Are you one of those people who like being scared for fun? Fear triggers our brains to release adrenaline when we’re in danger. Adrenaline gives us a rush. If you enjoy experiences that scare the bejeebies out of you, San Diego offers bone-chilling adventures. If you like to celebrate Halloween with something a little less scary, there’s plenty of those events, as well.
Haunted Trail in Balboa Park
One of the most popular scary adventures in San Diego is the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park. The trail is open Wednesdays through Sundays until Oct. 20, then Tuesday through Sunday until Nov. 2. It’s a twisting, turning, spine-tingling stroll. Just walking through the gnarled oaks and twisted pines to get to the entrance is eerie enough. Then, scurry through the terror-filled maze before entering the trail, which is a 3,500-square-foot demented wonderland. The mile-long trail winds through Camp Crystal Lake, follows a red balloon (watch out for Pennywise) and, last year, took visitors into the Upside Down.
Balboa Park Halloween Family Day
For those not quite as enthralled by the macabre, Balboa Park also hosts a free Halloween Family Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. The carnival features dozens of craft projects for kids, Day of the Dead-themed displays and activities, costume contests and parades, carnival games with prizes, live entertainment, and food trucks. Participating museums offer free admission to children 12 and under with paying adult.
Zombie Crawl Meets Day of the Dead
Named one of the “Top 3 Halloween Celebrations” by SD Union Tribune, Thrillist and UBER, San Diego Zombie Crawl is a thrilling, visitor-friendly way to experience the Gaslamp Quarter. The event is held Oct. 25-26; on Oct. 31 when Hell’s Gates open for Halloween night; and Nov. 1-2 for Day of the Dead. More than two dozen Gaslamp Quarter venues participate, all are within walking distance. The opening party is held at American Junkie, while other sites offer drink specials, welcome shots, escape route maps and more. This is an over-21 event.
Dia de Los Muertos in Old Town
After the Halloween scarefest, celebrate Latin American history and culture with Old Town San Diego’s Dia de Los Muertos on Nov. 1-3. The Day of the Dead celebration is free and includes the traditional candlelight procession at 6 p.m. on Nov. 2. Restaurants, businesses, museums and shops create more than 50 Dia de Los Muertos altars to honor historic Old Town figures and tell current stories. The celebration includes street food vendors, live music, traditional face painting, mask making and more.
Book a stay in a luxury San Diego vacation rental that puts you near all the Halloween activities. Then relax and enjoy sweet dreams – if you can.
