Who Dares Enter the Central Coast’s Top Two Haunted House Attractions? 

By Tracey Winikoff

This time of year, the Central Coast comes alive with all things fall—you know, cozy and charming.

Apple cider, pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes …

Fall is a favorite season for many. 

But you know what our favorite is? 

Haunting season. 

Lucky for you, two of the most hair-raising haunted houses sit right in our backyard. 

Leave your Halloween decorations in storage and bask in the twisted fabulousness of these spirited dwellings waiting to deliver the shivers. After all, why mess with perfection? 

Last chance. It’s not too late to back out …

The Haunt

A dark legacy unleashed. A mastermind’s experiments gone horrifically wrong.

The legendary Dr. Frankenstein may have descended too far into madness, even for him. 

Forgotten by the world, what grotesque horrors lurk in the depths of his forsaken laboratory?

Welcome to “Dr. Frankenstein’s Monsters Restitched”—17 rooms of sheer terror. 

Perhaps you’ll make a few new friends. Who’s afraid of a few monsters—ahem, masterpieces.

We promise, you’ll be just fine. Pinky swear.

In case you want to play it cool in front of your friends, The Haunt offers several levels of fright.

Lights-On Tour

Kids of all ages will breathe a sigh of relief with this Lights-On tour. But take heed. The Haunt has been known to let kids control the scare. Parents beware!

Haunted Tour

Not for the faint of heart, this fully interactive, immersive experience may have you wishing you brought a change of pants—if you catch our drift.

Night Terrors

Lights off, lantern in hand, and hopefully, nerves of steel. It was nice meeting you.

The Haunt is San Luis Obispo’s longest-running, most famous, and just maybe, scariest, haunted house.

Doors creak open from September 27 – November 1, 2025. 

The Haunt, recommended for ages 12 and older, is located in Atascadero at 5805 El Camino Real. For more information, contact thehauntinatascadero.com, scared@thehauntinatascadero.com, or (805) 774-2868.

Nightmare on Main Street

Sharing the spine-tingling throne with The Haunt is Paso Robles’ infamous Nightmare on Main Street. Housed in a 120-year-old building, this 6,000-square-foot labyrinth will make your skin crawl the minute you reluctantly edge your body past the front door. 

Although your gut begs you to turn back, your inner thrill-seeker pushes you forward as you enter the deathly hallows, the air heavy with dread.

If the “vortex of doom” doesn’t take you down, perhaps a rogue clown may drive you to scream like a banshee. But, for the bravest of souls, steady yourselves as you attempt to pass through the ghastly Michael Myers room of horror. 

The Nightmare On Main Street is located at 828 14th Street. For more information, please visit nightmareonmain.com or call (805) 423-0674.

Whether you’re looking for bone-chilling screams or just after a ghoulishly good time, the Central Coast has a haunted house waiting for you … c’mon, we double-dare you.