5 SoCal Haunts to Visit this Fall (that aren't theme parks)!

With Halloween fast approaching, haunted activities are popping up around every corner in Los Angeles. Every year, tourists and locals alike flock to the city’s most popular attractions, such as Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. Although these events are always a good time, the reality is that they’re expensive and oversaturated with long lines and even longer wait times.

So, if you’re looking for some holiday scares this fall and want to stray away from the usual activities, check out these five spooky L.A. locations instead!

1. Reign of Terror Haunted House

Reign of Terror is L.A.’s biggest haunted house experience with over 135 themed rooms spread out over 10 different sections. Each contain countless animatronics, actors, and scares. There are also “lights on” options for younger guests and a “lights off” option for more thrill-seeking guests.

General Admission tickets: $30

Immediate Access tickets: $55

Lights ON tickets: $5

Lights OUT! Tickets: $30

2. The 17th Door

For a more extreme adventure, head on over to The 17th Door for a uniquely scary experience. Be forewarned that this Halloween haunt is not for the faint of heart and requires a waiver to even enter! The 17th Floor is immersive and can involve electric shocks, bugs, claustrophobia, water, and other high-stress situations. They also have additional experiences including virtual reality immersion and “The Field Trip”.

Tickets: $34 and up (options for add-ons)

3. House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

This event is for those of us who enjoy a costume party paired with a cocktail or two. Take a trip to Vaughan Hall where you will engage in cocktail tastings, interact with ghouls, and uncover a dark mystery. This interactive and theatrical event is 21+ with a valid ID.

Standard tickets: $72

Plus tickets: $77

Premier tickets: $92

4. Rosenheim Mansion

If you prefer history over gimmicks and gore, then why not visit a historically “haunted” house? Not only does Rosenheim Mansion provide an unsettling atmosphere, but it is also the site for many television shows and movies ("American Horror Story", anyone?). You can’t go inside, but feel free to pose outside for a spooky photo op.

5. Escape Hotel Hollywood

Fans of escape rooms will definitely want to visit the world’s largest haunted escape room attraction. The hotel boasts multiple horror-themed rooms and even has a restaurant and bar. If you’re brave enough, try to conquer their “Hide and Seek Halloween Horror Game” that has a 0% success rate.

Tickets: $39-$49

Hide and Seek: $120

Happy Hauntings!