Spooky Fun in LA

Los Angeles is known for its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture, but beneath its glamorous surface lies a world of eerie attractions and spine-chilling adventures. From haunted historical landmarks to ghostly tours that take you through the city’s darkest corners, LA offers plenty of spooky fun for those who dare to explore. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a fright or just someone who enjoys a good scare, this guide will take you on a journey through the scariest things around town that are sure to get your heart racing.

Halloween Horror Nights

Face off against well-known villains at Universal Studios’ yearly Halloween event, where blockbuster frights collide with legendary horror movie icons. You’ll wander through several scare zones and mazes, featuring themes from The Last of Us, Stranger Things, Evil Dead Rise, The Purge, The Exorcist: Believer, Chucky, and more. To avoid long lines, visit early in the season, or, if it’s within your budget, opt for an express pass

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

This isn’t your typical family-friendly pumpkin patch ride. The Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park unleashes a horde of demons and ghouls that’ll have you gripping your seat. This year, the terrifying experience once again transports you back to the mid-’80s in the eerie, fictional town of Midnight Falls. The event promises to up the ante with new wagons, revamped scenes, and enhanced effects. At the heart of the chaos is the jack-o’-lantern-lit Midnight Falls Town Square, where you’ll find a creaky old funeral parlor in the Midnight Mortuary Haunted House. For those seeking extra thrills, there’s axe throwing, water balloon paintball, and the spine-chilling Hellbilly Halloween maze.

Urban Death

At Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group, prepare yourself for a spine-tingling journey through a series of haunting vignettes that push the boundaries of fear. Equipped with nothing but a dim, unreliable flashlight, you’ll find yourself plunged into a maze of darkness where every corner holds a new terror. As you make your way through this twisted labyrinth, the suspense builds, leading you to a succession of shocking scenes that unfold over the course of 35 intense minutes. Even the most seasoned horror enthusiasts will find their nerves tested as they face the relentless, bone-chilling surprises that lie ahead.

Knott’s Scary Farm

 Get ready to confront free-roaming monsters and navigate through spine-chilling mazes at the OC theme park, where horror takes on many forms. Imagine venturing into a twisted carnival where clowns aren’t as friendly as they seem or exploring an eerie space station overrun by sinister aliens. Beyond the terrifying mazes, you’ll find a host of haunted houses and attractions that will test your courage at every turn. And when you need a break from the scares, indulge in a “boo-fet” dinner that’s packed with frightful delights, ensuring your evening is filled with both thrills and chills.

Delusion – The Red Castle

In previous years, this event has immersed attendees in thrilling experiences, from sneaking through a Victorian home to pursuing a Blade Runner-inspired bounty hunt. Now, this blend of interactive theater and story-driven haunted house returns to a nearly 150-year-old mansion in Pomona, featuring an anthology of chilling tales tied to the enigmatic Author—the mastermind behind all past Delusion events. Though the Author has vanished, his eerie creations live on. As you explore, you can wander freely between the mansion’s rooms, and for an even deeper experience, a VIP ticket offers a glimpse behind the scenes.

by Lilian C. Alger