Adults-Only Chills
Murder on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Don your best 1920s flapper style attire and climb aboard the Napa Wine Train’s Murder Mystery Dinner adventure. Something is afoot aboard the vintage Pullman railcars, where the misdeeds of two crime families unfold over a gourmet dinner paired with local wines and a thrilling whodunit.
Spooky Modesto
Unleash your inner child in Modesto during the MoChiMu After Dark: Cosmic Curiosities event at the Modesto Children’s Museum. On Oct. 24, you can experience hands-on activities and worldly and unworldly wonders. Wellness lovers, raise a glass and put on your best costume to enjoy some sun salutations during Dying Breed Brewing’s unique Halloween Beer Yoga event.
Morgan Hill Halloween Haunt Tour
From Oct. 25-30, the Morgan Hill Wine Trolley trades wine for witches for a spook-tacular ride to the town’s most over-the-top decorated homes, where there are more tricks than treats. Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, creepy skeletons and other ghoulish surprises await.
West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval
Get your kicks along iconic Route 66 as the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is staged along the Mother Road, transforming Santa Monica Boulevard into a spooky street party on Halloween night. Sport your wildest costume and join fellow revelers for a night of live DJ sets, food trucks and unparalleled energy.
Wicked Witch in San Diego
There’s no place like Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa on Oct. 30. Click your ruby slippers and transport to its Beyond the Rainbow soiree. Party in the Emerald City with wickedly whimsical cocktails and magically crafted bites. Embrace your good (or wicked) witch and come dressed to impress with awards for the most Toto-ally creative outfits.
Family-Friendly Frights
Halloween Adventures After Dark in Siskiyou
Whether you’re a ghost chaser, alien hunter or mythical lover, you’ll find your Halloween adventure in Siskiyou. On All Hallows Eve, summon your courage to gather at Evergreen Cemetery to begin the Siskiyou Historic Cemetery Ghost Tour.
For more haunted history, the Miner Street Ghost Tour guides guests through one of Yreka’s oldest streets, where spirits are said to linger in Victorian-era buildings. Close to Mt. Shasta, you can keep an eye out for purported alien and Bigfoot sightings.
The Great Pumpkin Arrives in Ukiah
Unlike Linus from Peanuts, you’re sure to find the Great Pumpkin at Ukiah’s PumpkinFest on Oct. 17. Over the three-day fest, enjoy interactive rides, a haunted house, Scarecrow City and much more. The celebration begins with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
Scary Sacramento
Pack your courage to take on California’s Spookiest Haunted House at Sacramento’s Scream Park. Keep your eyes peeled for zombies, vampires and werewolves ready to jump out from around any corner. For a less blood-curdling experience, Dave’s Pumpkin Patch in West Sacramento opening on Sept. 20, features hayrides, corn mazes, tractor rides and, of course, the chance for the kiddos to pick out the perfect pumpkin. The patch will be open throughout the month of October.
One Night Only
Join the Benton Hot Springs ghost investigators on Oct. 4 for a spine-chilling evening in Mono County. You’ll get access to buildings not open to the public and learn the stories about who haunts the town once known as The Town Without Law.
Coachella Halloween Carnival
Grab the family for a howling good time at the annual Coachella Halloween Carnival on Oct. 30. Wear your favorite costume and enjoy a carnival atmosphere in the Greater Palm Springs area complete with games, food trucks, bouncy houses and more.
Big Bear Thrills
Take the kids to Big Bear’s trick-or-treat and costume contest before joining the TourZilla Zombie Hunt from Big Bear Off-Road Adventures, complete with laser blasters, rolling “zombies” and other spooky surprises. The zombie hunt runs every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 11-26, with a special event on Oct. 30-31.
Boo at the Zoo
If you’re looking for more merry than scary, head to the Santa Ana Zoo during select dates in October for Boo at the Zoo for nights of trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, rides and nocturnal animal experiences.
From spine-tingling scares to family-friendly fun, California's Halloween adventures promise to cast a spell on visitors long after the last jack-o'-lantern goes dark.