Looking to amp up the fright factor this October? Los Angeles is home to some of the best haunted houses in the country, and this Halloween season is packed with spine-tingling attractions. From immersive horror theater to scream-inducing mazes and haunted hayrides, there’s something for every kind of thrill seeker. Whether you’re in the mood for a full theatrical production or an adrenaline-pumping theme park scarefest, we’ve rounded up the best haunted houses in Los Angeles you won’t want to miss.
Dark Harbor
Location: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Set aboard the haunted Queen Mary, Dark Harbor delivers cinematic scares on the high seas. Guests walk through fog-filled graveyards, explore decaying bayous in “Voodoo: The Queen’s Curse,” and navigate terrifying mazes inside the ship itself. Claustrophobic corridors like the kitchen, pool, and infirmary dial up the intensity with ghostly actors and chilling production design. Beyond the scares, expect carnival rides, secret speakeasies, and festive fairground eats—including fishbowl cocktails and make-your-own s’mores.
Halloween Horror Nights
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Universal Studios Hollywood transforms into a scream-filled playground with haunted mazes inspired by iconic horror franchises. This year, guests will confront Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” maze, dodge Jason in “Jason Universe,” and step into the eerie worlds of “Poltergeist,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and “Fallout.” Don’t miss the infamous Terror Tram, where Blumhouse villains—including M3GAN—lurk around every corner. For shorter lines and VIP perks, splurge on Express or R.I.P. tickets.
Delusion: Harrowing of Hell
Location: Variety Arts Theatre, 940 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
This celebrated immersive horror experience returns with a brand-new storyline inside a century-old downtown theater. Guests join a supernatural cult navigating Dante’s Inferno-inspired horrors in near-darkness. Expect swinging ropes, boat rides to Hades, and face-offs with Medusa. For an insider experience, VIP tickets offer lounge access and behind-the-scenes peeks at the show’s cutting-edge effects.
The Willows
Location: Beckett Mansion, West Adams, Los Angeles, CA 90018
One of LA’s most exclusive Halloween experiences, The Willows blends immersive dinner theater with gothic family drama. Guests become part of the eerie Beckett family gathering, moving through the mansion in small groups for a personalized narrative that changes with each visit. The event sells out quickly, but future performances will be hosted year-round starting in spring 2026.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Held in Griffith Park, the Haunted Hayride transports guests to the cursed town of Midnight Falls. This year, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, takes center stage in revamped mazes and creepy carnival rides. Highlights include Trick or Treat alley, the Scary-Go-Round carousel, and themed photo ops. Though tamer than other haunts, it’s perfect for families and first-time fright fans.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
As Southern California’s original haunted theme park, Knott’s Scary Farm boasts 10 elaborate mazes and endless roaming monsters. Explore a convalescent home of spider-infested residents, revisit classic scares from previous years, and fuel up at the infamous “boo-fet” before braving the night. It’s a massive operation with serious scare power.
Urban Death: Tour of Terror
Location: 4850 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
This underground horror experience combines experimental theater with a walk-through haunted maze. Guests enter with only a flashlight and witness disturbing, often shocking vignettes before and after their journey through the darkness. Celebrating its 20th year, Urban Death is one of LA’s most intense and original horror shows.
The Evil Dead in Concert
Location: The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
This Halloween, cult classic The Evil Dead is screened with a live orchestra performing the score. But before the film, attendees can venture into “The Cellar,” an immersive haunted house experience inspired by the film’s terrifying universe. It’s a one-of-a-kind event for horror and film buffs alike.
Final Frightful Thoughts
Whether you’re in it for the jump scares, immersive storytelling, or nostalgic horror vibes, the best haunted houses in Los Angeles offer no shortage of thrills this Halloween. Grab your bravest friends, pick your scare level, and prepare to scream.