As people grab their costumes and decorate their homes, San Diego County is starting to get a little more spookier.

SAN DIEGO — The scariest day of the year is approaching and falls on a Friday. As people grab their costumes and decorate their homes, San Diego County is starting to get a little more spookier. 

From the San Diego Zombie Crawl at the Gaslamp Quarter to The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park, there are countless activities and events that people can attend to get into the Halloween spirit, as it remains nearly a week away. Here are some options for your consideration. 


Central San Diego

The Gaslamp Quarter is transforming into the ultimate Halloween destination this year with a plethora of activities and events for visitors seeking thrills to choose from:

San Diego Zombie Crawl 2025 | Halloween + Dia De Los Muertos: From Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 30, Southern California’s #1 Halloween and Dia del Los Muertos celebration will be underway from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The five day event features access to over 25 bars, restaurants and nightclubs, exclusive dining deals, DJs and dancing and more. Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour- On Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m., the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar, located at the Margaritaville Hotel, is hosting a free event where people can bring their furry friends in their best costumes. The evening will be filled with a dog costume contest, playful pup parade, Halloween-themed treats, music and seasonal refreshments. Gaslamplighter: Thriller Halloween Party- On Oct. 31- Halloween night- from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Gaslamplighter, a cocktail and karaoke bar,  will throw a Thriller Halloween Party, where guests can enjoy a haunting atmosphere with flickering lights and bass drops, costumes and live DJs.Barleymash Raveyard Halloween Haunt- From 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., on Halloween night, Gaslamp Quarter’s barleymash will transform into the Raveyard Halloween Haunt with EDM beats, spooky cocktails and ghoulish fun. Movies at the Museum: Guests can watch classic horror films inside Davis-Horton House, considered San Diego’s oldest standing structure. Each screening includes an after-hours, candlelit, self-guided haunted stories tour of the Davis-Horton House.

Click here for the full list of activities happening across the Gaslamp Quarter.

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park: Considered a Halloween staple and named as CNN’s top five best haunted attractions in America, the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park returns once again this year. The 3,000 square foot eXperiment Maze and the mile-long Haunted Trail winding through historic Marson Point, will be sure to make your skin crawl. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.


East County

Boardwalk BOO-nanza: On Oct. 25 from 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the Boardwalk, located at 1280 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon, a family-friendly Halloween event will be held with fun activities and treats. There are two packages to choose from, which includes unlimited tides, game cards and more. Click here to purchase tickets.2025 Spooktacular: The 3rd annual Spooktacular & Trunk-or-Treat returns to Santee Lakes on Oct. 25. The event is expected to have a Mary’s Donut walk and local businesses will be decorating their trunks/booths and handing out tons of candy. The event is free but parking will be $10. 7th Annual Halloween in La Mesa Village: The La Mesa Village Association is inviting the community to their 7th Annual Halloween in La Mesa Village Trick-or-Treating event on Halloween, from 4-6 p.m. The family-friendly event will get into the Halloween spirit by handing out treats to the community. Visitors can dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat at participating businesses along La Mesa Blvd. between Grant Ave. – Acacia Ave. and adjacent streets (both sides of Spring St.). Fort Cross Haunted Harvest in Julian: The Curse of Clementine returns to Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures for 2025 on Oct. 25. The evening begins with music and folk dancing before creepy ghost stories to set the mood. A reservation is required prior to attendance. Click here for more information. 


South Bay

Howl-oween Open House and Adoption Event: On Oct. 25, the Chula Vista Animal Services is hosting its Howl-oween Open House and Adoption Event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Families are encouraged to show up in costume and enjoy the day with spooky festivities, treats and a chance to meet adoptable pets. Monster Mash Brunch: On Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Chula Vista Golf Course is inviting the public for movies, food, crafts and a costume parade. RSVP is required to attend this paid event. Click here for more information.BOOktacular at the National City Public Library: From 6-8 p.m. on Halloween, the City of National City is inviting the public to gather at the National City Public Library for a spooky night ith a haunted library maze, enjoy creepy crafts, music, games and more.


North County

Carlsbad Strawberry Company Haunted Corn Maze: Until Nov. 1, from 7-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can head to the Carlsbad Strawberry Company for a haunted corn maze. 

Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat 2025: On Halloween night, from 5-8 p.m., downtown Encinitas businesses will stay open late to celebrate Halloween. People can trick-or-treat at their favorite local shops and enjoy live music. New this year, Pacific View Arts Center will be hosting free fun and arts activities for families. Click here for more information.