Whether you're after jump scares or family fun, San Diego has a fall (Halloween or Dia de los Muertos) event for you and many are just a quick MTS ride away!
Photo by Leslie Yu on Unsplash
BALBOA PARK
All events near Balboa Park can be accessed via transit by taking Route 120 or Route 3 (west side) or Route 7 or Rapid 215 (east side).
The Haunted Trail
Sept. 26-Nov. 1
Join in for a chilling outdoor adventure through twisted pines and gnarled oaks. Start with the eXperiment Maze, then take a mile-long walk of pure terror.
📍 Corner of Balboa Dr & Juniper in Balboa Park
🎟️ Starting at $34.99
🔗 hauntedtrail.net
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
Oct. 24-26 & 31 | 5 p.m. - Close
The Zoo lights up, and stays open late, with glowing decorations, trick-or-treat stations, and friendly "creepy critters".
📍 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego
🎟️ Starting at $72 for adults. Kids 11 and younger free in October.
🔗 zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween
San Diego Automotive Museum - Trunk or Treat
Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cruise over for candy at this family-friendly Trunk or Treat. Kids 12 and under (and their parents) get in free.
💡 Tip: Stick around for the Balboa Park Spooktacular next door from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. complete with games, costumes and prizes!
📍 2080 Pan American Plaza
🎟️ Starting at $17, $19.50 for adults. Kids 12 and younger free in October. See website for details.
🔗 sdautomuseum.org/blogs/news/trunk-or-treat
Balboa Park Spooktacular
Oct. 25 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Head to the Municipal Gym for a free morning of carnival games, costume contests and family fun.
📍 2111 Pan American Plaza
🎟️ Free
🔗 sandiego.gov
San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Halloween Family Day
Oct. 31 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
All aboard for a happily haunted stop at the Model Railroad Museum! Enjoy Halloween crafts, games, costume contests and candy galore. Kids 12 and under are free all year.
📍 1649 El Prado
🎟️ $20 for adults, kids under 12 free with adult
🔗 sdmrm.org/halloween
DOWNTOWN
Bayside Boo: Spirited Night by the Bay (Seaport Village)
Oct. 31 | 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music, dancing and sweet treats right by the water.
📍 849 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego
🎟️ Free
🔗 seaportvillage.com/events/bayside-boo-spirited-night-by-the-bay
Take the Green Line to Seaport Village Station
Photo by Jonathan Talbert on Unsplash
LIBERTY STATION
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 31
Take Route 28 to Sellers Plaza for a pumpkin patch with 10,000+ pumpkins, lawn games and festive photo ops, plus beer on tap Fridays and Saturdays.
📍 2830 Perry Rd., Point Loma
🔗 gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
Halloween at Liberty Station
Oct. 26 | Noon-4 p.m.
Celebrate at Ingram Plaza (Route 28) with live music, trick-or-treating, a car show, obstacle course and kids' crafts. Bonus: You can help feed families in need ahead of the holiday season - bring nonperishable food donations for Feeding San Diego.
📍 2820 Roosevelt Rd., Point Loma
🎟️ Free
🔗 libertystation.com/events/halloween-at-the-station
OLD TOWN
Whaley House Museum
Daily | 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. & 5-9 p.m.
Step inside one of America's most haunted houses (if you dare). Choose a guided evening tour or a self-guided visit for a (slightly) less spooky experience.
📍 2476 San Diego Ave.
🎟️ From $13
🔗 whaleyhousesandiego.com
Take the Green Line to Old Town Transit Center
Old Town Día de Los Muertos
Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Step off at Old Town Transit Center to explore more than 40 ofrendas, art activities and a lively marketplace full of handmade goods. Bonus: Look for the MTS booth when you're there and stop by for some transit giveaways!
📍 San Diego Ave and Twiggs St
🎟️ Free
🔗 fiestadereyes.com/dia-de-los-muertos-at-fiesta-de-reyes
Take the Green Line to Old Town Transit Center
BEACH
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld
Through Nov. 1
Take Route 9 to SeaWorld after dark for haunted houses, scare zones and eerie live entertainment.
📍 500 SeaWorld Drive
🎟️ Starting at $45.99
🔗 seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream
Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont Park
Weekends in October | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Take Route 8 to Belmont Park to enjoy live music, Sunday trick-or-treating, and free kids' rides with an adult wristband.
📍 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
🎟️ Free entry (rides extra)
🔗 belmontpark.com/beachside-fall-fest
Photo by Sam Brand on Unsplash
MID-CITY
City Heights Día de los Muertos
Oct. 25 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The City Heights Día de los Muertos will be celebrating its 29th Anniversary. Free event with community altars, face painting, mask making, raffle prizes, and entertainment! Route 13 will take you right to the park for the celebration.
📍 Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park - 3795 Fairmount Ave
🎟️ Free
🔗 buildingdecarb.org/event/san-diego-27th-annual-city-heights-dia-de-los-muertos-festival
Adams Avenue Halloween Haunt
Oct. 26 | Noon-5 p.m.
Trick-or-treat at 50+ local businesses and enter costume contests for kids, pets, families and adults - prizes up to $100! Use Route 11 to travel to Adams Avenue.
📍 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
🎟️ Free
🔗 adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/halloween-haunt/
Nightmare on Normal Street (Hillcrest)
Oct. 31 | 5-11 p.m.
The ultimate Halloween dance party returns with live entertainment, costume competitions, vendors, and a massive outdoor bar. Take Rapid 215, Route 1, 10, or 11.
📍 University Ave. & Normal St., Hillcrest
🎟️ Tickets $34.24
🔗 fabuloushillcrest.com/nightmare-on-normal
EAST COUNTY
Halloween in La Mesa Village
Oct. 31 | 4-6 p.m.
The Village comes alive for a family-friendly trick-or-treat along La Mesa Blvd. Dress up, bring your own bag, then hop on the Orange Line to collect treats from local shops - right across the street from the La Mesa Blvd Station.
📍 Downtown La Mesa | 8400 La Mesa Blvd.
🎟️ Free
🔗 lamesavillageassociation.org/trick-or-treating-in-la-mesa-village
Oct. 26 | 12-7 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Day Of The Dead Festival will take place on Sunday, October 27 in the Barrio Logan Cultural District. The Día De Muertos Celebration in Barrio Logan is a free, family-friendly event highlighting the rich culture, traditions, and art of our vibrant community. Take Route 12 to get to the celebration.
📍 2185 Logan Ave, Barrio Logan
🎟️ Free
🔗 allforlogan.com/about-1-2
Photo by Heber Vazquez
SOUTH BAY
Día de los Muertos Celebration - Chula Vista
Nov. 1 | 3-8 p.m.
Downtown Chula Vista glows with marigolds, music, and remembrance during this beautiful cultural celebration. Enjoy live performances, an ofrenda competition, artisan market, food, and a community altar. Catch a ride on the UC San Diego Blue Line to the E Street Station, then take Route 704 to F Street & 3rd Avenue. You can also take Route 701, 709, or 929.
📍 Downtown Chula Vista - Third Avenue and Memorial Park
🎟️ Free
🔗 downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration
Whether you're chasing thrills, family fun, or glowing pumpkins, there's no shortage of Halloween magic to explore across San Diego and MTS can get you there. Skip the traffic, save on parking, and let the fun start the moment you hop on board. Plan your trip here and make this spooky season a scream!
