Autumn in San Diego is packed with spooky trails, family‑friendly pumpkin patches, haunted parks, and everything in between. Below is your go‑to guide for the month — sorted by event, with everything you need to know (times, ticket costs, what to expect, and who it’s for).

Featured Events

San Diego Botanic Garden – Lightscape

  • Dates & Times: Mid‑October through early January on select evenings (check official site for schedule).
  • Tickets / Price: ~$25–35 per adult (discounts for children and members).
  • What to Expect: A glowing illuminated trail through the gardens with festive installations and music.
  • Vibe: Family‑friendly, magical and gentle — great for all ages.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company – Jurassic Fright Nights

  • Dates & Times: Daily through Oct 31. Daytime hours ~10 am–6 pm; Night Fright until ~9–10 pm on weekends.
  • Tickets / Price: $22 weekdays / $28 weekends; kids 3–12 $12–18; 2 & under free; parking $10.
  • What to Expect: A spooky walk‑through cornfield with animatronic dinosaurs and Halloween effects.
  • Vibe: Family‑friendly by day; nighttime Fright is scarier — better for older kids/teens.

SeaWorld San Diego – Howl‑O‑Scream

  • Dates & Times: Sept 12 – Nov 1, 2025; opens 7 pm (entry from 6 pm).
  • Tickets / Price: ~$44.99–$94.99 depending on night; Any‑Night ticket $66.99.
  • What to Expect: Haunted houses, scare zones, roaming haunts, nighttime rides, themed bars.
  • Vibe: Intense, scary, adult‑leaning. Not recommended for young children. (For kids: Count’s Spooktacular).

HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo

  • Dates & Times: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October, 5 pm – 9 pm.
  • Tickets / Price: Included with Zoo admission or membership.
  • What to Expect: A glowing after-dark Halloween event with live music, bubble dance parties, acrobats, puppets, and trick-or-treat stations.
  • Vibe: Family-friendly, festive, and non-scary.

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

  • Dates & Times: Sept – early Nov, evenings.
  • Tickets / Price: General Admission ~$34.99; Scream Pass ~$49.99.
  • What to Expect: A mile‑long outdoor haunted trail plus indoor maze with scare actors and effects.
  • Vibe: Designed for teens/adults (recommended 10+). Too scary for younger kids.

Halloween at the Station (Liberty Station)

  • Dates & Times: Mid‑October, one evening (check Liberty Station calendar).
  • Tickets / Price: Free community event.
  • What to Expect: Live DJ, trick‑or‑treating, arts & crafts, costume contests, inflatables.
  • Vibe: Family‑friendly, perfect for all ages.

Autumn Festival at San Diego Safari Park

  • Dates & Times: Weekends in October (check Safari Park’s event calendar).
  • Tickets / Price: Regular admission plus event activities.
  • What to Expect: Harvest‑themed fun with animal enrichment, pumpkin carving, crafts, and live entertainment.
  • Vibe: Family‑friendly, educational.

Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Street / SeaWorld

  • Dates & Times: Daytimes in October (weekends).
  • Tickets / Price: Included in park admission.
  • What to Expect: Costume parade, trick‑or‑treating, Sesame Street character fun.
  • Vibe: Kid‑friendly, gentle and playful.

Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont Park

  • Dates & Times: One weekend in October, mid‑day through evening.
  • Tickets / Price: Free entry; rides & attractions priced individually.
  • What to Expect: Live music, games, food, costume contests by the beach.
  • Vibe: Family‑friendly, coastal and casual.

Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour

  • Dates & Times: October evenings (7:30 pm / 8:00 pm departures).
  • Tickets / Price: ~$35–50 per person.
  • What to Expect: Trolley/walking ghost tours through Old Town, Gaslamp, historic cemeteries.
  • Vibe: Best for teens/adults; may be too spooky for young kids.

Haunted Amusement Park (El Cajon)

  • Dates & Times: Select Friday & Saturday nights in October, ~7 pm start.
  • Tickets / Price: ~$25–40.
  • What to Expect: Amusement rides with haunted overlays, scare actors, and spooky games.
  • Vibe: Older kids/teens & adults; can be intense.

Pumpkin Patch Guide (San Diego County)

Best Neighborhoods for Halloween Decorations

  • Bressi Ranch, Carlsbad — Larger‑than‑life displays, haunted garages, kid‑friendly trick‑or‑treating.
  • Rancho Road, La Mesa— A hidden gem in la mesa. Expect big displays but probably closer to Halloween itself. Definitely a great place to trick-or-treat!
  • Del Cerro — Over‑the‑top yard haunts and DIY setups.
  • Rolando Village — One resident goes big every year with over the top displays! Address: 4648 Rolando Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115
  • Encinitas (Olivenhain) — Hidden gems, creative family‑style displays.

✨ Whether you want kid‑friendly fun or spine‑chilling scares, San Diego offers a full spectrum of October events. Grab your costumes, hit a pumpkin patch, and explore the city’s haunted and festive side this fall!