A crisp chill settles into the air and a palpable sense of excitement sweeps through Los Angeles as the season of thrills and spooks arrives. It’s that time of the year when ghosts, ghouls, and all things eerie come to life. From quivering encounters with the unknown to bone-chilling tales of apparitions, the City of Angeles holds an array of attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
So, let’s delve into the depths of the county’s most haunted spots – a journey that will challenge your senses and test your courage. It’s time to get your spook on!
#1 Nights of the Jack
26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Nights of the Jack is a popular immersive Halloween event at King Gillette Ranch, thirty miles northwest of Hollywood. Explore the vast grounds of illuminated and hand-carved jack O’lanterns as you make your way through the ¾ mile walking trail around the ranch.
The self-guided trail is not scary but can be a little spooky in a few places and it’s recommended to experience the attractions at your own pace. Apart from the “Instagrammable” moments, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy such as live pumpkin carving, face painting, and scavenger hunt. Moreover, some of LA’s top food trucks are on-site and their Spookeasy bar offers hot ciders, seasonal cocktails, and fall treats for your little ones.
This experience takes place until October 31st on select days and is open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Note that no tickets will be available for purchase at the door, you must purchase all tickets in advance online. Additional information, such as dates, times, and ticket prices, can be found here.
#2 Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
This world-famous haunted hayride once again takes over Griffith Park as it returns to the mid-80s fictitious town of Midnight Falls. This year’s event promises new horror scenes, new wagons, new seating options, and updated effects.
Venture deep into the town and encounter a long-rumored cannibalistic family, the Witch of the Woods who summons the spirits of the underworld, a creepy funeral parlor set up, and the town’s ghoulish residents. Attractions within the event centered around the jack-o’-lantern-filled Town Square. For more thrilling experiences, I recommend you add on the Monte Revolta Show and Midnight Falls Axe Throwing.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride runs on select nights until October 31st. A little warning that this event may be too intense for children 12 and under. Additional information, such as dates, times, and ticket prices, can be found here.
#3 The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Queen Mary, now permanently docked in Long Beach, is a retired, historic ocean liner and one of the most haunted places in the United States. Built in the 1930s, the vessel boasts a rich history, including its service as a troop transport ship during World War II. Countless crew members and passengers have left their mark on the Queen Mary over the years, and some say their spirits still linger.
There are many rumors and stories about the ghosts that haunt the Queen. Some of the most common include the ghost of a woman who dressed in white and died in a fire in one of the staterooms of the ship and the ghost of an engineer who was killed in an accident in the engine room. Several stories of children who drowned in the pool or died during the ship’s time as troop transport during WWII.
Aside from these, there have been many reports of unexplained phenomena and unexplained sounds on the vessel. The haunted reputation of Queen Mary has made it a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re simply seeking an unforgettable fright or you’re a paranormal enthusiast, the creepy ambiance, rooms, and corridors of this ship will send shivers down the bravest of spines.
#4 Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the most anticipated Halloween events in Los Angeles. This annual affair takes the exhilaration of the amusement park and drenches it in fright and eerie. As darkness envelops the park, you’ll witness the haunting transformation into a playground of nightmares where screams of terror merge with shrieks of excitement.
Fright Fest is all about surprises, and there’s no shortage of them. Explore meticulously designed haunted houses with various themes including The Conjuring, Vault 666 Unlocked, and SAW X. The scare zones are equally terrifying, with themed areas such as City Under Siege, CarnivHELL, Exile Hill, and Devil’s Triangle teeming with scare-actors ready to haunt you.
It doesn’t stop at scare zones and haunted houses as there are also interactive games, live DJs, and haunted happy hour. Many rides stay open after dark to provide a whole new level of thrills as you explore the night. A warning for the wary: Fright Fest is recommended for guests 13 and over.
If you dare to join, the event is until October 31 from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and an admission + haunted attraction pass starts at $85. See the fright guide here.
#5 Delusion
2640 Pomona Blvd, Pomona, CA 91768
Since 2011, Delusion allows guests to play their part in the world’s most unique, visceral, and nightmarish experience. It’s a living world of horror where stories blur into reality and you become an integral actor in the unfolding narrative.
This year, Delusion presents Nocturnes & Nightmares where you will be swallowed into several stories and connect with characters as they track down the mysterious figure known as The Author and uncover sinister agendas. For those teetering on the edge of madness, the twisted corners and dark halls of the Phillips Mansions beckon with Specters & Spirits. This spectral soirée is included in your Nocturnes & Nightmares ticket.
For the first time, Delusion offers the opportunity to truly “play your part” in this year’s show. This VIP experience provides an inside view of what makes this attraction the gold standard of horror theater. Additional information, such as dates, times, and ticket prices, can be found here.
#6 Pasadena Suicide Bridge/Colorado Street Bridge
504 W Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91105
Colorado Street Bridge saw a surge of suicides during the Great Depression, with more than 150 deaths reported since 1919. By 1932, the bridge was well-known by a different name: The Pasadena Suicide Bridge. Today, it’s a California haunted bridge that most people stay far, far away from.
Though the bridge’s architecture is stunning, its beauty is overshadowed by its morbid history where visitors often say that they feel an unease in the air like a distinct feeling that they don’t belong there. What makes people jump to their death from this specific bridge is unknown. Over the decades, reports have circulated that many spooky and strange characters were seen on and under the bridge, including a woman who leaps from the guardrail but disappears on the way down and a man who approaches visitors and whispers, “It’s her fault”.
The bridge underwent a major renovation which included the installation of a suicide barrier in 1993 but it merely slowed down the suicides. A visit here, particularly at night, is nearly guaranteed to intrigue and terrify even the bravest soul.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please reach out for help. The Suicide Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Now that we’ve uncovered the most haunted Halloween attractions in Los Angeles, I want to hear from you! Have you experienced any of these ghoulish encounters, or do you have other terrifying tales to share?
Perhaps you have insider tips for fellow thrill-seekers. Leave a comment below and let’s keep the spirit of Halloween alive in Los Angeles!
Leave a Reply