DC’s ostensibly favorite Haunted Attractions of the Halloween season 2025 (Southern California edition) *

* (Halloween countdown post #5)

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Santa Clarita Saw Haunt (Santa Clarita)
‘For 15 years, Vizcaya Street in Santa Clarita has been home to one of the most immersive and talked-about yard haunts in Southern California. What began as a neighborhood tradition has grown into a fully interactive walkthrough packed with movie-quality effects and heart-stopping surprises.

‘Step into the detective’s office, where unsolved cases line the walls… but don’t get too comfortable. Comfort ends at the door, and inside the freezer, something cold and unforgiving waits. From the infamous Saw bathroom, to unforgettable saw inspired traps, we have it all. With air cannons and water spitters to projection effects, pneumatics, and escape-room-style interactive props, every corner of this haunt is designed to keep you guessing — and keep you screaming.’

 

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The Ripper (Yucaipa)
London. 1888.

‘A city choking on fog, secrets, and blood.

‘The Ripper murders shook the East End to its core. Leaving countless victims and a city forever scarred. The killer was never caught, and the case went cold – until now.
Journalists, thrill seekers, and urban explorers have flooded in to walk the cobbled streets where Jack once hunted. You are among them.

‘But as you descend into the twisting alleys, something changes. The air turns colder. The gas lamps begin to flicker. Footsteps echo behind you – but no one is there.

‘This isn’t a tour. It’s a trap. And he is waiting.

‘THE RIPPER WALKS AGAIN’

 

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The Haunted Carwash (Anaheim)
‘Brace yourself for a Halloween scare like no other! Starting at $30 per car, Southern California residents can dare to enter the Haunted Carwash—a nightmarish journey that turns an ordinary car wash into a realm of terror. As you slowly drive through, sinister performers will leap from the shadows, and spine-tingling special effects will envelop you in an atmosphere of sheer horror. With bone-chilling surprises lurking around every corner, this is a Halloween experience designed to keep you on edge.’

 

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The Mansion of Endless Nightmares (Tarzana)
‘Enter Los Angeles’ most terrifying maze, where every step drags you deeper into chaos. With every twisted turn, the walls seem to close in, leading you further from escape and deeper into madness. Not only are you faced with demonic creatures and sinister clowns—it’s a relentless descent into your worst fears.

‘Disclaimer: If you’re not ready to face your fears, don’t even think about coming. But if you’re ready to watch your mom scream, make your girlfriend question life, traumatize the kids, or leave your worst enemy crying—this is where nightmares come to life.’

 

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Backwoods Massacre (Simi Valley)
‘”Backwoods Massacre” is in a league of its own, foregoing the use of scare actors and instead relying on ambience and suspense as its main form of frightening storytelling. Its designer, Jesse Reed, converted his two car garage into a shack themed maze which funnels out through a side yard. With its flickering lights and environments accented by body parts and taxidermy, you feel like you are lost in a Louisiana swamp. You come upon a mysterious cabin, and every turn feels like you are about to encounter an armed hunter who is ready to kill and dismantle anyone who dares to trespass. This theme is very original and enhances the singular nature of this haunt. Backwood’s Massacre is always a wonderful way to feel like you are starring in your own horror film. Reed’s haunt is truly a standout experience which unquestionably scares everyone who visits. The reactions of everyone who we saw leaving the haunt were a testament to Reed’s success in playing by his own rules and creating his own signature experience in the haunt world.’

 

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The Manor of Deprivation (Hesperia)
‘The Manor of Deprivation is a thrilling experience through a cursed estate where twisted spirits and a dark presence haunt every corner. As you move through the shadowy grounds, the secrets of a doomed bloodline begin to unravel around you. Will you escape, or become the manor’s next lost soul?’

 

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Night of Terror: Freedom (Whittier)
‘Well we found it, the rarest haunt of them all: the hell house. We stumbled across it outside of Los Angeles in the small town of Whittier. For those who aren’t familiar with this phenomenon, hell houses are haunts hosted by fundamentalist christians where you travel through a maze of “real life” vignettes which typically portray dead children at raves, girls killing themselves over abortion guilt, and drunk teenagers dying in violent car accidents. These Reagan era ideas are a bit dated, but get strapped in because we are about to go on a wild ride.’

 

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The Haunted Barn Maze (Palmdale)
‘BIADIA presents The Haunted Barn Maze. Beware of the monsters lurking in this heart pounding Maze stretching across 2acres of haunted land. Located in the middle of no where- or so it appears…the maze leads victims thru the infamous “haunted Barn” featuring 7 rooms of murder scenes and ends with a fully stocked pumpkin patch where guests can pick a pumpkin for purchase. Open for all ages but not recommended for children under 12 to arrive after dark.’

 

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DELUSION: HARROWING OF HELL (Los Angeles)
‘The famed inscription adorns the arched entryway leading into the belly of Pagan’s Path; a supernatural cult that has taken the metaphors of Dante’s Inferno far too literally, seducing followers through the circles of hell as a necessary preparation for the afterlife.

‘Devotees of the Path claim to be conduits between worlds. Venerable watchers over the gates of hell. To take the Path is to endure a reflection of mortal weakness and sin. If one can survive, then paradise awaits.

‘Will you walk the Pagan’s Path?’

 

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A Place to sCare presents … Mictlan
‘Guests will experience the celebrations of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), but soon will venture through the trials of Mictlan (the underworld), see if you can make it through the trials of the undead, and face-to-face with the Goddess of Death herself…’

 

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LUNAR TERROR PRODUCTIONS: AEDFU (Lancaster)
‘THE EGYPTIANS BELIEVED THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING YOU COULD DO IN LIFE WAS DIE.

‘FOR OUR 2025 HAUNT, WE WILL GO BACK IN TIME TO THE CITY OF “AEDFU” TO WITNESS THE RITUAL OF MUMMIFICATION… AND WE MAY BE UNFORTUNATE TO ALSO FOLLOW UP TO THE SECOND PART OF THE RITUAL – JUDGEMENT.

‘WE WILL BE OPENING SELECT DATES THIS OCTOBER-NOVEMBER. FREE ADMISSION & PARKING. MADE WITH LOVE, LUNAR TERROR. SEE YOU THERE.’

 

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Nightmare from Main Street (Paso Robles)
‘Absolutely the most frightening and engaging haunt in California. While we go to LA a lot to see the wide variety of DIY haunts offered there, it is this amazing gem that excites us the most for Oct to roll around every year. Combining both an actual old house and additional maze structures, there is a playfulness between realism and artifice that makes one feel like you’re completely in another world here. Suspense is the key as well, building terror through patience and surprises in a manner most haunts are simply not sophisticated enough to pull off. This is worth the drive no matter how far you are coming from.’

 

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Fear Farm (Chino)
‘Fear Farm and Keys2Fear Productions are proud to announce they are joining forces to create the Inland Empire’s newest multi-attraction scream park, Fear Farm IE. Located at 8900 McCarty Road, Chino, CA 91710, at the famous SC Village Paintball and Airsoft Fields in Chino, California, this brand-new event will host five separate haunted attractions spread over 200 acres.’

 

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Macdevitt Manor Harvest Slaughter (West Covina)
‘The fields are barren, but the harvest has begun. This year, the barn doors will open to a new kind of terror. The rusted tools are ready. The harvest will not be of crops, but of flesh. A new master rules the fields, born of a dark hunger. Dare to enter the **Harvest Slaughter**.’

 

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The Escondido Mad House (Escondido)
‘It’s time…. THE ESCONDIDO MADHOUSE IS BACK!!! As seen on KUSI, Frightmaps, and the Scare Factor!! Voted the best home haunt of the western USA!! Come if you dare, YOU WILL BE SCARED!’

 

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Haydenville Haunter Presents: CASE 11-770 (Moreno Valley)
‘I came into this year’s haunt season swinging hard, thinking I had the jump, the early start, the plan dialed in. Then life threw me an injury that nearly stopped me in my tracks. I’ll be honest I came close to pulling the plug on this year’s build.

‘But that’s not me. That’s not Haydenville Haunter.

‘The pain, setbacks, and doubts are nothing compared to the fire that drives this. It’s go time! The lights, the screams, the build it’s all happening. You can’t stop what’s already alive.

‘You can’t stop Haydenville Haunter.’

 

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Urban Death Tour of Terror! (Los Angeles)
‘Part twisting haunted house and part badass theatre attraction, URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR will reach into the depths of the darkest corners of the human psyche. The monstrous freaks are here to terrify and shock you to your core! After facing the spine-chilling and risqué maze upon entrance, guests will be treated to a live show consisting of a series of shocking and bloody wordless vignettes and mind-blowing physical performances. Guests will then face frightening new creatures hiding within a reversed version of the scream-inducing TOUR OF TERROR maze on their way back into the real world.’

 

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Ghostwood Manor: The Wreck of the Crimson Dagger (Pasadena)
‘Two thousand feet below the moonlit tides of the Caribbean lies a spooky tale of greed and its consequences. Take a deep breath and explore… THE WRECK OF THE CRIMSON DAGGER!! Ghostwood Manor is a Home Haunt in Pasadena, CA.’

 

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Reichland Asylum (Riverside)
‘Reichland Asylum haunted attraction returns for our 15th year of fear! Featured on Season 2 of the Great Halloween Fright Fight, and one of the largest home haunts in Southern California with over 5,000 sq ft of walkthrough haunt and a display that engulfs the entire front of our home. haunted attraction returns for our 15th year of fear! Featured on Season 2 of the Great Halloween Fright Fight, and one of the largest home haunts in Southern California with over 5,000 sq ft of walkthrough haunt and a display that engulfs the entire front of our home.’

 

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Fairbrook Manor (Long Beach)
‘Explore the grounds where in the 1930s, oil heiress Victoria Fairbrook kidnapped local children and held them captive. Have the tortured souls of the ghostly children crossed over to the dark side, or do they simply want to…play…with you? You’ll find out…at Fairbrook Manor. Your soul is your entry, and we also collect canned goods & toiletries.’

 

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Rotten Apple 907: Nightmares in Secret (Burbank)
‘It was a long wait, but it was worth it. Don’t miss this one!’

 

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The Condemned Compound (Brentwood)
‘This haunted house started in Tracy. We grew such a fan base,we needed a new larger location. We moved the haunt to Brentwood ca. 2023 was our new haunt start and now on our 2nd year in Brentwood. Come scare yourself.’

 

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Realm of Shadow (Norwalk)
‘Welcome to the heart of the Lord of Shadow’s Puzzle Box – his Labyrinth of Lost Souls. Find the path out, but don’t awaken his guests. You have been warned!’

 

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Dread Town (Chino)
‘We are a small, family-run haunt, sometimes running off a skeleton crew, so we thank you for your patience. Plan accordingly as there are no restrooms on-site. Scheduled dates and hours are subject to change based on demand.’

 

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The Gershon Dungeon (North Tustin)
‘The Gershon Dungeon is one of the largest and longest-running home haunts in all of Orange County (32 years).’

 

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Cosmic Lake 2: Return to the Lake (Pasadena)
‘It’s 1985 and real estate developers have taken over Cosmic Lake, chopping away its natural features to transform it into a grid of soulless housing. But deep within the woods and caves there’s an eerie force that refuses to be silenced…’

 

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Caitlin Manor Haunted House (San Bernardino)
‘Come visit the scariest place in San Bernardino … Caitlin Manor Haunted House! many themes and horrifying rooms of horror including the Clown Room, Zombie Room, Room Five nights at Caitlin, and the unimaginable Doll House. Tomb of darkness and Full of ghouls…you may want to write your will before entering.’

 

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Beware the Dark Realm – Diary of a Madman (Santa Clarita)
‘Enter the world of the Prince of Darkness and begin your descent into various themed landscapes inspired by the music of Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath.

‘Not only will this year’s event feature multiple themes throughout, it will also be the haunts largest layout to date!

‘With a soundtrack as iconic as the legend himself, make sure to join us for a ride on this crazy train.’

 

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The Chainsaw House (North Hills)
‘A walkthrough built to traumatize for years to come. Not recommended for small children. We pride ourself on unique props and nightmare fuel. The name says it all… welcome to The Chainsaw House.’

 

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Kamp Kaos Haunt (Jurupa Valley)
‘Great news!!!! We have acquired solid wooden walls for this year’s haunt! We just can’t wait to show you all the improvements we have in store for this year!!!!’

 

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Spooky Place (Redondo Beach)
‘Beware, dear visitor, for you’ve stumbled upon our Spooky Place on 184th Street! 🕸️🦇 The Halloween season has crept upon us, and we, David and Missy, are here to greet you… if you dare! Born and raised in the shadows of the South Bay, we carry a deep love for all things Halloween.

‘Dave, with his haunting talents as a Graphic Designer and craftsman, turns nightmares into art, weaving frightful magic into every corner. Missy, by day, is a teacher, guiding young souls – but when the witching hour nears, she helps brew the spooky spirit of the season. When we’re not casting our Halloween spells, we’re creeping through movies, lurking in new places, conjuring up eerie feasts, and howling for our local teams.’

 

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Cats and Bats Haunt (Glendale)
‘Dust off those combat boots and spiked bracelets and join us for four nights of undead punk mayhem! A full walk-through experience with actors and jump scares, we’re looking forward to delivering some spooky fun! No tickets necessary but remember to get that hand stamp! 🤘’

 

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The 17th Door (Buena Park)
‘The 17th Door has moved its over-the-top immersive experience to Buena Park, Orange County. As one of the scariest, most intense, and most interactive haunted houses in the country, they have continued their pursuit to innovate and push the boundaries within the haunt industry. With a new location, even bigger and better than before, comes exciting future opportunities and room to expand. The 17th Door is excited to present more unique experiences that have never been undertaken before in a haunt!’

 

 

*

p.s. Hey. ** lotuseatermachine, Hi. Oh, cool. I do need a bit more time on the feedback, but not much. One more night where I actually sleep properly. If Australia has any haunts that seem worth your time and energy, I’ll give you the scoop. I’ll start hunting the haunts outside SoCal this weekend. In the meantime, you can use this weekend to get in the mood. ** jay, Hi, jay!! Amateur gore is like Taco Bell. Sometimes nothing better will fill the need. Krasznahorkai, totally. I see the backlash against that choice is already coursing through the socials due to his apparently imperfect politics, but greatness is greatness. I’m good, just a little late stage lagged. What are you up to at the moment? Any plans? ** Dominik, Hi!!! My lag is being a bit stubborn, but victory will be mine. Yes, Hungary can be fully proud at the moment. So how was his ‘Dracula’? I’m wary. It’s been quite a while since his stuff seemed exciting enough. But … tell me. Love feeling particularly sad that he’s missing Halloween in LA this weekend for the obvious reasons, G. ** _Black_Acrylic, I think if I ever try audio fiction, it’ll be like you, lying in bed in some doable state of attentiveness and losing consciousness. ** Steeqhen, Well, it is Halloween time, so starting now does make a reasonable amount of sense. Here the Halloween choices are either escape rooms, which I kind of don’t like for some reason, or themed parties, which I really don’t like. Wild that the appearance of a Wendy’s is exciting, but then my heart always beats a little faster when I pass by Paris’s Chipotle. ** Carsten, Fun stuff. I think a case could be made that low budget, overly ambitious horror movies are distant siblings of avant-garde films, but I’m not sure I could make it. I don’t have Netflix, but I’ll see if ‘His Three Daughters’ has landed illegally on soap2day. Quite possible. Weekend: Watch ‘OBAA’ for my film/book Zoom club tomorrow. More of the endless film shlepping stuff, including Zac and me filming ourselves answering pre-set questions for the Hof festival website. And this and that. Should be ok. Yours? Everyone, Go read Carsten saying farewell to Ken Jacobs here. ** Malik, Unease, interesting. I can see that. Or feel that. Excellent about the reading. Baltimore really did feel like it has a very interesting and vital scene of creative folk. Have a really swell weekend. ** Bill, I actually don’t think I’ve matched a Milligan film since the VHS days. They do seem custom mutually made. My lag is taking its unsweet time, but what else is new. Seeing ‘Perfect Blue’ the size of a small house sounds curative, for sure. Right, ‘Jack the Modernist’ back in the world any second now. I should do something here about that. ** Nicholas., Go you for sure. I’m such an early to bed, early to rise guy that vampires seem like exotic bad dream fodder. Nothing against them. Any question I could come up would be in a state of constant formulation. Favorite weekday? Uh, gee, Thursday for some reason. Top of my head. Yours, sir? ** HaRpEr //, Hey kill time pleasantly. I would have said, if you hadn’t, that leaving the difficult stretch alone for a while is really the only and best way to ultimately nail it. Or that’s my modus operandi. And, yeah, going after the impossible is a way to surprise yourself with what you can achieve. That goal eventually evolves into a discovery of your outer limits. I am just about to start the new Kay Gabriel book literally today. She’s amazing, and I’m confident it is too. ** nat, You squeaked in. Actually it wasn’t even a squeak since I started this late today. I don’t think I know who Kang is unless I’m spacing, which is highly possible. It can take a frustratingly long time to find the voice for sure. I spend a lot of time digging around in language in search of that. It sounds like you’re in the realm though. You sound pretty focused on what you want. I bet you’ll hit it soon. ** Right. And now it’s really Halloween around here. Normally when I make these posts it’s like creating a map for my in-person haunt journey, but this year I’m like a lot of you: just looking and going ‘damn’. Or whatever. See you on Monday.