Haunted Hallows and Spooky Speakeasies
As one of the most historic cities in the country, San Diego is also one of the most haunted. From creepy annual attractions designed to scare you silly, to places where unexplained paranormal phenomena are said to take place, there’s no end of spooky chills to be discovered. And if you’d rather your drinks run cold instead of your blood, the city’s growing speakeasy scene also delivers some creepy fun. Here are some of spooky San Diego spots to check out this October.
Haunted Hallows:
SeaWorld Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream (1 mile)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
SeaWorld is hosting not just one, but two seasonal spookfests this Halloween. The “treats by day” Halloween Spooktacular is a family-friendly event where kids can come to trick-or-treat, show off their costumes, and visit their favorite animal friends. The other side of the coin is the “frights by night” Howl-O-Scream celebration, where the SeaWorld you know and love will be transformed into a seriously sinister experience, complete with creepy creatures and haunted horrors. Visit if you dare!
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
The Whaley House Museum (4 miles)
(Photo: @whaleyhouse)
The Whaley House, often dubbed the “most haunted house in America,” is an iconic San Diego landmark that has intrigued ghost hunters for decades. Located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, this 19th-century mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of the Whaley family and other restless souls. Take a guided tour to explore the house’s dark history, eerie occurrences, and tales of ghostly encounters. The Whaley House Museum offers an atmospheric journey into San Diego’s haunted past.
2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Ghosts & Gravestones Tours (4.1 miles)
(Photo: @ghostsandgravestones)
If you’re looking for a singularly spine-tingling experience, consider this exceptionally eerie experience. The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour offers an interactive evening tour that takes you to some of San Diego’s most haunted locations, including the El Campo Santo Cemetery and the aforementioned Whaley House. A costumed guide will regale you with chilling stories of murder, mystery, and ghostly apparitions. With dimly lit streets and historic settings, it’s an atmospheric journey into the supernatural side of San Diego.
4008 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92110
Haunted Trail and eXperiment Maze at Balboa Park (7.2 miles)
(Photo: @hauntedtrailbp)
Named one of the 10 best haunted attractions in the country by CNN, Balboa Park’s Halloween Haunts offerings are not to be missed. The tranquil grounds of the beloved park will change from peaceful to petrifying thanks to a pair of blood-chilling attractions. The Haunted Trail offers thrillseekers a mile-long twisted trail through the misty old-growth trees, each step packed with the potential for panic. And the eXperiment Maze offers a 3,500-square-foot labyrinth of fear with scares around every corner.
Balboa Dr & Juniper Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Scream Zone in Del Mar (19.3 miles)
(Photo: @thescreamzone)
For those seeking spine-tingling thrills and chills, the Scream Zone (held annually at the Del Mar SGARE-Grounds) is the place to be every October. As the sun sets, this eerie attraction transforms into a haunted maze, complete with terrifying creatures and immersive scare zones. Test your bravery and navigate through the darkness, but beware – the Scream Zone is not for the faint of heart…so be sure to bring your sense of spooky adventure.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Spooky Speakeasies
Oculto 477 (4 miles)
(Photo: @oculto477)
If Old Town’s Campo Santo Cemetery is on your spooky season itinerary (and it should be), don’t miss stepping into the historic world of the prohibition-era “roaring twenties” at the adjacent Oculto 477 speakeasy. Named in honor of the 477 “residents” at the graveyard next door, this clandestine bar adds a touch of mystery to your October adventure. The dimly lit atmospheric setting sets the stage for whispered secrets, hidden passages, and craft cocktails. You may even have to confess a sin to the man of the cloth at the door as your “password” to gain entry.
Oculto 477, 2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Prohibition Lounge (7 miles)
(Photo: @prohibitionsd)
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, the appropriately named Prohibition Lounge is styled as a vintage law office owned by a man by the name of Eddie O’Hare. There’s a distinctly film noir feel about the joint, so fans of Dashiell Hammett and Humphrey Bogart will feel right at home. Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a secret underground location with an old-time ambiance and masterfully crafted cocktails. Eddie O’Hare’s law office on Fifth Avenue has a clandestine entrance. The space also offers their very own ghost tour — so don’t miss your chance to enjoy an even spookier secret sip.
548 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Noble Experiment (8.5 miles)
(Photo: @nobleexperiment)
On the hunt for an intimate and exclusive bar? Then head to Noble Experiment — one of the city’s longest-running covert cocktail clubs — where unique libations are served among a photo-op worthy wall of skulls. The atmosphere couldn’t be more perfect for the season. But beware: you’ll want to make a reservation WELL in advance. That’s the only way to get a seat in the immaculately appointed space, located inside Neighborhood eatery in East Village.
777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
Young Blood (8.5 miles)
(Photo: @youngbloodcocktails)
For even more clandestine chills, check out a speakeasy inside another speakeasy! Secreted within the aforementioned Noble Experiment, Young Blood is a small (and intimately unsettling) space; a cozy one-room bar with a scant 30 seats. When you go, be sure to admire the stunning décor with attention paid to the smallest of details. Secret Tip: drop some hints on the mixologist — they’ll direct you to a hidden refrigerator door just beyond the tiled vestibule.
777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
MOTHERSHIP (10 miles)
(Photo: @visitsandiego)
Do your Halloween dreams skew more alien than zombie? MOTHERSHIP is a sci-fi-inspired speakeasy that explores bold, tropical, out-of-this-world flavors in an ambiance that’s eerily atmospheric. Once you discover it, you’ll step into an outer space paradise; one with a creative design and undeniable vibe that’s made it one of the most-talked-about spots among locals since opening in 2022. Need to find your way inside? Open the door at the corner of Juniper and 30th Street. Then, just make like an astronaut and explore. You’ll find your way.
2310 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Celebrate Spooky Season at The Dana
Ready to plan your October adventure in San Diego? The Dana on Mission Bay is the way to stay! Check out our exclusive offers, autumn activities and Halloween Happenings, and reserve your ghoulish getaway today!