Spooky season is here and locals in need of a thrill can find one at a range of scary experiences happening mostly outdoors throughout San Diego County.
Open throughout the month of October, these terrifying opportunities include themes such as Deathwater Bayou, Chainsaw Cathedral and Poacher Camp. Here’s a look at some of the haunted houses, trails, and even a boat ride, this season.
Howl-O-Scream: For the sixth time, SeaWorld is presenting its Howl-O-Scream event during the Halloween season. The theme park has added a few new features this year, including a haunted house inspired by the movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” Other haunted experiences to expect are Circus of the Damned, Deathwater Bayou: Awakening and Simon’s Slaughterhouse. 7 p.m. Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11, Oct. 15-18, Oct. 22-25, Oct. 29-31. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. $45.99 to $112.99. seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/tickets
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego presents a range of attractions, including a live performances of “Monster Stomp.” (SeaWorld San Diego)
Haunted Amusement Park: This one-mile haunted trail can be found on the grounds of a former amusement park. Visitors will work through a series of interactive experiences such as a black light maze and a spinning tunnel. The featured spooky scenes include a spider cave, a zombie land and a witch’s cottage. 7 p.m. Sept. 25-27. Oct. 2-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 28-31. Nov. 1. 14011 Ridge Hill Road, El Cajon. $25-$35. scaretrail.com
Haunted Trail: One of San Diego’s largest spooky season experiences takes place in Balboa Park presenting the eXperiment Maze, the Haunted Trail and the Dark Carnival. Visitors will brave a range of scary areas, including a Mutant Maze, Chainsaw Cathedral and the Ghoul Bus. Times vary. Sept. 25-27, Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, Oct. 7-11, Oct. 13-18, Oct. 20-Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $28.98-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net
The Haunted Forest: Banner Ranch invites brave souls to participate in its half-mile Halloween walk. The ranch advertises the experience in its old orchard area as “decorated with graveyards, ghosts and ghouls galore.” Visitors can also purchase snacks, beer, cider and other drinks to consume on the trail. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. 36342 California 78, Julian. $14.36-$16.48. eventbrite.com/e/the-haunted-forest-tickets-186401791777
Haunted Corn Maze: The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and The Carlsbad Strawberry Company are teaming up once again for a haunted corn maze. With separate admission, visitors can also walk through the strawberry company’s pumpkin patch and find other fall activities. 7 to 10 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 2 to Oct. 31. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $45. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze
Fright for Future: Described as a place of “true terrors,” this haunted maze presents topics impacting people, animals and planet Earth. Visitors will face attractions such as Killer Dinner, Mad Scientist, Poacher Camp and The Dead Sea. This haunted maze is intended for San Diegans ages 10 years and older. Online reservation required. 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16-18, 23-25. 37ECB, 3720 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Free. frightforfuture.org
A Haunting in Venice Cruises: Inspired by the movie “A Haunting in Venice,” The Gondola Company is bringing a spooky experience to the Coronado Cays for Halloween weekend. This special gondola ride will feature a phantom gondolier and soft organ music. Guests can add on to their ride with a black rose bouquet (must order by Oct. 21) and food and drinks. Rides are available for between two and six passengers. 4 p.m. Oct. 28-31. 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Suite C, Coronado. Starting at $139. gondolacompany.com/a-haunting-in-venice-cruise