In Los Angeles, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-on celebration that transforms the city into a playground for all things spooky, quirky, and unforgettable. Whether you crave haunted histories, over-the-top festivals, exclusive tours, or just want to spot your favorite movie monsters in the wild, LA dishes out ghoulish fun for all ages. We’re rounding up the absolute best ways to get your scare on this October—so grab that costume, rally your crew, and get ready for a Halloween you’ll never forget.
Our picks for the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Los Angeles:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Haunt Ghost Tour
- Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
- Hollywood Museum’s Dungeon of Doom
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood After Dark
- Griffith Observatory Haunted Night Tour
- Halloween at Santa Monica Pier
- TCL Chinese Theatre Tour: Silver Screen Screams
- Spooky Eats at Beetle House LA
- Pumpkin Picking in Underwood Family Farms
Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights
Every fall, Universal Studios Hollywood pulls out all the stops for its legendary Halloween Horror Nights. Forget about typical theme park thrills—here, the world’s best horror directors team up to turn favorite movie franchises into terrifyingly realistic haunted houses and scare zones. As you roam the park after dark, you’ll dodge creatively costumed monsters lurking around every bend, with spine-tingling special effects and jump scares that keep adrenaline levels high.
But it’s not just about the scares—Halloween Horror Nights is an immersive experience with street performances, themed food, and exclusive shows. The energy crackles, the crowds are buzzing, and the attention to detail makes every corner worth exploring. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a big-budget horror blockbuster. It’s one of our favorite LA Halloween traditions, guaranteed to leave you shrieking—and already planning your return for next year.
The Haunt Ghost Tour: Real Haunted LA
Los Angeles may be sunshine central, but come October, shadowy stories take center stage. The Haunt Ghost Tour is your backstage pass to LA’s haunted history—a guided walk through the city’s eeriest alleys, infamous haunted homes, and legendary crime scenes. These expert guides share juicy tales about Hollywood’s most troubled spirits, tragic starlets, and unexplained mysteries lurking right under your feet.
What we love is the mix of history and chills. As you venture through old neighborhoods, you’ll catch glimpses of a grimmer, rarely seen side of LA, complete with dramatic storytelling and just the right dose of theatrical suspense. Plus, it’s all done with a wink, making even the spookiest stories fun for brave families, friends, or solo adventurers.
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
If you think Knott’s Berry Farm is all pie and roller coasters, you’re in for a shock—literally! Every October, the park morphs into Knott’s Scary Farm, one of the largest and most popular Halloween events in Southern California. Themed mazes, live shows, and scare zones transform familiar rides into new, pulse-pounding adventures, all shrouded in fog and haunted by costumed actors ready to pounce.
The event leans into theatrical scares, clever set design, and a good-natured party vibe—no two mazes are alike, and costumed ghouls keep the adrenaline high between attractions. Don’t miss the seasonal treats and wickedly fun souvenirs, and if you’re a horror diehard, stay until late for reduced crowds and the spookiest ambiance. For both teens and adults, this is Halloween adrenaline at its best.
Hollywood Museum’s Dungeon of Doom
Located in the heart of Tinseltown, the Hollywood Museum houses some of the film industry’s creepiest memorabilia—and during Halloween, its Dungeon of Doom exhibit goes all out. Creep through the basement as you marvel at authentic props from classic horror films, original costumes, and even some spine-chilling wax figures set against eerie soundtracks and lighting.
The experience straddles that fun line between movie magic and real goosebumps. It’s fascinating for Hollywood buffs and monster movie fans, providing a rare, atmospheric look at how films—from Dracula to Michael Myers—have spooked audiences for decades. You’ll snap plenty of photos, and probably look over your shoulder once or twice before heading back upstairs to the glitz and glam.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood After Dark
During spooky season, Madame Tussauds Hollywood gets a touch of nightmare glamour. The wax museum goes beyond celebrity selfies, filling its halls with specially themed Halloween exhibits. Imagine photo ops with Hollywood’s most frightening villains—Freddy, Jason, and even classic Universal Monsters—complete with special effects and haunting sounds for that added creep factor.
It’s a blast for all ages, and the immersive sets encourage you to play along. Snap a shot with your favorite creature, join a mini ghost hunt, or simply soak in the party energy—staff typically go all-in with costumes too. When you step outside afterward, you'll still feel like you’re walking the red carpet… if the red carpet was rolled out for vampires and zombies!
Griffith Observatory Haunted Night Tour
Looking for an atmospheric way to appreciate LA's Halloween vibes and city views? The Griffith Observatory’s Haunted Night Tour delivers all that and a dash of cosmic mystery. By moonlight, expert guides lace their astronomy chats with tales of haunted hills, bizarre happenings, and eerie sightings among the stars above Los Angeles.
Listen for local legends about the Griffith Park specters and get a chance to scan the night sky through classic telescopes—sometimes, they even set up themed displays or costumed actors for extra fun. The observatory itself, with its domed grandeur and sweeping vistas, feels made for a bit of spooky storytelling as the city sparkles below.
Halloween at Santa Monica Pier
Halloween at Santa Monica Pier
If you prefer festivities with a salty breeze and a carnival atmosphere, Santa Monica Pier’s Halloween celebration should be on your itinerary. The usually laid-back pier transforms with themed décor, costumed performers, and all-ages treats like pumpkin carving stations and trick-or-treat stands. Local musicians and street artists amp up the energy, and you’ll be treated to glowing lights over the Pacific.
The Pacific Park rides take on a new charm at night—imagine the Ferris wheel swirling orange and purple against the ocean backdrop. Thanks to the fresh air and friendly crowds, it’s perfect for families or anyone who likes their Halloween with a dose of coastal fun, delicious fair food, and spectacular sunset views.
TCL Chinese Theatre Tour: Silver Screen Screams
There’s no better place to honor Hollywood’s enduring love affair with horror than the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre. Their special Halloween-themed tours focus on the theatre’s role in horror film history and screen memorable scenes from LA-shot classics. You’ll hear ghost stories, insider gossip, and see the iconic handprints and footprints of silver screen scream queens and monster movie legends.
The theater’s rich décor only adds to the atmosphere—gabled ceilings, sweeping red carpets, and all the gothic trimmings a film buff could dream of. Whether or not you believe in haunted projection booths, you’ll be swept up in the Hollywood lore and leave ready to binge every scary movie ever filmed right in LA.
Spooky Eats at Beetle House LA
For a Halloween meal to remember, reserve a table at Beetle House LA. Every night here is Halloween—Tim Burton fanatics and spooky scenesters gather under flickering chandeliers and gothic drapes for a delightfully theatrical dining experience. The menu features dishes like Edward Burger Hands and Sweeney Beef, served alongside bubbling potions and vivid signature cocktails.
Actors dressed as movie icons from the creepy and kooky to the downright macabre provide table-side entertainment, making every meal feel like its own interactive show. Don’t skip dessert—their “This Is Halloween” cake is as photogenic as it is delicious. The atmosphere is immersive, playful, and full of selfie opportunities, perfect for groups of friends and anyone who appreciates dining with a side of theatrical mayhem.
Pumpkin Picking at Underwood Family Farms
Looking for a break from scares and a dose of wholesome autumn charm? Head to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, where sprawling pumpkin fields, hayrides and corn mazes make it a true October tradition. Weekends bring a lively atmosphere with live music, food trucks and seasonal treats like apple cider and kettle corn.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy picking their own pumpkins (and even sunflowers), meeting friendly farm animals, and exploring cheerful photo spots filled with giant gourds and scarecrows. Whether you’re planning a festive porch display or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, it’s an easy, feel-good escape that captures the best of LA’s fall spirit.
If you’re planning Halloween in Los Angeles, you’re in for a treat (and a few tricks). From haunted theme parks and ghost tours to pumpkin patches and monster movie magic, this city knows how to embrace spooky season with style and a wink. So grab your costume, gather your crew, and let the Halloween festivities begin!
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