SeaWorld San Diego Howl O Scream: 2025 In-Depth Guide

As the moon rises and shadows creep in, SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a playground of horror and thrills with the return of Howl-O-Scream. This terrifying Halloween event pushes the boundaries of fright with haunted houses, spine-tingling scare zones, and pulse-pounding live shows.

Not your average family affair, this night event is filled with twisted delights meant for the brave-hearted only. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or just love an adrenaline-filled night out, SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream San Diego is the ultimate way to celebrate the Halloween season.

A Terrifying Transformation at SeaWorld

Think SeaWorld is all dolphins and family fun? Think again—by nightfall, it’s a different beast entirely.

Once the sun sets, SeaWorld San Diego becomes unrecognizable. The typically family-friendly park shifts into a chilling nightmare with fog-covered walkways, eerie lighting, and costumed characters lurking around every corner. The event spans across the park with multiple themed scare zones and haunted houses, immersing guests in a horror movie come to life. Be prepared—this isn’t for the faint of heart.

Mark Your Calendar—The Haunting Begins

You’ll want to circle these dates in red—because this horror spectacular doesn’t last forever. The thrills begin on select nights from September 12 through November 1, 2025. Howl-O-Scream hours start at 7 PM, but guests may enter as early as 6 PM; it typically closes around midnight. These dates are limited and popular, so securing your tickets early is highly recommended.

Secure your spot for a night of unrelenting terror with these ticket options and discounts:

• Single Night Tickets: Starting at just $37.99! Pass Members save an extra $5.
• Unlimited Tickets: Enjoy multiple nights of fright—Pass Members save $10 (base price available at SeaWorld Tickets).

Note: Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed nighttime event, not included with regular SeaWorld park admission.

Not for the Kiddos—Who Should Attend?

Curious who dares to enter the scream zones? It’s not for everyone—but you might be exactly who it’s made for.

Designed for those 13 and older, this Halloween event features intense adult content, making it best suited for teens, couples, and thrill-seeking adults. If haunted houses, jump scares, and macabre theatrics are your idea of fun, this is the event for you. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult, and it’s highly encouraged to leave the little ones at home to fully enjoy the immersive horror experience.

Frightening Features You Can’t Miss

What makes Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego a standout Halloween event? Dive into the terror with these bone-chilling rides, each designed to immerse you in a world of fright and excitement:

Five Terrifying Haunted Houses: Step into nightmare realms where each haunt has its own unique theme and storyline. From mad scientists’ labs to alien invasions and haunted slaughterhouses, these indoor attractions are filled with live actors, intricate sets, and startling special effects.

Past haunts like “Simon’s Slaughterhouse” and “Area 64: Alien Outbreak” have set the bar high, and 2025 promises even more terrifying experiences. Prepare to be haunted by your deepest fears as you navigate through these chilling mazes.

Eight Sinister Scare Zones: These open-air areas are patrolled by hordes of scare actors portraying nightmarish creatures such as cursed clowns, circus freaks, extraterrestrials, vampires, and even scary sea creatures. Themes may include post-apocalyptic wastelands, haunted forests, or other eerie settings. With scare actors lurking around every corner, you’ll never know when the next fright will strike. These zones transform the park into a living horror story, ensuring you’re always on edge.

Four Vile Vignettes: Smaller yet equally terrifying, these immersive scare experiences or pop-up performances add an extra layer of dread. Typically, they feature short, interactive horror stories or sudden scares that catch you off guard. These vignettes are scattered throughout the park, blending seamlessly with the overall atmosphere to keep the fear factor high.

Related Post: Otterly Obsessed! A Day at SeaWorld San Diego

Electrifying Live Shows: Witness heart-pounding performances that combine creepy theatrics with cutting-edge special effects. The “Monstrous Electricity” live show is a highlight, where the stage comes alive with shocking displays and electrifying energy. These shows are not just entertainment—they’re a visceral experience that will leave you breathless.

Seven Themed Bars and Five Speakeasies: Quench your thirst for fear with fiendishly delicious cocktails, beer, and spirits. Each of the seven themed bars and five speakeasies is uniquely designed to immerse you in the Halloween spirit. Some speakeasies are cleverly concealed within haunted houses, offering a mysterious and immersive experience. Sip on creative drinks while surrounded by chilling décor and fellow thrill-seekers.

Thrilling Nighttime Coaster Rides: Experience SeaWorld’s iconic coasters like never before, plunging through the darkness with the park’s haunting atmosphere amplifying every twist and turn. Riding coasters at night adds an extra layer of intensity, as shadows, fog, and eerie sound effects replace the usual visual cues. It’s the perfect way to deepen the thrills of your Howl-O-Scream adventure.

Spooky Dance Floors: Dance the night away to music spun by creepy DJs in lively, themed settings. These dance floors are the perfect spot to keep your adrenaline pumping between scares. With haunting tunes and a vibrant yet eerie vibe, they offer a unique blend of fun and fright.

Bonus Event: Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run

Ready for a morning of thrills before the night of chills? Join the Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run!

Kick off your Howl-O-Scream adventure with the Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 7:00 AM, but the parking lot opens at 5:30 AM. This 3.1-mile race winds through SeaWorld’s grounds, featuring Halloween surprises, themed photo ops, and spooky characters. Costumes are encouraged (no masks), and runners receive a race shirt, bib with timing chip, and unique finisher medal.

Top finishers and age division winners earn prizes like complimentary shoes and SeaWorld tickets. A Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under starts at 8:30 AM. Register at Howl-O-Sprint 5K. To register for this run, don’t hesitate to visit this link.

Plan Your Fright-Filled Night with Tripster

Turn screams into memories. Here’s how to make it all happen—with less stress and more thrill!

Tripster offers an effortless way to book your tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. Not only can you find discount tickets to SeaWorld San Diego, CA, but you can also bundle lodging and other local attractions into one seamless experience. Whether you’re traveling from out of town or planning a spooky staycation, we have you covered with curated options and unbeatable value. Don’t hesitate on your chance to book your SeaWorld tickets with us today!

From haunted houses and scare zones to themed bars and live shows, Howl-O-Scream delivers a Halloween experience that’s immersive, intense, and unforgettable. So grab your friends, family, or significant other and get ready to scream your way through one of the most terrifying events of the season.