Los Angeles takes Halloween seriously, and if carving pumpkins and wandering through autumn displays are not quite enough for you, the city has plenty of ways to spend an evening screaming instead.
From Universal Studios Hollywood's movie-inspired nightmares to a haunted hayride in Griffith Park and an intense indoor haunt in the San Fernando Valley area, Southern California has attractions for anyone who wants something considerably scarier than a spooky movie night.
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Here are six Halloween experiences to put on your list for October 2026.
1. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal's Halloween Horror Nights is one of the biggest names on LA's Halloween calendar, transforming the theme park into a horror playground packed with elaborate haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment.
The 2026 lineup includes houses inspired by Stranger Things, Sinners, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn, alongside the Terror Tram, which takes guests into the studio backlot for a horror-themed experience.
It is a particularly good choice for horror fans who enjoy being immersed in recognizable movie and TV worlds, with elaborate sets, sound effects and performers waiting around unexpected corners.
The event runs on select nights from September 3 through November 1, 2026. Tickets are sold separately from regular daytime admission, so check the available options before booking.
2. Knott's Scary Farm, Buena Park
If you want a full evening of haunted mazes, monsters and creepy atmosphere, Knott's Scary Farm is another major Southern California Halloween tradition.
The Buena Park theme park transforms after dark, with haunted attractions, roaming scare actors, themed shows and scare zones spread throughout the grounds. The combination of indoor mazes and outdoor areas makes it possible to spend much of the evening moving between different kinds of scares.
It is also an option for groups who want to make a bigger night of Halloween, rather than visiting a single haunted house and heading home.
The 2026 event runs on select nights from September 17 through October 31. Knott's says the experience is not recommended for children under 13, and event admission is required.
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3. The 17th Door, Buena Park
For something more intense and personal, The 17th Door takes the haunted-house format in a different direction.
Located at the Buena Park Downtown Mall, this immersive horror experience combines elaborate sets, live performers and a storyline designed to make visitors feel as though they have stepped into a nightmare.
Unlike a traditional maze where you simply walk past spooky scenes, The 17th Door is known for its extreme-haunt approach, including experiences that may involve close interaction and uncomfortable situations. Visitors should read the rules and warnings before buying tickets, especially if they prefer a more conventional haunted attraction.
The 2026 season runs on select nights from September 25 through November 1.
4. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, Griffith Park
This is probably the attraction you were thinking of when you mentioned a spooky ride near the Hollywood Sign.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride takes place in Griffith Park, around the Old Zoo area, rather than at the Hollywood Sign itself. Guests board a hayride as part of a larger Halloween experience featuring haunted walkthroughs, scare actors and themed areas.
The outdoor setting gives it a different atmosphere from the big theme-park events, with darkness, fog and performers creating scares along the way. You can also explore other attractions around the event, making it more than just a ride.
The 2026 season runs on select nights from September 18 through November 1. Check the event's ticket information for the current lineup and entry times.
5. Reign of Terror Haunted House, Thousand Oaks
If you're looking for a serious haunted-house experience in the Valley area, Reign of Terror in Thousand Oaks is worth investigating.
Set inside Janss Marketplace, the attraction brings together 12 connected haunts across 145 rooms, with different themes, creepy characters and elaborate effects. The 2026 additions include Backwoods and The Hotel, alongside a reimagined Funhouse.
The indoor format makes it a useful option if you want to concentrate on the haunted-house experience rather than spend the night walking around a theme park.
Reign of Terror operates on select dates during the 2026 season, with its official calendar listing 18 nights of events. Tickets use timed arrival windows, and the attraction recommends comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for children under 13.
6. Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia
For anyone who wants roller coasters alongside their Halloween scares, Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain combines the theme park's thrill rides with haunted mazes, scare zones and seasonal entertainment.
The haunted attractions pass is an important detail to check before visiting: access to the mazes requires the appropriate ticket or add-on, so regular park admission alone may not cover everything you want to experience.
The park is in Valencia, north of Los Angeles, so allow extra time for the drive and check the operating schedule before setting off.
Fright Fest runs on select nights from September 18 through November 1, 2026. Six Flags says the event is not recommended for children under 13.
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