SO-CAL SPOOKY PICKS
A starter shortlist of the major 2026 attractions that define Southern California spooky season. This is editorial curation—not a paid ranking and not a claim that one haunt is objectively “best.”
Select nights · Sept. 3–Nov. 1, 2026
Universal City · Theme Park Haunt · Intense
Universal’s flagship after-dark Halloween event returns with eight haunted houses, Terror Tram, scare zones, live entertainment and themed food. For 2026, announced houses include Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and more.
Select nights · Sept. 17–Oct. 31, 2026
Buena Park · Theme Park Haunt · Intense
The legendary Orange County Halloween event takes over Knott’s Berry Farm on select nights with mazes, monsters, scare zones and special entertainment.
Select nights · Sept. 18–Nov. 1, 2026
Valencia · Theme Park Haunt · 13+ recommended
Magic Mountain goes fully after-dark with haunted mazes, roaming creatures, shows and thrill rides. Haunted mazes require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass.
Select nights · Sept. 18–Nov. 1, 2026
Los Angeles · Haunted Hayride · 12+ suggested
A long-running Griffith Park Halloween event built around its signature haunted hayride, plus walk-through attractions and the eerie Midnight Falls town experience.
Select nights · Sept. 18–Nov. 1, 2026
Long Beach · Haunted Festival · Intense
The Queen Mary and surrounding harbor become a sprawling Halloween festival with haunted mazes aboard the historic ship, roaming monsters, entertainment, carnival rides and themed bars.
18 nights · 2026 season begins Sept. 25
Thousand Oaks · Haunted House · 13+ recommended
A massive indoor walk-through haunt at Janss Marketplace with 145 rooms across 12 connected attractions. The 2026 season adds Backwoods and The Hotel plus a reimagined Funhouse.