The arrival of fall is easily distinguished by the color changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes and colorful wool sweaters. But as much as the cozy ambience of the season has its place, so does the spooky side brought by Halloween — and what better way to honor this than with an immersive spine-chilling experience? For some inspiration, explore these popular Bay Area haunted attractions.
Looking for more of the cozy side after all? Check out these local pumpkin patches.
Feature Photo: Winchester Mystery House on Facebook
200 Edenvale Avenue, San Jose
If you’re one to love a good mystery, why not become part of the mystery yourself? Hayes Mansion’s immersive Murder Mystery Dinner transports its guests into a murder mystery where everyone will have the chance to play a role. Takes place on Oct. 26 from 6-9 p.m.
Or for something a little less scary and a little more cute, take your pup to the Hayes Mansion Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour & Costume Parade. Treats will be available for both you and your four-legged pal. Takes place on Oct. 25 from 4-6 p.m.
525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
To take the already eerie appeal of the Winchester Mystery House a step further, this year’s ‘Hotel’ chapter of their annual Unhinged event promises to do the trick. There’s an immersive maze, outside scare zone, themed treats and beverages and more. Select nights Sept. 13 – Nov. 2.
88 5th St, San Francisco
In this supernatural-themed experience beneath a key SF landmark, visitors can expect it all — actors in realistic alien garb, an extensive storyline, the opportunity to participate and much more. Open from Oct. 4 to Nov. 3.
2007 Franklin St, San Francisco
Explore the history of San Francisco’s Haas-Lilienthal House with this twisting psychological experience, created by the same minds that brought the Winchester Mystery House’s Unhinged Hotel to life. Guests will find themselves immersed in an experience that uniquely focuses on psychological and theatrical disturbances rather than traditional jumpscares. Open from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2.
41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley
This Halloween experience honors some of the rumors about the hotel being haunted. From behind-the-scenes looks, access into some generally restricted areas and a visit to the hotel’s most haunted room, the Claremont’s tours will give guests a chance to learn about their history in a festive — and spooky — manner. Available for Oct. 17, 25 and 26 and a special tour on Halloween.
2086 Newpark Mall, Newark
There are two haunted house attractions at the Scream Park: the Darkmoor Penitentiary and the Slotch Sanitarium. Each has its own backstory and set of scares, but both create a scary and immersive experience. Open from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2.
98 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa
In this 20,000-square-foot Santa Rosa haunted attraction, Blind Scream’s Reflection of Terror transports visitors into an abandoned house in the woods. With all the sights and actors to make it feel real, expect a spooky time. Open on select days through the end of October.
