The Ultimate Guide to the Best Halloween Haunted Houses in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
Written By Cassandra Petersen Harris
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the crisp air signals the arrival of Halloween, thrill-seekers across Los Angeles and Orange Counties start their annual hunt for the most terrifying haunted houses. Southern California is a hotbed for spine-chilling attractions, and whether you’re a seasoned scare enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of haunted houses, there’s something here for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best haunted houses in LA and Orange County that you simply can't miss this Halloween season.
1. Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights (Los Angeles)
Location: Universal City, CA
Dates: September 5, 2024 - November 3, 2024
No Halloween season in LA is complete without a visit to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. This iconic event transforms the theme park into a nightmare-inducing playground with movie-quality haunted mazes, scare zones, and live shows. Each year, Universal collaborates with major horror franchises to create new, terrifying experiences. From navigating through the twisted worlds of “The Exorcist” to surviving the apocalypse in “The Walking Dead,” the scares here are relentless and guaranteed to haunt your dreams.
Why You Should Go:
High-quality production with sets and makeup crafted by Hollywood professionals.
A variety of mazes and attractions to explore, ensuring every visit is unique.
Scare zones throughout the park mean you’re never safe, even when walking between attractions.
2. The 17th Door (Orange County)
Location: Buena Park, CA
Dates: September 27, 2024 - November 3, 2024
If you’re looking for an extreme haunted house experience, The 17th Door in Fullerton is the place to be. Known for pushing the boundaries of fear, this attraction is not for the faint of heart. With a blend of psychological horror, intense scares, and interactive elements, The 17th Door immerses you in a nightmarish world where survival is the only goal. Each room presents a new, horrifying challenge, and the brave souls who enter often find themselves questioning whether they can make it to the end.
Why You Should Go:
Intense and immersive experience with a strong narrative.
Incorporates interactive elements that blur the line between reality and fiction.
Perfect for those seeking a challenge and an adrenaline rush.
3. Knott’s Scary Farm (Orange County)
Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Dates: September 20, 2024 - November 3, 2024
Knott’s Scary Farm is the granddaddy of all haunted attractions in Southern California, having terrified guests since 1973. This event at Knott’s Berry Farm is the largest Halloween experience in Orange County, featuring over a dozen haunted mazes, scare zones, and live shows. Each year brings new nightmares to life, with fresh themes and innovative scares that keep even the most seasoned visitors on edge. From haunted mazes like “Pumpkin Eater” to the creepy, fog-filled Ghost Town, Knott’s Scary Farm is a must-visit for any Halloween fan.
Why You Should Go:
A wide variety of mazes and attractions, catering to all levels of scare tolerance.
A long-standing tradition with a dedicated fan base.
Ghost Town is a fan favorite, offering classic scares in a uniquely eerie setting.
4. Delusion (Los Angeles)
Location: 2421 Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Dates: September 20, 2024 - November 3, 2024
Delusion is more than just a haunted house—it's an immersive horror theater experience. Created by Hollywood stuntman Jon Braver, Delusion blurs the lines between a haunted house and interactive theater. Guests become part of the story, with live actors guiding you through a chilling narrative that unfolds around you. The scares are intimate and personal, with each scene designed to pull you deeper into the terrifying tale.
Why You Should Go:
Unique blend of horror and theater that offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Highly interactive, making you feel like a part of the story.
Limited tickets ensure a more personalized and intense experience.
5. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (Long Beach)
Location: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Dates: September 20, 2024 - November 3, 2024
Set aboard the historic Queen Mary ship, Dark Harbor is one of the most atmospheric haunted attractions in Southern California. This event takes full advantage of the ship’s eerie history, with haunted mazes set within the vessel’s dark and narrow corridors. The Queen Mary herself is said to be haunted, adding an extra layer of fear to the experience. Each maze has its own unique theme, and the setting makes this one of the most memorable haunted house experiences around.
Why You Should Go:
Unique setting aboard a famously haunted ship.
Historical elements add to the eerie atmosphere.
Themed mazes that incorporate the ship’s history into the scares.
6. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (Los Angeles)
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Griffith Park)
Dates: September 20, 2024 - November 2, 2024
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a staple of the Halloween season in LA, offering a mix of traditional hayrides and modern scares. Set in the woods of Griffith Park, the hayride takes you on a journey through a series of horrifying scenes, each more terrifying than the last. In addition to the hayride, the event includes mazes, trick-or-treating, and scare zones, making it a family-friendly option that still delivers plenty of thrills.
Why You Should Go:
Unique outdoor experience that takes full advantage of Griffith Park’s natural setting.
A variety of attractions make it a great option for groups and families.
The hayride itself is a nostalgic yet terrifying Halloween tradition.
Now, if you have a family of little ones, there’s also plenty to do around LA and Orange County!
Check these places out:
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for high-production scares, immersive horror experiences, or traditional Halloween fun, Los Angeles and Orange Counties offer some of the best haunted houses in the country. These attractions are more than just places to get scared—they’re immersive experiences that will leave you with memories (and maybe nightmares) that last long after Halloween has passed. So gather your bravest friends, steel your nerves, and dive into the terrifying world of Southern California’s best haunted houses.
