Things To Do On Halloween: San Diego Edition (2023)

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.

Book your tickets here>>

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>>

Book Your Tickets 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.

Get Your Tickets Here

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.

Book your tickets here>>

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 feel. 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.

Buy your tickets here

Attend A San Diego Halloween Event

All throughout October, this southern Californian town is exploding with Halloween events for all kinds of people with every kind of budget. The Fall events are filled with laughter, food, and some scary Halloween activities that are hard to pass on.

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,SanDiego

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

San Diego Zoo Halloween Events

Every Friday, Saturyday & 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.

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)

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.

Terrifyingly Fun Nightclubs with Special Halloween Parties in San Diego

For my energetic people out there, those who love the lively nightclubs, during Halloween San Diego has an explosively lively nightclub scene. This is the scene for people who like the costume and more commercialized version of Halloween. There’s plenty of fun in these Halloween activities.

WCKD Village

October 26, 2021

On October 26th 2021, see East Village and the Gaslamp District transform into a demented and twisted block party, possibly the largest one in San Diego. Party to the live music of big named professionals and have a chance at a cash prize for the costume contest.

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.

Get Your Wicked Tickets Here

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.

Secure Your Tickets Here

Villains in the Village – October 23, 2021

If you are looking for a fun Halloween event in Chula Vista, this is a great one for the whole family. Spooky characters will make your skin crawl as you walk along 3rd Ave between 4-9 PM. Come hungry and try some creepilicious foods and drinks.

Packed with history, fun, and some unbeatable weather that San Diego is known for, visitors can find some extra few gems in the fall season. In San Diego, Halloween is not only a chance to all out on eccentricities and munch on classic candy favorites, but it is also a time to reflect on the town’s dark history and get in touch with your magical side.

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.

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Last Updated on August 25, 2022 by sandiegoexplorer