Are you thrilled by the idea of encountering cursed clowns, circus freaks, extraterrestrials, mad scientists, demented toys, vampires and scary sea creatures? If so, then we have the place for you. For 21 nights of the fall season, SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a living nightmare of terror and frightful fun. This event is only for adults and brave teens ages 13 and up. If you are looking for family-friendly Halloween fun, then take the tadpoles to the daytime Halloween Spooktacular instead for trick-or-treating, costumes, shows, exhibits and more fun. Then get a babysitter for the little ones and prepare to jump out of your skin as the monsters emerge at SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream.
Overview of SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream
Since Halloween 2021, SeaWorld San Diego has been on the map for adult nighttime Halloween frights. SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream invites you to face your fears in haunted houses, scare zones, roaming haunts, devilish dance parties and a monstrous live show. Take on more thrills during a nighttime coaster ride in the dark and sip sinister cocktails at haunted bars. It's all waiting for you at SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream.
This entire event is a little less dark and scary than some of the other nighttime SoCal Halloween haunts. If you are nervous about going, you can purchase a "No Boo" necklace. People who do not want to be bothered in scare zones can wear it. But keep in mind that Howl-O-Scream scare zones have much fewer scare actors than the other scare events, so the scares are less intense. It's also the most affordable event, which makes it a great starter event for teens or people new to scary theme park events and those feeling the pinch of rising ticket prices. (And you can save even more with tickets the earlier you buy!) But the theming is still very much for older frogs, so we do not recommend bringing the tadpoles under 13.
SeaWorld says the event contains intense adult content and intends it to be an adult event. But children under 18 are admitted. Refunds are not given if the event is too scary for your tadpoles, unfrogtunately.
We've unearthed the important details for the 2024 event. Tickets are on sale now. Let's hop into the 2024 details and go over the spooky fun we experienced at a past year's event.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Dates and Tickets
Howl-O-Scream takes place on select sinister nights Sept. 27 through Nov. 2, 2024. It mostly falls on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with four Thursdays in October.
Here are the event hours for 2024:
Hours
- Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Thursday & Sunday: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Even though the event kicks off at 7 p.m., you can enter as early as 6 p.m. If you are already in the park as a daytime visitor, on nights when the park closes later than 5 p.m., you can enter through rentals starting at 6 p.m.
Best Dates to Attend
The best dates to attend will vary based on your schedule. The least crowded nights are typically Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays early in the season (and they are the least expensive as well). Crowds pick up as Halloween approaches and on Friday and Saturday nights. But it's a late-night event so if you have school or work early the next morning, you might want to reconsider your selected date. Buy your dated ticket early through Undercover Tourist.
Here are the dates of Howl-O-Scream 2024:
- Sept. 27, 28 and 29
- Oct. 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31
- Nov. 1 and 2
(Dates and times subject to change.)
Howl-O-Scream Tickets
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event. Fun cards, annual passes and regular daytime tickets are not valid during this event. Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance. You can buy authorized tickets through Undercover Tourist! Ribbit! Tickets are on sale now. The earlier you purchase, the cheaper the price.
These are the tickets currently available for purchase:
- Single-Night, Dated Ticket from Undercover Tourist
- Howl-O-Scream Night and Day Ticket (same-day access to both)
- Single Night (Any Night) Tickets
- Howl-O-Scream Unlimited Admission Ticket
- SeaWorld San Diego Any-Day + Howl-O-Scream Any-Night Ticket
- SeaWorld San Diego Single-Day + Howl-O-Scream Single-Night Ticket
- Group tickets (15+)
You'll choose your date at checkout. Prices go up as the season progresses. Buy early to save. Go straight to the gate with these tickets.
Special Experiences
You can add Evil Upgrades to your tickets through SeaWorld directly. These do not include admission:
- Front Line Fear — One-time front-of-the-line access to five houses. Prices vary per night.
- Front Line Fear Extreme — One-time front-of-the-line access to five houses plus Emperor, Electric Eel and Arctic Rescue.
- Front Line Fear Unlimited — Unlimited front-of-the-line access to five houses plus Emperor, Electric Eel and Arctic Rescue.
- Monster Stomp Reserved Seating
Howl-O-Sprint
In case you want to train to run for your life, SeaWorld San Diego has the perfect event for you! The Howl-O-Sprin5 5K Run and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run take place early Sunday morning Oct. 20, 2024.
The 3.1-mile course takes you on a thrilling and chilling journey through SeaWorld San Diego. Look out for Halloween surprises, themed photo moments and spooky characters who pop up along the route! The park is decked out for SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Spooktacular events. All participants receive an official race shirt, a race bib with a timing chip, a one-of-a-kind finisher medal, and eligibility for awards. Halloween costumes are encouraged, but masks are not permitted for this event.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Park Plan
In 2024, Howl-O-Scream consists of five haunted houses, seven scare zones, three thrill rides, seven bars, one killer show and five vile vignettes. Our three- to four-hour party night flew by like we were being chased by thirsty vampires. You'll want a plan to do it all. Here are two important details to note:
Consult an event map. We used a paper map the night we visited. The area of the event is to the right when facing the front gates from the parking lot. None of the animal exhibits are open during the event.
Get Front Line Fear to skip the lines. If rides are important to you, get the Front Line Extreme. On opening night, crowds tend to be low, but that will likely change as the season progresses.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Haunted Houses
Howl-O-Scream is home to five haunted houses. In general, the haunted houses feel more open and more lit than you'd find at other events, so if you are claustrophobic or not a fan of the dark, this may be a more comfortable event for you. Here are the 2024 houses, which are all distorted from their 2022 and 2023 selves.
3D Maze: Circus of the Damned
An evil ringmaster seeks to return his cursed Circus of the Damned to its former glory with new performers. Is it you he seeks? Can you escape the big top and condemned circus freaks before you’re forced to become one of them? Being located near the front of the event, this is a great house to hit at the end of the night.
But there is a twist this year! The carnival has been turned upside down, showcasing the distorted and surreal in a new way! Navigate lifelike 3D elements with special 3D glasses to escape the evil ringmaster Avoid his condemned crew to escape the big top before you’re forced to join the Circus of the Damned! The 3D effect is fun.
This maze has a hidden speakeasy in it! Follow @howloscreamsd stories on Insta for the code word before you visit!
REIMAGINED TERROR: Area 64: Alien Outbreak
You've heard the rumors and conspiracy theories about Area 64. You set out to explore on your own via a hole in the fence. The darkness and decay are not what you expected though. Watch out for lethal security, mad scientists and terrifying extraterrestrials on the loose.
This year, the aliens are back, and they’re seeking REVENGE! This year’s Area 64: Alien Outbreak has been escalated to a full-scale invasion! Evade lethal security, mad scientists and terrifying extraterrestrials who refuse to be contained!
This maze has a hidden speakeasy in it! Follow @howloscreamsd stories on Instagram for the code word before you visit! We had to enter this maze three times before we found the hidden entrance and said the code word.
NEW PETRIFYING FINALE: Death Water Bayou
Can you escape the dark waters of your nightmares only to fall under the evil curse of a Swamp Witch? We loved the detail and effects inside this house. Death Water Bayou has a new terrifying finale.
NEW HORRIFIC RESIDENTS: Nightmare Experiment
A demented doctor is out to get you for a secret project gone horribly wrong. Can you escape being his lab rat? You do not want to check into this horrific hospital. But it's not like last time you checked in. This year brings all-new patients and a terrifying secret. Oh no! You are the subject of an experimental project run amok. Find safety before The Doctor finds you.
Just a note that if you've spent time in a mental hospital or had a traumatic hospitalization, this house could trigger feelings of panic, so you might want to take that into consideration. There is a themed bar, AmBARlance, just outside the exit. This house, like Circus of the Damned, is located near the entrance/exit so it's a great house to catch before the end of the night.
ENHANCED SCARES: Simon’s Slaughterhouse
Back from 2022, this house returns from the dead. And it's a sick game of Simon says “DIE!” What could possibly go wrong in an abandoned meat-packing plant with a twisted past? Uh, oh! You are about to find out! You can expect brand-new sensory effects that will send you screaming around every corner. Navigate through the bloody corridors, meat-hooked mortals and screeching buzz saws of the meat-processing plant to avoid the butcher’s blades. Expect this to be the bloodiest and goriest house of the night. We do not recommend this bloody maze for vegans and people bothered by dedications of cruelty to animals.
This maze has a hidden speakeasy in it! Follow @howloscreamsd stories on Instagram for the code word before you visit!
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Scare Zones
Howl-O-Scream terrifies guests in seven scare zones, four of which are brand new! There is no place to hide!
Here are the new scare zones for 2024.
(New) Terrors of the Deep
The salty sea air is fouled by the stench of rotting fish. What's that? A distant bell tolls. Here, at the water’s edge, deadly sea beasts and unnatural horrors emerge from the depths to terrorize the unsuspecting fishermen who call the docks home.
(New) Ripper Row
Have you heard the news? The infamous murderer Jack The Ripper is terrorizing the streets of Ripper Row. Everyone is on edge, distrustful and all too willing to accost strangers if it means staying alive. Save yourself!
(New) Red Mood Revelry
A once quiet commune deep in the woods has morphed into a bloodthirsty cabal of vampires, celebrating the arrival of the blood moon. It's time to feast on all those who are drawn in by the sounds of a party.
(New) All Hallow's Harvest
Step into a blighted farmland where there's nowhere to hide from the cursed scarecrows who intend to harvest your body and soul to feed their own dark desires. Be wary and watch your back.
Here are the returning scare zones in 2024.
Carnival of Chaos
You thought you survived the Circus of the Damned House, but it looks like some of the sinister carnies and sideshow clowns are determined to find you. Rumor has it they'll kill to make it big time. It's located in front of the Circus of the Damned house. You can check the schedule for a list of circus acts to entertain you. This zone had the most scare actors, but they we more entertaining than scary in our opinion.
Graveyard
You cannot keep some evils buried forever. Some of this cemetery’s long-term guests are dying to meet you. Sounds like a thriller night.
Deadly Toys
These dummies are not like the dolls you grew up with. Wanna play? Nope. Too bad. You are their plaything now, and they'll decide when the fun ends. We loved the makeup, costumes and unpredictable interactions with these fun scare actors.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Entertainment
There is new entertainment listed for 2024, along with some new Vile Vignettes.
Opening SCAREmony
This completely reimagined stage show opens the event with a frightening master of ceremonies summoning nightmarish creatures to prepare you for a night of screams, scares and terror.
(New!) Monster Stomp
Witness the menace and mystery of Jack the Ripper in a modern rock and rhythm spectacular. It has electric choreography, live singers and explosive percussions to get your heart pounding. It's located at Nautilus Amphitheater. We enjoyed the talented dancers and musicians in this heart-stomping show! Plus, it gives you a chance to sit and rest.
Enjoy performances and magicians at Carnival of Chaos.
Keep a watchful eye out for spooky moments in these five Vile Vignettes (all new). You can find the times in the SeaWorld San Diego app as well as on signs by the small stages where these small performances take place.
Misfortune
What does the future have in store? Step into the fortune teller’s tent if you’re brave enough. But fair warning, you might not like what you hear as she spins tales of woe and anguish.
All Hallow's Harvest
Watch out for the cornfields at Howl-O-Scream, as evil lurks within! Walk the path if you dare, but the scarecrows are waiting to take their revenge. (Seriously, what did you do to deserve this?)
Dark Magic
A sadistic magician in the Carnival of Chaos has some tricks up his sleeve. Explore Dark Magic all night long in this magic show.
Call from Beyond
A mad scientist conducts dangerous experiments. Watch out! You might end up as his next test subject!
Simon's Meat Market
On the way to Simon’s Slaughterhouse, you’ll encounter a crooked auctioneer wielding what’s left of Simon’s latest victims. You do not want to be next.
Rides Open During SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream
Take a terrifying ride in the dark on:
- Electric Eel
- Emperor
- Arctic Rescue
We also saw the Tentacle Twirl swings open during the event.
Rides are subject to weather.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Food and Merchandise
Slip into sinister cocktail bars around the park. Yes, let your guard down and relax. That's just what the monsters are waiting for. These hangouts are themed to houses and scare zones.
Here are the seven cocktail bars that offered a splash of fear in 2024:
- (New!) The Cracked Cauldrons
- (New!) Bloodthirsty
- (New!) Ancient Libations
- LaBARatory
- Big Top Drinks
- Toys N' Tonic
- AmBARIance
Speakeasies in Mazes
We were able to enter a secret speakeasy in the middle of three different mazes this year. You can get the password off Instagram stories that day @howloscreamsd. The hard part is finding the hidden door in each maze!
In addition to themed drinks, there are Jell-O shot syringes, blood bags (if those sweet drinks are your type), mocktails and more.
When you get hungry, hop by the food stands for bites, mocktails, cotton, candy and chips.
SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream Tips
Here are some terrifyingly hopful tips to make it a night you can't froget:
- Purchasing dated tickets through Undercover Tourist in advance.
- The night is short. Arrive early to avoid getting stuck in line.
- Leave the tadpoles at home. They will enjoy the daytime events at Halloween Spooktacular instead.
- Wear good walking shoes.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress for the weather. Some fall nights can be sweltering while others get chilly. Dress in layers and get a locker if you do not wish to carry items with you.
- Follow the rules — no touching the scare actors, sets or props. No horseplay or pushing.
- Get a No Boo necklace if you want to be left alone in scare zones. They do not work in the mazes.
- Eat before you arrive.
- Do not bring open beverages or food into the attractions.
- Skip the lines with a Front Line Fear pass.
- Lock all bags or loose items in a locker before riding.
- No ECVs are allowed in houses. Guests must transfer to a manual wheelchair.
- No flashlights, laser pointers, photography or filming in houses. Flash photography is not allowed at the event and can hurt the scare actors.
- To get in the speakeasies, follow @howlocreamsd the day of your visit to find out the password. In the three mazes with speakeasies, look for hidden doorways with a hooded guard. Say the password to gain entrance. They are tricky to spot!
Do you think you are brave enough to survive SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream? Your trusted froggy friends are selling the same Howl-O-Scream tickets. No tricks.
Related: How to Have Spooktacular Halloween Fun at SeaWorld San Diego
Related: Our Ghoulish Guide to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
Keep hopping!
