Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego

It’s not too late to freak yourself out this Halloween season, and if you’re a fan of chills and thrills, you can’t miss out on Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego.Howl-O Scream combines that thrill rides from SeaWorld and interweaves them with five different haunted houses designed, quite frankly, to scare the bejesus out of you. It’s similar to the way other theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm transform themselves into something out of your nightmares, but Howl-O-Scream has its own offerings that make it stand out among the pack.How Hall-O-Sceam stands outFor one, a few of the haunted houses come with hidden speakeasies, and they post the password for them on the Howl-O-Scream Instagram stories every day. I’m sure they’re not the only ones in the world who do this, but it’s the only one out of the three of these types of theme park Halloweens I’ve been to that’s done that, so it was a win for me.There’s also the added factor of the rollercoasters being near the water. Staring at the blanket of stars elongated over the ocean sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. I hadn’t visited SeaWorld prior to this experience, so it was my first opportunity to check out the rides, which I loved.Just one quick thing…The one negative I have, before I go any further, is that they didn’t fully honor our ticket types. Yes, the tickets were complimentary media passes, but they were ones that clearly stated — both on the physical ticket and in the e-mails that delivered them — that they were tickets that included front-of-the-line passes for both the haunted houses and the rollercoasters.After some back-and-forth and some unwillingness to show me what “they saw on their side,” the park eventually honored the front-of-the-line for the haunted houses, but not the rollercoasters. I would have argued more if we had actually paid for the ticket, but it was a little upsetting when it was all clearly stated, and would have been infuriating had I put money into the ticket. In the end, we only wound up going on one rollercoaster because of the wait times, but the one we did get to go on was awesome.Welcome to the Carnival of ChaosI digress, and even though it was a speed bump, it most definitely did not ruin the night. I recommend getting there right at 7, if you’re able, to attend the opening ceremony — or, rather, the opening SCAREmony. The host welcomes you to the Carnival of Chaos, and you get to be there when they unleash the spooks that walk among you.I understand they can’t touch you, but that doesn’t change the creep factor at all. It doesn’t matter if you tell me the chainsaw has no blade. A masked man chasing you with a real chainsaw is still scary. And in this day and age, how is anyone going to promise me he’s not going to snap?That, of course, is all part of the fun. A few of the spooks are actually great to talk to if you’re brave enough to face them head on and crack a joke. We wound up having a great conversation with the host of the Carnival, who gave us a tip on how to find the speakeasy in the Circus of the Damned.I won’t spoil all of the locations for the speakeasies (they’ll list them with the password), but they’re worth checking out, if you can. I also recommend getting the pass they wound up letting us have, the Front Line Fear, because it’s worth it to skip the lines for the haunted houses. They are the main attraction, after all, and the lines for them nearly tripled what we saw for the rides on the night we went.Take a walk through the haunted houses — if you dareMind you, if you wind up going to the Circus of the Damned, be aware that it’s a 3D Maze and it’s terrifying. I wound up running around the corners screaming the password for the speakeasy so much I wound up just getting shown to it. Outside of the Circus, it’s up to you what type of scare you’re looking for in regard to the other houses. They each offer something different and they’re all unique in their own ways.For example, in Simon’s Slaughterhouse, you’ll wind up in a bloody meat-packing maze while chased by butchers with buzz saws. In Area 64: Alien Outbreak, you’ll move through mad scientists and horrifying aliens in one of the darker houses. Over at the Nightmare Experiment, you’ll run around with patients at the botched end of an experiment, with the Doctor running around to find you. There’s also the Death Water Bayou, which might have been the scariest one for me as we faced the curse of the evil Swamp Witch.The scare zones keep you on your toesIn between the haunted houses — which will stick with you, trust me — the spooks also walk around in between locations. If you download the app for the park, it will also hightlight where each of the different “scare zones” are in between the houses. Just in case you’re afraid of dolls, be aware there’s a whole bridge of them (including a live one) that you’ll have to cross through in the Deadly Toys zone. It reminded me of the Island of Dolls in Xochimilco in Mexico City, which is great for the food but up there with the spooks.While you’re at it, be prepared to run as someone chases you in the Graveyard, face the scarecrows in the all-new All Hallow’s Harvest, hang with the vampires in the Red Moon Revelry, and join citizens in their search for the murderous Jack Ripper.Stop for some live entertainment and give your heart a breakOn that latter note with Jack Ripper, that’s actually one of the more fun things about Howl-O Scream. Outside of the scares, they also have live entertainment and “vile vignettes” for you to enjoy while you bring your blood pressure down.Among the shows is the Monster Stomp, which is a “rock and rhythm spectacular” in the Nautilus Ampitheater that explores the “menace and mystery” of Jack the Ripper. It’s the longest show available, so make sure you check for the showtimes so you don’t miss out.In between, the “vile vignettes” are smaller interactions within and between the scare zones for added entertainment. Truthfully, we mostly walked by these, as they’re predominantly just add-ons in the scare zones and outside the haunted houses. They’re still good for the entertainment, but we didn’t stop long enough to really watch any of them (though part of that was because we were afraid things would pop up behind us.)What are you waiting for?In the libations department, they’ve also got plent of specialty drinks, like the “blood” syringe, for those who enjoy a good libation in between all of the madness. Perhaps it will take the edge off, or maybe it’ll make it all that much worse — up to you to decide.Whether you’re seeking a thrilling date night for a family-filled night of scares, you don’t want to miss out on Hall-O-Scream this year. You can grab your tickets at the SeaWorld website, which start at $41.99, or check out Groupon for special deals. They offer discounts for park members, and Howl-O-Scream runs through November 2, 2024.Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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The 6 Most Haunted Places in San Diego

When people think about haunted places, they usually think about New Orleans or some old colonial town on the East Coast or an even older European town. You don’t usually associate it with California. However, there are a few haunted places in San Diego that could give those ancient towns a run for their money. San Diego has more than just the Whaley House. Let me tell you all about them.Skyline of San Diego, CaliforniaThe Most Haunted Places in San DiegoThe William Heath Davis House in Haunted San DiegoBorn in 1822 in Hawaii, William Heath Davis was known for his thirst for adventure. In 1838, he made his way to the mainland of what is now known as San Francisco. There he roamed and explored all the way to the Sacramento Valley. Due to his knack for all things wilderness, he was chosen to lead John Sutter up the river. He helped usher in the gold rush. He was one of the few who did not get money from mining. Davis hit it big by selling supplies to make mining easier. So by the time he turned 28, he was one of the wealthiest men in California. He was not a man of greed but of opportunity. His vision was to build a town by the San Diego Bay. But ultimately that plan failed and his friend Alonzo Horton took the idea and built San Diego. San Diego – Gaslamp QuarterThe house itself was built by Davis in 1850 and is the oldest house in San Diego. The paranormal activity is said to be because it had been a hospital for a short period. In that time, many died there and many lived except for William Heath Davis. Visitors claim to see an unknown Victorian woman and a couple greeting them. Security has reported the lights going out before the alarm being set but when morning comes, a light in the back is turned on. Even before the house was wired for electricity, people have reported the lights going on and off. While the ghosts remain unknown, it is undoubtedly one of the most haunted places in San Diego.Book A Tour Here to Find Out MoreOld Point Loma Lighthouse at sunset in San Diego, CaliforniaThe Old Point Loma Lighthouse There is nothing creepier than an old lighthouse that is said to be plagued by ghosts. Except maybe an abandoned asylum. Back in 1855, (yes I know ghosts seem to be all from the same era) a lightkeeper first set foot in the Point Loma lighthouse. The light helped sailors travel safely around the shores. However, it was put into retirement once a more opportune spot was found.Today, instead of providing a helping beacon, the lighthouse is open for tours to the public. However, visitors have reported cold spots, the sound heavy footfalls, and a menacing fearful feeling of someone right behind them. Some say that the specter of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo lurks around as he eagerly awaits to cross over. Others think it was the final lightkeeper, Captain Robert Decatur Israel who keeps an eye over his beloved lighthouse. Perhaps both. Tickets for tours are available at the ticket table but you can visit the website to find out about their free tour days here.Old Point Loma LighthouseBerkeley Steam Ferry BoatToday, Berkeley Steam Ferry Boat is home to the offices of the Maritime Museum, its library, special events, and, most importantly, spirits of past guests.In its prime, the steamboat carried over 2000 passengers since the 1800s. It held some of the best events with esteemed guests. Some say that a few of those guests never left. Current workers report apparitions of a man with a fedora that is believed to be the ghost of John O. Norbom. He died in an explosion in 1911. Others believe it’s another guest waiting to reboard the boat. Workers also report heavy footfalls that might belong to the man in the fedora. He’s seen so often that workers simply pay him no mind now. Explore The Boat HereThe Whaley House: Old Town San Diego Haunted HouseNot only is the Whaley House one of the most haunted places in San Diego and the Old Town San Diego haunted house, it is also one of the most haunted places in America. The long twisted history of the curse of the Whaley family runs long. The house itself was built over the exact spot where a man named Yankee Jim Robinson or James Robinson was hanged for stealing a boat. Since the house was built, the Whaley family, especially Mrs. Whaley, experienced the pressure of spirits.Today, the Whaley House is the top attraction of every haunted San Diego tour. Visitors and employees report cold spots, apparitions, strange feelings, and even Mrs. Whaley’s signature scent. Whether the house has malicious intent or not is up to you.Tours are available and tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth next to the house.Read our full article on the history of the Whaley House here. The ParlorHaunted San Diego’s Horton Grand HotelThe Horton Grand Hotel is a restoration of the old Grand Hotel Horton and the Brooklyn Kahle Saddlery Hotel. They were originally built in 1886 in two different locations. Both hotels were about to be demolished so San Diego bought them each in the 1970s for $1 each. Horton Grand Hotel San DiegoInterestingly enough, both hotels were dismantled then combined to build the Horton Grand Hotel then reopened in 1986. The whole building, even the 100-year old staircase, is original. Some even say that a few of the original guests still roam around the hotel. Among those still lurking is Roger Whittaker. He was a gambler who hid in the armoire of room #309 with a gunshot wound. He would never recover as his creditors found him and shot him right there. Lights flicker in 309 and some report the bed shaking, the armoire opening and closing in the middle of the night, misty glow, and the sound of footsteps. Whether it’s real or fake is up to you.If you want to see for yourself, you can book a room at the Horton Grand Hotel here. Hotel Del CoronadoThe tale of Hotel Del is a melancholic one and never fails to break my heart. Coronado is a beautiful little island in San Diego. But, alas, its beauty could not save sweet Ms. Kate Morgan. In 1892, she checked into the hotel under the name “Lottie A Bernard” but the poor thing would not check out. Instead, after a 5-day long stay, her body was found dead with a gunshot wound. According to the story, she was there to meet with a lover. He didn’t show. In her heartbreak, the beautiful young woman took her own life. Today, people refer to her as “the beautiful stranger”. She roams the hotel harmlessly in search of a lover she shall never meet. She most often appears in room 302 or what is now room 3327. Experiences with her are usually fleeting sightings or harmless pranks. The Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most popular beach resorts in San Diego and you can book your room at the Hotel Del Coronado here.Read our post on the most haunted hotels in San Diego here>>Why Do All Ghosts Seem to Be From the Same Era?I’m not an expert, nor do I have a degree in the subject. However, my theory is that justice was hard to come by at that time. Ghosts and specters usually remain because of a traumatic death, attachment to the location, or unfinished business. It’s my belief that these souls are stuck in our world because many of them suffered terribly before death and have yet to let go of their grievances. Said grievances were more extreme in the mid-20th century and before.The supernatural world is all around us. One of the most auspicious times of the year is of course Halloween. There is a ton of scary stuff to do in San Diego on Halloween, so if you are into exploring the spooky, this might be a great time to visit. You never know the history of a place until you really look into it. Some of the most beautiful buildings and museums in town can be the most haunted places in San Diego. And if you are in San Diego for Halloween, make sure to visit the 2 best Haunted Houses in San Diego – recommended by a Haunted House Scare Actress. Look into the history and horror of San Diego. If you dare.The Most Haunted Places in San Diego was written and edited by Hedge Metreyeon. For more San Diego Explorer posts, check out our homepage. For more of their articles visit here. Follow them on social media here.Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post The 6 Most Haunted Places in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Historic Charm Meets Flavor at The Prado, Balboa Park

It’s a joy to find a restaurant that makes you want to come back time and again to enjoy the setting, ambiance, cuisine and amazing service that all blends together to create one magical dining experience.And this is exactly what my family and I experience every time we visit The Prado at Balboa Park. Part of the Cohn Restaurant Group family, The Prado is a renowned National Landmark right in the heart of Balboa Park. Constructed in 1915, it was part of the House of Hospitality Building in Balboa Park that greeted visitors to the Panama-California Exposition in celebration of the Panama Canal’s famous opening.Like many of the structures built in the park for the two-year exposition event, the building’s impressive architecture, art, and fountains reflect a combination of classic Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican design. Attention to detail is obvious in its intricate glasswork and hand-painted stenciled designs on the restaurant’s ceilings, doors, and wooden beams.Complimentary parking is available near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and then it’s a short two or three-minute stroll to the restaurant. Valet parking is available on the weekends.Magnificent Restaurant SettingThe Prado is open for lunch and dinner on Sunday from 11:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm and closed on Monday. Visitors will also delight in the restaurant’s Happy Hour from 2:30 to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 2:30 to 8:30 pm every Wednesday in the lounge featuring a menu of delightful drinks and delectable small bites.Guests may choose to dine inside in the bar area or a dining room just behind the reception desk, or outdoors on the front patio overlooking the courtyard if the restaurant is busy. However, the best setting and one we always request when making our reservation is the outdoor back terrace overlooking the stunning tiered Casa del Rey Moro Garden. The tiled plant-filled outside patio with fountains features umbrella tables and heat lamps, always providing a comfortable setting for a magnificent dining experience.The Prado CuisineThe restaurant’s award-winning menu features both land and sea entrees with a definitive Spanish and Latin influence.You’ll want to start with one of The Prado’s creative cocktails or a glass of their signature Sangria. If you’re into wine, the list has some amazing choices and servers can suggest the perfect pairing with your entrée.Lunch and dinner menus offer some of the same items, however other choices may vary.Though we have dined here for lunch on occasion, we prefer coming for dinner when the twinkling lights on the patio add to the magic of an evening surrounded by history.Menu items are sectioned and include First Tastes, Signature Salads, Farm Greens, Sandwiches and Tacos (for lunch) and offerings from the Land & Sea for dinner along with Prado Favorites (for both lunch and dinner).Though the menu isn’t extensive and has not drastically changed over the past few years, the selections are so amazing that you’ll want to return for another favorite or re-visit the one you love the most.First Taste FavoritesWe’ve probably had them all, but without a doubt, the ones we have come to worship are the Steamed Mussels & Clams with chimichurri, sweet peppers, and a lomo embuchado (Spanish sausage), and the Spicy Calamari Fries, calamari strips with Korean chili sauce, micro shiso, and green onion. As our server wisely said, “You may have had calamari strips before, but none like these.” He was absolutely right, and this is a definite must-do on your visit to this charming restaurant.Farm Greens/Signature SaladsYes, you can go for a classic shrimp or chicken cobb, or a Caesar and you’ll be pleased, but give the Prado Pressed Arugula Salad a try. Made with strawberries, figs, candied walnuts, asiago and sherry-shallot vinaigrette and then pressed together, this one is definitely divine.Sea & Land FavoritesThis is where the dining experience moves from great to incredible!Our favorite chef creations include the Pan Seared Verlasso Salmon served over sesame rice with baby bok choy and topped with a miso beurre blanc. The Prado Paella is always a winner, filled with lots of fish, mussels, shrimp, calamari, scallops, chicken, chorizo, and peas in a lobster saffron broth. Other options include a pan-roasted sea bass, which is also lovely.Two of my family’s top land choices include the Mustard Crusted Pork Prime Rib over parsnip mashed potatoes, pickled red onion, and watercress with a mustard sauce. It’s not too mustardly, and the flavors here meld beautifully.My son loves the tender, slow-cooked Red Wine Short Ribs with kale, roasted garlic, shallot, mashed potatoes, bordelaise, and gremolata marrow butter. They are amazing.Other Dining OptionsLand and Sea Combos include a Chef’s Cut Steak and Marinated Shrimp, Linguine and Clams, and Verlasso salmon with Short Ribs. Pasta a La Norma with rigatoni, eggplant, ricotta salata, basil and tomato as well as a Mushroom Risotto served with white truffle mascarpone, baby arugula, red onion and parmesan Reggiano are ideal for the vegetarian palate.A kid’s menu is also available for both lunch and dinner and offers classic choices such as Mac & Cheese, Cheeseburger, Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese and more. But if you’re youngster has a more adventurous palate, other options are available.Save Room for DessertIf you’re a dessert lover, you’ll want to consider this when you’re ordering your starters and main entrees, as servings are plentiful and shareable.That being said, make sure to leave some space for at least one dessert to try. Word of warning, however, the choices are impressive, and you may find it hard to narrow it down to just one choice.Five sweet options include a Piloncillo Flan with seasonal berries (seasonal), Carrot Cake, Tres Leches, Pina Colado Crème Brûlée (seasonal) and German Chocolate Cake. If they sound good, they’re even better than what you’d imagine, and the presentations are very creative.Special EventsBecause the setting in picturesque Balboa Park is so impressive, The Prado is a popular venue for weddings, special occasion celebrations or corporate events. Guests have the option to book spaces from the outdoor Case Del Rey Moro Garden and Fountain Courtyard to rooms that accommodate 60 to 80 guests or the Elegant Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 320 with a space for dancing.Tips to Consider When Dining at The PradoReservations are a must, especially during the weekend or if you wish to dine on the outdoor terrace. If there is a special event happening in Balboa Park, diners should plan well in advance to reserve a dining time.At times, special events at the restaurant preclude diners from eating here as the venue may be booked for a private party. If you have your doggie friend with you, be aware that they are only welcome on the front outdoor courtyard patio. But they are welcome!Other specials (subject to change) include Sangria Sundays, where guests can enjoy Sangria pitchers for only $25. Tuesday Night is always Date Night with a menu that features a shared salad, two entrees and a bottle of wine for $68.95 per couple.No matter the occasion, we find that dining at The Prado at Balboa Park is always a special event. And I’m certain you will too!The post Historic Charm Meets Flavor at The Prado, Balboa Park appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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