Halloween is the one day out of the year when pumpkins are carved, candy is served, and costumes are donned--nothing new, right? These are not the qualities of Halloween in San Diego, not even close. It is a night of the scare-crazed, costume wearing, spirit searching crowd to come out and get spooked. From a Gas Lamp Bash to a Haunted Trail, San Diego spooks up the best activities on this warm autumn eve. So get in the car and drive down to California's scariest city and search for the dead. Here is a list of the Spookiest Places to Visit on your trip--I hope you live to tell the tales upon your return home!
1. The Haunted Trail
Balboa Park has a lot going for it- museums, beautiful architecture, a theater, and of course the luscious park, but what happens when the sun sets and the visitors go home? The only time to find out is during the last week of October when the parks lights are traded for bales of hay and scary creatures. The trail boasts the motto, "It's no walk in the park" and this is no lie. Creeps like Michael Myers, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Serial Killer, Freddie Kreuger, and others chase you, strike at you, and touch you- and that is not a joke, they really come after you and might leave you with wet pants from the fear they instill! This is not for children or people with heart problems (disclaimer)!
2. Monster Bash
Looking for something a little less scary, but with the same intensity? Take the trolley into the Gas Lamp district for a party that you will never forget. Sponsored by Dos Equis, this party is all about the costumes, the themes, and most of all the drinking. College students line up for this and it takes a true partier to make it through the night. The great thing about this shin-dig is the location: the Gas Lamp, which gives you a chance to see the Historic area at night while it is all aglow!
3. Mira Mesa's Monster Manor
Looking for a spooktacular haunted house? Look no further, this is the place. With over 4000 square feet of ghoul grinning, spirit possessing, fright inventing space, the Monster Manor is decked out to scare the strong of heart. They feature a daytime haunting for the weak as well-if you have children I highly suggest taking them to this tour because the night time tours are frightful to say the least.
4. The Haunted Hotel
The sibling of the The Haunted Trail, The Haunted House takes horror movies and turns them to life within this creepy hotel. You will find yourself a rising star amongst the scariest and most gruesome movies of all time.which ones? Well every season brings a scarier change. Last year I found myself running from the torture room in the thriller, Hostel and coming face to face with Mr. Myers, mask and all. If you are ready for true fright, I suggest purchasing your tickets online because the lines are long, but the screams that you have been holding back all year are bound to come out within this creepy, cob-web filled hotel
5. Point Loma Lighthouse
A true hidden gem in San Diego is the Point Loma Lighthouse, a creepy old lighthouse built in 1855, has not been occupied since the 1900's, but voices can be heard.The last keeper was Robert Israel and is has vanished, but the remnants of his things are intact and it seems as though someone or something still resides in this lighthouse. Check this out because history has put its curse here.
Beside the above creepy locations there are many more in San Diego--cemeteries, houses, parks, and hotels are known for that ghostly feeling. Come to San Diego and you will find yourself among the best costumes, and the best haunted locations. I guarantee a spook!
This guide to Halloween Night in San Diego was brought to you by Summer Stewart.