There are many reasons to visit San Diego; the amazing weather, the authentic Mexican food, the diversity of pretty much everything, and of course, the gorgeous beaches. It’s no wonder so many people visit.
But did you know that San Diego isn’t just for summer vacation? In the fall, when the goblins and ghouls come out to play, San Diego begins to hum with special activities and events. There are several really great Haunted Houses in San Diego.
If that is your thing, you should read our recommendations by a former Haunted House scare actress for the best Haunted Houses in San Diego. Here are all the things to do on Halloween San Diego has to offer. And don’t forget your Halloween costume!
Also, don’t forget to order some fun, I mean scary Halloween decorations for your home and garden.
Important: Please note that we are currently updating this guide with the 2022 dates and events as they are released.
Horrifying History & Culture in San Diego
Among the top San Diego Halloween Events to choose from, the best way to get into a spooky fall mood is to do activities that pertain to the history and culture of the town.
San Diego is an old town, founded in 1769. The oldest part of the city is Old Town, followed by the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown. Get into the hauntingly amazing history and culture through some of these spooky tours.
Murder Mystery Tour in the Gaslamp Quarter Downtown
This fun and scary tour takes you on a walk around the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. You will hear a lot about the gritty history of the old (and not so old) days, from brothels, bars, and brawls to gruesome murders, ghost stories, and much more.
Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour San Diego
For further immersion into the San Diego Halloween events, you can take a tour on a renovated all-black “doom buggy”. Get transported back in time with such skill that by the end of the tour, you’ll feel as if you’re a ghost roaming the astral plane. This tour is not appropriate for children as the stories told contain graphic details and adult themes. Read our full review of the Ghosts and Gravestone Tour here>>
Haunted Happening Tour San Diego
While not tremendously terrifying like the haunts during this time, this tour will keep you at the edge of your seat. The compelling stories of murder, mystery, and ghosts rumored to still roam will get you in a whimsical mood. You will visit all the haunted sites in San Diego, including the Whaley House – one of the most haunted places in America.
Tickets are available online and kids are more than welcome on the tour. The company also offers an adult-only bonfire at the Del with wine and spirits of all sorts.
San Diego Ghost Tour – Gaslamp Quarter
This San Diego Ghost Tour definitely hits the spot for Halloween in San Diego. You’ll walk to various haunted spots in the famous Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, also known as the “Birthplace of California”. A great mix of spooky ghost stories and interesting history about the beginnings of San Diego.
Go To A Haunted House in San Diego
Walk Through A Haunted Corn Maze
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company puts not only a pumpkin patch but also a Haunted Corn Maze for adults. The “Field of Screams” is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10:00 PM between October 2 and October 31, 2021.
Cost: $25 per person
San Diego Haunted Houses
Read our full guide on the best Haunted Houses in San Diego here – including FAQs and Insider Tips by a San Diego Haunted House Scare Actress.
The Disturbance
New to San Diego, The Disturbance was created by the infamous Haunted Hotel in 2019. While new, it creates three horrifying haunt experiences and lives up to their Haunted Hotel reputation.
The theme changes every year but a favorite is the Kill-Billy Alley, where zombie hillbillies overrun society in the most depraved way.
The Haunted Trail
San Diego is not lush with forest, and the classic cabin in the woods feels. However, in Balboa Park, where the trees are clustered, and you really feel like you’re in a horror movie is The Haunted Trail.
So famous and well-rated, they’ve been featured on the Travel Channel and are well respected around town. The unique psychological way they traumatize guests has people lining up day after day. This is an absolute can’t-miss. You can buy tickets for both attractions at the door or online.
Attend A San Diego Halloween Parties
All throughout October, this southern Californian town is exploding with Halloween events for all kinds of people with every kind of budget. The Halloween Parties are filled with laughter, food, and some scary Halloween activities that are hard to pass on.
There’s no doubt you’d have a blast meeting new people and partying with your friends all night long at this bomb block party.
San Diego Halloween Pub Crawl October 28, 29, 31 2022
Date: Friday, October 28th // Saturday, October 29th // Monday, October 31st
Time: 7pm – 2am, check-in anytime between 7-10pm
Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and come enjoy an all-access VIP pass to 15+ bars, lounges & nightclubs. Receive exclusive drink specials and free welcome shots, and party it up with hundreds of other costumed crawlers!
Event Info
Event Ticketing Link
Nightmare on Normal Street – October 28, 2022
Also on October 28th, Hillcrest has one of the best parties for all of Halloween. Not quite as big as WCKD but probably far more local friendly.
With local food trucks and DJs plus the costume contest and the massive dance floor, there are loads of things you can do on this night of thrilling adventure.
Black Pearl Halloween Yacht Party San Diego
October 29-30, 2022 10 PM – 1:30 AM
This haunted midnight party bay cruise takes your Halloween night to the next level. 2 DJs, 2 dance floors, an open bar, complimentary bites, and lots of spooky fun are included in this cruise on board of the California Spirit Luxury Yacht.
Special Halloween Events in San Diego
Halloween at Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel Del Coronado is putting on a few Halloween events this year that will help you get your fright on.
- The Haunted Happenings Tour (daily at 7 PM in October – get tickets here)
- Ghost Roast (October 30, 2022 – get tickets here)
- Pumpkin Carving (October 29 & 30, 2022 at 7 PM)
- Halloween on the Lawn (October 30, 2022 3-7 PM)
The Mad Hatter Tea Party Halloween at The US Grant
October 30, 2022 8:30 PM
This twisted feast in the style of Alice in Wonderland takes 13 guests down a culinary rabbit hole. A 13-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Mark Kropczynski will surprise and delight you until the witching hour. Make reservations here>>
Mask-O-Raid at the Comic-Con Museum
October 29 , 2022 7 PM – 10 PM
This special event, presented by Funko, includes a special Halloween exhibit, collectibles for sale, DJs, and lots of other fun activities at the Comic-Con Museum on Halloween. Get tickets here>>
Kid-Friendly Halloween Events
San Diego Zoo Halloween Events
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October except October 30, 2022
The San Diego Zoo offers some great Halloween Events this year for kids. For the last three weekends in October, the San Diego Zoo puts on HalGLOween, with outdoor and socially distanced events like bubble dance parties, the python path, or Dr. Zoolittle’s Mask-erade, and many more.
And the best part? Kids (11 and under) are free for the whole month of October when accompanied by a paying adult. How awesome is that? Get your tickets here.
Witches of Westgate Tea – The Westgate Hotel Downtown
October 28, 29, 30, 2022 1 PM – 3:30 PM
High Tea with a bewitched twist is served at the marvelous Fontainebleau Room at the Westgate Hotel Downtown. From delicate pastries to sandwiches and other delectable bites, exquisite tea and a glass of Champagne are served in a spooky setting. Reservations required – book here>>
Hauntfest on Main – San Diego East County
October 21, 2022
On October 21th, a free festival takes place from 4 PM-9 PM on Main Street in the East County neighborhood. Take the family on an outing filled with pumpkin patches, candy challenge activities, costume contests, and so much more.
Gaslamp Flicks – Halloween Edition
Fridays in October 2022
On the corner of Island and 4th/5th Ave, you can enjoy a free spooky movie night. Bring a chair or a blanket and watch some of these classics. Full bar and free popcorn are available.
October 14: “Addams Family” (6:30 PM), “Hocus Pocus” (8:30 PM)
October 21: “Casper” (6:30 PM), “Ghostbusters” (8:30 PM)
October 28: “The Nightmare before Christmas” (6:30 PM), “Beetlejuice” (8:30 PM)
Trick or Treating on India Street
October 28, 2022 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Pack your little ones and head over to the Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy for some good ol trick or treating. The shops and restaurants have big buckets of sweets and treats waiting for the cutest ghosts, princesses, pirates, and fun disguises.
Family BooBash
October 29, 2022 11 AM – 2 PM
Meet up by the Pride Flag in Hillcrest (on the corner of Washington & University) for a family-friendly spooky block party, including games, trick or treating, a costume contest, and a family-friendly Drag Show.
9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Mutt Run
October 29, 2022 8:30 AM – 1 PM
Sponsored by Road Runner Sports, this 1k/5k for you and your four-legged best friend is a great way to run off the sugary treats preemptively. And all proceeds go to CA Labs & More, who rescued 2000 dogs this year What’s not to love?
Dress up yourself and your pup for a chance to win awesome prizes, and don’t forget to bring your ID if you want to treat yourself to a pint at the Mike Hess Beer Garden afterward. Sign up here>>
Remember: Don’t forget to check out Groupon for some fun Halloween Parties in San Diego and remember to order your Halloween decor now, before it is too late!
Take a look at these other Fall Activities in San Diego:
- 8 Ways to Celebrate Fall in San Diego
- Apple Picking in Julian
- Best Haunted Houses in San Diego
- Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos
Things To Do On Halloween: San Diego Edition was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here. Follow them on social media here.
Things To Do On Halloween: San Diego Edition – Pin For Later
Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Anastasia Rybina
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