Monster Manor in Mira Mesa: Will You Make it Out Alive?

The only thing more frightening than ghosts and goblins is when the line between real life and Hollywood horror films starts to blur and drags you right in….

As eerie as the first silent gore movies of the 20th Century were with their terrifyingly gruesome scenes, the scariest part was the mysterious correlation to the disappearance of inquisitive visitors. The Ghastley family notoriously brought such circumstances to their studio set in 1911, and now San Diego’s own Monster Manor in Mira Mesa dares you to see if you can make it out alive.

The Monster Manor took root in 2001 by friends Tim Allen and John Hart, a duo brought together by a shared dream of producing their very own volunteer-powered charity haunted house. With a passion for Halloween fright, community benevolence, and theater design, the two set out to make a masterpiece. Now known as one of the most frightening and most entertaining haunted attractions in the San Diego region, the Monster Manor continues to bring the fear into the October night skies. 

The heartbeat of the Monster Manor truly comes from the blood, sweat, and tears of their volunteers who plan for 10 months prior to the haunted exhibit’s actual opening. Through this collaborative community effort, high school students, professionals, and anyone else in-between lend their best talents and efforts to support the cause. Theater, production, and planning skills all come in handy for this Halloween spectacular.

The Monster Manor prides itself on its ever-changing originality, and especially for its growth year after year. This year, the Manor presents “Ghastley Studios: Murder, Mayhem and Gore…It’s only movie magic…right?” Inviting those courageous and curious about the Ghastley Family studios, Monster Manor recreates the haunted studio set that captured its audiences…literally.

Looking for some family fun without the fear? Lite Frite was created in 2003 for kids and families to experience the Halloween fun without the fright. This year, Lite Frite will be producing “Scooby-Doo and the Mystery of the Backlot Phantom” to entertain all ages in a fun and safe atmosphere. 

With 10 seasons under its belt, the Monster Manor is frightening the San Diego community with the same end goal year after year: charity. Your admission to the thrills and chills goes towards the Mira Mesa 4th of July fireworks display and to the Mira Mesa Theatre Guild’s longtime goal of building its own theatre. No tricks here: your expedition through the haunted hallways ultimately treats the Mira Mesa community. 

Indulge in utter terror and gore on October 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 27-21 at 7 pm. Monster Manor is located at located 8235 Mira Mesa Blvd., at the corner of Camino Ruiz and Mira Mesa Blvd. in the Target Shopping Center. Ticket prices are $12 for Monster Manor and $5 for Lite Frite. For a limited time until October, get $3.00 off pre-sale tickets. For tickets or more information, call 858.222.4815 or visit monstermanor.org. 

Discover more of the best San Diego Haunted Houses & Halloween Attractions.