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.
Entrance into the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park
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.
Family Groups Walking Around 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.
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Dia de Los Muertos in Old Town
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.