Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld San Diego

Are you brave enough to face your fears? SeaWorld San Diego’s 2024 Howl-O-Scream promises bigger scares, new shocking shows & nightmares that come to life!

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Oct 15, 2024

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld

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The Scariest Event of the Season Returns to San Diego in 2024

Screaming Monster at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

Dead Baby Doll at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

Beginning September 27th and running on select nights through November 2nd, Howl-O-Scream is returning to SeaWorld San Diego for its fourth year in 2024.

What began back in 1999 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has since expanded to many SeaWorld parks, including the San Diego location in Mission Bay Park. This year promises tons of thrills with scare zones, live music and DJs, haunted attractions, and roaming actors who could be lurking behind the next corner.

Creepy Clown at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

What Is Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego?

During Howl-O-Scream, sections of the SeaWorld San Diego park are restyled in different Halloween themes, from a sci-fi recreation of Area 51 to a murderous circus. As guests travel the park, they may encounter surprise scare actors in between watching frightening shows and visiting haunted houses.

SeaWorld San Diego advertises that Howl-O-Scream is an event intended for older teens and adults due to its more mature content. While I’m attending in a few weeks with my teenage kids and wife and am really excited, the themes are that of horror movies and nightmares.

I would agree that if you have younger kids, there are many other family-friendly Halloween events and attractions that might be a better fit for your family.

Pirates at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

When is Howl-O-Scream in 2024?

Howl-O-Scream will take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 7:00 pm, with park entry at 6:00 pm, from September 27th until November 2nd.

Though Howl-O-Scream is held inside the SeaWorld San Diego park, it is not included in park admission, and is a separately ticketed event. However, there are plenty of reasons that justify the price of admission, from themed cocktail bars to haunted house experiences with live scare actors.

If you’re looking for tickets to SeaWorld San Diego before Howl-O-Scream, I recommend you get them with a Go City San Diego pass to insure the cheapest price.

Plus, save even more on park admission when you use our discount code GVSD5OFF.

A Not-So-Scary Hotel

Once you’re all screamed out, a relaxing hotel stay at The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect way to wind down. The Dana is right on the waterfront and only about a mile from SeaWorld San Diego, plus it comes highly recommended by our team.

Creepy Baby Doll at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

Halloween in San Diego

Though there are many attractions with special Halloween theming, SeaWorld’s stands out for being voted #1 Best Theme Park Halloween Event in 2023 by USA Today. We’re certain that the 2024 incarnation will be just as worth attending!

Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego offers chilling entertainment for adults. But if you’re looking for more family-friendly Halloween or fall events, try HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND California, and other holiday events like the Día de Muertos celebrations in Old Town San Diego.

Arrive Early

At Howl-O-Scream 2024 at SeaWorld San Diego, head to the haunted houses early—lines get long as the night goes on! Also, the scare zones are no-scare zones before 7 p.m., making it a good time to explore before the frights begin.

Terrifying Attractions Await

Laughing Witch at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is part amusement park and part marine zoo. In the daytime, marine life takes center stage just like at another of my favorite San Diego attractions, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

At night, you’ll find Halloween surprises throughout the park at this SeaWorld spooktacular, including a number of scare attractions.

Haunted Houses

Howl-O-Scream 2024 features five different haunted houses, each with a different flavor of frights.

Nightmare Experiment: An experiment gone wrong is led by a demented doctor, and you’re the patient
Circus of the Damned 3D: Don your 3D glasses and escape from the ringmaster and his crew in this circus
Simon’s Slaughterhouse: Evade the butcher as you navigate the new and improved immersive special effects
Deathwater Bayou: A witch follows at your heels in this swamp-themed haunted house
Area 64: Alien Outbreak: The aliens aren’t the only threat in this sci-fi adventure

Scare Zones and Vignettes

Looking for a scare? Howl-O-Scream has plenty!

You can encounter its scare zones and horror-themed shows naturally as you explore the park, but for the inside scoop on what to expect, read on if you dare.

Watch Out for Scare Zones!

Throughout the park, you’ll find dedicated areas decorated to match a specific theme. Be on your guard as you pass through these zones, as someone just might jump out at you!

Returning from previous years are the following scare zones:

Carnival of Chaos: Carnies, clowns, and sideshow stars prowl this area at the entrance to the park
Deadly Toys: Childhood toys are just dying to play with you south of the Nautilus Pavilion
Graveyard: The restless dead rise from their graves in front of the Nautilus Amphitheater

For the 2024 event, SeaWorld San Diego is also introducing four additional scare zones.

Terrors of the Deep: This zone takes inspiration from Lovecraft’s stories of eldritch horror in seaside fishing towns - find it near the Tentacle Twirl ride
Ripper Row: Near the arcade, you’ll be thrust back to the time of Jack the Ripper’s bloody reign in London
Red Moon Revelry: A vampire-themed bloodbath outside the usual Penguin Encounter area
All Hallow's Harvest: Found by Emperor coaster, cursed scarecrows have taken over a dying farm.

Terrifying Tales at Vile Vignettes

In addition to rides, roaming actors, and haunted houses, SeaWorld San Diego’s Vile Vignettes are staged scenes with live entertainment. Each of these six scenes tell a unique tale.

This year’s returning shows are:

Misfortune: A fortune teller shares her not-so-lucky predictions
Dark Magic: A twisted magician performs sadistic feats with sleight of hand
Call from Beyond: A mad scientist’s experiments take a turn for the terrifying

There are also three vignettes that will be newly unveiled in 2024:

Fall of Atlantis: Follow an archeologist pursuing the lost city of Atlantis who gets more than he bargained for
Hunter’s Oath: A vampire hunter challenges the Red Moon Revelers who have been wreaking havoc in the forest
Songs of Old Halloween: Listen to old Halloween tales that take on a life of their own

Explore SeaWorld and SAVE

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Check out SeaWorld San Diego for exciting rides, marine animal interactions and shows! Admission is included as part of the All-Inclusive Go City pass. Save even more when you bundle with other top attractions like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps!

Buy Now

What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Unique Experiences Beyond the Scares

Lady Clown with Knife at Howl O Scream Seaworld San Diego

Howl-O-Scream also offers guests exciting ceremonies and themed eateries.

Rides within the themed area of the park will remain open, so you can enjoy the thrills of Emperor and Arctic Rescue in between shows and scares.

Live Entertainment

Each evening of the event kicks off with the Opening SCAREmony. The ghoulish MC invites guests into the park to experience all the surprises in store while setting the scene for what you can expect to encounter.

New in 2024 is Monster Stomp, a rock and rhythm show with live singers themed around Jack the Ripper.

Sinister Cocktails and Themed Bars

Stationed throughout the park are Halloween-themed bars, each with their own selection of cocktails. Sample experimental concoctions at the LaBARatory, see the circus’ offerings at Big Top Drinks, and swing by AmBARlance or Toys N' Tonic for more options.

New this year are Ancient Libations, Bloodthirsty, and The Cracked Cauldron, each rolling out their own menu of brews.

Popular Hotels

Price

Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

$162

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Horton Grand Hotel

$142

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Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

$235

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DoubleTree by Hilton Mission Valley

$98

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The Party Doesn’t Stop There: More Festivities and Visitor Info

SeaWorld Exit at SeaWorld San Diego

Here’s some final info on Howl-O-Scream 2024 including tickets, guest rules, and other Halloween events at the park.

Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run

Looking for a lighter option this Halloween? SeaWorld San Diego will be holding its inaugural Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run this fall featuring a 3.1-mile route through the property.

Though not part of Howl-O-Scream, there will be some spooky surprises along the path, and runners can come in costume.

The 5K Run is on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 7:00 am, with a Kids 1-Mile Fun Run following at 8:30 am.

Howl-O-Scream Ticket Options

Since Howl-O-Scream tickets are separate from park entry, daytime tickets won’t grant entry to the event. Annual pass holders do not receive free entry, but they can get up to 55% off their tickets.

Prices for date-specific tickets vary, and early ticket purchasers can get major discounts during the slash sale.

Pricing for tickets at the 2024 event are as follows:

Single-Night Ticket, Specific Date: starting at $41.99 (slash sale) or $92.99 (regular)
Single-Night Ticket, Flexible Date: $66.99 (slash sale) or $92.99 (regular)
Unlimited Admission Ticket: $109.99 (slash sale) or $114.99 (regular)

There are also options for combined daytime and nighttime tickets:

Single-Night Ticket, Specific Date: starting at $112.99 (slash sale) or $215.98 (regular)
Single-Night Ticket, Flexible Date: $144.99 (slash sale) or $215.98 (regular)

New this year is the Howl-O-Scream VIP Terror Tour which includes your own private tour guide, a meal and 4 drink tickets, front-of-the-line passes, reserved seating at select shows, and up-close parking. Prices start at $249.00 per person.

Important Notes for Attendees

Face paint and costumes are not allowed in the park during Howl-O-Scream. This is for the safety of the guests and staff so everyone knows who is an employee and who is an attendee.

Bags larger than 8”x5” may not be carried into the park.

The event is not recommended for ages 12 and under due to mature themes, though there is no official age restriction.

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