It’s officially the best season of the year—fall! For every fall-obsessed soul out there, including myself, autumn truly begins on September 1st. Though let’s be real, I’m ready the second I spot the first round of pumpkin décor hitting store shelves. While San Diego may not bring the crisp air and fiery foliage you’d expect from fall, it makes up for it in its own way. From spooky haunted trails and charming pumpkin patches to lively Oktoberfest celebrations, the city offers plenty of ways to soak up the autumn spirit.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the Top Fall Activities in San Diego, ensuring you make the most of the season even without ever needing that flannel. From the famous La Mesa Oktoberfest to incredibly cozy coffee shops and vintage shopping. Get ready for the ultimate guide to autumn in San Diego, where the excitement of fall is always in full swing during the ‘ber months!

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources!

Day Trip to Julian

Julian California is a quaint mountain town located an hour from Downtown San Diego. Driving through the beautiful serene scenery to reach the charming town is part of the fun. They are widely known for their Apple Pies and the top contenders are Moms and Julian Pie Company. You truly can’t go wrong with either but we tend to frequent Moms as they have two locations in Julian.

Locals Tip: the smaller location outside of the main street typically never has a wait. And right across the street from that is the Antique Barn one of my favorite places in Julian (open from Friday – Sunday only). You simply can’t miss a peek at the emu’s near the parking lot. Yes, you’ve read that right!

Finally, one of the most beloved fall traditions in San Diego is apple picking at Volcan Valley Orchard, where the season kicks off this year on September 7th. It runs daily until the last bag is sold at 4:30 pm. If apples aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the season. Every year they have Oktoberfest celebrations or a cozy afternoon of wine tasting. And while San Diego isn’t known for its fall foliage, you can still catch some beautiful autumn colors in Julian, typically peaking in late November. For more details, don’t miss my full guide on the Best Things to Do in Julian, California.

15 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California

Visit Old Town for Dia de Los Muertos

Visiting Old Town during October is easily on the best fall activities in San Diego. Did you know it’s the oldest neighborhood in San Diego and supposedly the birthplace of California? It’s incredibly historic and located right in the heart of San Diego County. It’s also known for having great Mexican food, the spooky Whaley House museum, and during October they decorate for Dia de Los Muertos. While the actual celebration dates are not set yet you can expect it to take place on November 1st or 2nd this year. However, the decor is always up by the first week of October.

In addition, there’s a hidden gem in Old Town that adds a touch of mystery to your San Diego experience—a speakeasy located right next to the historic cemetery. This intimate spot, tucked behind Tahona Bar, goes by the name Oculto 477 and exudes an eerie charm perfect for those seeking a unique and spooky outing. Given its secretive allure and limited space, reservations are highly recommended, as Oculto 477 has become one of San Diego’s must-visit spots for a chillingly good time. Finally, embark on the spooky Ghosts & Gravestones trolley tour for a spooky fall activity.

Experience an Afternoon Tea

Nothing captures the essence of a cozy fall day quite like an Afternoon Tea. It’s the perfect way to spend time with your bestie or partner while enjoying seasonal treats in a charming setting. San Diego offers plenty of wonderful options, including The Brittania Tea Room, California English, La Valencia, and The AubreyRose Tea Room. Each spot features fall-inspired specials, typically priced between $50–$75 per person.

Visit The Whaley House

The Whaley House, recognized as one of America’s most haunted houses, has a spine-chilling reputation that draws in thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. From 1869 to 1871, this iconic house was more than just the Whaley family’s residence—it was the heart of San Diego’s social life. Serving as a theatre, courthouse, and even a general store.

Today, the Whaley House operates as a museum, where visitors can explore its eerie past and discover the unsettling stories of paranormal encounters that have been reported over the years. When you book a ticket, you’ll dive deep into the haunted history of this infamous San Diego landmark, making it an unforgettable experience for those intrigued by the supernatural. It’s especially spooky to take this tour at night for all my Halloween lovers out there!

Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

The world-famous San Diego Zoo’s light-up-the-night, Halloween-themed extravaganza—is back! This year’s glowing celebration of color has been expanded to five weekends in October—Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. So, get ready to enjoy some safe, family fun at this glittering and glimmering annual spectacular full of entertainment and interactive festivities! The best part is? Kids-free October run (under 11) throughout the entire month! Check out more information about Halgloween.

Autumn Festival at the San Diego Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park comes alive with autumn festivities that are perfect for the whole family. This seasonal celebration offers a range of activities, including interactive scarecrows that delight visitors of all ages and an adventure maze that invites exploration and fun. The park is also filled with the sounds of live music, creating a festive atmosphere that enhances the fall experience.

Finally, one of the highlights is the enchanting lantern ceremony. Which is beautifully choreographed to music, adding a magical touch to the evening. These special events are held every Saturday and Sunday, making it an ideal weekend outing to embrace the spirit of fall at one of San Diego’s most beloved attractions.

Dates: October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

I have an entire guide on the best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego – linked below!

The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream

Prepare for thrills and chills at SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream, running from September 12th to November 1st this year. At night, the park transforms into a haunted playground filled with ghoulish creatures and eerie Halloween scare zones. For the thrill seekers, it is sure to send shivers down your spine. Tickets start at $69, and it’s wise to secure them early, as this popular event often sells out. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of San Diego’s top Halloween attractions!

Haunted Walking Tour around the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is steeped in a dark and eerie history, making it a perfect destination for those intrigued by the macabre. In the late 1800s, this area was infamous for its hundreds of brothels, shady dealings, and a string of grisly murders and mysterious accidents that have left a lingering sense of unease.

On a haunted walking tour downtown, you delve into these chilling tales and uncover the ghostly past that still haunts the streets today. It was an unforgettable experience that blended history with the supernatural. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to embrace the Halloween spirit without the jump scares of a haunted house. Finally, this tour is the perfect way to explore San Diego’s haunted past. While enjoying a thrilling, yet manageable, dose of spookiness.

Vintage Shopping in San Diego

One of my all time favorite fall activies, and honestly year round, is perusing a vintage store with a latte in my hand. Luckily, San Diego has tons of incredible Vintage Shops. Some of my favorites include, The Mart Antique Mall, Consignment Classics, Sea Hive Station, and you can never go wrong with an estate sale. I find all of mine on estatesales.net and they typically are every Friday-Sunday all around the county.

Legoland Brick or Treat

A signature Halloween event at Legoland California, Brick-or-Treat will take over the resort with tons of candy, fun show lineups, and exclusive treat party nights for all kids to enjoy. Join the party every Saturday from September 14th – October 29th and also on Sunday, October 30th from 2 pm-8 pm. Book your tickets in advance!

The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park

The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park offers a thrilling, one-mile journey through terrifying mazes and creepy scenes. This annual event transforms a peaceful section of the park into a mile-long nightmare. Encounter deranged clowns, ghoulish figures, and startling effects designed to scare. The trail is most intense after dark, creating a haunting atmosphere perfect for Halloween enthusiasts. Tickets sell out fast, especially near Halloween, so buy in advance to secure your spot. The trail starts on September 26th and runs through Halloween.

San Diego Oktoberfest

San Diego has a huge Oktoberfest scene with tons of celebrations around the county. Immerse yourself in the German culture to grab a lager, soft pretzel, or bratwurst, and enjoy live music. Below are the dates and details of each event, so you can mark your calendars!

• La Mesa Oktoberfest October 3rd – October 5th, 2024: The La Mesa Oktoberfest located in La Mesa Village is the biggest celebration in the county and spans 3 days. It’s been operating since 1973 and has live music, delicious food, and German craft beer.
• Ocean Beach Oktoberfest October 10th + 11th, 2025: Located where Newport Ave meets the pier this event spans 2 days and costs $10 entry.
• Encinitas Oktoberfest September 28th, 2025: Located on Mountain Vista Drive this event takes place from 11 am to 7 pm and features a German beer garden, live music, carnival rides, and local artisan shops.
• El Cajon Oktoberfest September 26th + October 5th, 2025: Located at 1017 South Mollison Avenue and recurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the dates listed.
• Carlsbad Oktoberfest September 20th, 2025: This 43rd-year celebration takes place from 12 pm to 8 pm and is located on Cannon Road.

When are the Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations happening in San Diego?

Check back for 2025 dates

• Old Town Friday November 1st – November 3rd, 2024 (10:30 am – 8 pm)
• Oceanside Dia de Los Muertos: Sunday, October 27, 2024 (10 am – 5 pm)
• Chula Vista Dia de Los Muertos: Saturday, November 2, 2024 (3 pm to 8 pm)
• Encinitas Dia de Los Muertos: November 1st, 2024

Visit Bressi Ranch during Halloween

Another free activity to partake in this year is a visit to Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad. This neighborhood is a hidden gem and goes all out for Halloween and most of the homes partake in activities. From years past my favorite home was a Harry Potter theme and Back to the Future theme. The homes typically start decorating in mid-October and it’s best to visit the week before Halloween because the week leading up can get quite busy. Finally, the street to start on is Peppertree Way.

Visit One Paseo for Fall Decor

For a fun and free fall activity, visit One Paseo, beautifully adorned with charming autumn decor. Including a vintage pickup truck surrounded by festive fall items. Grab a seasonal latte from Parakeet Cafe and stroll through the shops to soak in the cozy atmosphere. Don’t miss their annual Oktoberfest celebration is on September 27th this year. Tickets cost $40 and include drinks, food, and festive fun.

Other Fall Activities in San Diego

• Visit The Invigatorium Coffee Shop Downtown for unique Halloween-esque decor
• S3 Coffee Bar has incredibly delicious fall offerings
• Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park and peep the fall foliage (peaks mid to late November)

Well, there you have it, San Diego! I hope you enjoyed my “Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities in San Diego“. Don’t forget to check out more of my San Diego Travel Guides and Happy Fall ya’ll!

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XO,

Courtney