San Francisco is a city known to tourists worldwide as a place to go for a variety of activities throughout the year, and Halloween is no exception. When Halloween rolls around, there are plenty of exciting and spooky activities to enjoy in the city. Here are some of the top things to do in San Francisco on Halloween:
Haunted Houses and Attractions: San Francisco hosts several haunted houses and spooky attractions during the Halloween season. Popular options include “Terror Vault” at The San Francisco Mint and “Fear Overload Scream Park” in nearby San Leandro. These attractions provide intense scares and thrilling experiences for those seeking a fright. Great group activity leading up to the 31st.
Halloween Parties: San Francisco is famous for its Halloween parties and events. Numerous nightclubs, bars, and event spaces host costume parties with DJs, live music, and themed decor. Check out iconic neighborhoods like The Castro or join one of the biggest Halloween events in the United States, The San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl (also known as Crawloween)
Pier 39 Halloween: Pier 39 often offers family-friendly Halloween activities, including costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and special events for kids. Enjoy the waterfront views while partaking in Halloween fun.
Ghost Tours: Join a ghost tour in San Francisco to explore the city’s haunted history. These guided tours take you through spooky locations and share eerie tales of the city’s past. The “San Francisco Ghost Hunt” is a popular choice.
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations: Experience the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with decorative altars, traditional music, dance performances, and art installations. The Mission District is known for its popular Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Halloween in the Castro: The Castro neighborhood is known for its extravagant Halloween celebrations. Thousands of people come to this LGBTQ+-friendly area to show off their costumes, enjoy live music, and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Halloween-Themed Movie Screenings: Some cinemas in the city host special Halloween-themed movie screenings. Enjoy classic horror films or cult favorites on the big screen with fellow movie enthusiasts. The Alamo Drafthouse is one of the best places in the city see see Halloween movies like Beetlejuice, Halloween, The Addams Family and more.
Pumpkin Patches: Visit one of the many pumpkin patches in the Bay Area to pick your own pumpkin, go on hayrides, and enjoy other autumn activities. Arata Pumpkin Farm and Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch are popular choices.
Halloween Costume Shopping: San Francisco has numerous costume shops that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a store with vintage costumes or the latest pop culture characters, you’ll find plenty of options.
Haunted Bay Cruises: Take a haunted cruise on the San Francisco Bay. These nighttime boat rides offer stunning views of the city’s skyline while incorporating spooky stories and ghostly legends.
Day of the Dead Procession: Participate in or watch the annual Day of the Dead procession in the Mission District, featuring elaborate costumes, skeleton-themed artwork, and traditional rituals.
Visit Alcatraz at Night: For a truly eerie experience, consider taking a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The former prison takes on an even more haunting atmosphere after dark.
Whether you want a family-friendly activity for the kids or want to dance & drink all night, San Francisco has a little something for everyone when it comes to Halloween activities.