available!

Creep L.A.
- Where: 2316 N. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
- When: Thursday, September 15 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
Another successful interactive haunted theater offering, Creep L.A. is a "fully immersive, multi-sensory experience" taken in small groups that explore "hidden scenes, intimate encounters, and frightful situations." It is not recommended for guests under 18 years of age and will require physical activity. But for those looking for a 60-90 minute visceral experience that has labeled as one of the best and unique haunted attractions in Southern California, this may be for you.

Urban Death: Tour of Terror
- Where: 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
- When: Friday, October 7 - Saturday, November 5 (select nights)
Where some of the theatrical haunted attractions above are interactive, this one is more static and traditional theater form. Guests enter Zombie Joe's Underground Theater Group's small performance space and witness a shocking, sensual, eerie, and sometimes disturbing series of performances, loosely tied together. Nudity is present, so the event is extremely recommended for adults only.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Wicked Lit
- Where: 2300 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
- When: October 1 - November 12 (select nights)
Another veteran performance experience, Wicked Lit is a three part theater play that takes place in an actual cemetery, upping the spooky ambiance factor. Each performance lasts nearly three hours and contains "mature themes, theatrical violence, and sexual situations." The cast and crew that puts this together does a phenomenal job, and it's a true haunted theater-in-the-round. This is another alternative to the usual "pop-out scare" haunted house experience.

Force of Nature Productions presents Fallen Saints
- Where: 2813 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 9 - 29
This new stage production is another haunted theater experience. "Victorian London is the intellectual and technological center of the world. It’s also home to the most horrific, violent crimes, and murders in history. At its core lies Fallen Saints, a mortuary specializing in violent deaths. As the deaths grow more unusual, the spirits grow more restless, wreaking havoc across the city. Join medium, Evelyn “Evie” Skrain, as she attempts to rid the mortuary of the tortured souls, one way or another." As haunted attractions proliferate, they are branching out beyond the traditional haunted house genre, and this is another example.

Gorlesque! presents Paradise
- Where: 224 E. 11th Street, Suite 501, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- When: Wednesdays - Sundays, October 19-23 & 26-30
Billed as "The Haunted Burlesque," Gorlesque caught eyes at Midsummer Scream for its unique and risque take on the haunted attraction. Guest are invited to join the Weltzie Society, a, well, basically cult that seeks those who are "perfect" in order to attain true enlightenment. There will be horror, but also some sex appeal, and who doesn't like that? And to reiterate that, this event will be an age 18 and older admission only.
(Check out Westcoaster coverage of Gorlesque from Midsummer Scream here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

This Weltszie Society member is looking for perfection. Those who fail her standards will suffer a horrific fate!

The Backwoods Maze
- Where: 1912 N. Pepper St., Burbank, CA 91505
- When: Friday, October 21 - Monday, October 31 (Fridays thru Sundays plus Halloween Night)
This home haunt defies the traditional conventions of the homemade haunted house with professional quality sets, make-up, masks, and scares. Having terrorized Burbank for many years, The Backwoods is back with another edition for 2016 featuring what appears to be a sci-fi theme. It looks as amazing as ever!

Rotten Apple 907 presents The Not So Enchanted Forest
- Where: 907 N. California St., Burbank, CA 91505
- When: Saturday & Sunday, October 22-23 and Saturday-Monday, October 29-31
This long-standing home haunt in Burbank is proof that quality and amazing effects don't have to come from big boy professionals. It just needs dedicated enthusiasts. Admission to this haunt is free, but donations are welcome to support Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Spooky Hollows
- Where: 16418 Gilmore St., Van Nuys, CA 91406
- When: Friday - Monday, October 28-31
A past Scare L.A. and Midsummer Scream staple, Spooky Hollows is a great home haunt with some fantastic props, special effects, and fun scares built in.
(Check out Westcoaster coverage of Spooky Hollows from Midsummer Scream here.)

A glimpse at the quality behind the Spooky Hollows home haunt.

Manhattan Beach Haunted House presents Swamp Monsters
- Where: 1648 10th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
- When: Monday, October 31
Manhattan Beach is one of those communities that goes pretty all out during Halloween season, with plenty of houses in the beachfront area decorating and really getting into the spirit of the haunted season. So it's no surprise that at least one of them might make a home haunt out of things.

The Opechee Haunt
- Where: 1307 Opechee Way, Glendale, CA 91208
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 22-23 and 29-30
If you want to feel like you've accomplished nothing in life, compare yourself to high schooler Sam Kellman, a life-long Halloween addict who started his own haunt (with his family's help, of course) at the tender age of eleven. But this isn't a typical, silly, black tarp filled cornfest. It's got actual quality and great production, and it's a fun, creative, and impressive endeavor!

The Haunted Rose
- Where: 12116 Groveland Ave, Whittier, CA 90604
- When: Saturday - Monday, October 29-31
This is a new and free home haunt from PROliFX, which has worked with major movie studios and brand name theme parks on producing molds and fabrications for props and set pieces. Owner Ryan Banfield is a seasoned home haunter as well, having created his first home haunt as a senior in high school. The Haunted Rose promises to be a high quality gothic horror piece, opening Halloween weekend!

Orange County Area

Knott's Scary Farm
- Where: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
- When: Thursday, September 22 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
The granddaddy of them all is back for its 44th season. Nine mazes, four Skeleton Key "mini-mazes," two shows, and four scare zones will greet guests who will come to the place that invented the Halloween haunted attraction event. New mazes this year include Shadowlands, The Red Barn, and Infected: Black Ops. Camp Snoopy returns as a scare zone in the form of The Hollows, joining Ghost Town, Carnevil, and Fiesta de los Muertos. The Hanging is also back, as is a new Elvira show. Plus, there's a nifty Knott's Scary Farm Season Pass available for Haunt fans who want to come over and over again!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here and here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 coverage for initial thoughts, new mazes, returning mazes, scare zones, and shows.)

Spookywampus can't wait to moo guests into frightful terror when the Veil returns this fall!

Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland
- Where: 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
- When: Friday, September 23 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
Most of the events in this list are geared toward people who want to be scared, but for those who want to take younger tykes or dress up or get candy or a combination, there is Disneyland's Halloween event. In addition to wearing costumes, meeting villains, trick-or-treating, and riding Disneyland rides in shorter lines, guests can be entertained by the fantastic Halloween Scream fireworks show, the Cadaver Dans undead a capella troupe, and the new Frightfully Fun Parade!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Family fun frights, fantastic shows, trick-or-treating, and less crowded access to rides and attractions await at Mickey's Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event part of HalloweenTime at the Disneyland Resort.

Sinister Pointe
- Where: 1851 West Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA, 92833
- When: Thursday, October 6 - Saturday, November 12 (select nights)
Sinister Pointe has been a premiere independent haunt for a long time, churning up events during Halloween and also at various other times of the year to satisfy haunt fans' fright fixes. This year, their production will feature a maze that branches into four different and unique layouts. Those who want to fully experience the haunt will have to return multiple times. And the usual interactivity and chilling mind games that Sinister Pointe plays are sure to be in effect!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

The 17th Door
- Where: 2856 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782
- When: Friday, September 23 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
Last year's break-out hit returns for its sophomore season and follows tragic protagonist Paula as she continues her doomed experience at Gluttire University. For whatever reason, despite a suicide attempt from the horrors from last year, she has returned for a second term. But this year, she's pregnant, and there are new, insidious, terrifying characters who will be introduced. The brilliance with the horror of this haunt is that it is all grounded in real life and plausible scenarios, all taken to a twisted psychological edge. Experience what all the buzz is about in this year's sequel!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Class is in horrifying session once again at Gluttire University, part of The 17th Door haunt.

Motel 6 Feet Under
- Where: 1960 S. Anaheim Way, Anaheim, CA 92805
- When: Friday, October 7 - Saturday, November 5 (select nights)
A sleeper hit last year, Motel 6 Feet Under returns for its third year with a haunt that will once again embody the spooks and fun of a traditional carnival-style haunted house attraction. Though there will be scares, there is also an old-fashioned charm to this event. Plus, the haunt benefits B.O.O., a non-profit that assists under-developed youths with practical skills related to theater set building, electrical work, and other construction related skills to provide them with tools to help themselves.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 coverage here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Carnival style spooks abound at Motel 6 Feet Under, a haunted attraction with scares and fun, reminiscent of the classic haunted houses back in the day.

The Fleshyard
- Where: 5702 La Palma, Anaheim, CA 92807
- When: Friday - Sunday, October 14-16, Thursday - Sunday, October 20-23, Wednesday - Monday, October 26-31
There's a cabin in the woods, and inside are sinister creatures waiting to render victims limb from limb. Great evil resides here, and those unfortunate enough to pass through will witness first hand the feral and murderous inhabitants of The Fleshyard.
(Check out Westcoaster coverage of The Fleshyard from Midsummer Scream here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Haunt at Heritage Hill
- Where: 25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630
- When: Friday-Saturday, October 14-15
This haunted attraction that traditional takes place a couple of weekends before Halloween is not particularly elaborate or intense, but it does offer a fun haunt that supports the local community and carries a bit of a more casual flair.

Boot Hill
- Where: 16 Goldenrod, Irvine, CA 92614
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 14-15 & 21-22 and Friday - Monday, October 28-31
For nearly two decades, in this pre-planned corner of surburbia, Boot Hill has delighted visitors with a rich and elaborate yard display and partial walk-through featuring intricate props, splashy projections, beautiful lighting, and a few monsters to keep guests on the edge. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone visiting, especially in concert with other nearby haunts.

Higgins Manor
- Where: 23761 Singapore St. Mission Viejo, CA 92691
- When: Saturday & Sunday, October 22-23 and Friday - Monday, October 28-31
Coming off a wildly successful Midsummer Scream feature, Higgins Manor enters its 10th year with another edition of the story of William P. Higgins III, a bloodthirsty and land-grabbing maniac whose family was cursed by one of the natives whose land he swindled, just before he murdered him. Now, every Halloween, the spirit of Master Higgins and those of his family and henchmen return to wreck terror upon the unsuspecting inhabitants of South County! This home haunt is free but greatly encourages donations to help support the Greendog Foundation, which rescues, rehabilitates, and finds new homes for abandoned dogs.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2015 recap here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Perdition Home Haunt
- Where: 5181 Manor View Dr., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
- When: Monday, October 31 only
Perdition has been another famous home haunt terrorizing the hills of Yorba Linda for many years, now. Gory, intense, and very high quality, Perdition has earned the admiration and praise of haunters all over. This year, they will not be providing a full haunt, due milestone life events happening for both creators. Instead, they will have an elaborate yard display on Halloween night only. So though the scares will be minimal, it will still be worth stopping by to see what the crew at Perdition has conjured up.
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

The Haunt at Daisy Avenue
- Where: 16887 Daisy Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
- When: Monday, October 31 (full scare) & Tuesday, November 1 (non-scare)
For nearly a decade and a half, twins The Haunt at Daisy Avenue has churned out different themes each year and plenty of fun scares and great theming. Consider this yet another in a growing line of home haunts who could be on the professional level if they chose to.

Ventura County, the Valley, and North of Los Angeles

Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Where: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 91355
- When: Saturday, September 17 - Sunday, October 30 (select nights)
Once upon a time, Fright Fest was something to be teased as a subpar attraction not to be compared to the likes of Knott's and Universal. But times have changed, and this Magic Mountain haunt has made a commitment to increased quality in mazes, theming, and especially visuals. This year will bring a Suicide Squad scare zone, and more of the improved scares and thrills from the haunted maze line-up to go along with the excitement from all the roller coasters!
(Check out Westcoaster coverage of Fright Fest's Midsummer Scream panel here.)
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 reviews of new attractions, returning mazes, and returning scare zones.)

Exclusive for this year's Fright Fest is the Suicide Squad scare zone and experience.

Reign of Terror
- Where: 197 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
- When: Saturday, October 1 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
For years, RoT has terrified guests with its nearly 100-room long layout packed with detailed, high quality props and decorations that are movie studio quality. 2016 brings more of that intensity and goriness. No shocker that Reign of Terror attracts guests from all around Southern California willing to make the long drive to check out its scares each year!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Reign of Terror always brings an extended scare experience with top-notch theming and animatronics.

Boccali's Haunted Hayrides
- Where: 3277 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA 93023
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29
The L.A. Haunted Hay Ride might get the major publicity when it comes to hay rides in Southern California, but this haunt in Ventura County offers a more family-friendly experience, combining a hay ride with a neighboring pumpkin patch to give guests tamer frights and focus on the fun aspect of Halloween. Hungry visitors can get pizza and pasta at the Boccali restaurant next door!

Dead Zone 805
- Where: 5353 Walker St., Ventura, CA 93003
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 21-22 & 28-29
You can't go wrong with a zombie-themed haunted house, right? And that's what Dead Zone 805 does. With fantastic theming, some fun audio-animatronics, and grisly detail, this haunt offers a great, immersive experience coming from a passionate, independent outfit.
(Check out Westcoaster coverage of Spooky Hollows from Midsummer Scream here.)

There's something a little unnerving at Dead Zone 805. Must be the brainzzz.

Beware the Dark Realm
- Where: 28621 Sugar Pine Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 21-22 & 28-29
Another impressive home haunt with a medieval torturous theme, Beware the Dark Realm may only be going on its fourth year, but it features creative design from people with four and half decades of amateur and professional haunt experience. Definitely worth checking out for anyone nearby or passing through!

Boney Island
- Where: 4602 Morse Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
- When: Saturday October 22 - Monday, October 31
This attraction is a yard display, not a full-on haunt, and it is very much family friendly. But it is absolutely spectacular, with homemade and finely detailed audio-animatronics, immaculate theming, fantastic lighting, and a very entertaining sense of showmanship. Boney Island attracts visitors from all around and definitely ups the traffic in the neighborhood. But it's so well done that it constantly has people in disbelief that this is just a home haunt.

Restless Souls Manor
- Where: 38143 52nd St. E., Palmdale, CA 93552
- When: Sunday, October 30 & Monday, October 31
It may seem like going to the high desert is a little far just for a home haunt, but Restless Soul Manor is another super well done haunt that has garnered critical acclaim from haunters and high marks from guests. It's a classic haunted house theme, but everything is done quite well and with a clear passion from the creators.

The House at Haunted Hill
- Where: 4400 Saltillo St., Woodland Hills, CA 91364
- When: Friday - Monday, October 28-31
After a year off, this elaborate yard display returns for 2016! Featuring incredible projections and sumptuous lighting, The House at Haunted Hill serves as magnificent Halloween eye candy. Do not miss this attraction if you are nearby!

VanOaks Cemetery
- Where: 5822 Norwich Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
- When: Starting Saturday, October 15
Another yard display worth mentioning, VanOaks Cemetery features some richly detailed props and theming that wholly undersell the term "amateur." It is visually stunning and absolutely lovely, and a testament to the quality that can come from someone who cares.

The Inland Empire

Field of Screams: The Haunted Stadium
- Where: 500 Diamond Dr., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
- When: Saturday, October 1 - Sunday, November 6 (select nights)
The Inland Empire's biggest Halloween event returns with five newmazes in the form of Hunted, Insanity, Descent, Inferno, and Illusions. Plus, The Last Ride simulates being buried alive in an experience that is definitely not for the claustrophic!

The Haunt at Scandia Fun Center Ontario
- Where: 1155 S. Wanamaker Ave, Ontario, CA 91761
- When: Friday, September 23 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
Scandia has traditionally held a haunt every year, and though I can't find any information about 2016's offering yet, I assume they'll have one and will update when I receive further information (or remove this from the directory).

All Saints Lunatic Asylum
- Where: 22521 Shawnee Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92308
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, September 30 - October 1, October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and Friday - Monday, October 28-31
Enter the remnants of an asylum that was forced to close fifty years ago and left to deteriorate. Unfortunately, this mental hospital wasn't quite abandoned. For the patients and doctors who where there still roam the hallways, ready to wreck havoc onto any unsuspecting guests who dare enter!

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns at Fairplex in Pomona
- Where: 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
- When: Thursday, October 27 - Sunday, October 30
Less scares and more visuals, this is one of the more photogenic experiences for Halloween. 5000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns are on display in an epic exhibit of light and sculpture. This is fun for the family, and there are even Groupon, Living Social, and Goldstar deals available!

Coffin Creek
- Where: 14600 Baron Dr., Corona, CA 92880
- When: Fridays & Saturdays, October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and Thursday - Monday, October 27-31
Coffin Creek has featured several great haunts for many years, though the past few have been dark. This year, they return with some new offerings and creative design from former Knott's Scary Farm designer, Brooke Walters, whose credits include the beautiful Voodoo maze and the incredibly photogenic and fun Trick or Treat maze.

Friends of CID Haunted House
- Where: 2700 Little Mountain Dr., San Bernardino, CA 92405
- When: Saturdays & Sundays, October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, and Monday, October 31
This fundraiser haunted attraction helps the Center of Individual Development non-profit, which assists kids with school and social recreational structuring to help them avoid getting in trouble with poor life decisions. Also staffed by the same kids the event serves, this attraction is actually pretty well designed and done--enough to be labeled as "San Bernandino's #1 Haunted House!"

The Hyde Street Massacre
- Where: 30167 Silver Ridge Ct., Temecula, CA 92591
- When: Friday, October 21 - Monday, October 31
"Every year on October 31, the house where Otis grew up inexplicably comes back to life. And every year at midnight, if you stand in just the right place, you can still see the lights flickering, smell the flesh burning, and hear the plaintive wailing of the victims of the Hyde Street Massacre." Clearly, something terrible happened here, and it's doomed to manifest itself again each Halloween.

San Diego County

Halloween Spooktacular at Sea World
- Where: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
- When: Saturdays & Sundays, September 24-25 and October 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30
San Diego residents looking for a family-friendly attraction can visit Sea World with their children to dress up, go trick-or-treating, and see Halloween versions of their favorite live animal shows. It's all fun and no scares and a great alternative for those with younger Halloween fans.

The Scream Zone at Del Mar Fairgrounds
- Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
- When: September 30 - October 31 (select nights)
Every year, the location of the San Diego County Fair operates a multi-haunt attraction with plenty of thrills to boot. This year promises more nightmares in the form of a House of Horror haunted maze with 12 blood-curdling rooms, a haunted hayride attraction, and a freak show of the bizarre called KarnEvil. It certainly all sounds twisted!

The Haunted Hotel
- Where: 424 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
- When: Friday, September 23 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
Featured on the Travel Channel and rated as one of the scariest haunted attractions in the country, The Haunted Hotel is San Diego's longest-running haunted attractions. This year offers more chaotic terror in the form of the Hellevator, a Zombie Alley, an unnerving Doll Island, and the turbulent Twisted Torture Temple. It promises to be one hotel that will not let guests check out!

The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park
- Where: 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
- When: Friday, September 30 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
By day, Balboa Park is a beautiful, verdant urban green space with pretty views and a serene ambiance. By night, during Halloween season, it becomes a terrifying trail of devious macabre and insatiable maniacs. This year features horror icons and strange manifestations, plus apparently lots and lots of chainsaws. That's always good--plus, they can double as tree trimming for park maintenance!

Savage House presents Infection
- Where: 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108
- When: Friday, September 30 - Monday, October 31 (select nights)
An unknown illness is sweeping the nation, and S.P. Industries is pushing for a cure. In the spirit of transparency, they have opened their doors to the public for a tour. Of course, in the course of this experience, things go terribly wrong, and the subject of the company's experiments come back to life, resulting in a mad escape from blood-thirsty undead beings preying for food--very human food.

Escape Rooms

Something that's also grown in popularity over the past few years has been the proliferation of escape rooms. Most of these are more basic problem solving overlaid with a theme--typically not scary. But there are a few escape room operations that have incorporated horror into their storylines, and though they operate year-round, they may also be fun targets for Halloween enthusiasts:

Cross Roads Escape Games presents The Hex Room
- Where: 4245 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
Play one of six characters in a puzzle room styled after a horror film. Uncover all the clues and solve the mystery, before you become the victim of the murderer!
(Check out Westcoaster's 2016 review here.)

Cross Roads Escape Games actually has two escape rooms, but The Hex Room is spookier.

The Basement
- Where: 12909 Foothill Blvd., San Fernando, CA 91342
This escape room has a bit of a Saw feel. Participants are the latest victim of a crazy serial murderer obsessed with grotesque human live taxidermy experiments. The Basement features three chapters lasting over two hours and is one of the highest rated escape rooms in the country (so all those Facebook ads you might see for it might tell you)!

The Bunker Experience
- Where: 20 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
Step into a post-apocalyptic world in this 45-minute long escape room that gives groups thrilling puzzles and tactical missions. After the world has been destroyed, it's up to the team to make sure they figure out all the parts to escape and, I guess, hopefully create a better one?

The Curiosity Shop
- Where: 3466 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Guests are trapped inside a strange shop with cursed souvenirs and a mysterious supernatural entity who might be bent on destroying said guests. With unearthly effects and plenty of clues and puzzles to solve, this escape room promises a fun, eerie time!

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We'll update this post throughout the season as we become aware of other haunts or receive more finalized information. But we hope this serves as a nice tool for you to plan your own haunted attraction explorations all across this SoCal land!