--- title: Uncover California's 5 Best-Kept Halloween Secrets description: "Explore California’s best Halloween events—from haunted houses to apple orchards. Scares, local secrets, and adventure await in this curated autumn guide.\"" image: https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Witchy%20Gang.png --- [Skip to content](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets#main-content) ![](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hubfs/Fair%20Travel%20Co%20Aesthetic%20Logo%20(80%20x%2020%20px).svg) - [Expeditions](https://www.fairtravelco.com/shop/expeditions) - [About](https://www.fairtravelco.com/about-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Expeditions](https://www.fairtravelco.com/shop/expeditions) - [About](https://www.fairtravelco.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://www.fairtravelco.com/contact-us) [Contact us](https://www.fairtravelco.com/contact-us) Oct 16, 2024 11:22:07 PM # Uncover California's 5 Best-Kept Halloween Secrets ![Picture of Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0657.jpeg?width=50&name=IMG_0657.jpeg) [Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/author/mary-cate-bernal) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/5-epic-california-halloween-secrets) California is Fair Travel Co.'s home base—which means I'm extremely excited to share this event edit with you. We've mixed and matched events our guides have enjoyed since childhood with ideas newly brought to life by creative locals looking to iterate on Halloween's chilling, autumnal vibes. Whether you are looking for a good scare, a wholesome day in an apple orchard, or a unique way to explore a new city, you'll find it here. ### Travel & Lore Did you know? This article is part of *Travel & Lore*, a curated Halloween series designed to inspire the macabre-curious explorer in us all. [Discover more](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/travel-lore-series)   ### 1. Winchester Mystery House's *Unhinged Hotel* *San Jose, CA (1 hour from San Francisco)* Now-November 2, 2024 Price: [Starting at $69.99](https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/unhinged/) CHECK IN, NEVER CHECK OUT. The Winchester Mystery house is a local Bay Area gem (and my favorite site for childhood birthday parties). The mansion was home to Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, the widowed heiress to a significant portion of the Winchester® Repeating Arms fortune. Long before her death, she became enshrined in [local lore](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/travel-lore-series). Legend has it Mrs. Winchester believed she was being haunted by the ghosts of those felled by the “Gun that Won the West." Guided by psychics and spirits, the well-educated socialite cut herself off from the world and began construction that "never-stopped" to both appease and confuse her ghosts. Each Halloween the mansion devises an incredible theme to showcase the mansion and entertain the community. [Introducing this year's chapter: Unhinged Hotel](https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/unhinged/) – 'Step into the darkened halls of the Winchester Mystery House and navigate a hauntingly immersive maze...Stranded with car troubles, a group of friends seek help in a nearby hotel. Little do they know, the seemingly empty hotel is hiding more than just empty rooms. As they venture deeper into the halls, an unsettling feeling creeps in. They’re not alone. Are you brave enough to step inside and uncover the dark secrets hidden within the walls? ' *Fun eco-fact: In its heyday the house was a shining model for then cutting-edge conservation designs—particularly in water conservation.* [Get Tickets!](https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/unhinged/)   ### 2. Witches & Warlocks Paddle *Morro Bay, CA (half-way between Monterey Bay and Santa Barbara)* 2:00PM to 4:00PM - October 26, 2024 Price: [Free](https://www.morrobay.org/event/witches-and-warlocks-paddle/13954/) WHO NEEDS A BROOMSTICK WHEN YOU'VE GOT A PADDLE? [The 11th Annual Morro Bay Witches Paddle](https://www.facebook.com/witchespaddle/) is sure to be a haunting success! Don your favorite witches hat or best cloak and join the 500 paddlers and 1,500+ spectators for a ghoulish morning on the water. The event will occur fog or shine—after all, witches always float. Whether you prefer to kayak or SUP, all are welcome. Not only is Morro Bay strikingly beautiful, but you should be off the water early enough to jaunt out to [Hearst Castle](https://hearstcastle.org/)—another California gem—for a day trip! Bonus: Your wicked fun does some wicked good! This year's event supports the [Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County](https://www.slofoodbank.org/). Remember to bring a donation. Note: This is an ad-hoc event primarily spread by word of mouth (we're sharing local secrets, remember?). Make sure to bring your own equipment and verse yourself in [water safety](https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity). - ![Four witches in full costume float together the water, paddles in hand.](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Witchy%20Gang.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20Witchy%20Gang.png) Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page - ![Spectators crowd together on a wharf to photograph witch paddle participants](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Spectators.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20Spectators.png) Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page - ![Smiling Witch from Morro Bay Witches Paddle 2023](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Smiling%20Witch.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20Smiling%20Witch.png) Hover Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page - ![Four backlit witches stand on SUP with paddles. One warlock sits on the front of the paddle board to steer](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Backlit%20SUP.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20Backlit%20SUP.png) Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page - ![Fashionable grandmother in sunglasses and witches hat paddles with grandson in wizard costume. Grandson](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20GMA%20and%20Grandson.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20GMA%20and%20Grandson.png) Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page - ![Dozens of paddlers entering Morro Bay](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Morro%20Bay%20-%20Paddlers%20Entering%20Bay.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Morro%20Bay%20-%20Paddlers%20Entering%20Bay.png) Photo Credit: Witches Paddle Facebook Page [Learn more](https://www.facebook.com/witchespaddle/)   ### 3. Gold Country: Perfect for Leaf Peepers & Tombstone Tourists HIT THE LEAF CHANGING MOTHERLOAD!*Eastern California from Lake Tahoe to Madera—*[See Map](https://visitgoldcountry.com/)**October-November, 2024** Price: $30-$750 While over 23 million [leaf peepers](https://apnews.com/article/fall-foliage-leaf-peeping-autumn-df5b4726079d08156bc819179c0a8567)—roamers who travel to see fall foliage—flock to the United States' East Coast each fall, you don't need to travel far to find a great show. [California's Gold Country](https://www.visitcalifornia.com/region/gold-country/) has everything you need to see bright yellow leaves. Add in some [Old West cemeteries](https://cali49.com/hwy49/2018/6/5/california-gold-rush-pioneer-cemeteries) from California's iconic Gold Rush era and you have the makings for excellent [tombstone tourism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tombstone_tourist) as well! This vibrant secret yields itself perfectly to micro-adventures: pack a picnic, go for a quiet hike, [take a private sightseeing tour](https://www.fairtravelco.com/shop/private-tours), explore one of the many local caves, or enjoy a romantic weekend getaway. - ![Man walks along a drit road lined with autumn colored trees](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/El%20Dorado%20County%20Autumn%20Leaves.png?width=1024&height=512&name=El%20Dorado%20County%20Autumn%20Leaves.png) Phot Credit: Visit El Dorado - ![4 tombstones are viewed through a cemetery gate](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gold%20Country%20Gravesites.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Gold%20Country%20Gravesites.png) Photo Credit: Cali49 - ![City sign for Volcano CA. Population of 100 is crossed out with white ink and replaced with 103.](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gold%20Country%20Volcano%20CA%20Sign.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Gold%20Country%20Volcano%20CA%20Sign.png) Photo Credit: The Bold Italic Personally, I'm a big fan of [Volcano, CA—a quaint town](https://thebolditalic.com/take-this-awesome-fall-road-trip-to-gold-country-the-bold-italic-san-francisco-dc1eca06c19f) with a population somewhere between 59-103. There you can admire the foliage, grab a pint from the pub, nestle into a cozy room at the St. George Hotel, and sneak away during the witching hour to your choice of three cemeteries—one Catholic, one Methodist and one Protestant. From big (try [Placerville](https://visit-eldorado.com/where-to-find-fall-colors-around-el-dorado-county/)) to small (mountain bikers like [Downieville](https://www.discoverdownieville.com/)), you can't go wrong. Just follow the fresh air and stunning orange hues. Not in California? That's okay! Check out Explore Fall's [Fall Foliage Map 2024](https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map) to find dazzling autumn colors near you. [Learn More](https://visitgoldcountry.com/gold-country-visitors-association/road-trip/road-trip-fall/)   [Private Tour](https://www.fairtravelco.com/shop/private-tours)   ### 4. The U.S.S Hornet (Grey Ghost) *Alameda, CA (Short ferry from San Francisco)* Select nights through October 27, 2024 Price: $20-$60 GET AN AFTER LIFE. ![USS Hornet Monster Bash Graphic](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/USS%20Hornet%20Monster%20Bash%20Graphic.png?width=426&height=213&name=USS%20Hornet%20Monster%20Bash%20Graphic.png)The USS Hornet—also known as the Grey Ghost—is an aircraft carrier docked in Alameda, CA. The ship is such a local whisper many SF Bay Area residents don't even know it's there! But trust us, this is a secret best unkept. This living piece of history is interesting to visit year-round, but it especially comes alive at Halloween—something I didn't learn until a mico-adventure mishap landed me there overnight during a ghost tour with the [East Bay Paranormal Society!](https://www.facebook.com/p/East-Bay-Paranormal-Society-EBPS-100064546485532/?_rdr) It was simply amazing. This year's line up looks to be no less fierce: - Oct. 18: [Spaghetti & Spirits](https://uss-hornet.org/calendar/ship-of-spirits-spaghetti-spirits-paranormal-dinner-and-tour-copy-copy) - Hear real firsthand accounts of the Hornet’s haunts at dinner followed by a paranormal investigation of the ship. - Oct. 19: [Gathering of the Goths](https://uss-hornet.org/calendar/gathering-of-the-goths) - San Francisco’s 5th Annual Goth Festival will feature an all star lineup of Post-punk, Dark Wave, and Synth Punk bands from California - Oct. 25: [History Mystery "After-Hours" Tour](https://uss-hornet.doubleknot.com/event/history-mystery-october-2024/3055675) - Behind the scenes tour of the ship's eerie places—those reported to host unseen visitors and areas that have not yet been opened to the public, virtually untouched since the ship’s decommissioning over forty years ago. - Oct. 26: [Annual Monster Bash!](https://uss-hornet.org/calendar/monsters-bash-2024) - Prepare to rock the night away with 2 bands, a huge dance floor, a haunted sick bay to explore, great food options and several no host bars!  - Oct. 27: [Casper Movie and STEM Night](https://uss-hornet.org/calendar/casper-halloween-movie-and-stem-night) - Become a real-life ghostbuster, enjoy a movie screening, and add-on an after-hours flashlight tour! [Learn more](https://uss-hornet.org/calendar) ### 5. Apple Picking is a Must! RIP-E FOR THE PICKIN' *Santa Cruz and Sebastopool, CA* October 12 - November 2, 2024 Pricing: [$2/lb to $35 per car](https://secretsanfrancisco.com/bay-area-apple-orchards/) Long before Silicon Valley became an innovation hub for tech startups, it was known as "The Valley of Heart's Delight" for its abounding orchards. In much of the surrounding area, you can still find hard working farms willing to let you on property for delicious fruits. From the Santa Cruz Mountains to Wine Country, nothing says fall in Northern California more than enjoying a ["U Pick" day](https://secretsanfrancisco.com/bay-area-apple-orchards/)—when you pick your own apples—followed by a hunt in the local pumpkin patch. Don't worry, they'll give you a basket. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a stereotypical flannel. - ![Woman in peach colored shirt holds three apples](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Three%20Apples%20Unsplash%20Natalie%20Grainger.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Three%20Apples%20Unsplash%20Natalie%20Grainger.png) Photo by [Natalie Grainger](https://unsplash.com/@missnjc?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-three-red-apple-fruits-DapP9j2DJMQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) - ![Small child reaches for apple in a tree](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gizdich%20Small%20Child%20reaches%20for%20apple.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Gizdich%20Small%20Child%20reaches%20for%20apple.png) Photo by Gizdich Ranch - ![Group of locals stand in an apple orchard](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apple%20a%20Day%20Ranch.png?width=1024&height=512&name=Apple%20a%20Day%20Ranch.png) Photo by @appleadayranch on Instagram This year the winter fruit is coming in late, meaning you still have plenty of time to collect your apples. The only catch? You should call ahead to make sure your location is open. My favorite farm, [Gizdich Ranch](https://www.gizdich-ranch.com/u-pick), announced they are closed for the season to catch up on picking. Due to fires, late fruit, and farm-work, this year's picking times are variable. [Find an Orchard](https://secretsanfrancisco.com/bay-area-apple-orchards/)   ### Bonus: Find a Ghost Tour Near You! *Eureka to San Francisco to San Diego, California* Now through November 2, 2024 Price: [$25 to $95](https://www.viator.com/California-tours/Ghost-and-Vampire-Tours/d272-g4-c118?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD) - ![Group of men and women listen to a tour guide holding a spooky lantern](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/US%20Ghost%20Adventures%20Group%20lantern.png?width=1024&height=512&name=US%20Ghost%20Adventures%20Group%20lantern.png) Photo Credit: Pasadena Ghosts - ![Group of men cross the street at night while following behind a man wearing a top hat](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SF%20Haunt%20Street%20Cross.png?width=1024&height=512&name=SF%20Haunt%20Street%20Cross.png) Photo Credit: San Francisco Ghost Hunt - ![LA Roosevelt Hotel stands lit up against a stormy sky](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LA%20Rosevelt%20Hotel.png?width=1024&height=512&name=LA%20Rosevelt%20Hotel.png) Photo Credit: Los Angeles Ghost Tours Okay, this one isn't exactly a secret nor is it unique to California. But what list of Halloween events would be complete without a proper [ghost tour](https://www.viator.com/California-tours/Ghost-and-Vampire-Tours/d272-g4-c118?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD) mention? Enjoy a fright in [San Diego's Gaslamp District](https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/San-Diego-Gaslamp-District-Ghost-Tour/d736-136874P2?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD). Savor a ['paranormal pairing'](https://travelagents.viator.com/tours/Santa-Barbara/Santa-Barbara-Ghost-and-Wine-Tasting-Tour/d4372-170475P2) during wine tasting in Santa Barbara. [Walk with spirits](https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Francisco/Walking-with-Spirits-An-Historic-Haunted-Pub-Crawl/d651-340667P1?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD) during a San Francisco pub crawl. Or maybe you prefer to explore the [dark underbelly of Hollywood](https://www.viator.com/tours/Los-Angeles/Hollywood-Horrors-and-Haunts-Walking-Tour/d645-295253P9?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD) at haunted hotels and true crime locales. Unfortunately, our favorite ghost tour sells out in seconds—we didn't even snag tickets!—so that's a local secret we may just have to keep... No matter which California destination you choose, open your mind to the macabre and enjoy the sinister experience! [Find a Ghost Tour](https://www.viator.com/California-tours/Ghost-and-Vampire-Tours/d272-g4-c118?pid=P00009813&uid=U00312881&mcid=58086¤cy=USD) [October](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/october), [SF Bay Area](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/sf-bay-area), [California](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/california), [Travel & Lore](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/travel-lore), [Halloween](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/halloween), [Gold Country](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/gold-country), [San Francisco](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/tag/san-francisco) ## Comment ## Related posts [![](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Macnas%20Halloween%20Parade%20Galway.png?height=200&name=Macnas%20Halloween%20Parade%20Galway.png)](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/travel-lore-ireland-top-10-halloween-events) ## [Travel & Lore: 10 Spooky Irish Destinations to Celebrate Halloween](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/travel-lore-ireland-top-10-halloween-events) ![Picture of Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0657.jpeg?width=50&name=IMG_0657.jpeg) [Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/author/mary-cate-bernal) Oct 8, 2024 9:41:41 PM As the veil between the Otherworld and our own thins, we hope to inspire your journey to... [Read more](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/travel-lore-ireland-top-10-halloween-events) [![](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Puca%20Festival-2.png?height=200&name=Puca%20Festival-2.png)](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/travel-lore-the-irish-origins-of-halloween) ## [Travel & Lore: The Irish Origins of Halloween](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/travel-lore-the-irish-origins-of-halloween) ![Picture of Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0657.jpeg?width=50&name=IMG_0657.jpeg) [Mary Cate Bernal](https://explore.fairtravelco.com/the-field-log/author/mary-cate-bernal) Oct 7, 2024 10:04:33 AM Thinking back to my time in Dublin, I conjure images of stone buildings with robust doors set upon... 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