By Alex
Halloween in Los Angeles is a full-contact sport, and I look forward to it all year. The city goes all out, from haunted houses that genuinely terrify to glamorous costume parties that feel straight out of a movie. Here's how I like to spend the spookiest season in LA.
For thrills, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal is the heavyweight champion, with mazes themed to your favorite horror films and scare actors lurking around every corner. If you prefer your frights with a side of nostalgia, the smaller neighborhood haunts and pop-up mazes around town are wonderfully creative.
Not into being chased by chainsaws? Same, some nights. I love the festive side of the season too: pumpkin patches with golden-hour photo ops, cozy fall menus at my favorite restaurants, and the legendary West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval where the costumes are the main event.
However you celebrate, LA gives you the full spectrum, from heart-pounding scares to candy-corn-sweet fun. Pack a costume, charge your phone, and embrace the chaos.
My Favorite Frights
LA goes all out for Halloween, and I happily go right along with it. From elaborate haunted attractions to neighborhoods that turn their entire streets into walk-through productions, the city has something for every level of bravery. I lean toward the atmospheric over the gory, the kind of spooky that is more fun than terrifying, but the options run the full spectrum.
The trick is to go on a weeknight if you can stand the late hours, since the weekend lines for the big attractions can swallow your whole evening. A little planning buys you a lot more scares per hour.
Lower-Key Halloween Fun
Not every October night has to involve a scream. Some of my favorite Halloween traditions are gentler: a pumpkin patch in the afternoon, a themed cocktail at a bar that decorates within an inch of its life, or a cozy night of classic horror movies with friends. The season is long enough to do a little of everything.
Whatever you choose, lean into it. Costumes optional but encouraged, candy mandatory, and at least one genuinely spooky moment to make it count.
