Halloween, with all its eerie charms and spooky delights is always an awaited event. San Diego, in 2015, outdid itself by hosting an array of unforgettable Halloween events that were not just the talk of the town, but set high standards for the years to come. They say every year it gets more thrilling, but 2015 was a year that truly made their Halloween shin-digs a cut above the rest.
San Diego’s famous Haunted Trail, a downtown block party like no other, and a spectacular display of over 5,000 shimmering jack o’lanterns at San Diego Zoo Safari Park were among the numerous highlights. Let’s take a deeper look into these major events that left an everlasting Halloween memory for the residents and visitors of San Diego.
Balboa Park’s Haunted Trail (Until Nov 1st)
Situated in the renowned Balboa Park, the Haunted Trail was a petrifying trek along a mile of contorted pines and knotted oaks. That year, the trail had the aura of a haunted plantation and Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Silent Hill’s murderous inhabitants, a swarm of spine-chilling clowns in the Haunted Ghoul Bus, and live scenes from American Horror Story were part of the attractions. For a price of $25, general admission tickets promised a night of unforgettable fright.
The Haunted Hotel (Until Nov. 1st)
Located at 424 Market St., The Haunted Hotel was renowned for being San Diego’s longest active haunted house and securing a spot in the top 13 according to Haunt World Magazine! In 2015, it offered a passage through a sinister doll island, an escape game from The Dissectors, and a nerve-wracking journey on the Clown Subway. With general admission tickets at $18, it was a steal.
The Scream Zone (Until Nov 1st)
Held at Del Mar Fairgrounds, The Scream Zone featured a zombie paintball safari, the House of Horror with 12 new terrifying dens, and the Haunted Hayride with a new zombie section and a horrifying Doll Town. KarnEvil, a gang of bloodthirsty oddities, was also a significant attraction. The Scream Zone ensured that its petrifying events were worth every scream!
BOOmont Park Fall Festival & Haunt (Until Oct. 31st)
Belmont Park joined hands with the creators of “The Haunted Hotel” to transpose into a Halloween-themed seaside park boasting activities for all ages. The park came alive every weekend starting at 5pm. With the BOOmont Manor, a Pumpkin Patch, Zombie Laser Tag, and the “Spooky” Coaster, the lineup was packed full of exhilarating attractions.
RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns (Until October 25th)
San Diego was one of the privileged cities to host the awe-inspiring display of over 5,000 expertly carved radiant jack o’lanterns. Visitors could walk through a scenic 1/3-mile trail witnessing the artistry in action at a live carving station or marvel at the grand animal figures crafted from numerous jack o’lanterns.
Haunted Aquarium: Shipwrecked Science (October 23 & 24, 6pm)
Located at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA, the “Haunted Aquarium: Shipwrecked Science” event was a unique Halloween experience. Visitors were invited to explore the aquarium galleries and encounter extraordinary underwater creatures rarely sighted. The key highlight was discovering a host of radiant animals, setting a magical underwater Halloween theme. Children were encouraged to create their own seaweed slime and enjoy creepy tales of shipwrecks. A costume competition with exciting prizes added to the fun. Nonmember tickets were priced at $19 at the door.
The Dell’s Hallo-Wine & Spirits Party (October 30, 7pm)
Hotel Del Coronado, located at 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, hosted the 6th annual Hallo-wine and Spirits Party. This adults-only event required attendees to dress up in their best Halloween costumes and enjoy a night filled with scrumptious food, fine wines, and groovy dance numbers. The event included a dinner reception from 7-9pm, featuring wine tasting and delectable meals prepared by The Del’s culinary team. The party continued in the Crown Room with dessert, drinks, and a dance party, ending with the crowning of the best costume winner.
Nightmare on Normal Street (October 31, 6pm)
The Nightmare on Normal Street, set at Normal Street at University Avenue, San Diego, was Hillcrest’s only Halloween street party. The event featured live entertainment, a dance floor, a costume competition, food trucks, and two bars. One of the highlights was an exclusive Hosted Hour offering complimentary cocktails between 6-7pm. Tickets were priced at $15.
Whaley House (October 31, 6pm)
The Whaley House, located at 2476 San Diego Ave., San Diego, hosted a spine-chilling event on Halloween night. Illuminated by historic oil lamps, the house, believed to be America’s Most Haunted, remained open until midnight. Visitors were treated to haunting stories of the ghosts that roam the house and were serenaded with period music played by the docents. Tickets were purchasable at the door for $15.
Monster Bash 2015 (October 31, 6pm)
Monster Bash 2015 marked San Diego’s grandest Halloween Block Party. The event spanned over eight city blocks in the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village, making it the largest Halloween event in California. The spectacle comprised five massive stages hosting over 20 top DJs from San Diego, dance zones, masquerades, costume shows, and contests – all under the starlit San Diego sky. Tickets were $60 at the door.
Final Reflections
As the sun set on Halloween in 2015, San Diego had etched unforgettable memories in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. The array of events catered to diverse preferences, from the eerie charm of the Haunted Aquarium and the sophistication of The Dell’s Hallo-Wine & Spirits Party, to the grandeur of Monster Bash. Each celebration offered its distinct flavor and essence to Halloween, making San Diego the go-to destination for a thrilling Halloween experience. This vibrant blend of thrills, chills, and festivities is a testament to the city’s ability to transform a traditional holiday into a unique and mesmerizing extravaganza. To learn more about La Jolla, don’t miss out on trying the mouthwatering burritos at a popular eateries in this coastal town.