The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in LA

Queen Mary Halloween Celebration
Photo credit Phillip Faraone / Getty Images
By , Audacy

L.A. is one of the best places in the country to be on Halloween. Every October the city transforms into a sea of masked figures, bloody undead walkers, and movie monsters. Only a town full of actors could sustain such an array of Halloween performances and activities for so long. There are so many options, from scary mazes to themed parties, it can be hard to sort the quality scares from the humdrum frights. So we gathered a few of our favorite Halloween parties and activities around town. Just don’t come complaining to us when you can’t sleep with the lights off anymore.

Check out some cinematic horror at Universal Studios

For the most intense (and branded) scares, trust Universal Studios to deliver. With scare mazes themed for famous horror movies, Netflix series and original concepts, this Halloween experience at Universal City provides a few options to anyone looking for a frightful experience. The scariest part at this incredibly popular attraction, though, might be the lines.

Hollywood Horror Nights

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Halloween event
Photo credit Courtesy of Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Take a haunted hayride in Griffith Park

A cruel and spooky twist on the autumnal hayride, the Haunted Hayride in the old Griffith Park Zoo takes visitors on a creeptastic ride through ghoul town. While the wagon ride is the main event, it’s just one of several experiences in this annual extravaganza. You can also wander a haunted maze, go trick-or-treating (for more tricks than treats) and explore a Purgatory full of masked figures.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Visit an extra haunted ship

Rumors have swirled around the Queen Mary since it permanently docked in Long Beach in the ‘60s, but during the entire month of October the ship plays host to frights that blur the line between Halloween celebration and legitimate ghostly encounter. No matter the specific themes of the mazes, you can pretty much guarantee you’ll never want to get on a ship again after a visit.

The Queen Mary

1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802

Treat the kids at the zoo

For a family-friendly Halloween experience, check out the L.A. Zoo’s month of themed events. The park is packed with costumed characters, kids can make seasonal crafts, and the zoo even offers trick-or-treating on select nights.

Boo at the L.A. Zoo

5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027