Top 5 Haunted Houses in LA 2024: A Thrilling Guide for Halloween Enthusiasts
Los Angeles is a hotspot for Halloween lovers, offering some of the best haunted houses in the country. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or just want to enjoy a spooky night with friends, LA’s haunted attractions will have you screaming in delight. Here’s a guide to the Top 5 Haunted Houses in Los Angeles for 2024, complete with dates, prices, and all the details you need to pick your perfect haunt.
1. Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
Overview:
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is world-renowned for its terrifying mazes, immersive scare zones, and live shows. This year’s event promises even more frightening mazes, featuring iconic horror franchises and original concepts.
- Dates: Select nights from September 7th to October 31st, 2024
- Prices: Tickets range from $79 to $119. Express passes are available for an additional cost to skip the regular lines.
- What to Expect:
- Multiple haunted mazes featuring popular horror movie themes
- Scare zones with roaming monsters
- Live entertainment and themed shows
- Access to select rides and attractions
- Tips:
- Buy tickets early, as popular nights sell out quickly.
- An Express pass can save time by skipping lines, and don’t forget to check the event map to plan your night.
2. The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Overview:
Set in Griffith Park, The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a must-do Halloween event with a blend of haunted hayrides and spooky mazes. This year’s theme, “Midnight Falls,” transports guests to a haunted town frozen in time.
- Dates: Select nights from September 22nd to October 31st, 2024
- Prices: General admission starts at $39.99, with VIP passes available for $59.99.
- What to Expect:
- A haunted hayride through the eerie woods
- Haunted mazes and themed zones
- Trick-or-treat area for younger guests
- Live performances and interactive scares
- Tips:
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and parking issues at Griffith Park.
- Dress warmly, as this is an outdoor event.
3. Knott’s Scary Farm
Overview:
Knott’s Scary Farm is the longest-running Halloween event in Southern California, and it doesn’t disappoint! The entire park transforms into a chilling maze of horror, with over a dozen haunted attractions.
- Dates: Select nights from September 14th to October 31st, 2024
- Prices: Tickets start at $59, with fast lane options available. Season passes are also available for fans who want to experience the thrills more than once.
- What to Expect:
- 13+ haunted mazes and scare zones
- Spooky live shows, including the popular “The Hanging”
- Monsters lurking throughout the park
- Halloween-themed rides
- Tips:
- Weeknights are less crowded, making it easier to enjoy all the mazes.
- Download the Knott’s app for live updates on wait times and a park map.
4. The 17th Door Haunt Experience
Overview:
The 17th Door is not for the faint-hearted! Known for its extreme scares and immersive storytelling, this interactive haunt goes beyond the traditional haunted house with optional “hands-on” experiences.
- Dates: Select nights from September 29th to October 31st, 2024
- Prices: General admission starts at $30, with VIP tickets at $45.
- What to Expect:
- 17 terrifying rooms with immersive, storyline-driven experiences
- Extreme scares, including optional physical interactions
- Professional actors, cutting-edge effects, and realistic props
- Tips:
- This haunt is not recommended for children or the faint-hearted.
- Read the waiver carefully before attending, as some experiences involve physical effects.
- Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance!
5. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Overview:
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is a unique haunted experience set aboard the famously haunted Queen Mary ship. This event features a variety of haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky entertainment in Long Beach.
- Dates: Select nights from September 28th to October 31st, 2024
- Prices: General admission starts at $34, with fast fright passes for $59. The VIP “RIP Lounge” option is $109 and includes food and drinks.
- What to Expect:
- Haunted mazes aboard the Queen Mary ship
- Scare zones with roaming monsters
- Live entertainment, including circus performances and sideshows
- Unique attractions like “Intrepid” and “Feast” that take full advantage of the ship’s haunted history
- Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the uneven surfaces and stairs aboard the ship.
- Consider the RIP Lounge for a more relaxed, VIP experience.
Conclusion
Each of these haunted houses offers a one-of-a-kind experience, from interactive terror to more family-friendly frights. Whether you’re looking for full-throttle scares or a spooky adventure, these haunted houses in Los Angeles have something for every thrill-seeker this Halloween. Be sure to grab your tickets early, and happy haunting!