Get in the spirit for Halloween – Southern California is home to countless destinations and events that are festive, spooky, family-friendly, or a mix of all!
Here are some of our top picks:
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
See the zoo in a new way. Once the sun goes down select nights in October, a celebration of color and lights will take over, with the added fun of special entertainment and interactive festivities. Dance to Halloween hits, watch special performances, and more. Details
How to Get There: From the Santa Fe Depot, catch an Uber or Lyft, or take Rapid Bus 215, for a quick ride to Balboa Park.
One of America's Most Haunted Houses
The Whaley House, located next to Old Town State Park, offers daytime and after-hours tours of a legendary property with a chilling history and stories of paranormal activity. Come learn about the family who once lived in this 1850s Greek Revival house. Details
How to Get There: Old Town State Park is across from the Old Town Train Station. Walk through the birthplace of California to the Whaley House, which is on the other side of the plaza off San Diego Ave.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort
Now until October 31, spellbinding thrills and spook-tacular chills are at the Disneyland® Resort for Halloween Time. Meet characters dressed up in Halloween attire, enjoy festive snacks, merchandise, and décor, see a special fireworks show, and more! Details
How to Get There: Request a ride from Anaheim Resort Transit for a quick trip between the Anaheim Station and the Disneyland® Resort. It’s free with a valid Pacific Surfliner ticket. Learn more
Knott's Scary Farm
Through October 31, Knott’s Berry Farm is transformed at night with haunted mazes, spooky shows, roaming monsters, and other scares. This is one of the largest and most popular Halloween attractions in Southern California, recommended for thrill-seekers ages 13 and older. Details
How to Get There: Request a ride from Anaheim Resort Transit from the train station to Knott’s Berry Farm. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes. We suggest staying at the park’s hotel and requesting a bus ride the next day.
Boonion Station
L.A. Union Station is always worth exploring, with sweeping hallways, grand chandeliers, and unique architecture. Bring the family on October 28 for a free, family-friendly Halloween event. There will be trick-or-treating, a costume contest, face painting, dancing, and other activities. Details
How to Get There: Walk through L.A. Union Station to the South Patio.
Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treat
On October 28, Downtown Ventura is hosting an all-ages costume contest with prizes. After, trick-or-treat throughout the downtown area at participating businesses. There will also be a “haunted hotel” to walk through outside of Mission San Buenaventura. Details
How to Get There: The downtown area is a short walk from the train station. The beach is close, too!
Santa Barbara Ghost Tours
Learn about Santa Barbara history and mysterious stories of the past. The paranormal wine tour is a popular choice, pairing up wine tasting at a downtown tasting room with a walking tour through the Presidio and El Paseo districts. Details
How to Get There: Locations vary depending on the tour, but departures are in the downtown area, not far from the Santa Barbara train station.
Downtown Farmers Market and Halloween Festivities
The Thursday Farmers’ Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo is a weekly tradition, but on October 26, there will be extra fun to enjoy. Visit dozens of businesses along a Trick-or-Treat trail, participate in a costume contest, put on a karaoke performance, and more! Details
How to Get There: The downtown area is a short walk from the San Luis Obispo train station.
Stay tuned for more seasonal trip ideas as we approach the holiday season.