California’s love for Halloween dates back to the early 20th century when communities began to embrace the holiday with parades, festivals, and spooky-themed events.
Today, it’s an absolute Halloween paradise inviting visitors worldwide. Let’s talk numbers: every year, millions (yep, millions) of tourists flood into California to get their Halloween fix.
From the haunted streets of San Francisco to the spine-chilling mazes of Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of haunted houses, ghost tours, and freakishly fantastic festivals.
And let’s not forget Disneyland’s “Haunted Mansion” that gets a Halloween makeover and is a must-see spot In California in 2024 for any spooky season fanatic.
For locals, Halloween is a *big deal*. It’s a time when neighborhoods transform into wonderlands, with every house trying to outdo the next in the scare factor. It’s more than just fun; it’s a tradition that binds communities together.
When it comes to Halloween accessories, California doesn’t mess around. Expect to see elaborate costumes, intricate masks, and decorations that make your average haunted house look like child’s play.
Oh, and the food? Think pumpkin-flavored everything—from lattes to pies, and of course, candy by the truckload.
Halloween In California in 2024 isn’t just a night; it’s a month-long celebration of all things spooky, peeking from mid-October and haunting its way into early November.
1) Visit Los Angeles for Spooktacular Fun with Hollywood Glamour
Los Angeles is a top destination that you should visit once in a lifetime because it transforms into a playground of ghoulish fun every October.
You can begin your spooky journey at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, where elaborate mazes and live scare zones turn the park into a fright fest.
If you’re up for something a bit less terrifying but equally exciting, check out the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride in Griffith Park, a creepy wagon ride through a haunted forest.
For a family-friendly destination to visit In California in 2024 for Halloween, Knott’s Scary Farm offers a mix of haunted mazes and entertainment, perfect for those who want to enjoy a little fright without too much fright.
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts a chillingly entertaining movie screening of classic horror films under the stars—perfect for a spooky movie night.
Mark your calendar for the Ghost Tour of Old Los Angeles. This walking tour dives deep into LA’s haunted past with spine-tingling tales and ghostly sightings.
With so many thrilling options, LA guarantees a Halloween packed with screams and fun and if you stay for more you can also enjoy New Year’s Eve with a touch of LA’s snow!
2) Dive in the festivities of San Francisco with Hauntingly Historic and Thrilling Events
San Francisco’s Halloween scene is a blend of spook and entertainment. Kick things off with the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour—a spooky stroll through haunted neighborhoods filled with ghost stories and paranormal tales.
For must see places In California in 2024 for Halloween, the California Academy of Sciences offers its annual “NightLife” event with themed exhibits and creepy crawly encounters.
If you’re looking for something more theatrical, check out the Alcatraz Haunted Prison Tour, where you can explore the infamous island jail with a chilling twist.
Ghirardelli Square also gets into the Halloween spirit with fun events and festive decorations, making it a great spot for treats and tricks.
For a dose of classic Halloween fun, don’t miss the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland—just a short drive away, it transforms into the “Nightmare Before Christmas” version, blending spooky and whimsical.
After enjoying these spine-chilling activities, don’t forget to go on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle that’s both thrilling and delightful!
3) Anaheim famous for Family-Friendly Frights at Disneyland
Anaheim is a Halloween hotspot brimming with spooky fun. Start your adventure with Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort.
The park transforms into a spooktacular wonderland with eerie decorations, themed rides like the “Haunted Mansion Holiday,” and Halloween-themed parades and treats.
For a more local vibe, check out Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s renowned for its haunted mazes, creepy scare zones, and thrilling shows.
For top tourist attractions In California in 2024 for Halloween, attend Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. It offers trick-or-treating, costume contests, and a fun, festive atmosphere.
If you’re up for a different kind of scare, the Orange County Haunted House presents a cold and chilling experience with impressive set designs and a variety of scares.
Don’t miss the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade—it’s a delightful blend of spooky and festive with local vendors, live music, and a parade featuring spooky floats.
Anaheim’s Halloween offerings promise a frightfully fun experience for everyone!
4) Enjoy West Hollywood, The Iconic Halloween Carnival Extravaganza
West Hollywood is the place to be for Halloween thrills and chills. Start your spooky spree at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval—one of the largest and most vibrant street parties in the country, featuring elaborate costumes, live music, and an electric atmosphere.
For a spine-tingling experience, visit The Haunted Mansion at The Hollywood Museum, where classic horror film memorabilia adds an eerie touch to your visit.
If you’re in the mood for a more interactive scare, check out Escape Room LA for Halloween-themed escape rooms filled with puzzles and frights.
For those who love a good ghost story, the Hollywood Ghost Tour can be your place of interest In California in 2024 for Halloween. It offers a chilling look at haunted locations around West Hollywood, complete with spine-chilling tales of the supernatural.
Last but not least The Magic Castle hosts Halloween-themed magic shows and eerie performances that add a touch of mystery to your night.
For visitors, West Hollywood’s Halloween scene promises a mix of spectacular, spooky, and sensational fun!
5) Visit San Diego Beachside for Boo-tiful Festivities
San Diego is a top snowy destination that also comes alive with October’s Halloween excitement! Begin your journey with SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, where the park transforms with family-friendly activities, costume parades, and pumpkin-themed fun.
For a spookier experience or sightseeing location In California in 2024 for Halloween, head to The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park which features a mile-long trail through darkened woods with terrifying scenes and encounters.
If you’re looking for a haunted house, The Haunted Hotel downtown delivers thrills with its intense, immersive scares and spine-chilling effects.
For a more relaxed but still festive atmosphere, you can visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for its annual Halloween event featuring ghost tours and historical reenactments.
Lastly, the Ghoulish Gala at the San Diego Museum of Art combines Halloween with high art, offering themed exhibitions and a costume party in a unique setting.
Halloween in San Diego’s can be extremely exciting because it blends fun, fright, and festive flair for a memorable experience!
6) Plan Ghostly Gatherings and Spooky Scenery at Long Beach
Long Beach’s list of fun things is vast but it also offers a delightful mix of Halloween thrills. Your first stop can be The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, where the historic ship transforms into a haunted attraction with creepy mazes, scare zones, and ghostly encounters on the high seas.
For a more popular landmark In California in 2024 for Halloween, check out The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Spooky Seas event which features festive decorations, trick-or-treating, and special Halloween-themed exhibits.
For a local, relaxed experience, visit the Long Beach Pumpkin Patch at the Long Beach Exchange, where you can pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and participate in fun fall activities.
The Long Beach Haunted House also offers a chilling journey through its spooky rooms and eerie scenes.
Oh you must take a stroll with the most fantastic The Long Beach Zombie Walk. It is a unique and entertaining event where participants dress up as zombies and parade through the city that creates a fun, community-driven Halloween experience.
7) Indulge in Coastal Halloween Fun with a Twist at Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s Halloween scene is packed with spooky and festive fun. Let your first stop be Santa Monica Pier’s Halloween Carnival, where you’ll find games, rides, and costume contests right by the ocean.
It’s perfect for a family-friendly day of Halloween fun with stunning seaside views.
For a touch of the supernatural highlight in California for Halloween in 2024, check out the Ghost Tour of Santa Monica, which explores the city’s haunted history and eerie tales from the past.
If you prefer something more interactive, the Escape Room LA offers Halloween-themed rooms filled with puzzles and frightful surprises.
Don’t miss Spooky Beach Yoga at Santa Monica Beach—a unique way to celebrate Halloween with a mix of relaxation and eerie ambiance.
The Santa Monica Public Library hosts Halloween-themed storytimes and craft sessions for kids, making it a great spot for younger Halloween enthusiasts.
Santa Monica’s Halloween offerings blend scenic beauty with spooky thrills for a memorable holiday experience!
8) See Historic Hauntings and Pumpkin Patches of Sacramento
Sacramento’s Halloween scene has a mix of frightful and fun experiences to have in California for Halloween.
Begin with The Haunted Fort at Old Sacramento Historic District, where you can explore spooky themed rooms and participate in ghost tours that delve into the area’s haunted history.
For family-friendly thrills, Sacramento Zoo’s ZooBoo offers a safe, fun environment with trick-or-treating, costume contests, and themed animal encounters.
If you’re looking for a bit of fright with a dash of theatrical flair, check out Sacramento’s Theater of Terror for immersive, horror-themed performances.
The Cornfield Maze at the Sacramento Farm provides a spooky outdoor adventure with a challenging maze and Halloween-themed activities.
For a unique experience, visit The California State Capitol Museum, which sometimes features Halloween-themed events and ghost tours.
9) Enjoy Santa Cruz’s Seaside Scares and Family-Friendly Fun
Santa Cruz offers a bewitching blend of Halloween excitement. Experience Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Spooky Town, where the boardwalk transforms with Halloween-themed attractions, including haunted houses, carnival rides, and festive games.
For family-friendly activities to enjoy in California for Halloween in 2024, check out Pumpkin Village at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, which features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a corn maze perfect for younger Halloween enthusiasts.
If you’re up for some supernatural thrills, explore the Santa Cruz Ghost Tour, which goes deep into the city’s haunted history with spine-tingling stories and eerie sights.
For a unique twist, visit the Santa Cruz Surf Museum, which sometimes hosts Halloween events blending surf culture with spooky fun.
Finally, don’t miss the Scary Scarecrow Trail at local parks, where creative scarecrows add a whimsical touch to the Halloween season.
Santa Cruz’s Halloween scene is unique because it combines coastal charm with thrilling activities for a memorable celebration.
10) Participate in Classic Halloween Parades and Pumpkin Festivities at Pasadena
Pasadena offers a spooky variety of Halloween activities! Start your night with the Pasadena Haunted House, known for its elaborate, spine-chilling setups and immersive scares.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more light-hearted, check out the Old Pasadena Halloween Festival, where local businesses and streets come alive with trick-or-treating, costume contests, festive decorations and many more things to explore in California during Halloween in 2024.
For a more family-friendly adventure, visit the Kidspace Museum’s Halloween Event, featuring pumpkin crafts, costume parades, and interactive activities.
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium sometimes hosts Halloween-themed performances and events, adding a touch of theatricality to your spooky experience.
Time to visit the hotspot of California for Halloween! San Gabriel Valley Halloween Parade! It is a local tradition with colorful floats, lively music, and festive fun that captures the spirit of the season.
Pasadena’s Halloween is a mix of thrills, family-friendly fun, and community spirit for a memorable holiday celebration!
11) Enjoy Family-Friendly Halloween Fun and Spooky Street Events of Burbank
Burbank transforms into a Halloween haven with exciting activities. Start with Spooky Swap Meet, a unique event where you’ll find vintage Halloween décor, costumes, and crafts—perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your celebrations.
For a frightful experience, visit The Burbank Haunted House—a local favorite known for its elaborate scares and immersive themes.
If you’re in the mood for a family-friendly event, head to Burbank’s Pumpkin Festival at the Burbank Town Center, featuring pumpkin patches, games, and seasonal crafts.
The Burbank Trolley Tour offers a Halloween twist with ghost stories and historical tales from the city’s past, adding a touch of eerie charm to your sightseeing.
You can also visit Burbank Public Library for Halloween-themed storytimes and activities for kids.
Halloween in Burbank lineup provides a delightful mix of spooky thrills and festive fun for visitors to make their holidays more enjoyable!
Best Hotels To Stay In California On Halloween 2024
- The Queen Mary Hotel
- The Roosevelt Hotel
- The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa
- Hotel Del Coronado
- The Hollywood Roosevelt
- The Stanley House Hotel
Conclusion
In a nutshell, California’s got Halloween on lock this 2024! With a rich history, epic haunted attractions, and locals who live for the scare, it’s the ultimate spooky season destination.
Millions of tourists flock here to soak up the ghostly vibes, rock killer costumes, and indulge in pumpkin-flavored everything.
Halloween in Cali isn’t just a day—it’s a whole vibe that stretches across weeks, making it a must-experience for any Halloween enthusiast.