Santa Monica is a great place to celebrate Halloween, with a variety of events and activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a spooky scare or just some family-friendly fun, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Santa Monica this Halloween.
Here are the top places to visit for Halloween fun around Santa Monica this year:
Nights of the Jack at King Gillette Ranch
This annual event features thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminating the grounds of King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a great place to take the whole family for a spooky and festive Halloween experience.
Visitors can stroll along a half-mile trail through the ranch, past jack-o’-lanterns of all shapes and sizes. The pumpkins are carved into a variety of designs, from traditional Halloween themes like ghosts and witches to more modern pop culture icons. There are also several interactive displays, such as a pumpkin maze and a pumpkin carving station.
Nights of the Jack is a popular event, so it’s important to purchase your tickets in advance. The event runs from September 29th to October 31st, 2023.
Halloween Haunted House at Santa Monica Pier
This haunted house is located on the Santa Monica Pier and is known for being one of the scariest in the area. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for a good scare, this is the place for you.
Visitors enter the haunted house through a dark and eerie doorway. They are then led through a series of rooms and hallways that are filled with ghosts, goblins, and other scary creatures. The actors in the haunted house are known for being very convincing, so be prepared to be scared!
The Santa Monica Pier Haunted House is open from September 29th to October 31st, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Halloween Carnival at Third Street Promenade
This annual carnival takes over the Third Street Promenade on Halloween night. It’s a great place to enjoy rides, games, food, and drinks. There’s also a costume contest for all ages.
The carnival features a variety of rides, including a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a roller coaster. There are also several games and booths where visitors can win prizes. The carnival has a variety of food and drink options, including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizzas, and ice cream.
The Halloween Carnival at Third Street Promenade is free to attend. The carnival runs from 5:00pm to 11:00pm on Halloween night.
Boo at the Zoo at Los Angeles Zoo
This family-friendly event features Halloween-themed activities such as trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and costume contests. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family.
Visitors can trick-or-treat at various stations throughout the zoo. They can also meet some of the zoo’s animals, including bats, spiders, and snakes. There are also several costume contests for all ages.
Boo at the Zoo is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on October 29th and 30th, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Halloween Hayride at Malibu Ranch
This hayride takes you through the haunted fields of Malibu Ranch. It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy some spooky fun.
Visitors board a hay wagon and are taken on a ride through the haunted fields of Malibu Ranch. Along the way, they encounter ghosts, goblins, and other scary creatures. The hayride is a great way to get a scare and enjoy some Halloween fun with friends and family.
The Halloween Hayride at Malibu Ranch is open from September 29th to October 31st, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Other places to visit for Halloween fun around Santa Monica
In addition to the events and activities listed above, there are many other places to visit for Halloween fun around Santa Monica. Here are a few more ideas:
- Go trick-or-treating in one of Santa Monica’s many neighborhoods. Many of Santa Monica’s neighborhoods have trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Be sure to check with your local neighborhood association to see what time trick-or-treating starts and ends.
- Visit one of Santa Monica’s many haunted houses. In addition to the Santa Monica Pier Haunted House, there are several other haunted houses in the Santa Monica area. Be sure to do some research to find a haunted house.